Outdoor recreation, locally owned restaurants and low home prices define Carpenter-Ridegeway
Straddling Madison’s main thoroughfare, Carpenter-Ridgeway is a neighborhood that boasts a five-mile drive into Downtown Madison. Despite being an area of commercial activity, locals have both a park and a golf course on the neighborhood’s north end. With proximity to diverse eateries, three acclaimed public schools and ample green spaces, residents have more than enough reason to stay local. “It’s closer to all the hotspots than people realize,” says local Realtor Timothy Flores of EXP Realty LLC. “You have bike path access blocks away, connecting you to the north and east sides of Madison.” Augmenting its convenient location, the neighborhood is also a very short drive to the Dane County Regional Airport. The area has apartment options alongside its multifamily homes, drawing interest from both buyers and renters.
The Starweather Creek hike and bike path in Carpenter-Ridgeway provides miles of paved paths.
Grab an ice cold beer and pub grub at the Lazy Oaf Tavern near Carpenter-Ridgeway.
Belly up to the bar with your neighbors at Brothers 3 in Carpenter-Ridgeway.
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A variety of homes and apartments in east Madison
Carpenter-Ridgeway encompasses both sides of Washington Avenue, where it intersects with Aberg Avenue in eastern Madison. Multifamily housing options constitute much of the neighborhood, particularly west of Washington Avenue. These properties include side-by-side duplexes and townhouses built in the last few decades, all with attached garages. Elsewhere, buyers will find dozens of modest Cape Cods and ranch-style homes, plus a few Colonial and Arts and Crafts designs thrown in. “People take care of their homes. It’s a nice area — a little off the beaten path, but not too far from things,” says Flores. The median home price sits at $305,000, with two-bedroom duplexes starting in the low $200,000s and four-bedroom, two-story houses up to the low $400,000s.
Two-story townhouses with attached garages can also be found in Carpenter-Ridgeway.
Affordable living can be found in Carpenter-Ridgeway.
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Comfort food close by
Folks can head north from here to reach La Taguara, a highly rated, laid-back Venezuelan eatery. La Pollera Colombiana serves breakfast through dinner, specializing in chicken but also serving a variety of Colombian inspired dishes. Retail therapy is available at Retro Revolution. This neighborhood antique store sends shoppers on a kaleidoscopic journey through the decades, its shelves filled with colorful curios from lava lamps to Looney Tunes glassware. Washington and Aberg avenues carry residents to nearby retailers and service providers. A Pick n Save grocery store operates next to The Bridges Golf Course, while Walgreens, O’Reilly Auto Parts and more are just outside the neighborhood.
Arepas and their burger are some of the most popular dishes at La Taguara in Carpenter-Ridgeway.
Catch the big game or go out for karaoke at Lazy Oaf Tavern near Carpenter-Ridgeway.
The fish fry at Brothers 3 in Carpenter-Ridgeway is one of the best in Wisconsin.
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A taste of the outdoors at Carpenter-Ridge Park
Residents along Carpenter Street have Carpenter-Ridgeway Park in their backyard. This 4-acre public green space features an open playfield and a playground that underwent major improvements in 2015. It also offers access to the Starkweather Creek Path, a 3-mile mixed-use trail with pleasant views of the eponymous waterway. “It’s definitely more of an eclectic vibe,” says Broker Associate and former resident Alison Kane of Stark Company Realtors. “There’s not a whole lot of care in the world being tucked away near the creek path. It’s just really nice to be surrounded by nature.” This path carries pedestrians and bikers to The Bridges Golf Course, an 18-hole course whose clubhouse features a full bar and serves a popular Friday fish fry. Meanwhile, residents in the neighborhood’s southeast section can easily walk to Twisted Fitness, a locally owned gym specializing in CrossFit, Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and powerlifting.
Carpenter-Ridgeway Park offers several acres of outdoor recreation.
Residents of Carpenter-Ridgeway can be seen out hiking and jogging in all four seasons.
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Crime in Carpenter-Ridgeway
Crime in Carpenter-Ridgeway is slightly higher than the national average. According to the predictive CAP Index, residents of this neighborhood are more likely to be victims of crimes like burglary and larceny. The risk scores for other potential crimes fall closer to the national average. According to 2019 FBI Crime Statistics for the state of Wisconsin, 940 violent crimes and 6,464 property crimes were committed across a population of 261,270 in the greater Madison area.
Water pollution as an ongoing issue
Living in Carpenter-Ridgeway means assuming a moderate risk of both flooding and fires, according to RiskFactor. Other inclement weather conditions are minimal. That said, water pollution has been a major concern in recent years. In 2021, PBS Wisconsin ran an article addressing residents’ concerns about the heavily polluted Starkweather Creek, which sits about half a mile south of Carpenter-Ridgeway. Issues with the water’s quality were found as far back as 1998, but the harmful PFAs and plastic waste have been a concern for even longer.
Getting the grade at Madison Metropolitan Schools
Students in Carpenter-Ridgeway attend class in the Madison Metropolitan School District. Hawthorne Elementary School, rated B-minus by Niche, is within walking distance for many residents. Georgia O’Keeffe Middle School, about seven minutes away, accommodates over 450 sixth through eighth graders and has a B rating from Niche. With a four-star rating from the state education department, East High School continues to garner acclaim since opening more than a century ago. The school is home to some 1,700 students and gets a B-plus from Niche.
Hawthorne School in Madison is off Concord Avenue on the east side.
The entrance and signage for Madison East High School in Emerson East.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsay Hagens,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Carpenter-Ridgeway Park
Starkweather Park
Worthington Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Thurber Park
Basketball
Playground
Washington Manor Park
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
McCormick Park
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Brigham Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
Dane County Regional/Truax Field
6 min drive
Bus
E Washington & Wright (Wb)
Bus
E Washington & Lexington (Eb)
Bus
E Washington & Rethke (Wb)
Bus
E Washington & Lexington (Wb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Carpenter-Ridgeway
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Carpenter-Ridgeway Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Carpenter-Ridgeway, Madison sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Carpenter-Ridgeway, Madison over the last 12 months is $330,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Room with private bathroom/shower for rent.All Inclusive and Fully FurnishedFree Wifi, Roku TV, clean, comfortable, quiet, safe and affordable housing.By. busline, close to downtown, restaurants and shopping.refrigerator, freezer and microwave *Great for Traveling Nurses*
Welcome to Ridge Creek Apartments, where you can choose from a number of innovatively designed apartment homes. Surrounded by luxurious spaces, sunlight, and wonderful views, you'll find unlimited possibilities to reflect your lifestyle. Discover the many ways to make Ridge Creek Apartments your home. We are right along the bike path that leads to MATC and Covance (Please note that all prices are
Beautiful Setting on Madison's East Side Next to The Bridges Golf Course. Ridgeview Heights provides the best location close to everyday conveniences. You'll love the proximity to East Towne Mall, Downtown Madison, Madison College (MATC) and the UW Campus. We are directly on the bike path that leads to Madison College.Our apartment homes were designed with your comfort and convenience in
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsay Hagens,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,121
Median Age
39
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,375
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,395
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.2%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
74/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
59/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
40/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
