$627,697Average Value$372Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Quirky Madison neighborhood on the banks of Lake Monona
Just beyond downtown lies Marquette, a city neighborhood that's one of Madison's best-known. Folks like to describe this area as bohemian, with a hip vibe that permeates from Williamson Street (lovingly shortened to Willy Street by locals) to the shores of Lake Monona. “It’s known as the hippie neighborhood,” says Julie Griffin, a Realtor with Stark Company Realtors and former Marquette resident. “But really, all kinds of people live there; it’s just a very diverse and accepting community.” Full of music festivals, historic homes and eclectic local businesses, it's no wonder that Marquette is considered one of Madison's trendiest places to live.
The Capital City Trail in Marquette is a busy commuter area for cyclists and joggers.
Copper sculptures are scattered throughout the Marquette neighborhood.
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Locally owned shops and restaurants stretch down Willy Street
Shops and restaurants line Willy Street in brick storefronts side-by-side with colorful homes. At the furthest end, near the Yahara River, lies a Madison establishment: Mickey’s Tavern, a neighborhood watering hole known for tasty brunch in the mornings and live music at night. Walking down the isthmus toward downtown, residents will pass by various shops. Whether digging through vintage wares at Rewind Décor, picking up a new plant at Madison Greenhouse Store or perusing the wall-to-wall paintings at Hatch Art House, there’s something for everyone. Afterward, there’s plenty to eat. “Ha Long Bay has the best Asian food in Madison, and A Pig in a Fur Coat is just fantastic,” Griffin says. Or, residents can pick up groceries on the way home at Willy Street Co-op. Those want to keep the fun going will find popular performance venues like the Sylvee further north along Washington Avenue.
The Madison Greenhouse Store in Marquette is a long-standing favorite.
Bad Dog Frida in Marquette knows locals so well, their dogs get free treats when stopping by.
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Historic homes with front porches and dormer windows line the streets
Houses occupy narrow lots bordered by sidewalks and small strips of grass bursting with greenery despite their size. As one of Madison’s oldest neighborhoods, houses date from the late 1800s through the early 1900s, with popular styles including Craftsman bungalows, Queen Annes and American Foursquares. A mix of brick and wood siding accented by colorful trim lend homes a dollhouse-like quality. Charming dormer windows peer out over the streets, and residents can enjoy the seasonable weather from their large front porches framed by columns. A rare, modern condo can sell under $300,000, but a smaller single-family home like a quaint bungalow starts at $350,000 and can climb to $1 million for a spacious Queen Anne.
Queen Anne Victorian homes are also found throughout Marquette.
Some of the residential streets in Marquette are colorful, lending to its vibrant arts culture.
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Kick back to live music at McPike Park or take a lakeside dip
Just a block over from Willy Street is McPike Park. Aside from the skate park, the park mainly consists of paved paths through wide-open green spaces where the Eastside Farmers’ Market is held on Tuesdays. The biggest event here is La Fête de Marquette, a French-themed festival that draws thousands of visitors to the neighborhood for an array of musical acts, not to mention all the local vendors and carnival rides. Those who prefer to use their outdoor time to get away from the crowds can relax on the shores of Lake Monona at B.B. Clarke Beach or head to Orton Park for some old-fashioned fun on the playground or the basketball courts.
There is also a free outdoor skatepark at McPike Park in Marquette.
Marquette has access to plenty of outdoor recreation, including fishing.
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A hub for music lovers, with festivals year-round
This neighborhood is a hub for some of Madison’s biggest and best-known festivals. The Willy Street Fair brings a weekend of live music and good eats to town, kicked off by a parade celebrating Willy Street’s wacky and weird spirit. The Marquette Neighborhood Association also hosts a waterfront festival, spotlighting local and national talents on the stage at Yahara Place Park. The show-stealer is the River Alliance’s Fools’ Flotilla boat parade, where folks come out dressed in zany costumes and take to their kayaks and canoes in a colorful procession from one end of the river to the other.
Marquette is a vibrant neighborhood in Madison, rich in the arts.
Camp Randall Rowing Club holds practice on Lake Monona in Marquette.
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Kids can walk to excellent Madison Metropolitan Schools
Kids can attend Madison Metropolitan Schools starting at Lapham Elementary, which serves children in pre-kindergarten through the second grade. Upper-level elementary school students attend Marquette Elementary, which shares a building with O’Keeffe Middle in the neighborhood, a short walk from some homes. East High is less than a 10-minute drive away and has a student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. All four schools score a B-plus or higher from Niche.
Lampham Elementary School is a highly-rated elementary school near Marquette.
Some students in Marquette may go to Madison East High School.
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Live right on the edge of downtown for a five-minute commute
With so much in the neighborhood there’s hardly a need to travel, as downtown Madison is also less than a five-minute drive away. Bus stops can be found along Jenifer Street and Washington Avenue, and by car, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Dane County Regional Airport are about 10 to 15 minutes away in either direction.
Marquette is just minutes from downtown Madison, which can be accessed by the Metra line.
Marquette is bordered by Lake Monona, with some of the more expensive homes in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Marquette, Madison sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Marquette, Madison over the last 12 months is $517,500, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
(Showings Begin 8/1 2:00PM) Make yourself at home in the heart of Madison's favorite festivals, food, sports and music. This bohemian gem is bursting with personality! Enjoy your morning coffee on the cozy front porch, then step into an inviting, flexible living space. The kitchen is a natural oasis with wood tones, large windows, and skylight, plus clever storage and a cute breakfast bar. A
Showings begin 9/18/25. Tenant occupied. 24 hour notice needed to schedule showings. Interested in living in a historic home with 40 feet of lake frontage on Lake Monona with beautiful Orton Park across the street and within walking distance of tons of great east side bistros, cafes and entertainment venues. This is your chance! Don't wait to see this one!
LAKE MONONA LIVING! Enjoy living right near downtown Madison in this affordable condo right on Lake Monona! Imagine keeping your motorboat or kayak right outside your home and enjoying these hot summer days. Spacious living room in this open floor plan. Kitchen includes stainless steel appliances and a cozy layout. Large primary bedroom with a private half bath. Conveniently located near Willy
Meet Irwin, an urban oasis smack dab in the heart of the Willy Street neighborhood! Full of character and convenience, this place is the epitome of city living done right. Plus, you’re just steps away from all the local shops, cafes, concerts, sports, farmer’s markets, parks, festivals, and lakes that make this neighborhood a destination. Embrace the spirit of Irwin - where local charm
Affordable Willy Street Rental! 2 bdrm 1 bath unit with many windows, living room, large kitchen area, classic oak hardwood floor, laundry on-site, fenced private back yard, secured main entrance. Living in a great neighborhood famous for its chique, wide variety of restaurants, diverse and friendly residents, numerous shops/salons, and fun nightlife bars. Monthly rent includes all utilities,
Bold and original, The Edge welcomes visionaries and innovators such as yourself to an ideal, intimate setting meant to nurture and support all your creative endeavors.Our bright, open-concept studios and one, two, and three-bedroom units feature premium finishes and fixtures for a tranquil and inspired life. Lofty ceilings, large balconies with views of Lake Monona, expansive windows with
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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.
