Mendota Hills

Most people who have lived in the Madison, Wisconsin, area have heard of Warner Park. It is, after all, one of the oldest parks in the state, dating back to 1898. And given that the park is more than 200 acres in size, it’s hard to miss it. But tucked into the area immediately west of Warner Park is a lesser-known and much smaller area, the Mendota Hills neighborhood. Tucked into its own little cocoon, Mendota Hills is a secluded and quiet neighborhood where mature trees line quiet streets. Modest homes – primarily split-level and ranch-style – populate the neighborhood, which is entirely residential. Just a few minutes’ walk will bring you to the shores of Lake Mendota or the adjacent Warner Park. That proximity to such a large open space lends the neighborhood an almost rural feeling that is very family-friendly. “I’m seeing a lot of younger families and young professionals moving into the neighborhood,” says Tobi Silgman, who has been representing real estate transactions in the area for a decade. “Typically, it’s people who want larger yards and want to have that nature feel to their neighborhood.” Though the neighborhood lacks sidewalks, it is still an easy area to get around. “The whole area is incredibly bike-friendly,” says Silgman. “Cars are very aware of and very accommodating to people on bikes in the neighborhood.”

The larger yards that Silgman mentioned are a hallmark of homes in Mendota Hills, as lot sizes tend to be larger than 10,000 square feet on average. The median price of real estate in the neighborhood is $385,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $225 per square foot. A two-bedroom/two-bathroom ranch-style home sells for around $300,000, and a three-bedroom/two-bathroom ranch-style can list for up to $440,000. “Mendota Hills is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in the Madison area,” says Silgman. The median price in the greater Madison area is over $420,000.

The Mendota Hills neighborhood is districted to the Madison Metropolitan School District, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Students in the neighborhood can attend Mendota Elementary, Black Hawk Middle and East High School. Both Mendota Elementary and Black Hawk Middle earn a C-plus from Niche, and East High School earns a B-plus. Students at East High School can choose from over 40 school-sponsored clubs with which to engage, and they have the opportunity to play over 25 varsity-level sports. Parents also have multiple private school options from which to choose, including Madison Country Day School, which earns an A-plus rating on Niche.

The neighborhood’s namesake lake is well-known for trophy pike fishing, as well as an idyllic spot for canoeing, sailing or otherwise enjoying the water. Warner Park offers residents a land-based option for recreation, though calling it an “option” is the tip of the metaphorical iceberg. Warner Park has miles of hiking trails, a playground, multiple picnic shelters, a skateboard park, an ice-skating rink, an off-leash dog park, a basketball court and an ultimate frisbee field, among other offerings. Warner Park is also home to Warner Park Beach, a sandy stretch along Lake Mendota where visitors can relax on the sand or swim in the lake. The park is also home to the Madison Mallards, a baseball team that plays in the Northwoods League, and the Warner Park Community Recreation Center, where visitors can access a fully-equipped fitness center, gymnasium and craft rooms. The Recreation Center also hosts educational and cultural programs throughout the year.

When it’s time to stock up on groceries, the Willy Street Co-Op is a mile away, as is the Northside Farmer’s Market, while Pick ‘N Save is about 10 minutes away by car. Target is 15 minutes away from the neighborhood, and for true retail therapy indulgence, residents head to East Towne Mall, located 20 minutes east of the neighborhood on Highway 151. The mall is home to both local and national retailers, including Spinning Handiworks and J.C. Penny, as well as a Planet Fitness and Flix Brewhouse movie theater. When dining, locals head to Mariner’s Inn. The family-run restaurant has been serving steaks and seafood to hungry diners since 1966 in their casual setting on the banks of the Yahara River.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Photography Contributed By

Scott Mason Bittinger

Video By

Becky Gaskill