Situated on the shores of Lake Mendota and surrounded by undeveloped open space, North Lake Mendota is one of Madison’s quieter, more picturesque suburbs. The neighborhood is a nature lover’s dream, offering two adjacent parks that form an intermediary between the residential streets and the water. Well-maintained sidewalks make for a casual stroll amidst decorative trees. Although the local schools aren’t close enough to reach by foot, the farthest away, East High, is just 5 miles southeast. “It’s a very family-friendly neighborhood,” says 15-year Realtor Tobi Silgman of Lauer Realty Group. “A lot of young professionals and young families are moving into the neighborhood as retirees are leaving, and that’s bringing in a whole new kind of energy.” First-time buyers benefit from homes priced lower than those of Downtown Madison and have a range of options here amidst the charming cul de sacs. Those looking to settle down on the water’s edge certainly pay more, but locals will tell you the views are worth it.
For avid golfers, North Lake Mendota has access to nearby TPC golf course.
North Lake Mendota is nestled between the lake of its namesake and Cherokee Marsh to the north.
1/2
Equal fun for landlubbers and boaters
With so much open space surrounding the neighborhood, it’s unsurprising how many recreational opportunities are nearby. 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. There are no boat wake restrictions, “so you can certainly ski, tube, kayak, wakeboard…all the things. It’s a great lake,” says Broker Associate Heidi Mancheski of First Weber Realtors. Back on land, Cherokee Marsh provides more than 120 acres of conservation land and a half-mile-long trail winding throughout. Located on the neighborhood’s north side, visitors can spot barred owls, woodpeckers and nuthatches across this conservation area. In the spring, accompanying flora paints the landscape in various colors. Meadow Ridge Park connects to Cherokee Marsh as a 10-acre wooded supplement and restored prairie land. Yet another half-mile trail, open to birdwatchers, leads to a Native American effigy mound.
North Lake Mendota kayakers can head to Cherokee Marsh for a day on the water.
Meadow Ridge Park has some beautiful trails to enjoy.
1/2
North Lake Mendota's homes can be landlocked or lakeside
Homes touching this waterfront are rare, a factor reflected in their listing prices. An eclectic mix of established builds and newer construction can be found on the water, most selling at or beyond the $1 million mark. “The waterfront is popular, always,” says Mancheski. “There’s usually one or two lakefront homes on the market.” Away from the lake, home styles range from modest ranch styles to spacious moderns. Generally, buyers might find a split-level home, bungalow or ranch-style home priced between $390,000 and $530,000. The median price of homes in North Lake Mendota is $446,000, offset slightly by the coveted waterfront properties. “For the most part, the price points are some of the lowest in the greater Madison area,” says Silgman.
A stunning lake home in the North Lake Mendota neighborhood.
Find yourself in a beautiful bungalow style home in North Lake Mendota.
1/2
Students enroll in Madison Metropolitan Schools
Students can attend classes within the Madison Metropolitan School District, beginning with Mendota Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche. Black Hawk Middle also gets a C-plus overall. Students at East High School can choose from over 40 school-sponsored clubs and 25 varsity-level sports. The school receives a B-plus from Niche. Parents can also send their kids to private schools like Madison Country Day School, which boasts an A-plus rating from Niche.
Madison East High School was established in 1922, and as of 2023, it is undergoing renovations.
Madison East High School has a unique feline mascot, "Peppy Purgolder."
1/2
Stocking up for the week's groceries or perusing East Towne Mall
Locals don’t necessarily have to make the Downtown trek for groceries and the like. Pick ‘n Save is located approximately five miles down Highway 113, and Target is one mile farther for any home necessities. For true retail therapy indulgence, East Towne Mall is across the street from Target. The mall features a mix of local and national retailers, including Spinning Handiworks and JCPenney, and a Planet Fitness and Flix Brewhouse movie theater. A night out for dinner means surf and turf at Mariner’s Inn. The family-run restaurant has been serving steaks and seafood since 1966 in their casual waterfront setting on the banks of the Yahara River.
North Lake Mendota residents can do some grocery shopping at Pick 'n Save.
North Lake Mendota residents can head to Target to do some shopping.
1/2
Getting around North Lake Mendota
Downtown Madison is reasonably close, eight miles south by car. Residents can easily access both Interstate 90 and Interstate 94, as well as various nearby amenities. The Dane County Regional Airport is approximately 10 minutes away by car, and the University of Wisconsin Health East Hospital is situated slightly further west, making it a 15-minute drive. Multiple Madison Metro Transit stops at half a dozen points along Green Avenue. The street runs along the edge of the residential streets at a right angle, making it easy for those without their own transportation. The trip to downtown Madison via city bus takes about 45 minutes.
The B Metra bus runs through North Lake Mendota, all the way downown and to the south side.
North Lake Mendota's houses typically sit on quarter-acre lots, some with large backyards.
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
Showings start at Open House, Wednesday, 7/30 4-6 PM. Discover a fantastic home in one of Madison's best hidden neighborhoods with three large bedrooms & a versatile bonus room perfect for an office/den. You'll find plenty of space to entertain guests or discover a quiet corner for yourself. The spacious Primary Suite features its own full bath with a double vanity & a walk-in closet. The fully
Welcome to lake living with this stunning, completely remodeled waterfront property on the shores of Lake Mendota that’s perfectly suited for relaxed lake living and entertaining. The sweeping lawn leads out to 116 feet of private pristine beach frontage. Inside, you'll find thoughtfully renovated spaces featuring modern finishes, smart home features, and an open layout, with all rooms offering
Showings start on July 24th at 3:00 pm. Beautifully updated and move-in ready, this spacious home sits on a large corner lot and offers comfort, style, and room to spread out. Inside, you’ll find a newly remodeled kitchen, new flooring throughout, and a cozy brick fireplace as the focal point of the main living area. Multiple living spaces provide flexibility for everyday living or entertaining.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tommy Van Ess,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
702
Median Age
47
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,763
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$119,413
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
55%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
35/ 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.
