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University Hill Farms

University Hill Farms

Suburban Neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin

Dane County 53705

$625,248 Average Value
$307 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Historic Prairie School architecture and convenient location in the heart of Madison

University Hill Farms was built in the 1950s and named for the University of Wisconsin’s old Hill Farm that lay on the site. Hill Farms was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 due to its collection of unique midcentury architecture, including a Frank Lloyd Wright house, and its impact on city planning. Located on the near west side of Madison, Hill Farms is now known for its proximity to many Madison amenities, including notable parks, Hilldale Shopping Center, the University of Wisconsin, downtown Madison and the Beltline Highway. “It’s one of the classic near west neighborhoods,” says Mary Browning, a broker associate with Compass Realty. “And values have gone way up due to its proximity to everything.” An active but optional neighborhood association plans events and fosters community among residents. “When people say they want to be on the west side, Hill Farms is the quintessential neighborhood,” says Ali Kane, a broker associate with Stark Company Realtors.

Midcentury modern architecture stars in University Hill Farms

University Hill Farms is known for its midcentury modernist architecture, particularly designs inspired by the Prairie School of Wisconsin architectural legend Frank Lloyd Wright. However, it is home to various housing styles. “Bi-levels, ranches, Colonials, modernist. It’s all there,” Kane says. “But it has gotten expensive.” Recent prices have ranged from $450,000 to $500,000 for ranch-style houses and from $600,000 to $750,000 for slightly larger or more ornate homes, with a few homes reaching between $850,000 and $985,000. Besides main thoroughfares like Whitney Way and Regent Street, the neighborhood is quiet and almost entirely residential, with well-kept yards and a mix of tall deciduous and evergreen trees providing shade and atmosphere. “Even on a hot day, we were comfortable walking because of the trees,” Kane says. Sidewalks line the streets. The neighborhood grew during several Parade of Homes years in the 1950s, including 1959, an especially significant year given that one of those Parade homes was designed by Wright himself.

Award-winning shelter design at Garner Park

Garner Park, on the corner of Mineral Point and Rosa roads, is also known for an architectural landmark: the award-winning picnic shelter designed by Stuart William Gallagher in 1976. Garner Park also hosts pickleball and basketball courts and a scenic overlook. Rennebohm Park has tennis courts and a picnic shelter, plus a newly remodeled playground focused on inclusive design: Braille and ASL markers and a “We-Go-Round” spinner with space for those in wheelchairs to ride without dismounting their mobility devices.

Across the street from Rennebohm is Hills Farm Swim Club, built in the 1960s. It is one of the Madison swim clubs that rotate hosting duties for Madison’s All City Swim & Dive meet, the second-largest outdoor swim event in America. “All City deserves an article all to itself,” Browning says.

Community and equity are the focus at Van Hise Elementary

The neighborhood offers two pipelines through the Madison Metropolitan School District, which scores a B-plus on Niche, and Whitney Way is the dividing line. Homes east of the roadway, attend Van Hise Elementary School, named for Wisconsin conservationist Charles Van Hise, who served as the president of the University of Wisconsin during the 1920’s Progressive Era. The elementary school emphasizes equity and a spirit of belonging among its students. Students then continue to Hamilton Middle School and West High School. All three schools earn an A from Niche.

To the west of Whitney Way, students can attend Stephen’s Elementary School, which scores a B-plus on Niche. Gillespie Middle School, formerly Jefferson Middle, earns a B from Niche, while Vel Phillips Memorial High School earns an A.

Climate-resilient advice at Neighborhood Association Spring Social

The University Hill Farms Neighborhood Association can be joined for a $10 annual fee, and those dues primarily go toward funding neighborhood events, such as a 4th of July Parade and Halloween party. Other events include the Spring Social — the 2024 event had guest speakers advising on creating climate-resistant yards — and a neighborhood garage sale.

Garner Park hosts the Madison Opera each summer for Opera in the Park. The Hilldale Farmers Market runs from early May through the end of October every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm.

Central location allows for walking, biking, busing and driving

Location is central to University Hill Farms’ appeal. “It’s just prime location,” Browning says. “Work, shopping, the Beltline. You’re 10 minutes from the hospital. Ten minutes from campus. You get spoiled sometimes.” Downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin are both about 4 miles east. The Beltline Highway is about 2 miles south on Whitney Way. UW Health’s University Hospital is under 3 miles east. The neighborhood is walkable, with quiet streets and sidewalks, and like much of Madison, biking is an option. “It’s super bikeable to pretty much anywhere west side,” Kane says. The Madison Metro bus runs along all the major streets: Whitney Way, Regent Street, Mineral Point Road, and Segoe Road, and new express routes have recently launched. The Dane County Regional Airport is just under 10 miles away.

Hilldale Shopping Center’s outdoor mall is home to many Madison favorites

Hilldale Shopping Center sits against the neighborhood’s northeast corner, hosting many upscale shops and restaurants in its outdoor mall. “It’s a little more expensive, but everything you need is there,” Kane says. The locally owned Crescendo Espresso Bar serves lattes and specialty drinks. “It’s been in Hilldale for six years,” says Ginny Lundstrom, a barista at Crescendo. “It’s fun because we get to know so many regulars who live around here.” Faherty Hilldale, a clothing brand, hosts events for local charities in its storefront. “Our last one was for the Clean Lakes Alliance,” says Kiera Austin, the store leader for Faherty Hilldale. “I felt like it would resonate with our customers, and it did. People really showed up.”

Hilldale is also home to several well-regarded Madison restaurants. Muramoto serves up specialty sushi rolls like the Godzilla and its namesake Muramoto roll. On its wide-ranging menu, Café Hollander offers Dutch-inspired brunch treats like Olliebollen and Smorrebrods. The Great Dane at Hilldale pours craft pints and serves pub grub. The Metcalfe’s Market at Hilldale is the closest grocery option.
Ty Phelps
Written By
Ty Phelps
Scott Mason Bittinger
Photography Contributed By
Scott Mason Bittinger
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Agents Specializing in this Area

  • Devery Cash

    Devery Cash

    Keller Williams Realty

    (608) 292-3846

    93 Total Sales

    1 in University Hill Farms

    $422,500 Price

    Devery Cash
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  • Rachel Kvasnica

    Rachel Kvasnica

    RE/MAX Preferred

    (608) 292-3696

    96 Total Sales

    1 in University Hill Farms

    $340,000 Price

    Rachel Kvasnica
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  • Tommy Van Ess

    Tommy Van Ess

    Responds Quickly

    First Weber Inc

    (608) 292-3518

    236 Total Sales

    1 in University Hill Farms

    $517,500 Price

    Tommy Van Ess
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  • Sona Olson

    Sona Olson

    Real Broker LLC

    (608) 292-3957

    59 Total Sales

    1 in University Hill Farms

    $397,000 Price

    Sona Olson
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  • Gabriell Hamele

    Gabriell Hamele

    First Weber Inc

    (608) 440-8217

    75 Total Sales

    1 in University Hill Farms

    $526,000 Price

    Gabriell Hamele
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  • Jacci See

    Jacci See

    Responds Quickly

    Compass Real Estate Wisconsin

    (608) 292-2440

    121 Total Sales

    1 in University Hill Farms

    $469,780 Price

    Jacci See
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Schools

Source:
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
Explore All Schools

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Devery Cash, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Dane County Regional/Truax Field

21 min drive

Bus

S Segoe & Richland (Wb)

Bus

S Whitney & South Hill (Sb)

Bus

Mineral Point & Berwyn (Wb)

Bus

Sheboygan & Eau Claire (Wb)

Bus

Mineral Point & S Segoe (Wb)

Bus

Mineral Point & Racine (Wb)

Bus

Sheboygan & Crosswalk (Wb)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime University Hill Farms US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

University Hill Farms Demographics and Home Trends

On average, homes in University Hill Farms, Madison sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in University Hill Farms, Madison over the last 12 months is $580,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$565,000
Median Sale Price
$580,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$600,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$537,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
35
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
13%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$307

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,033
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1961
Months of Supply
2.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,236
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,826
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,501
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
998
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    11am - 1pm

    5043 Marathon Dr, Madison, WI 53705

    $665,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 2,307 Sq Ft
    • 5043 Marathon Dr
    • New 3 days ago

    Updated 4/5 bedroom charming mid-century modern home on quiet street in the heart of Hill Farms. Hardwood floors, updated kitchen, beautiful living/dining space with fireplace and built-ins overlooking large private backyard. Spacious mudroom, good options for home office or two, unfinished basement has lots of potential. Excellent location 10 min to UW Hospital, UW campus. Short walk to

    Mary Whitcomb Compass Real Estate Wisconsin

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  • Saturday, Jun 14
    11am - 1pm

    612 N Midvale Blvd, Madison, WI 53705

    $469,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,508 Sq Ft
    • 612 N Midvale Blvd

    Step through the private entrance into this radiant 2 bed, 2.5 bathroom townhouse. On the sun-soaked main level, oversized windows with remote-control blinds flood the space with natural light. Gleaming hardwood floors guide you through the open-concept living and dining areas into a sleek kitchen with stainless steel appliances and Corian counter tops. Two balconies offer fresh air and outdoor

    Matt Kornstedt Stark Company, REALTORS

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Homes for Rent

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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Devery Cash, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value

Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
6,161
Median Age
35
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$42,357
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,383

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96%
College Graduates
69.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63%

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

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

45 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

46 / 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.

Learn How Walk Score Works

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Reviews

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Wisconsin Dane County Madison
University Hill Farms
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
University Hill Farms
Devery Cash
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Devery Cash
Devery Cash
Keller Williams Realty
Agent experienced in this area
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