Interconnected trails, ample greenery and varied architecture
Curving streets with tall trees and cul-de-sacs linked by lit walking trails greet residents of the Walnut Grove neighborhood on Madison’s west side. “It’s 54 years old at this point,” says Jeff Vanderpool, chief people officer with the 608 Team at Re/Max Preferred and a member of the Walnut Grove HOA’s architecture control committee. “We still have a lot of original owners, people who have lived here for around 50 years. I think it says a lot about the neighborhood that people have chosen to stay.” Varied home styles feature some designs by Frank Lloyd Wright student Herb DeLevie, who built eight houses in the neighborhood and was a resident in the neighborhood. Walnut Grove Park provides a central recreation hub, and an active HOA works to maintain communal green space and foster community. “It’s been better than I imagined it could be,” Vanderpool says.
Local architect designs stand out amidst a variety of housing styles
A range of home styles line the leafy streets. The trees and wooded areas are important to the neighborhood’s atmosphere. “Before we moved, it was the trees that drew us,” Vanderpool says. Ranch-style homes, split-levels and Colonial Revivals sit alongside Tudor designs. “And there’s definitely some really cool, very special midcentury modern homes sprinkled through there,” says Mary Browning, a broker associate with Compass Realty. The variety of styles is a significant feature of Walnut Grove. “Even in neighborhoods one generation newer, you see more similarity in the housing designs,” says Chris Delamarter, a Realtor with Keller Williams who also serves on the HOA board.
Home prices range from $400,000 to $560,000, and inventory has been tight. “There’s been really low turnover in the market,” Delamarter says. “Walnut Grove is just under 300 homes, and the past few years, there’s only been four or five sales per year.”
This midcentury modern home features stone arches at it's entrance.
Split-level homes are a common sight in Walnut Grove.
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Over a century of education at the site of Crestwood Elementary School
Students in Walnut Grove can attend Crestwood Elementary, which Niche rates an B-plus. “Crestwood has a fantastic reputation,” Delamarter says. “And I love the fact that there’s been a school on that site for 100 years.” The school, which opened in 1901 as the Highlands-Mendota Beach School, now has a much newer building but is still on the same site. Crestwood is also known for its Outdoor Education program and the nearly 5 acres of woods behind the building. Students then attend Gillespie Middle School, which earns a B. Vel Phillips Memorial High School earns an A. Gillespie and Memorial are next to each other on Gammon Road, and both are within walking distance of Walnut Grove.
Gillespie Middle School in West Madison is an excellent public school.
Parents may send their kids to Crestwood Elementary School.
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Walnut Grove Park and neighborhood greenways
Walnut Grove Park is at the heart of the neighborhood. “That park is our home away from home,” Vanderpool says. “We go to the playground almost every day.” In addition to the playground, the neighborhood’s namesake park offers a stretch of woods with trails for walking or biking, basketball and tennis courts and an off-leash area for neighborhood dogs to run around. Youth soccer leagues hold games on the fields. “They really optimize the parks there,” says Ali Kane, a broker associate with Stark Company Realtors. Just outside the neighborhood on Tree Lane, Haen Family Park has a sand volleyball court for a different flavor of competition.
The neighborhood is home to a network of paved trails and greenways that provide lots of chances for recreation even closer to home, be it walking, biking, parties or pick-up soccer games for kids. Miniature streetlamps light the trails at night. “Walnut Grove owns our greenways, which is why we have an active homeowner’s association,” Delamarter says. “The vast majority of our dues go toward greenway maintenance. Mowing, keeping the paved paths clear and maintaining the lights. Greenway D is almost like a nature preserve.”
Haen Family Park is a perfect place to walk your dog.
Meet fellow dog owners at the dog park in Walnut Grove Park.
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Women’s fashion for all seasons is on the rack at Thistle & Elm
Madison’s west side is dominated by chain shops and restaurants, like those at West Towne Mall or Market Square. “Big box stores are right there,” Vanderpool says. However, local shops and dining options do exist. One pocket, at the corner of High Point and Old Sauk roads, is home to Swagat, which serves Indian cuisine, including a lunch buffet, and Oliva, a Mediterranean and Italian spot. The Alicia Ashman branch of Madison Public Libraries is in the same complex, as is a newer boutique called Thistle & Elm, which stocks fashion-neutral clothing and accessories for women, suitable for all seasons. “Being near great restaurants and the local library is great,” says Kate Verri, a sales associate with Thistle & Elm. “Within a mile, you’ve got Target, groceries, everything you need.” Thistle & Elm’s founder and owner, Megan Hanlon, concurs. “I love everything about the west side,” Hanlon says. “It feels extremely neighborly with both customers and other businesses. We even did a boutique crawl with some other shops a while back.”
Metcalfe’s Market near West Towne is the closest grocery option, though many residents also shop at Woodman’s Food Market, just past the Beltline south on Gammon Road. Woodman’s is employee-owned and open 24 hours.
Thistle & Elm sells women's clothing and gifts.
Thistle & Elm is a new fashion boutique in Walnut Grove.
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Access to the Beltline, downtown and all the west side
Walnut Grove is far enough from downtown Madison that most residents will get around by car, but the interconnected trails and quiet streets make walking and biking within the neighborhood a good option. Some shopping, like West Towne Mall, is within walking distance. “You’re close to everything west side,” Kane says. Downtown Madison is about 7 miles east. The Beltline Highway is just under 2 miles away, with the closest onramp near West Towne on Gammon Road. The nearest hospital is UW Health’s University Hospital about 5 miles away toward downtown. The Dane County Regional Airport is about 12 miles away. “We love being able to get downtown in 20 to 25 minutes and to the airport in 20 minutes,” Vanderpool says. Buses run along Gammon, Old Sauk and Mineral Point roads.
Lights on Colony is a Madison holiday landmark
The HOA, which had annual dues of $170 in 2023, hosts various events each year. “We do a bike parade with popsicles and yard games,” Delamarter says. “75 to 80 kids have been participating the past few years.” More casual events are also part of the community fabric. “We do a greenway crawl with appetizers, beverages, mains and desserts, just to get people out and build community,” Vanderpool says. Individual cul-de-sacs sometimes host their own small gatherings. “Each circle sort of has its own personality,” Delamarter says. “Some have strong communities and little micro-events. Our neighbors have become our good friends.” Finally, Lights on Colony is a neighborhood holiday light display along Colony Drive. “It’s synched up to the 92.5 radio station,” Delamarter says. “Some of the decorated trees are even in dialogue. It’s become one of Madison’s landmark holiday displays.”
Get a photo with the Taste of Madison balloons in front of the capitol in Downtown Madison.
Find beautiful flowers at Dane County Farmers' Market in Downtown Madison.
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
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Parks in this Area
Owen Park
Trails
Parking Lot
Hiking
Walnut Grove Park
Basketball
Dog Park
Soccer
Transit
Airport
Dane County Regional/Truax Field
27 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Walnut Grove
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Walnut Grove, Madison sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Walnut Grove, Madison over the last 12 months is $350,312, down 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$225,500
Median Single Family Price
$555,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$207,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$214
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median List Price
$220,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-48%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
350
Median Year Built
1976
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,642
Significantly above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,164
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,004
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
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
830
Median Age
40
Population under 18
28.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$53,333
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,969
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.5%
College Graduates
76.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
59''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
38/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
31/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 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.
