$443,748Average Value$227Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes For Sale
Balancing growth and tradition northeast of Madison
Sun Prairie is located northeast of Madison in south-central Wisconsin. One of the fastest-growing parts of Dane County, it is now home to nearly 36,000 residents, an about 29% increase in the past decade. “We don’t ask people, ‘Are you from here?’” says Taylor Brown, the Economic Development Director with the City of Sun Prairie. “We ask people, ‘When did you move here?’ It’s our welcoming culture. Almost everybody has been new at some time or another, so we all know how it feels.”
According to Brown, much of the growth stems from the convenient proximity to Madison and the appeal of the Sun Prairie Area School District. “I think the start of the growth was because of the schools,” Brown says. “And since people were coming here, commercial development followed. It compounded.” The city balances its rapid changes with preserving tradition and history. “We’re always trying to build on what came before,” Brown says.
Sun Prairie is a significant agricultural area for Wisconsin, providing both grain and dairy.
Sun Prairie East High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
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Varied housing styles across the decades
Older neighborhoods like Royal Oaks offer 1960s ranch-style homes and towering trees. Large houses in the Shonas Highlands and Westwynde neighborhoods were built in the 90s with contemporary designs like New Traditional and Colonial Revivals. At the city’s eastern edge, Meadow Crossing wrapped construction around 2015 and still has views of Wisconsin farmland to the south and east. The median price for a single-family home in Sun Prairie is $448,000, which is slightly higher than the national median of $420,000, but close to the Madison median of $440,000.
Ranch style homes in Sun Prairie start around $220k, and go upwards from there.
Sun Prairie is home to many new development styles, showcasing New Traditional houses in neighborhoods like Shonas Highlands.
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Sun Prairie Area School District is a primary draw and major employer
The Sun Prairie Area School District receives an A-minus grade from Niche and recently expanded to include a second high school. Sun Prairie West High School opened in 2022, and Sun Prairie East in 2010.
The school district is Sun Prairie's largest employer. The two largest employers in the overall Madison area are the University of Wisconsin and Epic Systems, a medical software company.
UW Health has a Sun Prairie clinic, and its East Madison Hospital is about 8 miles away. Downtown Madison is 15 miles southwest via U.S. Highway 151. Interstates 90 and 94 are 8 miles away for access to Milwaukee, Chicago or Minneapolis. The Dane County Regional Airport is 11 miles west.
Younger students may attend Northside Elementary School.
Sun Prairie West High School has approximately 1,400 enrolled students from the surrounding area.
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Racing legends take to the track at Angell Park Raceway
There are many parks in Sun Prairie. “Early in Sun Prairie’s planning, there was a push to ensure that there would be a park in every neighborhood,” Brown says. The Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area on Brazee Lake is a 340-acre nature preserve where locals can hike or cross-country ski. Another popular amenity is the Prairie Athletic Club. “They essentially have an outdoor water park,” Brown says. “They’re a big part of the community.”
Angell Park has a raceway and a community-built dream park within its complex. “The raceway is one of the only dirt tracks that still exists in the nation,” says Colleen Burke, Economic Development Specialist with the city. “Famous racers like Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon have visited Sun Prairie to race here.”
Bird watchers can head to Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area in Sun Prairie to catch some rare species.
Angell Park has a small dirt track that hosts race frequently in the warmer months.
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Sweetcorn Festival among long-held local traditions
As exciting as the growth has been, the traditions give Sun Prairie its distinct culture. “What keeps Sun Prairie relevant are its traditions. Groundhog’s Day, the racetrack,” Burke says. “But people love that you can come here and make it your own.”
Sun Prairie’s traditional Groundhog’s Day event, nearly 80 years old, has grown into a multi-day extravaganza. “A few years ago, we developed it into Frozen Fest, which culminates on Groundhog’s Day,” Brown says.
The Sweet Corn Festival is one of Wisconsin’s largest food festivals. “You shuck your corn, then take it to the butter kids, who roll it in butter. Then you head to the salt trees, which are basically saltshakers hung from metal clotheslines,” Brown says. “It’s all part of the lore.”
Kids and adults gather to see Jimmy the groundhog on Groundhog Day during the prognostication.
Frozen Fest is a variety of events in Sun Prairie neighborhoods during Groundhog's Day.
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Growth brings big chains while local spots honor tradition
Options for shopping and dining have grown in recent decades. “Growing up 20 or 30 years ago, there wasn’t a lot out here — you’d have to drive to the west side of Madison to get to the big stores or chains,” said Matt Deadman, a Realtor and Broker Associate with Real Broker LLC. “But now everything has come to Sun Prairie.” Costco, Target and Woodman’s are now available along Grand Avenue. Local spots hold their own among the chains. “Twisted Grit Yoga and Gloria’s Mexican are local businesses thriving amidst the big-box stores,” Brown says.
Downtown businesses honor their history. “Buck N Honeys has old family photos of the original farm on that location,” Burke says. “They pay tribute to the original pieces of Sun Prairie.”
Along with Costco and Woodman's, Target is one of the many big box stores in Sun Prairie.
Buck & Honey's in Sun Prairie is known as one of Sun Prairie's best dining options.
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Important to know
Sun Prairie residents should expect cold winters with regular snow and warm and humid summers. Flooding is an occasional issue due to nearby wetlands and the area’s considerable snowmelt, with the midwestern floods in spring and summer of 2008 being a prominent example.
According to the FBI's Crime Data Explorer, Sun Prairie’s violent crime rates are lower than the national average, though they swing up and down throughout the year. Property crime rates are closer to the national average than violent crime rates, though typically still lower than the national average. These fluctuated from a high in summer 2021 to a low in summer 2023.
Growth continues in Sun Prairie’s future
Sun Prairie’s development continues. “Downtown blocks are getting reconstruction attention next year,” Burke says. “There are plans for a mural festival. We’re looking to talk backward to our history while moving forward with an improved downtown."
Growth brings a mix of effects. “I think people are excited about the extra shops, more choices, lower prices,” Deadman says. “They’re less excited about increasing traffic and taxes.”
Regardless, new neighbors can count on a warm welcome. “You come as you are,” Brown says. “We accept you as you are. And you make Sun Prairie your own.”
Sun City Cyclery in Sun Prairie offers repairs, fitting, and bike sales for new and used cycles.
Main Street in Sun Prairie has always been its core thoroughfare, offering both shopping and dining.
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Written By
Ty Phelps
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Arn
Video By
Andrew Perrius
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Patrick Reese,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Sun Prairie, WI sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Sun Prairie, WI over the last 12 months is $434,900, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This well-maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bath ranch offers peaceful living just outside of Sun Prairie in the Town of Bristol. Situated on a spacious .81-acre lot, the property provides a great balance of room to spread out while still being close to local amenities. The main level features an inviting layout with convenient main-floor laundry, generous living space, and a functional kitchen ideal for
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Ideally located in Sun Prairie, this well-maintained home offers comfort, functionality, and a long list of thoughtful updates. Natural light fills the living spaces, and the layout provides an easy flow for everyday living and entertaining. Recent exterior improvements add curb appeal and peace of mind, including newer siding, windows, front door, roof, gutters, and eaves. Enjoy the deck and
Move-in ready and beautifully maintained, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Smith’s Crossing offers the perfect blend of space, function, and location! Built in 2016, this home is ideally situated near everything Sun Prairie has to offer, with convenient access to Hwy C and Hwy 51 for an easy commute. The bright, open main level features a spacious living room that flows into the dining area and
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Prime location is everything and this has it all! Only 15 minutes from the state capitol. Located on Sun Prairie's westside and walking distance to shopping, dining, exercise, schools, parks and so much more. This lot is one of the few that allow front loading garages rather then alley way. This lot is in beautiful Providence subdivision. Bring your blue print with your own builder or we can
Last lot left in this serene subdivision. Over 1/2 acre lot with rolling terrain for exposure. Columbus schools and low Town of Bristol taxes, 15 minutes to Madison, Deed restricted for exceptional homes. Bring your own builder.
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Luxury living without the wait! Move right into this brand-new custom ranch in the Windsor subdivision. Enjoy morning coffee on the private screened porch off the primary suite, the front porch, or the spacious deck overlooking newly added trees, upgraded landscaping, and a cement patio with a built-in fireplace. Inside features include an open floor plan with gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen with
Welcome to this stunning new custom-built home offering modern design and exceptional craftsmanship throughout. The open-concept main level features spacious living and dining areas, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. A beautiful covered porch extends your living space outdoors, ideal for relaxing or hosting guests. The light-filled, fully finished basement provides additional
Additional *$25,000 bonus to use for rate buy down for accepted offer received before 4/30/26.* Custom former Parade Home in desirable Bristol Gardens! meticulously maintained 6-bedroom, 5400 sq ft ranch offers low Bristol taxes & countless high-end updates. Features include new rich hardwood and tile flooring, updated fixtures, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and premium appliances. Enjoy
Chris ThomasBadgerland Real Estate & Associates, LLC
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Gorgeous newer-built ranch home in Desirable Sun Prairie! This home has private entry with an ideal split bedroom layout. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with locally crafted cabinetry, and painted trim+ doors throughout. Gourmet kitchen w/ island and stainless appliances, plus a large pantry for added storage. Owner’s Suite has a private bath, walk-in closet, and tray ceiling. Attached 2-car garage, and a
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in the beautifully designed studio apartments at The Baehron Apartments in Sun Prairie. Each studio offers a smart, open layout that maximizes your living space while providing modern finishes and effortless style. With heating and cooling included in your lease, you’ll enjoy year-round comfort without the worry of fluctuating utility costs.
Jenny Wren Place is a residential community featuring market rate apartments in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. These one- and two-bedroom apartments are thoughtfully designed with beautiful amenities, such as stainless-steel appliances, front-loading full-size washer and dryers, large closet space, quartz countertops, an EV charging station, relaxing courtyard with grills, and detached garages. Jenny
Experience elevated comfort and style in the spacious 1-bedroom apartments at Baehron Apartments in Sun Prairie. These thoughtfully designed homes offer a distinct bedroom layout for added privacy, along with inviting living spaces perfect for relaxing or entertaining. With heating and cooling included in your lease, you’ll enjoy consistent comfort throughout every season without the stress of
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Lease today at Sun Prairie's newest luxury community! Experience the epitome of contemporary living with a touch of Midwestern charm in the heart of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Colorado Commons redefines the standards of comfort and convenience for residents looking for a place to call home.At Colorado Commons, we present a collection of thoughtfully designed studio, one-bedroom, and
Flexible and short-term lease terms from 1-12 months. Choose from furnished or unfurnished apartments with water, trash, sewer and Wi-Fi included in rent. Pet-friendly.Brand-new, modern and spacious apartments —Firefly, Sunrise, and Angellwing—located in the heart of downtown Sun Prairie.Walkable to local restaurants, shopping and community events, these spacious apartments feature
Van Buren West offers luxury, brand new studio, one, and two bedroom apartments in south Sun Prairie, WI. Youll enjoy living in a modern, pet-friendly apartment with a full suite of stainless-steel appliances, wood-plank flooring, quartz countertops, and high-end finishes. Each home has a full-size washer, dryer, A/C, and walk-in closets.Van Buren West offers several amenities to elevate your
Experience elegant, pet-friendly apartments at Van Buren Place Apartment Homes in Sun Prairie, WI. Choose from studio, 1, and 2-bedroom apartments featuring open floor plans, hardwood-style flooring, and gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Select homes offer private patios or balconies, fireplaces, and private entrances. You can also access desirable
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