Why Live in Hawthorne
Hawthorne, a neighborhood in eastern Madison, is known for its convenient location and affordability. Situated at the junction of Route 51 and Route 30, it offers easy access to Downtown Madison (15 minutes west) and Milwaukee (just over an hour east). The neighborhood features a mix of residential streets and local businesses, with homes that include mid-20th century ranch-style houses, split-levels, Colonials, Cape Cods, and a few 1920s bungalows. Duplexes are also available, with some being two-story side-by-side units and others single-story ranch styles. Hawthorne Elementary School is centrally located, while Georgia O'Keeffe Middle School and Madison East High, both highly rated, are within a short drive.
Brigham Park is the main outdoor attraction, offering a basketball court, playground, and open playfield. The neighborhood also boasts Boulders Climbing Gym, a climate-controlled facility with over 8,000 square feet for indoor climbing. For dining, Brothers Three Bar & Grill is a popular spot, especially for its Friday fish fries and hamburgers. The Boneyard, a nearby dog-friendly bar, provides a unique social scene with fire pits and live events. Major retailers like Walmart, Hy-vee, Pick n Save, and Aldi are within a few minutes' drive, adding to the neighborhood's convenience.
Hawthorne's proximity to Dane County Regional Airport does result in some noise pollution, but the area is safer than the national average. Public transportation via Madison’s Metro bus routes connects residents to neighboring areas, though commuting to Downtown Madison by bus can take about an hour during rush hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawthorne a good place to live?
Hawthorne is a good place to live. Hawthorne is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Hawthorne is a suburban neighborhood. Hawthorne has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.8 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $66,255 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 29.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Hawthorne are renters, with 50.7% of residents renting and 49.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Hawthorne can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Hawthorne neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Hawthorne?
The median home price in Hawthorne is $317,450. If you put a 20% down payment of $63,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,620 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $69K a year to afford the median home price in Hawthorne. The average household income in Hawthorne is $66K.
What are the best public schools in Hawthorne?
The best public schools that serve Hawthorne are:
- East High School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 15:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
- O'Keeffe Middle has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 13:1 and an average review score of 3.0.
- Sherman Middle School has a B- Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 13:1.
What are the best private schools in Hawthorne?
The best private schools that serve Hawthorne are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Hawthorne, Madison, WI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Hawthorne, Madison, WI?
Home Trends in Hawthorne, WI
On average, homes in Hawthorne, Madison sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Hawthorne, Madison over the last 12 months is $310,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$310,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$312,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$269
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
11
Median List Price
$317,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%