Why Live in Hawthorne
Hawthorne is a conveniently located Madison neighborhood halfway between Downtown Madison and the city’s northeast corner. Bordered by U.S. 151, U.S. 51 and Wisconsin Highway 30, it’s known for easy commutes and quick access to jobs, shopping centers and restaurants. While the area includes industrial and commercial zones and has limited housing inventory, it offers a more affordable alternative to neighborhoods closer to downtown, just four miles away. Housing in Hawthorne is defined by modest, ranch-style homes built from the 1930s through the 1950s. With limited new construction, homes don’t hit the market often, but prices typically range from the mid-$200,000s to the low $400,000s, making Hawthorne attractive to first-time homebuyers seeking value in Madison. Shopping and dining are close at hand along Washington Avenue. Residents are minutes from Hy-Vee, Aldi and local favorites like La Pollera Colombiana and La Taguara. Even more options—including big-box stores and a movie theater—are available at East Towne Mall just 2 miles away. Transportation is a major draw. Drivers and Metro Transit riders enjoy direct routes downtown, while Dane County Regional Airport and UW Health’s East Madison Hospital are both within a short drive. Outdoor recreation is anchored by Brigham Park and nearby green spaces, with Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Bridges Golf Course close by. Students can attend Madison Metropolitan School District schools, including Hawthorne Elementary, plus local private options. Neighborhood events and art fairs help keep the community connected year-round.
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 minimal transit options. Hawthorne is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. 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.
Is Hawthorne, WI a safe neighborhood?
Hawthorne, WI is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Hawthorne?
The median home price in Hawthorne is $339,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $68,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.53%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,720 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $74K a year to afford the median home price in Hawthorne. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. 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 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Hawthorne, Madison over the last 12 months is $335,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$335,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$335,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$267
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median List Price
$339,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%