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Maple Bluff

Madison, WI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$931,396 (Zillow Home Value Index, Jan 2025); $1.8M (Redfin, June 2025, for luxury segment); $410K (Redfin, Dec 2024, for broader market)
Median Home Price
Moderate (Walk Score ~40); car recommended for most errands.
Walkability Score
Excellent; Maple Bluff is noted for access to some of Madison’s top-rated public and private schools[4].
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Village of Maple Bluff, northeast shore of Lake Mendota, bordered by Sherman Ave to the east and Lake Mendota to the west, north of Tenney Park and south of Warner Park.

Zip Codes

53704

Market Data Summary

Price Range$410,000 to $1,800,000+ (dependent on property type, size, and location within the neighborhood)
Price per Sq Ft$400 (up 29% YoY, Redfin, June 2025)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; Madison-wide inventory up 8.1% MoM in June 2025, but Maple Bluff remains supply-constrained for luxury homes[3].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesLuxury estatesCondos (limited supply)

Architectural Styles

Colonial RevivalTudorGeorgianMid-century modernLakefront custom homes

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.25 to 1+ acres, with larger lots on the lakefront
Home Age RangeEarly 1900s to 1970s (historic core); new construction and major renovations in recent years
Construction QualityHigh; many homes feature premium materials, custom finishes, and extensive updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Affluent, highly educated, predominantly professional and executive households; established families and retirees.

Community Vibe

Exclusive, historic, and tight-knit; strong sense of community pride and involvement.

Typical Residents

  • Established families
  • Retirees
  • Executives
  • Professionals

Family Friendly

Very; quiet streets, parks, and proximity to top-rated schools.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • • Johnson Park
  • • Lake Mendota shoreline
  • • Village parks and playgrounds
  • • Golf at Maple Bluff Country Club

Dining Options

  • • Nearby: Manna Café & Bakery, North Street Cabaret, local bistros

Shopping Centers

  • • Hilldale Shopping Center (short drive)
  • • East Towne Mall (10-15 min drive)

Local Businesses

  • • Maple Bluff Country Club
  • • Local cafes and boutiques on Sherman Ave

Education & Schools

Excellent; Maple Bluff is noted for access to some of Madison’s top-rated public and private schools[4].
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • • Lake View Elementary

Middle Schools

  • • Sherman Middle School

High Schools

  • • East High School

Private Schools

  • • Madison Country Day School
  • • Edgewood Campus School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • • Metro Transit bus routes along Sherman Ave

Major Roads

  • • Sherman Ave
  • • Northport Dr
  • • I-39/90/94 (easy access via Northport)

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10-15 minutes to downtown Madison; 20-25 minutes to UW-Madison campus or Epic Systems.
WalkabilityModerate; walkable within the neighborhood, but most errands require a car.
ParkingAmple street and driveway parking; most homes have garages.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Affluent families
  • Executives relocating to Madison
  • Retirees seeking luxury and tranquility
  • Move-up buyers

Key Selling Points

  • Historic charm and prestige
  • Lake Mendota access/views
  • Top-rated schools
  • Exclusive country club lifestyle

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively for condition and location; premium for lakefront, renovated, or historic homes.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High price point compared to Madison average

Response Strategy:

Highlight strong appreciation, exclusivity, and top-tier schools; compare to similar luxury enclaves in the region.

Objection: Older homes may need updates

Response Strategy:

Emphasize quality of construction, recent renovations, and potential for customization.

Objection: Limited walkability and amenities within walking distance

Response Strategy:

Showcase proximity to downtown, country club, and lakefront recreation; stress quiet, private setting.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

High; 7-16% YoY appreciation in recent years, especially for luxury and lakefront properties[1][2][4].

Rental Demand

Moderate; limited rental inventory, but high demand for executive and short-term rentals.

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high for well-priced, updated homes; some multiple-offer scenarios, especially for lakefront or renovated properties[1].

Best For

  • Luxury buyers
  • Families seeking top schools
  • Executives
  • Retirees

Potential Concerns

  • Limited inventory
  • High entry price
  • Older homes may require updates

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage professional staging and high-end marketing to maximize appeal.

2

Network with relocation specialists and executive recruiters.

3

Highlight school ratings and community exclusivity in all marketing.

4

Prepare for appraisal challenges on unique or historic homes—provide comps and renovation details.

5

Educate buyers on the value of historic homes and potential for customization.

6

Monitor inventory closely and advise sellers on optimal listing timing (spring/early summer).

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Shorewood Hills
  • Nakoma
  • University Heights

Market Positioning

Maple Bluff is Madison’s premier luxury and historic neighborhood, commanding the highest prices and strongest appreciation.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lake Mendota frontage
  • Country club amenities
  • Historic architecture and prestige

Price Comparison

Median home price in Maple Bluff ($931K–$1.8M) is significantly higher than Madison median ($350K, June 2025)[2][3].

Investment Metrics

Low (2-4%), typical for luxury residential markets
Cap Rates
3-4% gross yield for executive rentals
Rental Yields
High (reflecting owner-occupant preference and luxury pricing)
Price-to-Rent
Limited for traditional rentals; strong for short-term executive or furnished rentals
Cash Flow
Continued above-average appreciation expected, especially for renovated and lakefront homes.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Rare, due to high entry price; those who buy are typically high-earning professionals or with family assistance.

Move-Up Buyers

Common; attracted by schools, prestige, and larger homes.

Downsizers

Active, especially among long-term residents seeking smaller luxury homes or condos.

Investors

Niche; focus on executive rentals or renovation/resale of historic homes.

Relocators

Strong demand from executives and professionals moving to Madison for work.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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