Tenney-Lapham

Madison, WI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$525,000 (2025)
Median Home Price
87 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Lapham (B+), Marquette (A-), O’Keeffe (B+), East High (B+) [Niche 2025]
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Lake Mendota to the north, East Washington Avenue to the south, the Yahara River to the east, and North Blair Street to the west.

Zip Codes

53703

Market Data Summary

Price Range$350,000–$1,200,000+ (historic homes, condos, lakefront)
Price per Sq Ft$350–$500/sqft (2025)
Inventory LevelsLow (1–2 months supply), contributing to competitive offers and price appreciation.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Historic single-family homesCondos (new and converted)BungalowsDuplexesTriplexes

Architectural Styles

TudorColonial RevivalCraftsmanQueen AnneEarly 20th-century worker cottages

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSmall to medium (0.08–0.2 acres), with some larger lakefront lots.
Home Age Range1890s–1930s (historic core), with infill and new condos from 2000s–2020s.
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many homes preserved or thoughtfully renovated. Some older properties may require updates, especially for energy efficiency.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse mix of young professionals, families, academics, and long-term residents. Median age mid-30s. High educational attainment.

Community Vibe

Active, engaged, and progressive. Strong neighborhood association. Emphasis on historic preservation and local culture.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families with children
  • University staff/students
  • Retirees/downsizers

Family Friendly

Yes—proximity to parks, schools, and community events. Popular with families seeking urban amenities and walkability.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Tenney Park (beach, skating, tennis, playground)
  • Yahara River Parkway (bike/walk paths)
  • Lake Mendota access

Dining Options

  • Salvatore’s Tomato Pies
  • Caracas Empanadas
  • Johnson Public House
  • Forequarter (fine dining)

Shopping Centers

  • East Johnson Street boutiques
  • Nearby Capitol Square shops

Local Businesses

  • Johnson Public House (café)
  • Salvatore’s Tomato Pies (pizza)
  • Burnie’s Rock Shop (retail)
  • Caracas Empanadas

Education & Schools

Lapham (B+), Marquette (A-), O’Keeffe (B+), East High (B+) [Niche 2025]
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Lapham Elementary (K–2)
  • Marquette Elementary (3–5)

Middle Schools

  • O’Keeffe Middle

High Schools

  • East High School

Private Schools

  • Madison Country Day (nearby)
  • Edgewood Campus School (across town)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Madison Metro bus lines on Johnson, Gorham, East Washington

Major Roads

  • East Washington Ave
  • Johnson St
  • Gorham St

Commute & Walkability

Commute TimesDowntown: 5 minutes by car/bike, 15 minutes by bus. UW-Madison: 10 minutes. Airport: 15 minutes.
WalkabilityExcellent—most errands can be accomplished on foot or bike.
ParkingStreet parking can be limited, especially near Johnson/Gorham. Some homes have off-street parking or garages.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • University staff
  • Families valuing walkability
  • Downsizers seeking low-maintenance condos

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Lake and park access
  • Vibrant local businesses
  • Top walkability and bikeability

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively but expect strong offers if home is well-presented and updated. Premium for lake views, historic details, and move-in-ready condition.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need updates or repairs.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports and highlight recent upgrades. Emphasize long-term value of historic properties.

Objection: Limited parking, especially for guests.

Response Strategy:

Highlight off-street parking options, proximity to public transit, and walkability to amenities.

Objection: Street flooding risk.

Response Strategy:

Share city flood mitigation efforts and note that most flooding is limited to streets, not homes.

Objection: Higher price per square foot than some suburbs.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize location, lifestyle, and appreciation potential unique to Tenney-Lapham.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong—historic character, location, and low inventory drive steady price growth.

Rental Demand

High—proximity to UW, downtown, and hospitals attracts renters. Condos and duplexes popular for investment.

Buyer Competition

Intense—multiple offers common, especially for updated historic homes and condos.

Best For

  • Owner-occupants seeking urban lifestyle
  • Investors targeting stable rental income
  • Buyers valuing walkability and historic charm

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require costly updates
  • Street flooding risk in heavy rains
  • Parking limitations

Professional Recommendations

1

Stage homes to highlight historic features and modern updates.

2

Educate buyers on the unique school structure (Lapham/Marquette split).

3

Prepare for multiple-offer scenarios—set clear offer deadlines.

4

Network with local businesses and the neighborhood association to build trust with buyers.

5

Address flood risk and parking concerns proactively in marketing materials.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Willy Street/Marquette
  • Atwood
  • Maple Bluff (lakefront)

Market Positioning

Premium urban neighborhood with historic character and strong community.

Competitive Advantages

  • Closer to downtown and UW than Atwood or Willy Street
  • Historic districts and lake access set it apart
  • More affordable than Maple Bluff lakefront

Price Comparison

Priced above city average but below Maple Bluff and some downtown luxury condos.

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.5% (2025, for duplexes/condos)
Cap Rates
5–6% gross yield for updated units
Rental Yields
18–20 (reflects strong owner-occupant demand)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-maintained duplexes/condos; single-family homes more appreciation-focused.
Cash Flow
4–6% annual appreciation expected through 2027.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Competitive entry point; condos and smaller homes are accessible. Walkability and amenities appeal to younger buyers.

Move-Up Buyers

Historic homes offer space and character. Families value schools and parks.

Downsizers

Newer condos provide low-maintenance living with urban amenities.

Investors

Strong rental demand and appreciation. Focus on duplexes and condos for best returns.

Relocators

Desirable for those seeking urban lifestyle, walkability, and proximity to UW/downtown.

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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