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Willy Street (Williamson-Marquette)

Madison, WI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$525,000 (mid-2025 estimate)
Median Home Price
92 (Walker's Paradise)
Walkability Score
Public schools are highly rated for academics and community engagement.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Lake Monona (south), Yahara River (east), East Washington Avenue (north), and Blair Street (west), centered along Williamson Street.

Zip Codes

53703

Market Data Summary

Price Range$375,000–$900,000+ (single-family homes, condos, historic properties)
Price per Sq Ft$350–$450/sq ft (2025)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; most listings sell within 2–3 weeks, with limited new construction.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesHistoric housesCondosDuplexesSmall apartment buildings

Architectural Styles

VictorianCraftsmanQueen AnneBungalowsModern infill

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.08–0.18 acres (urban, compact lots)
Home Age RangeLate 1800s–1930s (historic core), some infill from 1980s–2020s
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many homes restored or updated; some properties may require modernization.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, artists, and long-term residents. Median age ~36. High educational attainment and progressive values.

Community Vibe

Eclectic, artsy, inclusive, and socially engaged. Strong sense of place and neighborhood identity.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Artists/creatives
  • Families with children
  • Long-term residents
  • LGBTQ+ community

Family Friendly

Yes—walkable to parks, schools, and community events. Active neighborhood association and family-oriented festivals.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • • Orton Park
  • • Yahara Place Park
  • • BB Clarke Beach
  • • Morrison Park
  • • Lake Monona access
  • • Bike paths

Dining Options

  • • Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
  • • Ha Long Bay
  • • Lazy Jane’s Café
  • • Salvatore’s Tomato Pies
  • • Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier

Shopping Centers

  • • Willy Street commercial corridor
  • • Nearby Capitol East District

Local Businesses

  • • Willy Street Co-op
  • • Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse
  • • Madison Sourdough
  • • A Room of One’s Own Bookstore
  • • Alchemy
  • • Grocery stores, vintage shops, record stores

Education & Schools

Public schools are highly rated for academics and community engagement.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • • Marquette Elementary

Middle Schools

  • • O’Keeffe Middle

High Schools

  • • East High School

Private Schools

  • • Wingra School (nearby)
  • • Madison Country Day (commute)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • • Madison Metro bus lines 3, 4, 7, 38

Major Roads

  • • Williamson St (US-151)
  • • East Washington Ave
  • • Blair St

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5–10 minutes to Capitol Square/downtown by car or bike; 15–20 minutes by bus.
WalkabilityExcellent—most errands can be accomplished on foot or by bike.
ParkingOn-street parking can be limited, especially during events; some homes have off-street parking.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Urban professionals
  • Remote workers
  • Young families
  • Empty nesters seeking walkability
  • Investors

Key Selling Points

  • Eclectic, vibrant neighborhood culture
  • Proximity to downtown and lakes
  • Historic architecture with modern updates
  • Top-rated schools and parks

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively for quick sales; premium for updated historic homes and off-street parking.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent upgrades, and connect buyers with local contractors.

Objection: Limited parking, especially during events.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, bike infrastructure, and proximity to transit; highlight homes with off-street parking.

Objection: Higher prices compared to other Madison neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Showcase appreciation trends, rental potential, and unique lifestyle benefits.

Objection: Urban noise and activity.

Response Strategy:

Point out quieter side streets, double-pane windows, and vibrant community atmosphere.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong, driven by demand for historic homes, walkability, and proximity to downtown.

Rental Demand

High, especially for updated apartments and homes near amenities.

Buyer Competition

Intense for move-in ready and historic properties; multiple offers common.

Best For

  • Young professionals
  • Investors (long-term rental, Airbnb)
  • Families seeking urban lifestyle
  • Buyers valuing walkability and culture

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require maintenance
  • Limited parking
  • Rising prices reducing affordability

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage neighborhood events and festivals for open houses.

2

Network with local businesses for cross-promotion.

3

Educate buyers on historic home ownership and available tax credits.

4

Highlight walkability and unique lifestyle in all marketing materials.

5

Stay updated on zoning and development changes impacting inventory and values.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Atwood/Schenk-Atwood
  • Tenney-Lapham
  • Capitol East District

Market Positioning

Premium urban neighborhood with historic charm and progressive culture.

Competitive Advantages

  • Unique historic character
  • Superior walkability and amenities
  • Strong community engagement

Price Comparison

Slightly higher than Atwood, similar to Tenney-Lapham, lower than downtown luxury condos.

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.2% (2025, for updated multi-family)
Cap Rates
5–6% gross annual yield
Rental Yields
18–20
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-managed multi-family or Airbnb; single-family homes more appreciation-focused.
Cash Flow
5–7% annual appreciation expected through 2027.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

May face competition and higher prices; benefit from walkability and community support.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by larger historic homes and proximity to downtown.

Downsizers

Value walkability, amenities, and low-maintenance condos.

Investors

Strong rental demand and appreciation; Airbnb potential.

Relocators

Appealing for those seeking urban, progressive lifestyle with access to lakes and culture.

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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