5 Wisconsin Madison Zip Code Areas To Know

Wisconsin's capital city, Madison, is a vibrant and eclectic metropolis surrounded by five unique zip code areas, each with its own character and attractions. From the bustling downtown area to the scenic lakeside neighborhoods, these zip code areas offer a diverse range of lifestyles, amenities, and activities. Whether you're a student, professional, or family, understanding these zip code areas can help you navigate the city and find the perfect fit for your needs.

The Downtown Area: 53703

The 53703 zip code area is the heart of Madison's downtown, featuring a mix of historic buildings, trendy bars, and eclectic restaurants. This vibrant neighborhood is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the state capitol, and the famous State Street. Residents can enjoy a wide range of cultural attractions, including the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, the Wisconsin Historical Museum, and the Overture Center for the Arts.

The Isthmus: 53715

The 53715 zip code area, also known as the Isthmus, is a narrow strip of land between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. This charming neighborhood is characterized by its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and picturesque parks. Residents can enjoy easy access to the lakes, the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and the vibrant Monroe Street commercial area.

The Near West Side: 53719

The 53719 zip code area, located on the near west side of Madison, is a diverse and eclectic neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes. Residents can enjoy the scenic views of Lake Mendota, the beautiful University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and the vibrant Hilldale Shopping Center. This area is also home to the popular Atwood Avenue, known for its independent shops, restaurants, and bars.

The East Side: 53704

The 53704 zip code area, located on the east side of Madison, is a family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Residents can enjoy the scenic views of Lake Monona, the beautiful Olbrich Park, and the vibrant East Johnson Street commercial area. This area is also home to the popular Atwood Summer Festival and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

The South Side: 53711

The 53711 zip code area, located on the south side of Madison, is a diverse and growing neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes. Residents can enjoy the scenic views of Lake Monona, the beautiful Penn Park, and the vibrant Park Street commercial area. This area is also home to the popular South Madison Farmers' Market and the vibrant arts scene.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Madison's zip code areas offer a wide range of lifestyles and amenities, from the vibrant downtown area to the scenic lakeside neighborhoods. Residents can enjoy a diverse range of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and community events. Here are some of the top lifestyle and amenities in each zip code area:

Downtown (53703): Vibrant nightlife, eclectic restaurants, and cultural attractions
Isthmus (53715): Historic homes, tree-lined streets, and picturesque parks
Near West Side (53719): Scenic views of Lake Mendota, University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and Hilldale Shopping Center
East Side (53704): Family-friendly neighborhood, scenic views of Lake Monona, and Olbrich Park
South Side (53711): Diverse and growing neighborhood, scenic views of Lake Monona, and Penn Park

Education and Healthcare

Madison is home to a wide range of educational institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one of the top public universities in the country. The city is also served by a number of excellent school districts, including the Madison Metropolitan School District. Here are some of the top educational institutions in each zip code area:

Downtown (53703): University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison College
Isthmus (53715): University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison Metropolitan School District
Near West Side (53719): University of Wisconsin-Madison, Hilldale Elementary School
East Side (53704): East High School, Olbrich Elementary School
South Side (53711): South Madison High School, Penn Elementary School

Madison is also home to a number of excellent healthcare institutions, including the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, one of the top-ranked hospitals in the country. Here are some of the top healthcare institutions in each zip code area:

Downtown (53703): University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Meriter Hospital
Isthmus (53715): University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, St. Mary's Hospital
Near West Side (53719): University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Hilldale Medical Center
East Side (53704): East Madison Hospital, Olbrich Medical Center
South Side (53711): South Madison Hospital, Penn Medical Center

Getting Around

Madison has a well-developed public transportation system, including a network of buses and bike lanes. The city is also served by the Dane County Regional Airport, which offers flights to destinations across the country. Here are some of the top transportation options in each zip code area:

Downtown (53703): Madison Metro Transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly streets
Isthmus (53715): Madison Metro Transit, bike lanes, and scenic walkways
Near West Side (53719): Madison Metro Transit, bike lanes, and car-sharing services
East Side (53704): Madison Metro Transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly streets
South Side (53711): Madison Metro Transit, bike lanes, and car-sharing services

Community Events

Madison is a vibrant city with a wide range of community events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the top community events in each zip code area:

Downtown (53703): Great Taste of the Midwest, Madison Summer Fest, and the Wisconsin Book Festival
Isthmus (53715): Isthmus Festival, Atwood Summer Festival, and the Willy Street Fair
Near West Side (53719): Hilldale Festival, Westside Festival, and the Arboretum Fall Festival
East Side (53704): East Johnson Street Festival, Olbrich Park Festival, and the East Madison Farmers' Market
South Side (53711): South Madison Festival, Penn Park Festival, and the South Madison Farmers' Market

What is the best neighborhood in Madison, WI?

The best neighborhood in Madison, WI depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Some popular neighborhoods include the downtown area, the Isthmus, and the near west side.

What are the top attractions in Madison, WI?

Some of the top attractions in Madison, WI include the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin State Capitol, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

What is the cost of living in Madison, WI?

The cost of living in Madison, WI is relatively high compared to other cities in the Midwest. However, the city offers a wide range of housing options and a strong job market.

What are the top schools in Madison, WI?

Some of the top schools in Madison, WI include the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison West High School, and Olbrich Elementary School.

What is the weather like in Madison, WI?

Madison, WI has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The city experiences a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the five Wisconsin Madison zip code areas to know. Whether you're a student, professional, or family, Madison has something to offer everyone. From its vibrant downtown area to its scenic lakeside neighborhoods, the city is a great place to live, work, and play.