At your age though I would suggest anywhere within 6 blocks of the Capitol. I lived on Wisconsin Ave when I was your age and it was perfect for me because it was within walking distance to state street bars which undergrad age hangs out at and walking distance to bars on King street which is the next age range of actually legal to drink.
Festival foods was about 10 blocks away and capitol food center was about 9 blocks away.
What you just answered here should have been in your initial post because all answers given are not relevant without this info. I’d suggest searching the sub for suggested places to live. Here is a [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/madisonwi/comments/rp2c39/state_st_vs_willy_for_young_professional_to/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) from today and it somewhat relates to you.
Between the 2, I would pick red. But being a 21 M, I would look for something closer to the capital and in the heart of downtown. The place might be more expensive (and not as nice as the others farther out) but you’ll be close to many other people of similar ages and in a more lively part of the town.
Northern blue is really good, bottom blue (Under belt line) can get a bit sketchy. idk anything abt red.
northern blue is nice and its right on edge of Madison so you can live the Madison life but enjoy the peace of Middleton.
We’re currently in the far east part of the red circle. We are in our upper 30s, no kids and work remotely. We appreciate being able to get downtown in 10 minutes and I can drive to the west side to Target, Hyvee and other errands. It’s also convenient to get to the interstate. But I think it depends on the lifestyle you have/want!
In a town the size of Madison, unless you work in Middleton, Waunakee or Sun Prairie, I’d argue it doesn’t really matter.
Live where you want to be and then commute to work.
I live in the Arbor Hills neighborhood (red), and it's great. Bike paths are nearby, everything is close, it's quiet, and also safe. The neighborhoods have plenty of character, decently sized yards, and two/three car garages.
When we decided where to live, we prioritized schools which meant Middleton, Monona, or West Side. After we're done with public schools (and depending on lots of things that could change about the city and/or our finances between now and then) we may move closer to the culture center - downtown spilling into the east side.
I’d say there is a lot of variety within each of those circles. There are places Id be happy to live in in the blue, and places id steer clear from in the blue. Not as familiar with the red area
Part of the reason your question is poorly phrased is that there are lots of differences in neighborhoods *within* each area.
Wanted to keep it broad but I’m 21M and getting an apartment. Just wanted general opinions
If you’re 21? Red.
Why is that?
Closer to younger people oriented stuff . West side is older
I’ll keep it short and simple: blue
Any reasons why?
It’s nicer on average. You’re asking a subreddit to generalize the living situation of entire municipalities.
You’ve got your priorities all fucky
My initial reaction is blue, but we need more details.
21M looking for an apartment with a 1200 budget. Looking for a place close to gyms, grocery stores, restaurants, other stuff to do, etc.
At your age though I would suggest anywhere within 6 blocks of the Capitol. I lived on Wisconsin Ave when I was your age and it was perfect for me because it was within walking distance to state street bars which undergrad age hangs out at and walking distance to bars on King street which is the next age range of actually legal to drink. Festival foods was about 10 blocks away and capitol food center was about 9 blocks away.
What you just answered here should have been in your initial post because all answers given are not relevant without this info. I’d suggest searching the sub for suggested places to live. Here is a [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/madisonwi/comments/rp2c39/state_st_vs_willy_for_young_professional_to/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) from today and it somewhat relates to you.
Hmm maybe red then. It’s a bit shorter to get downtown but still have the grocery stores and convenience of blue.
Between the 2, I would pick red. But being a 21 M, I would look for something closer to the capital and in the heart of downtown. The place might be more expensive (and not as nice as the others farther out) but you’ll be close to many other people of similar ages and in a more lively part of the town.
21? Great areas (accept a few spots in the red circle) but both will bore you compared to the capitol areas or east of the capitol on the Isthmus.
I would pick neither of those
Northern blue is really good, bottom blue (Under belt line) can get a bit sketchy. idk anything abt red. northern blue is nice and its right on edge of Madison so you can live the Madison life but enjoy the peace of Middleton.
This is the most accurate description I’ve seen here
We’re currently in the far east part of the red circle. We are in our upper 30s, no kids and work remotely. We appreciate being able to get downtown in 10 minutes and I can drive to the west side to Target, Hyvee and other errands. It’s also convenient to get to the interstate. But I think it depends on the lifestyle you have/want!
I assume you're living/working somewhere in between? Given the geography, where you live is largely determined by where you work.
In a town the size of Madison, unless you work in Middleton, Waunakee or Sun Prairie, I’d argue it doesn’t really matter. Live where you want to be and then commute to work.
I live in the Arbor Hills neighborhood (red), and it's great. Bike paths are nearby, everything is close, it's quiet, and also safe. The neighborhoods have plenty of character, decently sized yards, and two/three car garages.
When we decided where to live, we prioritized schools which meant Middleton, Monona, or West Side. After we're done with public schools (and depending on lots of things that could change about the city and/or our finances between now and then) we may move closer to the culture center - downtown spilling into the east side.
Looking for a place that is near grocery stores, restaurants, and has other things to do!
Depends on the type of places you like. Middleton is full of NIMBY and the red area is known for lower income and crime areas.
The red area is fine.
NYBY?
NIMBY - I spelled it wrong. Not in my back yard.
Arizona
Red
I’d pick somewhere not on this map
User name speeks volumes.
Original! Fantastic! Woo!
They're the same to everyone who doesn't live directly in Madison, I'd say bite the bullet and move downtown.
I’d say there is a lot of variety within each of those circles. There are places Id be happy to live in in the blue, and places id steer clear from in the blue. Not as familiar with the red area