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Living in Middleton, WI

Take a quick look at life in Middleton, WI and why you should consider moving here.

By Livability.com on February 18, 2016

People mill around the Greenway Station Shopping Center in Middleton, WI
Middleton / city of Middleton, WI
Greenway Station Shopping Center in Middleton, WI is a popular gathering place.

Welcome to the Good Neighbor City. Middleton, WI is consistently chosen as one of the best small towns in the country by national publications, including Livability.com. Living in Middleton puts you close to all the big-city attractions Madison has to offer, but provides a charming, hometown atmosphere and close-knit community feel. This vibrant, urban ring city offers residents many housing options, great schools and excellent recreational resources. It’s home to the National Mustard Museum and a stellar lineup of independent restaurants. Here’s a quick look at what living in Middleton is like.

History of Middleton

On March 11, 1848, just months before Wisconsin became a state, the Township of Middleton separated from Madison, leading the way for it to become its own city. The construction of a railroad line in 1856 literally put the town on the map and helped Middleton become an established center of commerce. Today, Middleton’s largest industry sector is manufacturing, while the city’s business scene remains diverse and growing. Top employers in Middleton include American Girl and Electronic Theatre Controls.

A Great Location

Curled around the western shore of Lake Mendota, near Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy in the Greater Madison area, Middleton offers residents a prime location among a thriving region of the country. Residents and businesses can easily access interstates 90 and 94, as well as the city’s municipal airport, Morey Field, and Dane County Regional Airport, which offers flights to major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and New York City. While Middleton offers many entertainment options, residents can easily get to the University of Wisconsin for sporting and performance events, and Milwaukee to see the Brewers play baseball. 

Things to Do in Middleton

For more than 50 years, the city of Middleton has hosted the Good Neighbor Festival, which occurs each August and includes a parade, live outdoor music, a carnival and craft fair. Restaurants in Middleton draw diners from across the region, and Capital Brewery is one of the most popular spots, especially during the summer months when bands play music in the beer garden. Middleton-Cross Plains Area Performing Arts Center hosts plays and dances. The city’s large collection of parks let residents relax and enjoy great places to run, bike and hike. Middleton’s trail system continues to grow, but already connects several neighborhoods and retail areas. 

LOOKING FOR MORE? Read our list of the best things to do in Middleton.

Homes in Middleton

 Middleton has an almost even split of owner-occupied homes and renter-occupied homes, with around 8,500 total housing units. Residential developments like Fox Ridge, Stonefield and Middleton Hills, the first “urbanist neighborhood” in the state, draw families and young professionals who seek an urban atmosphere while also desiring a small-town feel. Other neighborhoods include Orchid Heights, Northlake and Baskerville. Across the city, home buyers will find a good mix of single-family homes and multi-family apartments and condos. The average home price in Middleton is $271,700.

Other Notes About Middleton:

  • Middleton High School is currently ranked as the No. 2 school in the state
  • University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Meriter Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital serve the Middleton area.
  • Middleton’s trail system includes 22 miles of paved trails and walkways. 
  • The Middleton Public Library has been named the top library in the state.

 

 

 

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