Cherokee Park, Madison,WI

If you’re considering a move to Madison and want a neighborhood that beautifully blends green spaces with a welcoming community vibe, Cherokee Park in the southeast part of the city might just be your perfect match. This neighborhood is known for its charming residential streets lined with mature trees and a variety of home styles, from classic mid-century houses to modern builds. One of the biggest draws here is the abundance of parks and recreational areas, most notably the Cherokee Marsh, which offers miles of trails for walking, biking, and birdwatching. Nature lovers and families alike appreciate the peaceful setting combined with easy access to outdoor activities.

Living in Cherokee Park also means you’re just a short drive from downtown Madison, making it convenient for work, dining, and entertainment. It’s roughly a 10-15 minute drive, depending on traffic, so you get the best of both worlds: a tranquil neighborhood feel with the city buzz just around the corner. The neighborhood itself has a friendly, close-knit community atmosphere with local businesses, cozy coffee shops, and family-run restaurants scattered throughout. Plus, Cherokee Park is near some great schools and community centers, which is a big plus for families relocating to the area.

One standout attraction in Cherokee Park is the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, which provides a beautiful natural retreat with wetlands, wildlife habitats, and scenic overlooks. It’s a fantastic spot to unwind after a busy day or spend weekends exploring with kids or pets. Additionally, the neighborhood hosts seasonal events and farmers markets nearby, fostering a strong sense of community among residents. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for a safe and friendly neighborhood, or someone who values convenience paired with natural beauty, Cherokee Park offers a wonderful balance that makes it an appealing choice for newcomers to Madison.

In Cherokee Park, 20% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 20% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Cherokee Park demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 101 residents, Cherokee Park is notably smaller than many other Madison neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 841 people per square mile, Cherokee Park offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Madison neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 46, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Cherokee Park crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Cherokee Park, the median home price is about $286,000, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Cherokee Park have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The median rent is around $936, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Cherokee Park combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Cherokee Park can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.