Walnut Grove, Madison,WI

Walnut Grove is a charming neighborhood situated in the southeast part of Madison, WI, offering a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the area boasts beautiful tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes that create a welcoming environment for newcomers. Residents enjoy easy access to several parks and green spaces, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for safe, open areas to play and relax. The community vibe here is strong, with neighbors often coming together for local events and activities that foster a sense of belonging.

One of the standout features of Walnut Grove is its proximity to excellent schools and community amenities, which makes it especially attractive for families with children. The neighborhood is home to some top-rated educational institutions and offers a variety of recreational facilities, including sports fields and playgrounds. For those who appreciate shopping and dining, Walnut Grove doesn’t disappoint; it has a selection of local shops, cozy cafes, and family-run restaurants that add to the small-town feel while keeping everything conveniently close. Additionally, the nearby University Avenue corridor provides extra options for retail and entertainment, keeping residents engaged and connected.

Getting to downtown Madison from Walnut Grove is quite convenient, typically just a 15 to 20-minute drive depending on traffic, making it easy for residents to enjoy the vibrant city life whenever they wish. This accessibility means you can easily attend events, explore museums, or dine in some of the city’s finest restaurants without a lengthy commute. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or simply a change of pace, Walnut Grove offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of amenities and a tight-knit community feel, all within reach of the bustling heart of Madison.

In Walnut Grove, 29% 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 29% 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.

Walnut Grove 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 1,017 residents, Walnut Grove 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.

Walnut Grove has a population density of 3,539, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Madison neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 45, 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 Walnut Grove crime map provides an in-depth look at crime rates throughout the community, using block group data to reveal both safer pockets and places with more frequent incidents. By visualizing these patterns, the crime map helps residents and newcomers alike better understand the dynamics of neighborhood safety. It’s worth noting that higher-crime areas on the map aren’t always indicative of danger — spots near busy commercial centers, transportation hubs, or popular attractions may naturally show more reports due to increased activity.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Walnut Grove, the median home price is about $383,820, 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 Walnut Grove 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 $1,453, 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 Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove 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.