When people think of Madison, WI, they often picture its lively downtown, iconic Capitol building, and the picturesque lakes that surround the city. However, the true essence of living in Madison extends beyond the city limits. The suburbs of Madison are diverse residential areas that offer a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle while still providing easy access to the city’s vibrant amenities, including its university, dining, and cultural attractions. These Madison suburbs are spread across various parts of the metropolitan area, each with its own unique character and charm.In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll explore some of the most notable Madison suburbs—from peaceful lakeside towns to fast-growing communities—highlighting key aspects such as population, average rent, and what makes each area stand out. Whether you’re searching for the perfect apartment in Madison or curious about the different Madison neighborhoods around the city, let’s discover the best parts of the Madison metro area to call home.Cost of living in MadisonBefore we dive into the top Madison suburbs, let’s cover how much it costs to live in Madison. The overall cost of living in Madison is about 5% higher than the national average. Housing is a significant factor, with the median sale price for a home in Madison at around $408,000, which is slightly below the national median of $432,657. Rent follows a similar trend, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Madison at approximately $1,714, which is close to the national average of $1,494.While some suburbs around Madison offer more affordable options, others provide more upscale, spacious living opportunities. Here, we’ll explore a range of top suburbs, offering different lifestyle and housing choices depending on your budget and preferences.1. MiddletonKnown for: Excellent schools, vibrant downtown, and business headquartersMiddleton, located just five miles west of Madison, is one of the area’s most sought-after suburbs. Known for its highly-rated public schools, Middleton has long been considered a prime destination for those looking for top-notch education, small-town charm, and easy access to Madison. The city’s quaint yet lively downtown district features a variety of locally-owned restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and community spaces, giving it a welcoming, vibrant feel.In addition to its charm, Middleton is home to several major businesses, including Spectrum Brands and American Girl, providing local job opportunities while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. The area also boasts access to recreational activities, with several parks, including Pheasant Branch Conservancy, offering hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.Population: 21,000Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,647Median home sale price: $579,000Middleton transportation scores: Walk Score 46, Bike Score 59, Transit Score 25Apartments for rent in Middleton, WI | Houses for rent in Middleton, WI | Homes for sale in Middleton, WI2. Sun PrairieKnown for: Rapid growth, diverse housing options, and local amenitiesSun Prairie, located about 12 miles northeast of Madison, has transformed from a quiet town into a booming suburban hub over the past decade. Its expansion has been marked by new residential developments, a growing retail sector, and a wide array of dining options, making it a vibrant community. The downtown Sun Prairie area offers a mix of new restaurants, bars, and local shops, while the suburb’s spacious parks and recreation centers make it a great place for outdoor activities.One of the suburb’s key advantages is its affordability and variety of housing options. From new townhomes to single-family houses, Sun Prairie provides diverse options for a range of residents, whether you’re renting or buying. Its location near major highways also makes commuting to Madison quick and easy.Population: 35,000Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,495Median home sale price: $424,500Sun Prairie transportation scores: Walk Score 33, Bike Score 56Apartments for rent in Sun Prairie, WI | Houses for rent in Sun Prairie, WI | Homes for sale in Sun Prairie, WI3. FitchburgKnown for: Scenic parks, growing neighborhoods, and outdoor activitiesFitchburg is a dynamic suburb located just south of Madison, known for its extensive green spaces and outdoor recreational activities. The suburb has seen rapid development over the past decade, with several new residential neighborhoods emerging alongside established communities. Its parks, such as McKee Farms Park and the Capital City Trail, offer a wide range of recreational activities, from biking to picnicking, making it an excellent choice for outdoor lovers.Fitchburg also has a diverse housing market, ranging from single-family homes to modern apartments, making it an attractive option for those who want a bit more space while still staying connected to Madison. The area is also home to several tech firms and educational institutions, providing opportunities for local employment.Population: 31,000Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,572Median home sale price: $434,019Fitchburg transportation scores: Walk Score 30, Bike Score 58, Transit Score 20Apartments for rent in Fitchburg, WI | Houses for rent in Fitchburg, WI | Homes for sale in Fitchburg, WI4. WaunakeeKnown for: Small-town feel, growing developments, and scenic beautyWaunakee, located about 10 miles north of Madison, offers a peaceful, close-knit community with a variety of housing options. Known for its historic downtown area and an increasing number of modern amenities, Waunakee has grown in popularity over recent years. Residents enjoy access to parks, trails, and outdoor activities, including nearby Governor Nelson State Park, which offers waterfront recreation on Lake Mendota.Waunakee’s housing market has also seen steady growth, with new residential developments bringing modern homes and townhouses to the area. Despite its recent expansion, Waunakee maintains its small-town charm, attracting residents who value a quiet atmosphere while remaining close to Madison.Population: 14,000Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,221Median home sale price: $714,500Waunakee transportation scores: Walk Score 82, Bike Score 65Apartments for rent in Waunakee, WI | Houses for rent in Waunakee, WI | Homes for sale in Waunakee, WI5. VeronaKnown for: Tech industry presence, suburban growth, and outdoor recreationVerona, located about 12 miles southwest of Madison, has gained recognition for being home to Epic Systems, one of the world’s leading healthcare software companies. Verona has experienced substantial residential and commercial development as a result, making it one of the area’s fastest-growing suburbs. The suburb offers a range of housing options, including newer single-family homes, modern apartment complexes, and quiet residential streets.Verona also boasts several outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks, nature reserves, and easy access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which passes through the region. The suburb’s combination of employment opportunities, suburban growth, and scenic beauty makes it an appealing destination for residents who want to work and play near Madison.Population: 14,000Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,600Median home sale price: $555,000Verona transportation scores: Walk Score 79, Bike Score 67Apartments for rent in Verona, WI | Houses for rent in Verona, WI | Homes for sale in Verona, WI6. MononaKnown for: Lakeside living, access to downtown Madison, and recreational opportunitiesMonona, a small suburb located along Lake Monona’s eastern shore, offers stunning views and easy access to lakeside activities. Just a few miles from downtown Madison, Monona blends peaceful suburban living with proximity to the city’s vibrant amenities. Its parks, including Winnequah Park, provide plenty of outdoor space for residents to enjoy picnics, sports, and water activities.Monona is known for its variety of housing options, including cozy lakefront homes, apartments, and townhouses, making it a desirable place for those who love nature and water recreation while staying connected to the city. The suburb’s scenic beauty and local events make it a hidden gem in the Madison metro area.Population: 8,000Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,350Median home sale price: $456,500Monona transportation scores: Walk Score 52, Bike Score 57Apartments for rent in Monona, WI | Houses for rent in Monona, WI | Homes for sale in Monona, WI7. DeForestKnown for: Affordable living, small-town charm, and easy commutingDeForest, located about 15 miles north of Madison, is a growing suburb known for its affordable housing and quiet, small-town feel. The suburb offers a variety of homes, from charming older residences to new developments, making it a great option for those seeking affordable housing close to Madison. Its location near major highways also makes commuting to the city relatively easy.DeForest offers access to several parks, trails, and outdoor spaces, including the Yahara River Trail, which is perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. With its balance of affordability, small-town charm, and proximity to Madison, DeForest continues to grow in popularity.Population: 10,000Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,350Median home sale price: $489,150DeForest transportation scores: Walk Score 74, Bike Score 57Apartments for rent in DeForest, WI | Houses for rent in DeForest, WI | Homes for sale in DeForest, WIMethodology: The suburbs included in this list were selected based on their overall popularity, determined by search trends and housing demand in the Madison area. Average rent and home sale price data were sourced from Redfin and Rent.com as of September 2024. Transportation data, including Walk Scores, Bike Scores, and Transit Scores, was sourced from Walk Score.