Picture leafy streets, classic mid-century homes, and a quick 10-minute drive to downtown or campus. If you want a near-west Madison location that still feels residential and relaxed, Hill Farms might be your match. In this guide, you’ll learn how the neighborhood lives day to day, what homes and lots are like, how people get around, and what buyers and sellers should know before they make a move. Let’s dive in.
Where Hill Farms Sits
Boundaries and identity
Hill Farms sits on Madison’s near-west side, generally between Regent and Sheboygan on the north, Mineral Point Road on the south, Segoe Road on the east, and Rosa/Whitney on the west. The neighborhood association uses these city planning boundaries and keeps an active calendar and newsletter for residents. If you want a deeper history and map context, start with the association’s overview on the Hill Farms Neighborhood Association site.
A planned mid-century neighborhood
Hill Farms was created in the 1950s on former University of Wisconsin experimental farmland. It is one of the region’s most intact planned mid-century communities and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The layout reflects that era’s suburban design, with curving streets, generous lots, and a mix of ranch, raised ranch, and split-level homes.
Homes and Lots
Mid-century architecture
You’ll see low-slung ranches, raised ranch and split-level homes, and other Modern Movement styles. Many feature brick or wood exteriors, large windows, and simple, horizontal lines that bring in natural light. A handful of architect-designed homes are sprinkled in, and you will also find later renovations and tasteful infill.
Typical lot and house sizes
Lots were planned at suburban scales, with many original single-family parcels around 8,000 square feet or larger. Today, on-the-ground listings commonly show lots in the 0.20 to 0.30 acre range. Living areas often run from about 1,200 to 2,800 square feet, and renovated homes can go larger. Many properties have updated kitchens and baths while keeping mid-century character.
Covenants and zoning notes
When lots were first sold, design covenants guided the look and siting of homes. Some properties may still have recorded covenants, so it is smart to verify them during due diligence. Zoning in much of the neighborhood aligns with suburban single-family districts that historically required an 8,000 square foot minimum lot. The City’s Housing Forward work has proposed changes that may adjust lot area rules, so check the latest details on the city’s Housing Forward proposals before planning any lot divisions or additions.
Daily Life and Amenities
Parks and outdoors
Hill Farms has access to two standout parks. The largest, Garner Park, spans roughly 42 acres with tennis and dedicated pickleball courts, multipurpose fields, trails, a scenic overlook, and an award-winning shelter. It also hosts community events like Opera in the Park. Get the latest amenities and event info from Madison Parks’ Garner Park page. Nearby Rennebohm Park offers tennis, a community garden, and a recently rebuilt accessible playground and sprayground.
Hill Farm Swim Club
The Hill Farm Swim Club is a private, membership-based club near the neighborhood’s edge and a summer fixture for many residents. It participates in the citywide All-City Swim & Dive league. Learn about the league and participating pools on the All-City Swim & Dive site. Membership or guest access is required.
Hilldale shopping and dining
Just next door, Hilldale Shopping Center is an open-air hub for errands and meetups. You’ll find an anchor grocer, apparel, fitness, and a mix of local and national dining spots. Hilldale also hosts seasonal events, making it a convenient social anchor. Explore stores and happenings at Hilldale’s website.
Schools and community life
Many households appreciate the simple daily rhythm of walking or biking to the shared campus for Van Hise Elementary and Velma Hamilton Middle School, with students typically continuing on to Madison West High School. For an official school profile, see the NCES page for Van Hise Elementary. Always verify current attendance boundaries with the district. The neighborhood association runs seasonal traditions, including a July 4 parade and picnic, Halloween activities, a neighborhood garage sale, and winter visits from Santa. If you want to get involved or stay informed, visit the association’s membership page.
Getting Around
Drive times and access
Downtown Madison, the UW campus, and UW Health facilities sit about 3 to 4 miles east. Off-peak trips to campus or the Capitol Square are often around 10 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The Beltline is close via Whitney Way or Mineral Point Road for regional commutes.
Transit and BRT
Madison is rolling out Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), with Rapid Route A serving the east–west corridor and stations along the Hill Farms and Hilldale area. A future north–south Rapid Route B is in development. This means more frequent, all-day service and easy access to destinations without a car. Check the latest routes and stop locations on the city’s BRT information page.
Biking and walking
The neighborhood is widely viewed as bike-friendly, with riders using city bike lanes and nearby paths for short errands, trips to school, and rides to Hilldale and adjacent districts. Flat routes and local connections make it practical to leave the car at home for daily tasks.
Market Snapshot
What homes cost
As of late 2025, some consumer market summaries reported a median sale price in Hill Farms of about $634,500, with homes often moving quickly. Smaller or less-updated properties may list in the mid-400s, while larger or fully remodeled homes can command higher prices. Lot size, level of renovation, and proximity to parks or Hilldale all influence value.
Buyer and seller tips
- Many mid-century homes benefit from updates to kitchens, baths, windows, insulation, and mechanicals. Sellers who address these items often capture a premium.
- Tax bills vary by parcel, and recent listings in the area commonly show annual taxes in the several-thousand-dollar range. Get the actual bill for any address you are considering.
- If a property mentions covenants or design controls, review documents during your inspection window so you know what is allowed.
- Planning a garage or addition? Confirm current zoning and any relevant Housing Forward changes with the city before you buy.
- The Hill Farm Swim Club is private and the neighborhood association is optional. If these are important to your lifestyle, confirm membership options and event schedules.
Quick Buyer Checklist
- Review the property’s recorded covenants, if any, and ask about any architectural controls.
- Confirm lot size and potential for additions with current city zoning and the latest Housing Forward guidance.
- Evaluate age and condition of roof, windows, HVAC, and insulation, plus any lower-level finishes.
- Pull the current tax bill and estimate utilities based on home size and mechanicals.
- Verify current school attendance areas with the district, even if a previous listing mentioned them.
- Map your daily routes to Hilldale, parks, and BRT stops to test convenience.
- Ask about neighborhood association events and whether the seller has Hill Farm Swim Club membership information.
Is Hill Farms a Fit for You?
If you want a near-west location with parks, quick commutes, and mid-century style, Hill Farms delivers an easy daily rhythm and strong long-term appeal. Whether you are eyeing a modest ranch to renovate or a thoughtfully updated home, smart preparation can help you win the right property and protect value over time. If you are selling, presentation and targeted updates can make a real difference in your net.
Ready to tour homes or plan a design-led sale? Reach out to Husky Homes for neighborhood-savvy guidance, accredited staging, and Compass-enabled marketing that puts your goals first.
FAQs
What types of homes are common in Hill Farms?
- Mostly mid-century ranch, raised ranch, and split-level homes with simple lines, large windows, and brick or wood exteriors. Some architect-designed homes and tasteful infill also appear.
How big are typical lots in Hill Farms?
- Many original lots were planned around 8,000 square feet or more, and current listings often show lots in the 0.20 to 0.30 acre range.
How long is the commute from Hill Farms to downtown or UW?
- Downtown and the UW campus are roughly 3 to 4 miles away, with off-peak drives often around 10 minutes, depending on traffic and route.
What parks and recreation are nearby?
- Garner Park offers tennis, dedicated pickleball courts, trails, and community events, while Rennebohm Park has tennis, a community garden, and an accessible playground and sprayground.
Is there a neighborhood pool or HOA in Hill Farms?
- Hill Farm Swim Club is a private, membership-based pool; the neighborhood association is optional and hosts seasonal events and newsletters.
What price range should I expect for a home in Hill Farms?
- Recent summaries show a median around $634,500 as of late 2025, with smaller or less-updated homes starting in the mid-400s and larger, renovated properties selling higher.
Are there historic or design restrictions on renovations?
- The area is listed on the National Register and some parcels may have recorded covenants. Always verify any restrictions and consult current city zoning before planning changes.
