One of Madison’s most desirable neighborhoods – and for good reason. The Isthmus describes this neighborhood as the “Soul of Madison.” Situated on the end of the isthmus, the boundaries for the neighborhood are E. Washington, south to Lake Monona, Starkweather on the east side (most folks think of the border as Olbrich park). On the west side, the borders are a bit less clear. Officially the border is 1st Ave, and Division street – functionally however the border is the Yahara river.

The neighborhood is home to some of Madison’s most famous and best loved restaurants (Tex Tubbs, Monties, Stalzy’s Deli) bars, (One Barrel Brewing, Harmony, Next Door Brewing, Alchemy, the Ohio Tavern) coffee shops, chocolateries, performance venues, churches, shops, artists and more. The Goodman Community center is in almost the exact geographic and cultural center of the neighborhood – it provides social services, gym space, meeting space, art galleries, after school programs, and many other forms of outreach to the community.

Homes in the neighborhood are generally about 100 years old, having been built for blue collar workers – most of whom worked in the factories on the isthmus. Accordingly the lots are smaller and the homes are closer together than you will find in most other Madison neighborhoods. It is almost unheard of to find a home for less than $150,000, and some places on the lake sell for $1,000,000 and more. Typically $250,000 is going to get you a solid home in the neighborhood, though it may not have a garage – and prices are on the rise. All the usual caveats about condition apply.

Today, Schenk-Atwood draws an eclectic blend of young professionals, artists, aging hippies, young families, and a significant number of LGBT folks – lending the neighborhood its unofficial name “Dyke Heights.” The feeling in the neighborhood is progressive, young, hip, and mature.