Nakoma, Madison: A Historic Near-West-Side Neighborhood

by John Reuter

NeighborhoodMadison2026

Nakoma, Madison: A Historic Near-West-Side Neighborhood

Planned in 1915, full of Tudor Revival character, and tucked against the Arboretum and Lake Wingra.

By John Reuter, Broker/Owner, Integrity Homes · Published June 11, 2026 · Updated June 11, 2026

Nakoma historic neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin

What is the Nakoma neighborhood in Madison known for?

Nakoma is one of Madison's most prestigious historic neighborhoods, platted in 1915 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is known for nearly 500 period homes, especially Tudor Revivals, set along curving tree-lined streets beside the UW Arboretum and Lake Wingra. Homes here typically sell well above the citywide median.

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If you love older Madison neighborhoods with real architecture and a story behind them, Nakoma is the one people fall for. It was designed as a neighborhood, not just platted as lots, and a century later that intention still shows on every winding, canopied street.

A neighborhood designed in 1915

Nakoma was platted in 1915 after the Madison Realty Company bought up farmland on the near west side. Rather than the standard city grid, the developers brought in landscape architects to lay out gently curving, tree-lined streets that follow the land. That deliberate design is a big reason the neighborhood still feels distinct today. The oldest building in the area, the Old Spring Tavern at 3706 Nakoma Road, dates to 1854 and predates the neighborhood itself, a remnant of the old Madison-to-Monroe stage road.

The homes and architecture

This is the heart of Nakoma's appeal. The neighborhood holds nearly 500 historic homes, and about 115 of them are Tudor Revivals, the storybook style most people picture when they think of Nakoma. You will also find Colonial Revival, Prairie School, Craftsman, French Provincial, and 1920s bungalows, often with original woodwork, leaded glass, and mature landscaping. These are character homes, not new construction, and because demand is steady and supply is limited, they command a premium. [John: add the current Nakoma price range and number of active listings from the MLS.]

The setting: Arboretum, Lake Wingra, and green space

Few Madison neighborhoods are this close to nature. Nakoma sits right against the UW Arboretum, with its miles of trails, and a short walk or ride from Lake Wingra, where you will find a beach, a boathouse, and quiet paddling. An adjacent golf course and the neighborhood's own parks round out an unusually green, outdoor-friendly setting for being this close to the city.

Monroe Street and getting around

Just off the edge of Nakoma runs Monroe Street, one of Madison's favorite walkable corridors for coffee, restaurants, and local shops. From here it is roughly 10 to 15 minutes to downtown and the UW campus, with quick access to the west side. You get a quiet, residential pocket with real amenities a few minutes away on foot.

The market right now

Madison overall is an extreme seller's market in June 2026, with a $447,500 citywide median and homes going under contract in about 6 days. Historic, in-demand neighborhoods like Nakoma feel that pressure most: inventory is limited, turnover is low, and a well-kept home in the right style can draw strong interest quickly. For the full picture, see the current Madison market report.

Who Nakoma fits

Buyers who want genuine historic character, period architecture, and a true sense of place, and who value being steps from the Arboretum and Lake Wingra with Monroe Street nearby. If you would rather restore a 1920s Tudor than buy new construction, this is your neighborhood. Nakoma is one of many distinct pockets across the city, our Living in Madison guide covers the bigger picture.

Thinking about Nakoma?

Historic homes reward knowing what you are looking at. I can walk you through the styles, the streets, and what is actually coming available.

Call or text 608-669-4226 Living in Madison guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nakoma in Madison?

On the near west side, just off Monroe Street and beside the UW Arboretum and Lake Wingra, about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown.

Is Nakoma an expensive neighborhood?

Yes. Nakoma is one of Madison's more prestigious neighborhoods, and as an established historic district with limited inventory it typically sells well above the citywide median, which was $447,500 in June 2026.

What architectural styles are in Nakoma?

Nakoma has nearly 500 historic homes, including about 115 Tudor Revival houses, plus Colonial Revival, Prairie, Craftsman, French Provincial, and 1920s bungalow styles.

Is Nakoma a historic district?

Yes. The Nakoma Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. It was platted in 1915 with a planned, curving street layout designed by landscape architects.

What is near Nakoma?

The UW Arboretum, Lake Wingra with its beach and boathouse, an adjacent golf course, and the Monroe Street shopping and dining corridor are all close by.

Are homes in Nakoma hard to find?

Often, yes. It is an established neighborhood with limited turnover, so well-kept homes draw strong interest. Madison's overall median was about 6 days on market in June 2026.

Nakoma is a planned 1915 neighborhood on Madison's near west side, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, known for nearly 500 period homes including about 115 Tudor Revivals, all beside the UW Arboretum, Lake Wingra, and the Monroe Street corridor. In June 2026's extreme seller's market it sells well above the citywide $447,500 median.

If you want real architecture and a true sense of place close to downtown, Nakoma is one of Madison's best.

John Reuter
Integrity Homes · Madison & Dane County
Brokered by Real Broker, LLC
608-669-4226 · john@integrityhomeswi.com

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