Madison is home to the nation's largest contiguous National Historic Landmark. In the city's downtown section, there's a 133-block area called the Madison National Historic Landmark, which was designated as such in 2006.
As the above makes clear, Madison is a historic city and has a host of historically significant buildings
Madison is home to the nation's largest contiguous National Historic Landmark. In the city's downtown section, there's a 133-block area called the Madison National Historic Landmark, which was designated as such in 2006.
As the above makes clear, Madison is a historic city and has a host of historically significant buildings. The county seat of Jefferson County in Indiana, Madison is situated on the northern bank of the Ohio River, right on the Indiana-Kentucky Border. Directly north of the city, you'll find the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge. To find the nearest major city, you're going to have to travel about 50 miles to the northeast as the crow flies, where you'll run into Cincinnati in Ohio. The city of Madison covers an area of about nine square miles. The climate is designated as humid subtropical, meaning the summers are generally hot and humid and the winters are mild to cool, but rarely grow cold. As of the census in 2010, the population of Madison is 11,967, which has stayed fairly constant over the last few decades.
There are always a number of things to think about when you move, and finding the right property is the first step of the process. Most people in Madison live in the city itself and the surrounding area, and travel times are generally fairly low when compared to the national average. Whatever your situation, it's important that you are able to demonstrate financial reliability if you want to get accepted as a new tenant by any landlord or realtor.
Plenty to Choose From
The good news is that the vacancy rate is high in Madison; it's actually well over the national average, and there's plenty of renter-occupied housing available. Of the 5,000+ homes in the city, about 35% are renter-occupied, so you shouldn't run into too much competition when looking for a new place to call home. Whatever the case, it's a good idea to begin your search as soon as you know you're leaving your current property. Don't hang around because you never know what might happen in the renting market. So, if you know your tenancy is up in two months, begin searching for somewhere now. Seriously, sooner is always better.
A Good Split
There's a good split of housing for both house hunters and apartment seekers to choose from. Rental homes in Madison are most common, with about 65% of the market made up of detached homes, most of which have three or more bedrooms. However, apartment seekers need not fear because high-rise apartments are also common. So, whether you're looking for a one bedroom apartment, a two bedroom apartment or a slightly more luxurious condo for rent, you'll certainly find something to suit you.
Other Considerations
Price-wise, you're looking at average rates for the state, so your bank balance shouldn't be stretched too far. Although, of course, this all depends upon what sort of home you're looking for. Being a historic city, there are also plenty of older homes in Madison, with over 30 percent having been built before 1939. However, more modern places are also available, again offering you the variety you might desire when you go shopping.
Madison is highly walkable, with a walk score of 85. In the historic downtown area along the Ohio River, you'll find most amenities, so this is best if you want convenience. However, there are plenty of other homes further out beyond the city, although you might well need a car if you choose to live out there.
City Center: This is where pretty much all the action is along the river. Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, you'll find lots of restaurants, including Franco's Family Restaurant and Bistro One, lots of bars, like Shooters and Tiffany's Lounge, and loads more else besides, like coffee shops, banks, retail outlets and much more.
North Madison: Here you'll find a host of larger homes, mainly detached, as well as Madison Consolidated High School.
Clifty Drive /Lanier Drive: This area is dominated by the large Clifty Falls State Park. Madison Municipal Airport is over to the west.
Madison has a long history in powerboat racing dating back to 1911, and since 1929, the Madison Regatta has been held in the city. This regatta draws in between 70,000 and 100,000 people each year over the Fourth of July weekend, while a week-long festival also surrounds the event. Of course, other water-based activities are also popular through the city, with fishing, sailing, swimming and canoeing available down the river and in the nearby area. With the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge only a few hours north of the city, there's also plenty of outdoor fun to enjoy on land as well.
Of course, it's the historic downtown area that draws in many visitors and others looking for more permanent accommodations in the city. There are plenty of historic buildings lining the north side of Main Street, with Downtown Madison being granted National Historical Status in 2006.
Travel around the central part of the city is easy enough by foot, but if you don't live centrally, it's important that you have a vehicle of some kind, particularly for longer trips beyond the city's boundaries. By road, Route 421 crosses the Ohio River from Kentucky to Indiana and cuts through the city to the north, while coming in from the west is Route 62, offering passage east and west out of town.
