The Lake Madison Chautauqua in Madison, South Dakota, was one of the first Chautauqua's in the nation. Centered around learning, visitors came to hear lectures, take classes and enjoy live entertainment. Founded in 1891, it boasted a resort-like atmosphere and brought droves of tourists to the town.
Madison retains its small town charm while moving forward with progress in education and the culture
The Lake Madison Chautauqua in Madison, South Dakota, was one of the first Chautauqua's in the nation. Centered around learning, visitors came to hear lectures, take classes and enjoy live entertainment. Founded in 1891, it boasted a resort-like atmosphere and brought droves of tourists to the town.
Madison retains its small town charm while moving forward with progress in education and the culture. Despite its diminutive size, Madison, SD, has long been considered a place of learning and art. Today, the town remains home to the oldest art council in the state, Madison Area Arts Council. The Dakota State University is also located in Madison. You'll find about 6,474 souls in Madison (according to the 2010 census) in an area that covers about 4.61 square miles. Hopefully you like water because Madison is also located right between Lake Herman and Lake Madison. Fancy some water sports?
As the site of the Dakota State University, Madison is what most people consider a "college town." Your search for apartments might take a bit of time because students generally snag up the one and two bedroom apartments for rent quickly. The demand usually exceeds the amount of available house rentals. Only about 65 percent of the homes in Madison are owner-occupied, with the rest being rentals. Unfortunately, the rentals tend to be filled with long-term renters, and the vacancy rate in the town is a dismal 3 percent. It's going to take persistence to find an apartment for rent. But you have it in you! Don't be deterred by a waiting list for apartments, and instead breathe easy and remain patient. Remember that alternatives to a rental apt do exist. You could consider moving into a mobile home, townhouse, duplex, condominium or single-family residence. Madison is your oyster!
If you don't mind renting a 1 bedroom apartment or a studio unit, you should drive or walk around Madison and look for apartment rental signs. Many private home owners will rent out in-law suites or studios within their private homes to earn extra income. They usually only advertise such apts for rent via signs, newspaper advertisements word of mouth or online at housing rental sites. Apartments for rent are hard to find, and you may have to settle for something that is not ideal until your dream home comes available.
Madison has no real discernible neighborhoods. It is just a mixture of homes and residents. Its small size makes commuting painless if you work in town. Most people have an average daily commute to work or school of less than 14 minutes; it's one of the shortest commute times of anywhere in the nation. Many people who live in Madison don't even rely on a vehicle to go to school or work. They just walk or ride a bike.
Apartment Complexes in Madison
Parkview Apartments and Townhomes: Located at 1022 NW 7th Street in Madison, Parkview Apartments and Townhomes has two and three bedroom units. There is off-street parking for residents, and plugs are available to help your vehicle start in the winter months. How nice! All utilities such as heat, water, sewer and refuse are included in the price of your rent each month. There is a laundry facility for residents, so you don't have to worry about driving somewhere to do your laundry. The apartment complex is located only blocks away from shopping, dining, parks, the local pool and schools. Brutger Property Management handles all rentals for Parkview Apartments and Townhomes. You will need to fill out an application, and be prepared for a background and credit check. Have a list of your rental history ready to present to the apartment's management when you apply.
Otml Lincoln AV Apartments: A small apartment complex, Otml Lincoln AV Apartments occasionally has units available. They are located at 1016 North Lincoln Avenue.
Washington Avenue Lofts: The current site of Washington Avenue Lofts was once the Washington Elementary School, but its been refurbished into trendy loft style apartments that boast an open floor plan. Located at 514 North Washington Avenue, there are one and two bedroom units available. Each apartment has high ceilings, windows that open, washer/dryer hookups and hardwood floors. There is also an on-site laundry facility. Water, sewer and garbage will be included in your rent. The apartments are walking distance to downtown Madison. If you like places that boast an enormous amount of history, you won't be disappointed with the Washington Avenue Lofts.
Harvest Point Apartments: Located at 511 SE 9th Street, Harvest Point Apartment has two and three bedroom units available. There is a playground for children and basketball courts for residents. Water, sewer and garbage are included. Some units are wheelchair accessible. There is also an on-site laundry facility for residents. Centrally located, you would be within walking distance of schools, shopping and dining.
You won't have any trouble learning the small town of Madison inside and out. If you would like to learn about the history of the town, and the surrounding area, head over to the Prairie Village, a living history museum. Located at Hwy 34 and Hwy 81, the museum sits about two miles outside of town. There is an operational sawmill on site and a railroad. After spending the day touring the museum, you might want to stop in for a bite to eat at Nicky's at 1407 NW 2nd Street, a favorite dining spot for locals seeking home-style dining options. If you are in the mood for a bit of live entertainment, the Dakota Prairie Playhouse and Convention Center won't disappoint. They have live theater, music and dance. Patsy Cline's melodious voice once graced their stage. Shopping won't disappoint you either. The town is well-known for its abundant antique stores, clothing boutiques and quaint shops that line its downtown area. If you seek outdoor recreation look no further than nearby Lake Herman where you can boat, fish, kayak and swim. Lake Madison is also known for its abundant bullhead, perch and walleye. The fishing runs year-round. There are two premium golf courses located in town if you feel like playing a game with family or friends. No matter what the season, there are ample things to do in Madison.
