Living in Madison, AL – Your Home Search Guide

Countdown to an incredible life in Madison, Alabama – a true gem that’ll capture your heart and soul! Madison exudes an irresistible Southern charm and all the warmth and hospitality you could ever dream of. In fact, according to Niche.com, Madison has proudly earned the title of the best place to live in all of Alabama partly because of its friendly people.

So, grab a glass of sweet tea, head to the front porch, and allow us to be your trusty guide as we explore the perks of moving to Madison. Discover why Madison is the epitome of southern comfort and the perfect place to call home.

Where is Madison, AL?

If you’ve been paying attention to lists of great places to live, you’ve likely heard that Huntsville, Alabama, is the best place to live in the nation by some sources. So it should be no surprise that Madison is actually a Huntsville suburb.

Located about ten miles west along I-565 from downtown Huntsville, Madison is a northern Alabama residential town. Most of the city limits are inside Madison County, although some westward portions may be in neighboring Limestone County. This may matter to you for property taxes and school districts.

Is Madison, AL growing?

The US Census estimated Madison had around 56,000 residents in 2020. It was the fastest-growing city in Alabama, having expanded by 33% since 2010, and its 10th largest. Approximately 1.1 million people live within a 50-mile radius of the town.

What are some of the perks of living in Madison, AL?

Niche.com gave Madison an “A+” grade and put it at the top of places to live in Alabama. It was the best suburb and the best place to raise a family. Other evaluators put it in the “top 10 places to grow up.” Residents comment they don’t feel like they are living in Alabama because of the great schools, independent businesses, and growing dining scene with craft breweries.

Even though it’s a large town, or maybe generously a small city, Madison is a true economic powerhouse thanks to the nearby Redstone Arsenal military base and NASA’s flight center. There is a robust technology and aerospace sector based around Madison. That’s why the whole region is part of “Rocket City.” Many residents do commute to Huntsville for work at the center or one of the many biotechnology and research firms based in the area.

Another aspect residents appreciate is the strong emphasis on quality education. Madison is home to top-rated schools renowned for their academic excellence and commitment to student success. This makes it an ideal location for families looking to provide their children with a high-quality education.

If you like to browse the latest fashions or just have a day out on the town, Bridge Street Town Center is an outdoor shopping center with name-brand retailers, restaurants, and some entertainment options. Or, stroll through the charming historic downtown, where you’ll find locally-owned shops, boutiques, restaurants, and occasional community events.

Families also love how Madison has so many amenities to keep them busy. There’s a 38,000-square-foot skate park, a laser tag arena, and even a minor league baseball stadium based at Toyota Field.

Madison has a wonderfully temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60F. January has an average of 39F, while July’s average is 79F. One thing Madison does get a lot of is rainfall, which averages 56 inches each year. But all that rain is good news for your lawn.

What is the cost of living in Madison, AL?

Alabama has a reputation as a low-cost state, but we are looking at an area considered the best place to live in the United States. That demand pushes up your cost of living. On Sperling’s Best Places Index, Madison may be less than the national average, but it is about 14% more expensive to live here than other Alabama cities.

The good news is that while your housing is about 43% more than what you would pay elsewhere in the state, it aligns with the national average. Healthcare spending is about 23% more expensive, but it’s also more costly across Alabama. The rest of your spending categories are either less than the national average or right in line with what you would expect to pay in Alabama. Overall, you’ll realize cost savings in transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses.

So can you afford to live here with your work? Madison does have a higher median household income, at $99,188 as of 2020. But according to MIT’s cost of living analysis, a family of four with one adult working and two children would only need around $65,133 after taxes to meet their basic needs.

What is real estate like in Madison, AL?

Madison is an independent city with commercial centers, infrastructure, and amenities but remains a highly residential community. As real estate markets can change, speaking with a local real estate expert is a good idea to get the latest on Madison real estate. However, using May 2023 as a snapshot, Madison had a median list price of $380,000 with 617 listings. This figure was a 3.1% increase over the prior year, placing the median price per square foot at $169.

Because of Madison’s phenomenal growth in recent years, generally, the market is newer construction real estate. There’s a predominance of master-planned subdivisions with homeowner associations governing their amenities and look.

Great Places to Live in Madison, AL

Edgewater

This planned neighborhood of 11 subdivisions was built around the 140-acre Lady Ann Lake in western Madison. It does have a homeowner’s association and covenants.

The perks of living in Edgewood include a spring-fed lake that has a boat ramp and walking paths for accessibility. Clubhouses, pools with lake views, tennis courts, playgrounds, a fitness room, and video security exist.

The location is another advantage. Residents can be at the Research Park, Redstone Arsenal, Bridge Street Town Center, or the airport in less than 20 minutes’ drive on a good day.

Edgewater does present many housing options, including an apartment complex and single-family homes. Each of its communities emphasizes nature, with winding streets, quiet cul-de-sac communities, and many sidewalks. Check out the Lake Shore or Remington Place subdivisions if you want to live near the waterfront. Some Lost Tree Point homes also have frontage along Lady Ann Lake. If you value your privacy, Moreland Shores is a gated community with some protected wetlands around the perimeter.

Heritage Plantation

Another master-planned community, Heritage Plantation, divides into seven distinct neighborhoods with various home styles and lot sizes.

Among Heritage Plantation’s amenities are a private clubhouse, an Olympic-sized lap pool, a second pool with a cabana, and sports courts. Three playgrounds provide room for the kids to burn their energy. The walking trails wind around the seven stocked fishing lakes and 100 acres of common spaces.

Some homesites in Heritage Plantation are as large as six acres. In sum, there are about 600 homes.

Westhaven Manor

If you prize being near urban conveniences like hospitals, shopping districts, and quality schools, explore Westhaven Manor. This neighborhood is part of the James Clemens School zone. It is easily drivable to Town Madison, MidCity, and Madison Hospital.

Valor Communities built the homes with 4 to 6 bedrooms and up to 5,600 sq ft. The properties often have 2 to 3-car garages and upscale interiors.

Bridgemill

Another Valor Community with a great location to downtown Huntsville, Bridgemill is a new home community with floorplans up to 4,770 sq ft. Most of these homes have three-car garages and up to six bedrooms.

Bridgemill is adjacent to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, so some properties have tranquil and peaceful backyards that will never be developed. Bridgemill has a prime location near the airport, Town Madison, and the baseball stadium.

Clift’s Cove/Clift Heights

This unique community feels a world apart, surrounded by wooded rolling hills and the Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve. Inside the community are four lakes with adjacent picnic areas that add to the tranquil vibe.

The community was purposely planned to provide that feeling of escape from the hustle of Greater Huntsville. It includes tree-lined boulevards and a meticulous landscape. The Clift House is the epicenter of the neighborhood’s social life, with a children’s pool, a larger swimming pool, a playground, and tennis courts. The clubhouse hits proudly on top of a hill with stunning Tennessee River Valley views. The fitness center is accessible 24/7.

Homes sit on estate-sized lots. Clift’s Cove and Clift Heights have separate entrances but enjoy similar amenities. The heights section is on Rainbow Mountain’s crest.

Dublin Farms

If you like the craftsman style but want new construction, check out Dublin Farms. This community draws on that architectural movement but uses modern upgrades that make new construction appealing.

Dublin Farms has easy access to I-565, with Research Park about 15 minutes drive away, depending on traffic. Palmer Park is the closest green space for getting outdoors and enjoying summer recreation.

The neighborhood has around 98 homesites and an active HOA association that puts on community events.

The Estates at Rivers Landing

The Estates at Rivers Landing is another large master-planned community set amongst Madison’s nature preserves. It is divided into four distinct communities that include townhomes and single-family brick homes.

Community perks include multiple clubhouses, sports courts, a resort-style pool, a children’s clubhouse, a playground, and a fitness center. The main clubhouse is right on River Landings Boulevard for easy access. The swimming pool behind the clubhouse has a zero-entry and a mushroom waterfall. Its Children’s Clubhouse is fun for the little ones to play and be creative. Rooms can be reserved for private parties.

Outside the neighborhood, you will find Indian Creek, the Fanning Nature Preserve, and the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. It’s also convenient to the Sunset Landing Golf Course, formerly Jetport Municipal Golf Course.

Town Madison

Town Madison may appeal to you if you’re looking for a walkable urban community. Neither the downtown area nor a reference to the city, it is a distinct 563-acre community that aims to blend entertainment, dining, and shopping with connected living.

New urbanist planner Andres Duany designed Town Madison as four districts. Every area is intended to encourage connections and create a small neighborhood feel. The layouts thoughtfully incorporate green spaces and walking trails that lead to the recreation and dining amenities of the community. For instance, plans to connect to the Singing River Trail, a 200-mile Greenway system spanning north Alabama.

Outside Town Madison, residents are near Toyota Field, Westgate Park, and the Sunset Landing Golf Course.

The residential sections are called The Heights and The Commons. Housing options include townhomes, condominiums, and single-family homes.

What is near Madison, AL?

As mentioned, Madison is part of the greater Huntsville area metro. This means you can access Huntsville’s active downtown with its restaurants and event schedule. You can also check out the US Space and Rocket Center, which highlights the history of space exploration and has authentic pieces of NASA’s history, such as a Saturn V rocket.

If you’re a golf enthusiast, several golf courses are part of the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Hampton Cove Golf Course and The Ledges are two popular courses nearby.

Monte Sano State Park is a scenic park with hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, and breathtaking views from the mountaintop. It’s a popular Huntsville park for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

Situated along the Tennessee River, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is known for its diverse wildlife and bird-watching opportunities. It provides habitats for migratory birds which you can spot from the trails and observation points. Learn about the local wildlife at its educational programs.

Get a peak at early 19-th century Alabama at Alabama Constitution Village is a living history museum. It runs guided tours and exhibits depicting life during that period.

Is there golfing in Madison, AL?

Unfortunately, Madison has no golf courses inside the city limits, but that does not mean you are out of luck. Huntsville actually has some great options in the metro, and some are next door to Madison. After all, you have the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, where you can explore 11 championship courses designed by this famous architect.

Probably the closest golf course is the Redstone Arsenal Golf Course, located on the military base. It is a public golf course, but you may need to make a reservation ahead of time and present identification to get on the military base.

Another option is the Hampton Cove Golf Course in Owens Cross Roads. Here you can pick from three different championship courses: the Highlands, the River, and the Short. Combined, they have 54 holes of play.

Moving to Madison, AL

Are you ready to take off for Madison? It’s a city that truly combines the best of Southern charm with modern opportunities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle. Explore more of Madison’s great neighborhoods with a local real estate expert.