Eagle Heights

Eagle Heights is a wonderful family oriented community with direct access to the nature tails of Lake Shore Preserve and the 80 bus which takes you to campus. Basic older construction, but for the price, lots of value. Community center with lots of programs and a preschool. School district is Shorewood Hills, one of the nicest neighborhoods in Madison.

Basic apartment with most of the utilities included in rent payment. The location is nice and so are the residents. But the house itself is not so good.

Lived in an independent rental property first year, switched to Eagle Heights for the second year. Two bedroom apt is plenty spacious for my wife and me. Good management, very helpful. A little isolated but good bus service on 80 route. Lots of kids around by overall very quiet, safe place to live. Also, rent is very reasonable and the leases end in June rather than being on the August 15 schedule that so many apartments are on.

Eagle heights was by far the most affordable option in the downtown area. It is an easy bus ride away from the business school. However, it is small and there is no dishwasher (wash/dryer is in the basement).

You won't find a better deal in terms of housing if you're looking for housing as a UW student. Great apartment layout, TONS of things included (internet, cable, heating, laundry, etc.), quiet area (I've only seen graduate students - no undergrads partying late at night) and very affordable. It comes with one assigned parking spot but you can get another for $25/month. The 80 bus (a free bus!) comes right through the area and goes everyone on campus and downtown. The 80 drives by every 7 minutes so it's super convenient. The only downside is that the apartments don't have a lot of square footage in general. The kitchens are a great size, but the living room area is pretty small.

Most of all, it's good place to live with kids. Community Center provides lots of programs for family and no need to worry about safety issue.