The school website links to a marketplace targeted towards students, and while the options there are good, they are either sold out or too expensive.
Would it be a good idea to search wider on sites like apartments.com and renter?
There seems to be a lot more options there, and they seem nice too. Maybe there are more concerns with searching more generally for apartments in madison.
Security is a major issue, of course. Ideally, no home breakins, and no car windows being smashed :).
Your suggestions? Any property or companies to avoid?
There are hundreds of older buildings and houses for rent in the campus area. These are often owned by small investors and local mgt companies. Many are what we called 3 flats–three single level apts in an older building. Typically they have 2-4 bedrooms and a bit of funk. Students have rented these since the 50s. Most are either east of the Capitol (a long walk or bus ride) or south of campus. Prices are lower than the new lux apts near campus. Here’s a typical building. I lived here in the 70s. Very safe area near beach on bus line. About 2 mile walk to campus. 1037 Jenifer St #4013657, Madison, WI 53703 - Bing Real Estate
The Vilas Park neighborhood is another nice area to check out: a good mix of undergrads, grad students, and families. Tends to be quiet and very safe, and about a 20-minute walk from campus,more or less, depending on the area of campus you’re heading to.
Absolutely. I lived close to the ZOO on Vilas BITD. It was wonderful. Monroe Street had a local grocery store with everything you needed. Good healthy walk to campus.