Bay Creek Neighborhood residents find a lot to like about this central city community. Being bordered by water on three sides creates the sense of outdoor living. Some of the strongest friendships have been formed fishing Wingra Creek, hiking Turville Woods or swimming at Bernie’s Beach. There is an unusually strong sense of community with long term residents helping newcomers settle in. For example, when a new neighbor broke her leg, residents went out of their way to help with meals, pet care and housekeeping. For families of all religions, St. Mark’s serves as a community center for political forums, neighborhood meetings and Bay Creek picnics.

Bay Creek features vintage real estate from the first part of the 20th century. Take a bike or walking tour through the neighborhood and you’ll see many classic Cape Cod and bungalow style homes in addition to other mid-century designs. The houses and lots are modestly-sized, so most of the properties in the area sell for under $300,000. The real estate here also includes a healthy mix of duplexes, making this part of town a good fit for the investor seeking to own a multifamily property near Downtown Madison and the University. 

Walk outside your Bay Creek home and you’ll find many outdoor destinations awaiting you. The west end of the neighborhood offers the UW Arboretum, Wingra Creek, Lake Wingra, Vilas Park, and the Vilas Zoo. On the eastern edge of the neighborhood Olin and Turville Parks offer impressive views of Lake Monona and the city’s skyline. Goodman Park and the Goodman Pool are situated within the neighborhood’s interior, while the Wingra Bike Path and the Capital City Trail offer routes to further explore the city for many miles beyond the neighborhood.