Cambridge

If you are considering a move to Cambridge, Wisconsin, you are exploring one of the most charming, artistic, and naturally beautiful small towns in Dane and Jefferson Counties. Located east of Madison, Cambridge is known for its historic main street, strong arts community, scenic landscapes, and peaceful lakeside living near Lake Ripley. It is a town where people enjoy slow mornings at local coffee shops, where artists and makers display their work in small galleries, and where outdoor enthusiasts take full advantage of surrounding parks, lakes, and trails.

Cambridge attracts home buyers looking for quiet living with convenient access to Madison and neighboring communities. The area is full of character, featuring historic homes, cozy neighborhoods, and lakefront properties. Whether you are moving for outdoor recreation, affordability, or the small town charm, Cambridge provides a warm and welcoming environment with a close knit community feel.

Here are the five things every home buyer wants to know before moving to Cambridge, WI:

1. Lifestyle and Local Vibe

Cambridge is known for its artistic spirit, small town friendliness, and beautiful natural surroundings. It offers a peaceful pace of life while still providing easy access to larger cities.

Who lives in Cambridge

The community appeals to a variety of residents, including:

• Families looking for quiet neighborhoods and strong schools

• Professionals who work in Madison or nearby communities

• Retirees who appreciate lakeside living and small town charm

• Artists, makers, and creative professionals drawn to the local arts culture

• Outdoor enthusiasts who love the trails, lake, and parks

• First time buyers seeking value and community connection

Cambridge feels welcoming to all ages and backgrounds.

A creative small town with scenic beauty

Residents enjoy:

• A historic main street with shops, galleries, and cafes

• Close proximity to Lake Ripley for recreation and relaxation

• Local businesses that add character and charm

• Well kept neighborhoods and peaceful streets

• A proud arts community with regular events and workshops

The town blends creativity, nature, and comfort in a unique and enjoyable way.

Community events and local traditions

Cambridge hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including:

• Cambridge Pottery Festival

• Lake Ripley festivities and water activities

• Holiday markets and seasonal celebrations

• Summer concerts and music events

• Local artists’ tours and exhibitions

• Community runs and outdoor events

These gather residents together and celebrate the creativity and beauty of the area.

A peaceful and connected lifestyle

Life in Cambridge feels calm and centered around community, nature, and local traditions. Residents enjoy friendly neighbors, quiet evenings, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

2. Schools & Education
Cambridge offers local educational opportunities through the Cambridge School District, along with private and alternative options nearby and convenient access to higher-education institutions in the region. Families moving to Cambridge often value having a full range of academic programs and supportive community involvement in schools.

Public Schools
The Cambridge School District serves students from early childhood through high school and is organized to support a connected PK–12 learning environment with focused attention due to its smaller size. The district has shown recent improvement on the state report card and continues to develop programs that support student growth and achievement. 

District Overview

• Number of public schools: 4 schools serving the community from PK through grade 12. 

• Enrollment (2024–25): Approximately 907–912 students across the district.

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 district-wide. 

Programs and Opportunities
Cambridge School District provides a range of academic and enrichment opportunities, such as:

• Core academic subjects with preparation for college and career pathways

• Fine arts, music, and performance opportunities

• Athletics and team sports for middle and high school students

• Student clubs and leadership activities

Recent publicly available district-level data:

• Overall District Rating (2024–25): Exceeding Expectations with a 4-star rating on the Wisconsin state accountability report card. 

• Reading / English Language Arts Proficiency (district average): ~ 41 % proficient or above. 

• Mathematics Proficiency (district average): ~ 40 % proficient or above. 

• Science Proficiency (district average): ~ 49 % proficient or above. 

• Graduation Rate: ~ 90-94 % (High school average indicated in recent summaries). 

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1. 

• Number of Schools: 4 public schools in the district. 

Families can review curriculum options, enrollment boundaries, transportation information, and official state-reported performance data through the Cambridge School District and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Private & Charter Options
Cambridge and the surrounding region offer private and alternative schooling choices. Each school operates its own admissions process, tuition structure, and curriculum model:

Cambridge Christian School (near Cambridge)

• Private faith-based school offering core academic programming in a smaller school environment.

• Focuses on character development, personal attention, and a values-oriented curriculum.

Local Preschool & Early Childhood Options

• Area preschools and early learning centers serve children before public 4K, with programs geared toward readiness and foundational skills.

• These programs vary by curriculum and age range to meet family preferences.

Families can contact each school directly for curriculum descriptions, admissions details, and program information.

Higher Education
While Cambridge does not host a major university within the village, residents have convenient access to several higher-education institutions in the broader region:

Madison College (MATC)

• Public technical college offering certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.

• Provides transfer pathways, workforce training, adult education, and flexible scheduling.

Edgewood University

• Private four-year university with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Smaller class sizes support a more personalized academic experience.

University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison)

• Large public research university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.

• Provides access to research, cultural events, arts, and athletic resources.

Regional Technical & Community College Options

• Additional nearby institutions offer trade, workforce, certificate, continuing-education, and adult learner programs.

• Supports non-traditional students and career advancement opportunities.

These institutions contribute to the region’s educational resources, workforce preparation, and community engagement.

How Education Influences Real Estate
Education options are an important factor for many homebuyers, and proximity to schools or learning resources can shape how people consider neighborhoods in Cambridge due to:

• A smaller, community-oriented public school district with a district rating that has improved over time

• Proficiency results and graduation outcomes that align with local expectations for academic quality

• A range of academic, arts, athletics, and enrichment programs across grade levels

• Availability of private and early childhood instructional options nearby

• Convenient access to higher-education institutions such as Madison College, Edgewood University, and UW–Madison
  
  

3. Real Estate Market and Home Styles

Cambridge offers a charming mix of historic housing, lake homes, rural properties, and newer subdivisions. Buyers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings.

Home styles you can expect

Typical home types include:

• Historic homes with character near downtown

• Traditional two story homes

• Ranch style homes popular for simplicity and accessibility

• Lake Ripley homes and cottages

• New construction in growing neighborhoods

• Rural properties with acreage for privacy

• Condos and townhomes for low maintenance living

Cambridge provides a pleasant variety of housing options.

Price ranges

Typical price ranges include:

• Condos and townhomes: $225,000 to $350,000

• Single family homes: $275,000 to $550,000

• New construction: $450,000 to $700,000

• Lake Ripley homes: $600,000 to over $1,200,000 depending on location and frontage

These ranges reflect strong demand for lake properties and historic charm.

Is it a buyers market or a sellers market?

Cambridge generally leans toward a seller favored market for homes under $500,000 due to limited inventory and consistent demand. Lake and luxury properties vary depending on features, size, and views.

Popular neighborhoods

Well known residential areas include:

• Historic Downtown District

• Neighborhoods surrounding Lake Ripley

• Cambridge Heights subdivision

• Newer communities on the north and east sides

• Rural countryside homes around the village limits

Each area offers its own unique appeal.

4. Commute and Connectivity

Cambridge offers convenient access to Madison, Fort Atkinson, and surrounding areas while maintaining a peaceful, small town environment.

Driving times

Typical commute times include:

• Cambridge to Madison (east side): approximately 20 to 25 minutes

• Cambridge to Madison (downtown): approximately 25 to 35 minutes

• Cambridge to Sun Prairie: approximately 25 to 30 minutes

• Cambridge to Fort Atkinson: approximately 12 to 18 minutes

• Cambridge to Janesville: approximately 30 to 40 minutes

Its location makes it ideal for commuters who want small town living with city convenience.

Main routes

Cambridge is easily accessible using:

• Highway 12

• Highway 134

• County Highway B

• Nearby access to Interstate 94

Travel around Dane and Jefferson Counties is simple and direct.

Public transit and biking

While Cambridge does not have local public transit, residents benefit from:

• Close access to regional commuting routes

• Bike trails and recreational paths

• Walkable downtown and local pathways

Daily conveniences

Residents enjoy convenient access to:

• Grocery and market options

• Coffee shops and bakeries

• Restaurants and local taverns

• Medical and dental clinics

• Fitness centers

• Parks, trails, and recreation centers

Everything needed for everyday living is nearby or within a short drive.

5. Things To Do and Local Hot Spots

Cambridge offers a mix of outdoor recreation, local dining, arts, culture, and small town entertainment.

Restaurants and cafes locals enjoy

Popular spots include:

• Cambridge Winery

• Plow Restaurant

• Cambridge Coffee House

• Local pubs and supper clubs in and around the village

Outdoor recreation and natural beauty

Cambridge is surrounded by scenic landscapes and beautiful natural areas, including:

• Lake Ripley for swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking

• Ripley Park with a beach, sports courts, and picnic areas

• CamRock Trail System for hiking, biking, and winter activities

• Local parks with playgrounds and open spaces

• Rolling countryside ideal for cycling and nature walks

Entertainment and local activities

Residents enjoy:

• Cambridge Pottery Festival

• Local art galleries and studios

• Bowman’s Apple Orchard

• Concerts, markets, and community events

• Flea markets, craft fairs, and seasonal celebrations

• Quick access to Madison’s entertainment and shopping

Hidden gems and local favorites

Local favorites include:

• Exploring CamRock Park for scenic adventure

• Enjoying a wine tasting at Cambridge Winery

• Relaxing at Lake Ripley’s beaches and piers

• Shopping the local artisan stores downtown

• Attending pottery workshops and studio tours
  
  

Key Takeaways

Cambridge is a wonderful place to call home. It offers artistic charm, natural beauty, friendly neighborhoods, and a peaceful lifestyle with convenient access to surrounding cities. With its mix of historic homes, lake properties, outdoor recreation, and community pride, Cambridge is ideal for buyers seeking comfort, creativity, and connection.

Cambridge stands out as one of the most charming and inviting small towns in Southern Wisconsin.