Verona

If you are considering a move to Verona, you are exploring one of the most desirable and fastest growing communities in Dane County. Known as the "Hometown USA," Verona offers a welcoming atmosphere, top tier schools, easy access to outdoor recreation, and close proximity to one of the region’s largest employment hubs. It is a city that brings together small town friendliness with modern conveniences, beautiful neighborhoods, and an active lifestyle.

Verona has transformed over the last decade. Beautiful new neighborhoods have been built around trails, parks, and green space. Downtown Verona has continued to grow with new restaurants and cafes. Epic Systems, one of the largest employers in Wisconsin, has driven economic growth while helping keep local businesses thriving year round. The result is a community that feels vibrant, community-driven, and full of opportunity.

Whether you are relocating for work at Epic, looking for a tight knit suburban community, or hoping to settle somewhere with excellent schools and great homes, Verona has a lot to offer. Before making a move, most buyers want to understand the day to day lifestyle, the school district, the housing market, the commute, and the local spots that make Verona special.

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

1. Lifestyle and Local Vibe

Verona offers a warm, friendly small town feel with modern suburban comfort. People here tend to know their neighbors, support their local businesses, and take pride in the community. It is a place where families ride bikes together on the trails, dogs happily fill the parks, and everyone seems to show up for Friday night football or summer community festivals.

Who lives in Verona

You will find:

• Families drawn to the excellent school district 

• Epic employees who want a five to ten minute commute

• Young professionals seeking a blend of outdoor recreation and convenience

• Long term residents who appreciate the quiet charm of the city

• Retirees who enjoy easy access to parks and a slower paced lifestyle

Verona truly appeals to a wide range of people because it feels both peaceful and full of life.

A community built around outdoor recreation

Verona is one of the most active communities in Dane County. With miles of paved trails, mountain biking routes, and easy access to lakes and parks, staying active is simply part of local life.

Popular outdoor activities include:

• Biking along the Military Ridge State Trail

• Hiking in Prairie Moraine County Park

• Mountain biking at Quarry Ridge

• Golfing at University Ridge Golf Course

• Fishing and paddling on nearby lakes and rivers

If you enjoy an outdoors oriented lifestyle, Verona is a perfect fit.

Events and local culture

Verona is known for its community centered events. Favorites include:

• Verona Hometown Days which brings rides, music, and food trucks

• Concerts in the Park during summer

• Ironman Wisconsin cycling route which cuts through Verona and draws large crowds each year

• Local holiday celebrations that fill downtown with lights and activities

The city has a down to earth, welcoming vibe that makes it easy to settle in.

2. Schools & Education
Verona offers a range of educational opportunities with strong public schools, several choice and charter options, and convenient regional access to higher education. Families moving to Verona often appreciate the district’s academic performance, extracurricular programs, and community support for learning.

Public Schools
The Verona Area School District (VASD) serves students living in Verona and nearby communities and is widely regarded as one of the stronger districts in the region.

District Overview
The district includes 12 public schools serving students from early childhood through high school with a range of academic and extracurricular offerings.

• Total Students: ~ 5,794 enrolled across the district.

• Student-Teacher Ratio: ~ 14:1.

Academic and Co-Curricular Offerings
Verona Area schools provide a variety of programs typical of comprehensive K-12 education, including:

• Core academic coursework spanning early learning through high school

• Fine arts, music, theater, and band programs

• Athletics and team sports at multiple levels

• STEM integration and hands-on learning activities

• Clubs, leadership groups, and student enrichment experiences

Recent Publicly Available District-Level Data:

• Overall District Rating (2024–25): 76.6 / Exceeds Expectations on the Wisconsin DPI report card. 

• English Language Arts Proficiency (Forward Exam, district average): 61% meeting grade level (above the state average). 

• Mathematics Proficiency (Forward Exam, district average): 60.1% meeting grade level (above the state average).

• Science Proficiency (Forward Exam, district average): 55.5% meeting grade level (above the state average).

• Graduation Rate: 95% graduation rate, above the state average. 

• Number of Schools: 12 public schools serving PK-12. 

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1.

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

Private & Charter Options
In addition to traditional public schools, Verona offers several alternative educational choices for families that seek different learning environments. Each option operates its own admissions process, curriculum model, and structure:

Core Knowledge Charter School

Public charter serving elementary and middle school grades with an emphasis on a content-rich core knowledge curriculum.

• Recognized on state report cards for strong academic performance and a structured approach to learning.

New Century Charter School

Public charter focused on college preparation and global awareness.

• Consistently earns high accountability ratings on state performance metrics.

Verona Area International School

• Public school with an international curriculum emphasis and diverse student programming.

• Earned a report card rating signaling strong academic results.

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

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

Madison College (MATC)
This public technical college offers more than 190 programs including certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. Provides pathways to further education, workforce training, and flexible scheduling.

Edgewood University
Private four-year university with over 40 undergraduate majors and 25 graduate programs. Features smaller class sizes and a more personalized college 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 workforce-oriented programs that support non-traditional students, adult learners, and career advancement.

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

How Education Influences Real Estate
Education options are an important factor for many homebuyers, and proximity to schools or nearby learning resources can shape how people consider neighborhoods. In Verona, areas located near schools, parks, and community amenities often draw steady interest due to:

• Access to high-performing public schools with strong assessment outcomes

• Availability of charter and alternative programs that meet diverse student needs

• Proximity to higher-education resources in the Madison region

• Community engagement and events tied to local schools

3. Real Estate Market and Home Styles

Verona offers beautiful neighborhoods, modern developments, and a large variety of home styles. Whether you want new construction or an established subdivision, you will find great options.

Home styles you can expect

• New construction with contemporary design, large kitchens, and open layouts

• Two story homes in community-focused neighborhoods

• Ranch homes that appeal to many buyers, especially those seeking single level living

• Townhomes and condos near the downtown corridor

• Luxury homes with upgraded features, larger lots, and scenic views

• Acreage properties on the outskirts of Verona for added privacy

Verona has a mix of newer developments and older, tree lined neighborhoods. This gives buyers plenty of choices depending on their preferred style.

Price ranges

Prices vary by neighborhood and market conditions, but general ranges include:

• Condos and townhomes: approximately 260,000 to 450,000

• Single family homes: approximately 425,000 to 900,000

• New construction: approximately 550,000 to 1,000,000

• Luxury and acreage homes: often above 1,200,000

Verona is on the higher end of the Dane County market due to high demand and limited available land. The proximity to Epic also impacts pricing.

Is it a buyers market or a sellers market?

Verona typically leans toward a sellers market in the mid price ranges. Homes tend to sell quickly because of demand from families and employees of nearby businesses. New construction gives buyers additional flexibility but can come with higher price points.

Popular neighborhoods

Some of Verona’s most in demand neighborhoods include:

• Cathedral Point

• Kettle Creek

• Westridge Estates

• Hawthorne Hills

• East View Heights

• Downtown Verona area for buyers who want coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance

Each neighborhood offers its own mix of parks, trails, and home styles.

4. Commute and Connectivity

One of the biggest advantages of living in Verona is the incredible convenience of its location. Everything you need is nearby, and commuting is quick and simple.

Driving times

Typical commute times include:

• Verona to Epic Systems: approximately 5 to 10 minutes

• Verona to Downtown Madison: approximately 15 to 20 minutes

• Verona to UW Madison campus: approximately 15 to 22 minutes

• Verona to West Towne Mall area: approximately 10 to 15 minutes

• Verona to the airport: approximately 20 to 25 minutes

For many people, these commute times are a major deciding factor when choosing Verona.

Highways and main routes

Residents benefit from:

• Highway 18 and 151

• County Highway M

• Fitchrona Road

• Quick access to Beltline Highway for travel into Madison or across Dane County

Public transit and biking

Verona connects to Madison’s bike trail network through the Military Ridge State Trail. This makes biking into Madison possible and enjoyable for many residents.

Bus routes are available between Verona and Madison, with continued improvements expected as the area grows.

Daily conveniences

Verona provides all the essentials close by:

• Grocery stores such as Miller and Sons, Target, and Aldi

• UW Health and SSM Health clinics

• Pharmacies, dental offices, and specialty care

• Coffee shops, restaurants, and fitness centers

• Local boutiques and services in the downtown district
  
  

Errands are quick and simple because everything is concentrated within a short drive.

5. Things To Do and Local Hot Spots

Verona is known for its outdoor recreation, community-oriented activities, and emerging dining scene. Whether you enjoy exploring trails, trying new restaurants, or attending community events, there is always something happening.

Restaurants and cafes locals love

A few favorites include:

• Sugar River Pizza for specialty pizzas

• Hop Haus Brewing Company Verona for craft beer

• The Sow’s Ear which is a cozy cafe and yarn shop

• Avantis Italian Restaurant

• ZuZu Cafe in nearby Madison which many Verona residents visit

• Culver’s, which is a local staple

Newer restaurants continue to arrive as downtown Verona expands.

Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation

Verona is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular spots include:

• Military Ridge State Trail perfect for biking, jogging, and walking

• Prairie Moraine County Park which has one of the best dog parks in the region

• Badger Prairie County Park with open fields and scenic landscapes

• Quarry Ridge Mountain Bike Trail for biking challenges

• Reddan Soccer Park which hosts tournaments and events

Lake access is nearby and plenty of nature areas surround the city.

Entertainment and activities

• Verona Hometown Days with rides, games, and entertainment

• Local concerts at city parks

• Epic campus tours which are surprisingly popular with visitors

• Youth sports leagues with strong community participation

• Nearby golfing at University Ridge which hosts professional events

Hidden gems and insider tips

• Enjoy a quiet evening walk along the Ice Age Trail segment that passes near Verona.

• Visit Tuvalu Coffeehouse for a warm, local atmosphere.

• Stop by Fitchrona Road restaurants just outside Verona for even more dining options.

• Watch the Ironman bike leg from one of the cheering zones in Verona.

These experiences give Verona its unique charm.

Key Takeaways

Verona is an outstanding place to live. It offers top tier schools, beautiful homes, quick access to Madison, and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle. It is peaceful yet active, community-oriented yet still appealing to young professionals and retirees. With strong community pride and continued growth, Verona is one of the most sought after suburbs in the region.

It is a place where life feels easy, connected, and full of opportunity.