I nominate downtown Middleton, WI for the great neighborhoods category. While new neighborhoods are being built in the traditional-style, downtown Middleton embodies all of the characteristics of a traditional neighborhood in an area that has been developed for, in some cases, almost 100 years. Downtown Middleton is easily accessible by foot (with easy sidewalk connections and pedestrian-activated walk signals); by bike via multiple trail routes, by road, by Metro bus, and even by rail. The downtown is laid out in a grid pattern to make it easy to understand and get around. In addition, there are way finding signs directing visitors and residents to various downtown amenities, including the historic train depot, the Historical Society Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, the Post Office, and the Library. The National Mustard Museum also occupies a corner of downtown Middleton and a farmer’s market operates in the downtown on Tuesday nights.
The downtown is a vibrant gathering place with a good mix of residents and tourists given the hundreds of hotel rooms within easy walking distance.