Want a shorter, simpler NYC commute without giving up a lively small-town vibe? Madison offers a walkable downtown, a staffed NJ Transit station, and a strong mix of condos and townhomes that keep maintenance low while your lifestyle stays high. In this guide, you’ll learn where commuters are buying, how long the train takes, what typical HOA fees cover, and which communities fit different needs and budgets. Let’s dive in.
Why Madison works for NYC commuters
Midtown Direct trains and timing
Madison Station sits on the Morris & Essex line with Midtown Direct service to New York Penn Station and Hoboken. Typical train times into Manhattan are commonly reported in the 50 to 65 minute range depending on the train pattern. Always check the current schedule and real-time alerts on the NJ Transit Madison Station page before you plan your day.
Parking, permits and driving
Madison Station offers resident permits and daily parking options in multiple lots. Rules, pricing, and availability can change, so confirm details on the NJ Transit station page if you plan to park. If you drive or carpool, you have quick access to Route 124 through downtown, Route 24 via nearby Florham Park, and regional links to I-287.
Walkability and downtown access
Downtown Madison is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Addresses along Main Street often score as Very Walkable on Walk Score. For example, a Main Street block shows a Walk Score around 72 with a station walk in the low-20-minute range, depending on the exact address. You can preview walk times by block using Walk Score for a Main Street address.
Road access at a glance
Route 124 is Madison’s Main Street corridor, with Route 24 and I-287 nearby for regional trips. You can read a quick overview of the borough’s layout and roads on Wikipedia’s Madison page.
Top condo and townhome options
Madison Place: luxury condo near station
Completed in 2018, Madison Place is a boutique, elevator condominium with roughly 35 residences. Features often include underground gated parking, video doorman, and single-floor living that appeals to commuters and downsizers. As of Jan 2026, listings for 2 to 3 bedroom homes commonly range from the high-$800Ks up to around $1.3M depending on size and finishes. Learn more about building features on the Madison Place official site.
What commuters like: a short walk to downtown, elevator access, modern systems, and a low-maintenance lifestyle that pairs well with weekday travel. Confirm exact walk minutes to the station for the unit you are considering.
Madison Commons: amenity townhouse community
Built primarily in the early to mid-1980s, Madison Commons is a larger townhouse neighborhood with community amenities like a pool, clubhouse, and tennis courts. Homes typically offer 2 to 3 bedrooms and an attached garage. As of Jan 2026, community summaries place many sales in roughly the $650K to $875K range, subject to market conditions and updates.
What commuters like: more interior space than many downtown condos, on-site recreation, and garage parking. Tradeoff: some addresses are a longer walk to the station, so confirm the exact location and route.
Rosewood at Madison: Main Street townhomes
Rosewood and similar Main Street clusters deliver townhome living in a highly convenient location. Many units feature 2 to 3 bedroom layouts and, in some cases, an attached garage. Historically, examples have sold in the mid-$400Ks to $600Ks depending on size and updates, with HOA fees often in the $400 to $600 per month range. As always, verify current comps and dues for the specific unit.
What commuters like: Main Street proximity and a short walk to shops and the train. Tradeoff: smaller footprints than larger townhouse complexes.
Other attached options to compare
Communities like Madison Green Village, Rolling Hill, and Westminster offer additional attached-home choices across the mid-range. Expect a mix of townhouses and garden-style condos with varying levels of amenities. These can be smart comparisons if you want more space than a downtown condo but a more moderate HOA.
Newer infill townhomes near downtown
Recent duplex and small-scale infill townhomes close to downtown, such as those on or near Belmont Ave, have advertised short walks to the station, sometimes around 9 minutes. Some are offered with minimal or no monthly maintenance fees. Confirm walk time, parking assignments, and any shared-maintenance agreements with the developer before you write an offer.
Pricing, HOA fees and financing
What attached homes cost
As of Jan 2026, attached homes in Madison range from roughly the high-$500Ks to $1.3M+ depending on location, size, and building quality. Market snapshots vary because different data sources track list prices, sold prices, and home types differently. Use recent, local MLS comps for the community and floor plan you are targeting.
Typical HOA dues
- Downtown luxury condos: often about $900 to $1,300+ per month on 2 to 3 bedroom homes in elevator buildings.
- Mid-range townhomes and older complexes: commonly about $400 to $700 per month.
These figures are ballpark as of Jan 2026. Always verify the current HOA budget, reserves, and coverage for the exact association and unit.
What HOA fees usually cover
Condo and townhome dues commonly include exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, common-area insurance, and amenity upkeep. Some buildings may include heat or hot water, while others do not. Ask for the most recent budget, reserve study, meeting minutes, and any pending or recent special assessments. Also confirm pet policies, rental rules, and move-in fees.
Financing notes for condos and pied-à-terre buyers
Some loan programs require project approval for condos. Small or older associations may not carry FHA or VA approval. If you plan to use the home as a pied-à-terre, discuss financing early with your lender and review the HOA’s occupancy and rental policies. If parking matters, verify whether the unit includes assigned spaces or if you will rely on municipal or NJ Transit lots.
Match options to your lifestyle
Young professionals
If your priority is a short walk to the train, low maintenance, and quick access to dining and fitness, downtown options like Madison Place and Main Street townhomes fit well. The higher HOA in elevator buildings often buys convenience, modern amenities, and secure parking.
Downsizers and empty nesters
One-floor or elevator living, predictable monthly costs, and easy parking often top the list. Madison Place’s elevator access and locked entry appeal to many downsizers. Review the HOA’s reserves and long-term maintenance plan to ensure future costs are well covered.
Pied-à-terre and Manhattan buyers
You likely want a lock-and-leave setup close to the station with minimal upkeep. Elevator condos with secure access and assigned parking simplify weekday travel. Check HOA guest policies, rental provisions, and any restrictions on short stays.
Key tradeoffs to weigh
- Downtown condo: higher price per square foot and higher HOA, but shorter station walk and modern, maintenance-light living.
- Townhouse complex: more interior space and a moderate HOA, but often a longer walk to the train and more homeowner responsibility depending on the association.
How to shop smart in Madison
- Define your commute plan. Will you walk daily, park at the station, or split between modes during winter or late nights?
- Build an all-in budget. Factor the mortgage, taxes, HOA dues, and insurance so you compare options apples-to-apples.
- Shortlist by lifestyle. Pick two or three communities that fit your space needs, parking preferences, and walk time to the station.
- Verify the walk. Use a mapping tool or Walk Score to confirm actual minutes from the specific address.
- Review HOA documents early. Ask for the budget, reserve study, meeting minutes, rules, insurance summary, and any planned assessments.
- Confirm parking. Clarify assigned or deeded spaces, guest parking, and whether you will need a station permit. Review options on the NJ Transit station page.
- Time your tours. Visit during a weekday rush to experience real-world noise, parking, and walk patterns.
- Check today’s train schedule. Trip times vary by express vs local runs; verify current timing on NJ Transit.
Everyday lifestyle perks
Madison blends small-town warmth with easy amenities. You will find a walkable Main Street, local restaurants and coffee shops, and cultural highlights like the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on the Drew University campus. The town hosts Bottle Hill Day each year, and nearby grocery options include a Whole Foods along with independent markets and services. Madison also operates a municipal electric utility and provides public EV chargers, which is a helpful detail if you drive electric. Explore local resources on the borough’s Welcome New Residents page.
If you want low-maintenance living, a real downtown, and a reliable NYC connection, Madison’s condos and townhomes deserve a close look. When you are ready to tour or compare HOA budgets and comps side by side, reach out to Michael Gabriel for tailored guidance and on-the-ground expertise.
FAQs
How long is the train commute from Madison to NYC Penn Station?
- Typical Midtown Direct trips are commonly in the 50 to 65 minute range depending on the train pattern; always verify the day’s schedule on NJ Transit.
Is Madison Station parking available for commuters?
- Yes. Madison offers resident permits and daily parking options in multiple lots; review current rules and fees on the NJ Transit station page.
What are typical HOA fees for Madison condos or townhomes?
- As of Jan 2026, many luxury downtown condos run about $900 to $1,300+ per month, while mid-range townhomes are commonly about $400 to $700 per month; confirm details for each association.
Which Madison communities are within a short walk to the train?
- Downtown options like Madison Place and Main Street townhome clusters such as Rosewood are marketed as short walks; verify minutes from the specific address using a mapping tool.
What should I ask an HOA before I make an offer?
- Request the current budget, reserve study, recent meeting minutes, insurance summary, rules, and details on any pending assessments, move-in fees, rental policies, and parking assignments.
Are there newer townhomes with low or no HOA near downtown Madison?
- Yes. Recent duplex-style builds near downtown, including examples on or near Belmont Ave, have advertised short walks and minimal or no monthly fees; verify developer terms, parking, and any shared-maintenance agreements.
