Madison is a college town, so it’s not surprising that every year thousands of renters find themselves combing the listings for cheap apartments near the UW campus. Increasingly, though, college-aged renters in Madison have more plush options at their disposal. Over the past 10 years, luxury apartment complexes aimed at college students have become more and more prevalent, starting with the construction of The Lucky and continuing to summer 2017’s opening of The James. If you’re looking for in-building exercise facilities, screening rooms, and even sound-proof study rooms, there are a number of properties that fit your needs… if not your budget.
For all that, one amenity is still confined to a select few properties: the rooftop pool. You might not be able to use it after August, and it might be June before it’s warm enough to take a dip, but a rooftop pool can be the centerpiece to a beautiful summer in Madison. So whether you’re in the market for a suntan or you just like to see how the other half lives, here are four Madison apartment complexes with rooftop pools.
- The Hub
You probably know about the Hub. You might have even gone to a party there. When The Hub opened in 2015, it was instantly the most luxurious student housing on State Street, boasting an in-house spa, a volleyball court, and tons of other amenities not usually associated with student housing. The rooftop infinity pool is particularly spectacular, offering great views of Lake Mendota. - The Waterfront Apartments
The Waterfront is in prime position for fun-loving college students, situated mere feet from both Lake Mendota and Langdon Street. The apartments — which range from studios to five-bedroom layouts — come with access to a fitness center, pontoon boat tours, dry-cleaning services, and a private pier, in case you’re expecting waterbound guests. But if you’d rather stick to chlorinated water, the rooftop pool is a great way to catch some rays.
- The James
This brand new building on Gorham just started leasing in summer 2017. The amenities are top notch: a meditation garden, in-house yoga studio, a fully equipped exercise center. Plus, the rooftop pool isn’t flying solo: There’s also a rooftop hot tub.
- The Lux
With granite countertops, hardwood floors, and in-unit laundry, the interiors at The Lux are top-notch. But it’s the exterior spaces that truly set this building apart. Every single unit has an outdoor patio, and if that’s not enough fresh air for you, the rooftop pool has great views of both the lake and the Capitol. Plus, there’s a gas fire pit up there, so you won’t get chilly.
