Sprinkman Spotlight: Verona and The Sarah + Melissa Team

There are places you move to for convenience. Others, for opportunity. And then there are places like Verona — where you find both.

Just 20 minutes southwest of Madison, Verona sits in that rare in-between: close enough to tap into the energy of downtown, yet far enough to exhale. Morning commutes feel manageable, last-minute dinner plans are easy, and coming home always feels like a reset.

We sat down with Managing Broker and Agent Sarah Deischer + Melissa Hanewicz, a team that specializes on Madison’s far west side — and holds it close to their hearts. As area residents for over 30 years, they hold the insight into why Verona is that “just right” location – where you’re connected to everything, yet not overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle – and how that balance shapes the experience of those who call it home. We invite you to take a look:

Verona Hits the Sweet Spot

Verona has a way of giving you exactly what you need. With a seamless commute to downtown’s Capitol Square, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and cultural hubs like Monroe Street or State Street, it serves as an ideal home base for those who want easy access to everything Madison offers — paired with a sense of calm. 

“Verona truly is the sweet spot,” says Sarah. “You can be anywhere you need to be within 20 minutes, but you don’t feel caught up in the rush of it all.”

Add in a wide range of home styles, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, and amenities suited to buyers at every stage, and it’s easy to see why Verona checks all the right boxes for so many.

Neighborhoods Designed for Living Well

One of Verona’s most appealing qualities is its diversity of neighborhoods, designed with livability in mind. In the more established areas, you’ll find charming starter homes — many updated and walkable to schools, parks, shops and dining. Meanwhile, newer developments showcase spacious, modern homes with open-concept layouts, expansive kitchens, and flexible living spaces.

“Many Verona neighborhoods offer larger lots, which is something buyers really value,” Melissa notes. “There’s more breathing room, which really changes how a home lives. This community was designed for people to get outside, connect, and enjoy their surroundings.”

“The Raywood neighborhood is a great example of this,” adds Sarah. It’s well-known for its generous lot sizes, a large central park, and wooded perimeter that offers both privacy and natural beauty.

A Town That Shows Up

Verona offers more than a collection of amenities — it offers a sense of connection on every corner. Weekends that begin with a walk or bike ride along the Ice Age Trail, summer afternoons at the Verona Beach swimming hole, or shifting into something louder and more spirited come fall. Because in Verona, Friday night lights belong to the Wildcats.

“It’s hard to describe until you experience it,” Sarah says with a smile. “The whole city shows up to support our student-athletes — you can feel the energy across town.”

But it goes beyond high school sports; it’s about presence. In Verona, showing up is simply part of the culture. People gather, participate, and invest in their community in ways that feel increasingly rare. 

From black-and-orange-clad crowds to relaxed backyard get-togethers, to afternoons spent shopping and sipping at local businesses along Main Street like Toot + Kate’s Wine Bar, Alice Good Coffee and The Purple Goose, Verona fosters a sense of belonging that feels both genuine and lasting.

Growth, Without Losing the Plot

With technology giant Epic Systems headquartered in Verona, the city has experienced steady growth — and with it, a renewed sense of energy. What stands out, though, isn’t just the pace of the growth, but the way it’s unfolding. New developments are expanding the housing landscape, including opportunities for larger, more rural-style homesites, while downtown continues to evolve in ways that enhance its charm without losing its roots. 

Even local Madison favorites like Ian’s Pizza are investing in the area, with a new larger location on the horizon that’s poised to become a lively gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. Still, even with these changes, Verona hasn’t lost its essence.

 “There’s an elevated feel here, but also a small-town authenticity that people really hold onto,” Sarah notes. “It’s very warm and welcoming, and still the kind of place where your local grocer, like Miller + Sons Supermarket, will carry your bags out to your car.”

Roots, Relationships, and Real Life

For Sarah, Verona isn’t just where she works — it’s where her life has taken shape. A resident for more than 30 years, she and her husband raised their children here, built lasting friendships, and created a home through every stage of life. “We came here to raise a family,” she says, “and somewhere along the way, it became so much more than that.”

Those connections still define her and continue to shape how she gives back. From PTO leadership and athletic booster clubs to her work with the Badger Prairie Needs Network, Sarah remains deeply involved, organizing neighborhood drives and supporting local seniors. “It’s important to give back to a place that’s given so much to us,” she says.

That lived experience shapes her role as Sprinkman’s Managing Broker, complemented by more than two decades in real estate, an MBA, and her Broker and Accredited Buyer’s Representative credentials. Together with Melissa — a 19-year veteran with an Economics background from UW–Madison and a strong grasp of the broader market from Madison’s west side — they offer more than expertise. They offer perspective. Because knowing a market is one thing, knowing a community is another.

What Matters Now

As the Spring 2026 market unfolds, their advice is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest.

For buyers: preparation is everything. Getting pre-approved with a trusted lender isn’t just recommended — it’s essential. For sellers: first impressions happen long before a showing.

“Your first showing is online,” Melissa emphasizes. “You need it to shine there, so people want to walk through the door. That means working with a team willing to go the extra mile with photography, staging and virtual staging, plus that has access to top-tier resources. It’s about creating a moment that draws people in.” 

And for those considering a move to Verona, their advice is simple: “Call us.”

Because in Verona, finding the right home is about more than real estate — it’s about discovering a lifestyle that feels balanced, connected, and truly your own.

Finding the right home – or the right buyer – starts with finding the right agent. Someone who knows the market, but also understands you. At Sprinkman Real Estate, we believe the best fit goes beyond expertise; it’s about connection, trust, and genuine local insight. Ready to find your match? Let’s start the conversation and make your next move feel like coming home.