skip to main content

Madison Community

On this page:

Quality of Life

A vibrant, picturesque city of 221,000, Madison is the Wisconsin state capital and the home of the University of Wisconsin. Madison boasts many big-city amenities, but is only 20 minutes from the countryside. The city consistently ranks as one of the best places in the country to live, work and play. A sampling of our ratings:

  • Madison Ranked One Of 100 Best Places to Live in America Money, August 2006;
  • Madison Named Most Romantic U.S. City USAWeekend.com, February 2006;
  • Madison Ranked The 4th "Brainiest City" in the Nation American City Business Journals Inc., Spring 2005;
  • #1 City for Cycling (Population 200,000-500,000) Bicycling, March 2006;
  • Madison's Public Schools Rank #8 in Nation Expansion Management Magazine, May, 2006

Recreation

Paddle, sail, sailboard, swim, or fish on one of Madison's four lakes. Or visit the UW Arboretum, a favorite of runners, hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers.

Culture

Enjoy world-class theater, dance, and concerts at The Overture Center, a state-of-the-art performing arts complex in downtown Madison. Madison also has a lively local music scene, numerous eclectic restaurants, and an energetic intellectual and political climate. Many distinct neighborhoods contribute to the city's unique character.

Sports

State residents take great pride in the Wisconsin Badgers, winners of the 1994, 1999 and 2000 Rose Bowls and of the 2002 and 2003 Big Ten basketball championships.

Economy

Madison has an affordable cost of living, a stable economy, and plentiful employment opportunities. Major employers include the state government, UW-Madison, American Family Insurance, and Kraft/Oscar Mayer Foods.

Download