Madison, better yet the whole state... NOT all GR - 5/17/2011

I have lived in Wisconsin almost my whole life, mainly the madison area... It is NOT what all the polls say ( #1 This or #2 That)! The weather SUCKS!!!!!! Cold and snow for 6 mths of the yr. Rent in the city is outragous, downtown you either have high priced condos or dilapidated old homes that are in major need of TLC. And often owned by slum lords. The other sides of town are hit and miss. The police often practice racial profiling. Well that is through-out all of south central WI. As for night life... Not much for 25-40, there are absolutly no clubs, don't get me wrong, we have bars ( I guess that was one statistic that was true, too much drinking) but you will only fit in if you're in college. Our Collisium doesn't get many top name concerts. Daytime activities there are a few... we have several farmers' markets', a great free zoo for families, concerts on the square, most of the activities are located downtown or on campus. Our lakes are not the greatest they tend to shut down the beaches due to over grown seaweed. I guess if you like to ride a bicycle everywhere this is the city for you! Bikers can literally break every law and not fear citations. There are not many job, and with our new govener (Wisconsin's Hitler) things will get even worse e.g. cutting spending to schools, elderly/disabled programs, privatizing everything and selling out to big money. Well this is just my opinion and as with everything you must make you own conclusion. Extra info: I am in my 30s, Educated Mother of 5 (teen to baby ages of mixed race), in a mix race relationship. so I can only speak for how I view life here. One good thing about Madison is for the most part people are pretty nice.

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Wonderful place to live.......if you can afford it - 4/11/2011

Madison is amazing-so many well educated, friendly and helpful people here. People just want to get along and do the right thing for each other. However, property taxes are quite high so be prepared. Otherwise, it's a wonderful place to live!

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Shoud I move with my wife to Madison or stay in Vi - 3/8/2011

Out here in Madison for the next 2 days for my wife's job interview, Madison WI. She most likely will get an offer of $110k a year plus $30k in bonuses. We currently live in Northern Virginia. Her family lives there and currently have lots of friends with kids that hang out with us. We have a daughter that is 3 yrs old. Research tells me so far that Madison has long winters, high taxes, short and hot summers. What if she doesn't like her new job after a few months or doesn't like living here 2 years from now. I have a good job back in Virginia but need her to get a job to help out with the bills. She was laid off a year ago and took the time off to spend with her daughter. But now it's time to find a job in D.C. or N. Virginia. But a head hunter called her and told her a company in Madison wants to interview her. She HATES the traffic in DC and the crowded area of N. Virginia. I don't care, have a nice home, less than 13 years to pay on our home and we have family, would like to stay in Virginia. Just looking for some advise. Depressed in Madison

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Madison's vibrant recreation scene - 8/12/2010

Nestled among two sizeable lakes, the city of Madison and surrounding areas offers up numerous options for enjoyment of the spring, summer, and fall weather. The presence of the University of Wisconsin and the well-reknowned Overture Center provide tremendous opportunities to enjoy cultural activities of all kinds.

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Madison is a great place - 3/12/2010

Madison WI has a lot to offer residents. Great schools, social and professional opportunities.

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I love Madison, WI - 3/3/2010

The Madison area is a great place. There's lots to do, the city is just big enough, and it's beautiful here. The only problem is the winters can last way too long. WI weather is interesting though, because you can go from freezing one day, to 30 or 40 degrees warmer the next. Another plus for Madison and WI in general is the lakes. Madison has quite a few lakes, and I love being close to the Great Lakes. They are the best places to be.

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madison - 1/31/2010

A great city to live in but so cold!

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Thinking about Madison - 1/8/2010

I'll start off this post with a sigh, because no matter where it is you look, people complain, and people cheer. I guess it just depends on your state of mind and what you value. What I am looking for is a city that has alot to offer; decent housing prices, education, libraries are promoted, there are museums and galleries and frankly, lots to do. I look for a city that offers good public transit and doesn't need to manufacture foot traffic. I read one other post complaining about bikes and foot traffic and I had to laugh because that is what I miss! So see, it also depends on what you value. I will soon be graduating from college (I'm middle-aged) with my second degree and a new career, I hope. I've been looking online for possible places I'd like to live while pursuing employment in the healthcare field. I currently live in south central Michigan in a very depressed small city (pop 35K) and realize that I will probably have to move to find employment as quickly as I'd like. I grew up in Ann Arbor and lived in Arlington, TX (way too hot for me, but perhaps perfect for someone else) for 20 years then returned to Jackson, Michigan because I missed the seasons and believe it or not, the winter. Ann Arbor is prohibitively expensive and that is why I moved to Jackson. I see alot of complaints about the weather in Madison, which doesn't really bug me, but how is the job market for healthcare? I've looked at Realtor.com for housing prices and they really don't seem too bad for a city this size, has no one looked around and made comparisons with other cities this size? That's my two cents. I guess you make a list of what you would like, then you go "In Search Of..." and try to divine the places that would best suit you.

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Come Visit - 11/23/2009

With a nationally ranked university, state government, technology, health care, professional services, and numerous cultural activities, etc...Madison, WI is truly a fantastic area in which to live, learn and visit. Check us out......and you'll see.

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Quality of life in Madison, yeah right - 10/7/2009

Welcome to the most over-rated city in the USA, Madison WI. I was raised in the Cleveland OH area, have lived in Philly PA, Reno NV, San Antonio TX, Austin TX, and now (unfortunately) Madison WI. I currently live downtown in a condo along lake Monona. The city between the lakes is the worst place I have ever lived by a long shot and here's why. 1st example is the wonderfull lakes. They are so poluted with crap including a massive problem with alge and seaweed. You are greeted in the spring with thousands of little dead fish stinking up the place followed by the alge stench that lasts all summer long. The roads are all tore up, thanks to the bad winters and lack of maintenance. Traffic patterns are absurd with streets switching from one-way to two-way back and forth. Going and comming from a destination always requires 2 routes. There are 100+ yr old houses everywhere that are in serious disrepair. They are all owend by slum lords. No pride of ownership there. The bicycle traffic is the worst. These morons obey NO laws of the road, they expect the cars to just watch out for them as they blow through red lights and stop signs. The foot traffic is almost as bad. At least they are slower. The cops will do nothing to them, but you best not run over on your parking meter. There are meter maids everywhere loaded with "little big man syndrome". How about the people? I'm sure there are some nice people that do have a lick of common sense around here somewhere, but I have yet to meet them. This is the land of the rude and quirky. You say hi to someone in passing on the street, they look at you like you just cursed at them. Summary in a nutshell. If you are a narrow minded, tree hugging, bike riding liberal that doesen't mind 6 months of seriously ugly weather, Madison WI is the place for you! As for me, I'm moving back to San Antonio TX. P.S. On a good note, the Capital building is terriffic. This is the crown jewel of the state and is so spectacular you have to see it to beleive it.

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great recreation - 7/19/2009

Madison offers an abundance of recreational opportunities - three large lakes within the city limits provide easy access for kayak, power boats, fishing, ice fishing (not my cup of tea) etc; plus rivers nearby and lots of lakes/rivers in region. Biker friendly with dedicated paths throughout the area and city. Golf some of the nicest golf courses you would ever want to play both locally, with even more within a 60-90 minute drive. Also home of the Ironman every September. Generally recreationally friendly location - and University of Wisconsin-Madison bring Big 10 sports to your doorstep. If you like recreational and sporting activities - you will like Madison.

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nice but too cold and liberal - 6/5/2009

Its socially diverse (due to University of Wisconsin), has decent jobs for being in the Midwest, near plenty of lakes and outdoor amenities, a reasonable cost of living, and comparatively low crime. For these reasons, I think Madison is a great place to raise a family. I’ve been in Madison many times and spent a lot of time there, and things are always changing for the better. However, I could do without the cold, and the city is liberal liberal liberal!

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Madison's great - except the cold - 5/4/2009

All aspects of Madison are compelling - the cost of living, prestigious university, safety, active night life, beautiful lakes, diversity, arts and culture, restaurants, and bumping into friends at the farmers markets. There are zealous churches and zealous athiests, resuling in a climate that can embrace healthy debate and coexist. If not for the prevailing winter cold (which lasts far too long), Madison is wonderful!

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good city - 2/24/2009

Madison is a clean & culture fun city to live.

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Great School for Children With Learning Difference - 2/6/2009

Walbridge School, in Madison, specializes in teaching children in grades 1-8 with learning difficulties. Curriculum is tailored to each childs specific needs. ADD, ADHD, speech and language processing issues, dyslexia, dysgraphia, time and space issues, sensory issues; the school will work to address these needs. Linda-Mood Bell, Orton Gillingham, Wilson, and Project Read are just examples of teaching methods employed. Check out their website at www.walbridgeschool.com or call (608)833-1338.

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Madison, WI - 2/5/2009

Madison is one of those hidden gems that serve as both a great college town and wonderful place to raise a family. With a budding music and theater scene, and fun shops and bars all around, it's a great place to have a wonderful time, no matter what your scene.

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Vitality - 1/25/2009

Madison is a youthful city that thrives upon its University town feel. The opportunity for activities continue throughout the year.

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Jobs and Ed - 11/17/2008

We have lived in Madison for 6 years now. Professional level work is very hard to come by and does not pay very well. Originally from the East Coast. Also the schools here are heading in the wrong direction. There are gangs in the high schools and violent crime on campus. Everyone here likes to pretend that it is safe-so they are not as careful as they should be. We are from back East-big cities, so we tend to be more aware of crime, safe behaviors, etc. Several of the kids where my son goes to ELEMENTARY school have been approached by strangers in cars, on the street, etc. Needless to say, we are heading back East-my new job starts Feb 2009.

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Madison Rocks! - 9/30/2008

Everything about Madison is great, except for the cold long winters.

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Awesome town - 8/17/2008

Madison is a great city of little over 210,000 with a smaller town feel. The city is growing rapidly. I think that has something to do with how many activities are available in our city. From many miles of commuter bike trails to Broadway musicals at the Overture Center, and to summer nights at the Memorial Union terrace, Madison is sure to have something to please everyone.

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