Madison, WI is known for its lively culture and beautiful scenery. From the University of Wisconsin campus to the stunning views along Lake Mendota, there is plenty to take in and enjoy in Madison. The city also offers a wide variety of activities ranging from outdoor recreation to arts, culture, and entertainment. Visitors will find plenty of shops, restaurants and galleries to explore throughout the city. With its vibrant nightlife, rich history, diverse neighborhoods and amazing outdoor activities, Madison has something for everyone.
Reviews of Madison are overwhelmingly positive with many citing it as one of the most livable cities in the United States. Residents enjoy the variety of things to do including visiting lively farmer's markets, cheering on Badgers sporting events or taking in some live music downtown. The area also has an impressive number of parks and trails where visitors can explore nature while still being close to all the amenities that make this city so attractive. With its strong sense of community plus top-notch education system and public transportation system, Madison is an ideal place to live or visit.
based on 78 ReviewsGet to know Madison with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Madison
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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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