I grew up in Madison, but left many years ago. I have incredibly fond memories of fishing/boating on the lakes, hanging out at the arcades on State Street with my friends (it was the 80's), drinking beer while underage with my parents (an old Wisconsin tradition), eating tacos at Taco Grande, eating WAY too much pizza at Paisans (when it was at University Square) seeing all of the first three Star Wars Movies (IV,V,VI) at the Orpheum...I could go on. Yes, I was young and didn't have many cares. Yes, I'm idealizing the town. But I still have family there and I have been back over the years. Every time I visit, I find it the same amazing, beautiful, culturally interesting and inviting place it always has been. There are more people now, and there are now suburbs where there used to be cornfields, but the overall vibe is still the same. I live in rural Colorado now. I wouldn't leave here for anything - except for a beach house in Hawaii or Mexico (who wouldn't?). But if fate found me back in Madison, I would be as content as I could be in a city. No matter where you go, there you are.
Billy | Beverly Hills, CA | Report Abuse

Reading your review is so refreshing. It's taboo to speak ill of this much touted city but my experiences as an outsider STRONGLY mirror yours. The not being invited to dinner stands out to me, as it has been my experience that people are very reluctant to extend their social circles in any meaningful way--and are largely oblivious to the kind of social skills required to build actual relationships, never mind that people seem quite ignorant of creating a welcoming community or helping new residents to feel a part of things. (Btw, when I say outsider I qualify that as someone who is lived in the South, Mountain West, Pacific Northwest and internationally--which is to say I am versed in adapting to new places and competent at navigating culture-shock.) I've found that social capital is a very difficult thing to gain if you are remotely non-traditional and/or don't have long-standing family ties to Wisconsin. They are a truly insular people, and like it that way. I agree too that there is a strong cultural pressure to conform and not challenge authority. All of this is very bizarre to me and difficult to process in the context of a "liberal" "college-town" which is in fact quite subdued in terms of progressive thinking and selective in terms of social offerings. It can be a quite challenging place as a minority, since people love having a minority friend but are actually quite insensitive/incapable of conceptualizing of the biases and impediments facing our communities beyond platitudes and their construction/projections. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining things as they are to the neglect of equity, diversity, and openness. I've been sorely disappointed living in this place and am always very eager to alight when the opportunity presents itself. I will say that the people are indeed very nice, but often lack much of a prominent personality to engage with. There is strong social pressure to be inoffensive and not to discomfort others--this sounds nice but leads to very staid interactions and people seem reluctant to extend much substance, therefore connection is elusive or fleeting at best, often non-existent or fickle at worst. Bar culture is indeed strong and many relationships are built around activities of football (Go Pack), and UW sports--usually at the bar and typically in a binge drinking situation. In my experience bar culture does not extend to happy hour culture, as HHs are difficult to find and people are often reluctant to go (presumably because if they start drinking then the night will be lost to a rager of staying out). Having just 1-2 drinks is a bit of an anomaly it would seem. All of this has led to an isolating few years and lack of sense of connection to a place that is supposedly a top community to live in. Finally, for being a small Midwestern town the cost of living is moderately higher than one would anticipate. Housing is indeed difficult to come by at any kind of value and rental operate on an inane schedule of Aug 15-Aug 14. Meaning that if you move to town outside of these lease dates expect to pay more and/or sublet until August 15. This also means that for one night every year a significant percentage of the city is homeless (concentrated around the university, mostly). Yes the reason for these dates is the University but it is almost a metaphor for the city: it is not constructed for lifestyles/people that fall outside of their expected, doctrinized perception of how life "should" run. It also is not constructed to accommodate differing needs, that would present an inconvenience to the local way of life. Finally, this also means that rental stock is poorly maintained despite escalating prices--there is no way to make improvements on a property that is vacant for a scant 12-14 hours annual. Take this into consideration when moving. For those looking to purchase a home, the above assessment is spot on. It took me over 6 months and 7 offers before securing a suitable property; further, the social construct is that each offer must include a personalized letter asserting one's love for the property and suitability as a future owner. Bottom line: explore other options unless you have long standing ties to the area. Minorities and people not living the suburban, partnered lifestyle will be othered.
Moxie | Madison, WI | Report Abuse

Thanks for this post. I'm currently in Florida and NOT happy here. Lots of sub-human behavior and out of control insane driving. I moved to Florida 6 months ago from the state of Washington. I'm looking to leave Florida by my one year anniversary of moving here. I was looking at Madison. I spent 4 1/2 years in Eastern Washington so the Wisconsin winters don't concern me too much, even though they are a bit worse than Eastern Washington's winters. I currently have a job that moves with me so the 'job thing' isn't a concern, thankfully. But, the high rent that I've seen for the Madison area is concerning, but not a deal breaker. Your review gives me a good deal to think about. Thank you! All the best, Mark in Tampa.
Mark | Spokane, WA | Report Abuse