Living in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is a charming city in Dane County, Wisconsin, consistently ranked by US News and other publications as one of the best places to live in the country. Forming the core of the Madison Metropolitan Area – whose population exceeds 650,000 residents – Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin and the seat of Dane County. With a population of around 260,000 residents and spanning over 61 constituent neighborhoods, Madison is the second-largest city in Wisconsin, after Milwaukee, and the 82nd-largest in the United States.   

The Madison Community

Immerse yourself in the vibrant community of Madison, Wisconsin, and discover the perfect place to call home. Experience a city bursting with life, where exciting events abound and nature seamlessly blends with urban charm. Madison is renowned for its lively atmosphere, hosting a multitude of captivating events throughout the year. Don't miss the many events that occurs at the foot of Wisconsin's majestic State Capitol, a beacon of architectural splendor at the heart of Madison. Capitol Square is home to the weekly Farmers Market on the Square, a bustling hub of local produce and artisanal delights. Feel the rhythm of the city at Concerts on the Square, where the enchanting melodies of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra fill the air. Indulge your taste buds at Taste of Madison, a gastronomic extravaganza showcasing the city's diverse culinary scene. Beyond the city's energetic pulse lies a world of outdoor adventures. Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Arboretum's trails or immerse yourself in the tranquil oasis of Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Bike along the city's many bike trails. Kayak out onto one of our four lakes. Join our friendly community and experience the perfect balance between urban excitement and natural serenity.

Madison is home to an extensive network of parks and trails and has the most parks and playgrounds per capita of any of the 100 largest U.S. cities. In addition, Madison is one of five communities to have received a "Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community" rating from the League of American Bicyclists. Madison is also home to nine National Historic Landmarks, including several buildings designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, such as his 1937 Jacobs I House, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Madison Entertainment

Madison is home to amazing art and historical landscapes. Visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and Chazen Art Museums. Watch spectacular performances by the Madison Symphony and touring Broadway Shows at the Overture Center for the Arts. x Browse the work of local artists at the Art Fair on the Square. Madison is also home to nine National Historic Landmarks, including several buildings designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, such as his 1937 Jacobs I House, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grab a brat and a beer and watch a performance at the Brat Fest. There are countless exciting events annual and weekly events throughout the year. When not exploring the urban landscape, bike around the lakes, take to the water in a sailboat, or hike along one of the city's many trails. Within a short drive, find countless other windows into nature.

Madison Real Estate

Real estate in Madison has shown an average growth of 3.27% per year since the year 2000. since 2000, the prices of homes in Madison have overall appreciated by 96.68%. National real estate firm REAL categorizes Madison’s housing market as ‘somewhat competitive.’ The sale prices of homes in Madison have experienced decent growth of more than 10% since May last year.   
The median home price in Madison is around $340,000. Currently, there are 959 active homes for sale in Madison, and presently it typically takes just 36 days for a listed home to sell. Moreover, the average cost to rent a house in Madison is $1,391 per month. At present, there are 110,294 homes and apartments in the city, 44.8% of which are owned, and the remaining 55.2% are rented.  

Madison Jobs

As of 2021, Madison is the fastest-growing city in Wisconsin. Madison's economy features a large and growing technology sector, and the Madison area is home to the headquarters of Epic Systems, American Family Insurance, Exact Sciences, Promega, American Girl, Sub-Zero, Lands' End, a regional office for Google, and the University Research Park, as well as many biotechnology and health systems startups. 

Madison Schools

Madison is covered by 9 school districts, with Madison Metropolitan School District being the city’s major school district encompassing 54 schools and more than 27,000 enrolled students. Madison also lies in proximity to many colleges including, among others, Edgewood College, University of Wisconsin Colleges, and Madison Area Technical College. When it comes to higher education, Madison is home to the prestigious University of Wisconsin Madison (UW Madison). Founded when Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848, UW Madison is the official state university of Wisconsin and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It was the first public university established in Wisconsin and remains the oldest and largest public university in the state.