Madison, WIBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Nestled between two lakes and with more than 200 hiking and biking trails, Madison is a natural escape. School spirit runs deep here, and the college town is known for its vibrant arts and music culture, farm-to-table culinary scene and commitment to sustainability.
Madison, WI, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Residents find all sorts of Midwest magic in Madison, WI, from Frank Lloyd Wright architecture to 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus a burgeoning craft beer scene and an established squeaky cheese curd circuit. As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Madison is situated on an isthmus, and locals have access to 15,000 acres of lakes, which means there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors – you can paddle, swim and sail to your heart’s content. Madison is also a walkable and bike-friendly city, and, as home to the University of Wisconsin, there’s a pervasive youthful buzz. Fun Fact: A student prank involving plastic lawn birds is how the pink flamingo came to be the city’s official bird.
A pride and joy of Madison is the Dane County Farmers Market, which brings locals and tourists together on “the Square” to shop for everything from aged cheddar and sourdough loaves to flower bouquets and farm-fresh eggs. Another thing that makes Madison so unique is just how much free fun there is to be had here, with admission-free attractions including the Henry Vilas Zoo with its 800 inhabitants and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a 16-acre oasis with beautiful gardens and an ornate Thai Pavilion (the only one in the states!).
As a college town and a capital city, Madison has a diverse and resilient economy, too. As a result, entrepreneurs have a wide support network to help them launch successful startups. In addition, the region is home to leading national brands, including American Family Insurance, Trek Bicycle, American Girl and John Deere.
Madison, WI Quality of Life LivScore
Madison, WI Top Categories
Transportation
Economy
Amenities
Madison ranks highest for transportation, economy and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Madison, WI
Madison has warm summers and cold, snowy winters, which means outdoors-loving residents can paddle on Lake Mendota in the warm months and snowshoe on it when winter blows into town. The average highs and lows are 78°F and 57°F (summer) and 30°F and 11°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Madison is around 50 inches, and the winter months from December to February are the snowiest.
The average annual rainfall in Madison is 35 inches, and the wettest months of the year are June and August.
Madison averages 197 sunny days a year.
Just 25 miles outside Madison, Blue Mound State Park is threaded with trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. It also has a 1,950-square-foot pool and outdoor-themed splash pad (think trees that spray water). But what really makes this place special are the bike-in campsites and an accessible cabin for those with disabilities.
Madison Weather
197 days
Average Annual Sun
35 inches
Average Annual Rain
50 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Madison, WI
Check out the contemporary African sculptures, paintings, ceramics, prints and more at the Chazen Museum of Art.
Make repeat visits to the Madison Children‘s Museum, which has a kid-approved playground and interesting exhibits, like an Urb Garden where children can learn how worms turn food waste into compost.
Pick up provisions from Fromagination, an iconic cheese shop, and enjoy a picnic at the lakefront at James Madison Park.
Slurp $2 oysters and enjoy other seafood snacks at Tempest Oyster Bar, where the best table in the house is a booth that looks like it’s part of a fan shell.
The Local and State Economy in Madison, WI
Madison’s diverse economy is made up of several industries, including technology, advanced manufacturing and health care. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Epic Systems and American Family Insurance are among the largest employers in the city.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Madison is 5.5%. Madison has one of the country’s lowest combined state and local sales tax rates.
Yes, Wisconsin has a state income tax.
Madison residents are in excellent health thanks to a variety of providers, including UW Health and UnityPoint Health. UW Health University Hospital is nationally ranked in four adult and one pediatric specialty, rated high-performing in five adult specialties, and rated high-performing in 18 procedures and conditions.
There are several major colleges and universities in Madison, WI, but the University of Wisconsin-Madison is the most notable.
Quick Facts About Madison, WI
- Median Household Income
- $71,662
- Median Home Value
- $336,627
- Average State Property Tax
- $3,472
- Total Population
- 272,159
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,110
- Average Commute
- 17.22 minutes
Madison is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks in part to a diverse and resilient economy and an emphasis on health care and quality of life. Read even more about what makes Madison a great community and consider other great places to live in the Midwest. Also, read about the can’t-miss things to do in Madison.
