Madison, WIBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

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 43 inches, and the winter months from December to February are the snowiest. 

The average annual rainfall in Madison is 36 inches, and the wettest months of the year are June and August. 

Madison averages 189 sunny days a year.

Just 25 miles outside Madison, Blue Mound State Park has 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. 

A spirit of volunteerism keeps many Madison amenities free and open to the public. For example, spend time perusing the Chazen Museum of Art, a free museum on the UW campus that houses 23,000 works of art from ancient Greece to 18th-century Japan and modern Africa. The list of free things to do in Madison is extensive! 

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.

Madison has more bikes than cars and is the unofficial bike capital of the Midwest, so it’s no surprise that Madison is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country.

State Street is a bustling pedestrian mall stretching from Capitol Square to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. It’s lined with a good variety of shops, from clothing and accessories to bookstores and gift shops. The mix of local and national retailers makes this a popular destination for Madison locals and visitors alike.

One favorite dinner spot in Madison is The Old Fashioned, near Capitol Square. This popular restaurant celebrates Wisconsin’s supper club tradition with a menu featuring classic comfort foods, local specialties and an extensive selection of Wisconsin beers.

The Majestic Theatre, located on King Street near Capitol Square, is one of Madison’s best places for live music and performing arts. This historic venue, which opened in 1906, seats 600 and has a reputation for hosting a diverse range of events throughout the year.

Slurp $2 oysters and enjoy other seafood snacks at Tempest Oyster Bar. The best table in the house is a booth that looks like it’s part of a fan shell. 

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 2024, the sales tax rate in Madison is 5.5%. 

Yes, Wisconsin has a state income tax.

Madison residents are in excellent health thanks to various 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, Wisconsin, but the University of Wisconsin – Madison is the most notable.