Madison, WI

The Madison Region is serving up the works. Not only is it a national powerhouse for the food and beverage industry (Frito-Lay and Hormel are just two major food producers in the area), but it is home to a world-renowned research university, the University of Wisconsin-Madison. And if that’s not already impressive, a number of global companies, including American Family Insurance, Epic, Land’s End and American Girl have operations in the region. Add to that a low cost of living, fun festivals, the arts and a plethora of cuisine options, and you’ve got, well, something special.