Wisconsin Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Madison, Wisconsin

Population: 208,054

Located in Dane County

Madison is the largest city in Dane County, the county with the fastest growing population of any in Wisconsin. Madison is home to the State Capitol, a national performing arts center, as well as the University of Wisconsin, Madison, a primary economic driver for the region. UW-Madison continues to be among the top recipients of federal research funding, and is the center of world class high-tech and bio-tech research and facilities. This area is bursting with outstanding attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Madison also boasts limitless outdoor recreational opportunities, extensive cultural arts forums, a wide range of exceptional dining options for the most savvy of palates, and shopping outlets which rival international travel destinations.

Housing is plentiful and the choices almost limitless in Madison, from a downtown apartment or loft to a suburban home with a large lot. Price tags come in a huge variety as well, and homes in Madison have held their value well. The residents here all agree - the Madison area combines the sophistication of much larger cities with the astonishing natural beauty and ambiance of some of the world's most beautiful locales. Frank Lloyd Wright called this area home, a high tribute indeed.

The Madison Metropolitan School District, the second largest district in Wisconsin, is one of the nation's finest. Expansion Management Magazine, a national business journal, annually ranks Madison among the top 1% of school districts in the nation. Madison is one of the few districts in the country to have schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels rated as National Schools of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. Nearly 50% of Madison residents have at least a four-year college degree. The University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks first in the number of graduates who are CEOs of S&P 500 Index Companies, and was named seventh best public university in the country by US News and World Reports. Madison Area Technical College provides accessible, high quality instruction and technical experience for more than 100 careers, including biotechnology, broadcast captioning, electron microscopy, plastics technology, Internet development, computer networking and information technology security.

Madison is a leader in "green efficiency," meaning doing what's right for our environment in a way that does what's right by our taxpayers. Our administration has developed the Green Capitol City Plan to make our City functions more energy efficient; and uses The Natural Step to incorporate an environmental ethic into all City services including green purchasing guidelines. To protect our lakes, we launched Yahara CLEAN, a collaboration with Dane County and state government to improve the quality of our lakes, our most important natural resource. We are also investing in additional funding for shoreline cleanup.

As a city uniquely built on an isthmus, Madison is surrounded by 15,429 acres of sparkling lakes and has over 6,000 acres of parkland. The Parks Division maintains over 260 parks, one public swimming pool, 10 beaches, 4 premiere golf courses, national and state award-winning Warner Park Community-Recreation Center, 4 off-leash dog exercise areas, an awarding-winning botanical garden & conservatory and 14 conservation parks. In the winter, the staff maintains the outdoor ice rinks and the cross-country ski trails. Between performances by the Madison Repertory Theater, Madison Opera and Madison Symphony, touring productions at Overture Center for the Arts, and a full schedule of performances at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's many venues, there is world-class entertainment to be found just about any night.

Venture out in any direction from Madison and, amid the rolling green landscapes, you'll encounter charming ethnic enclaves, fascinating artistic communities and some of the state's most interesting tourist attractions. To the west, the Spring Green area features Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin estate and the American Players Theatre. Head southwest and you'll encounter the "mustard capital of the world" along the "trollway" of Mount Horeb, and further on, a restored Cornish miner settlement in Mineral Point. Due east is the village of Cambridge, known as the "pottery center of the Midwest," and Fort Atkinson, home of the famous Fireside Dinner Theatre.

There's something for everyone in the Madison area. Big city action and small town charm...a rich cultural calendar...sensational shopping...and endless recreational opportunities amid stunning natural beauty. It's no wonder Madison continually ranks as one of the best places to live, work and play in the United States.