Living in Madison WI Pros and Cons

[@epeck1115]

Another nice thing about Madison is its proximity to Chicago, Milwaukee, and even the Twin Cities.

[@livinginmadisonwi]

For sure! Other great cities with lots going on an easy drive away.

[@cbsteffen]

Not if you have a disability!

[@medogerty6013]

Interesting to hear about the cans of wiscansin.

[@rerolley]

Getting involved in outdoor recreation is a key way of dealing with the winter. Cross-country skiing and snow shoeing helps to keep the cabin fever away. Lots of parks with ski trials near Madison.

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Yes! So many great options for recreation in Madison in the winter! Love snow shoeing!

[@Sjefke3000]

And even a slope with ski-lifts near Mt. Horeb, if I'm not mistaken

[@denissch4829]

The biggest CON is a long and cold winter. Lots of snow, frost up to -15F can last for 2 weeks in a row, it's very windy sometimes. At the same time, some days can be warm so you get icy roads and sidewalks. Yes, salt is everywhere on roadways in wintertime.

[@jamesleverentz6294]

The weather is an absolute pro. It gives WI and the upper Midwest it’s unique soul, not to mention countless hilarious stories, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
And Madison is INCREDIBLY easy to navigate!!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Love your perspective! Truth!

[@Plumbobi]

It's so crazy hearing you talk about the snow because I'm from Huntsville, Alabama (we may end up moving to Madison, WI though), and I truly remember times where we would shut everything down for maybe an inch? We just don't have the infrastructure to deal with it. I mean, it snows maybe one or two days a year if we're lucky, and the next day it's melted away, there's just no point in investing in it. But I do remember a crazy weather thing once and we got 8 inches and I swear it was the most snow I've ever seen in my life LOL!! (Guess I may be about to see a lot more! LOL!)

[@caitmay4693]

Lmao I did not expect to find you in this comment section while Madison researching. xD

[@butterflyhippie]

That’s cheap for a one bed room down town. In Atlanta in the city is 1300 1400 sometimes more. Madison is beautiful

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Agreed Madison is a beautiful city

[@lincoln5310]

3 bedroom 2 bath $1500. In San Antonio

[@BiG-JuPO1O1]

I agree with you about Atlanta (Current Georgia resident). My family had to move to Macon Georgia due to prices going up in Atlanta, anywhere near Atlanta. I heard they're doing it on purpose to push out low to mid-income families out of Atlanta.

[@drewhunkins7192]

I've lived in Madison for 24 years, it's great, I love Madison! I love it, but to just dwell on the few bad things about it for a moment:
• the homeless beggars can be aggressive (the city is very safe overall though)
• Most mid-priced restaurants are of low quality
• Lots of marijuana, lots, it’s everywhere
• traffic is bad bc the lakes bottle things up
• Housing and rents are too expensive
• Good luck trying to find a dine-in coffee shop open after 8 p.m.
- The winters can be brutal

[@karlyvercauteren1696]

I'm considering moving to Madison from Chicago, and all of these "cons" are pros for me!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Well then, sounds like a good fit! Let me know how I can help! -Joe

[@4444rify]

I know right from chicago to madison is such a better thing to do

[@GG-yy4yx]

Could you possibly make a video about places where students (future grad student here) might be able to live in the area? Maybe near the UW Hospitals (where I’ll be most of the time)? Thanks! I’ve been enjoying all your videos.

[@yanrodgers1570]

I recently interviewed for a job working with the state, can you post a video more down town atmosphere and where to go and not go in certain areas?

[@Labreeziana789]

Madison has a killer music scene (or at least did before COVID)! Madison has several music venues, music festivals, and amazing artists that come through regularly. Otis Redding literally died in a snowstorm to get there! (P.S - The Largest Producers-Only Farmers Market in the nation is here...it's a pretty safe city to live in too.)

[@soverysuething]

Thank you so much for all the wonderful videos you have made - my fiance and I have spent a lot of time watching them - as we make the final decision regarding a big move to Madison from Johannesburg, South Africa... I love how honest and genuine you are in the details. Thank you again xx

[@bellyblack1472]

I'm a Madison native and moved to Tucson about 25 years ago. I can't believe how much it has grown. Maybe time for a trip back home❤

[@YapperU]

1100 in downtown is cheap... Let me tell you a little story about Miami 😂😂

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Please do, I love to hear how other cities compare

[@marksim3488]

$1.6-1.8M for 3B/2Bth 1700 sq ft homes. West LA, Venice, and Santa Monica. Visited Madison few weeks ago. Great city!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

@@marksim3488 Thanks for sharing! Wow Miami is expensive and probably only going up in value. Everyone is moving to FL!

[@kristinn3367]

​@@livinginmadisonwi - Almost $2,700 in Boston (probably gone up since then); $3,400 in NYC. Not sure if that's average, but that's what I paid for a 1br.

[@crotchfungus3508]

Bruh for real. I'm out here in NY like 👁️👄👁️

[@z0nda]

As someone in the north of Wisconsin I would love to live in Madison, probably the best city in the state.

[@joshmcaloon6998]

No

[@NATUREMAN360]

I lived in Madison for 1 year and loved it.

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Great to hear, what were your favorite aspects of Madison?

[@lolathetoenado]

i live in madison now.

[@JonXuereb]

$1100 in rent is less than downton Detroit

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Yeah, big cities I'm sure are more. For a city with ~250,000 people $1100/mo is a lot.

[@joejoe6952]

Kohl Center. The 'Dise. The Wisco. O'Cayz (RIP). Ear Wax Records. The Memorial Union. Great memories!

[@Waruto]

Wisconsin is getting more popular now that more companies are open to remote work.

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Yes! And many great companies here to work for as well!

[@Waruto]

@@livinginmadisonwi its a beautiful state indeed. Reminds me of Washington because of how green it is.

[@livinginmadisonwi]

@@Waruto Yes! Super lush in the summer!

[@hoodieboy1515]

that's awesome!! Im from California and my friend has a coffee shop business there! She wants me to work for her! I would need to find a place to stay or apartment and I would do it!

[@traynaedames1348]

I’m fine with the cold being a con cuz it’s a pro for me I want to live where it snows

[@70sStargirl]

Glad I found this channel. My daughter and I are considering a move to Madison. Looking forward to checking out all of your videos!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Glad you found us as well! Let us know what else we can do to help. Where are you moving from!

[@70sStargirl]

@@livinginmadisonwi We're in the Lake Geneva area, and looking at Madison primarily for a couple of the points mentioned in your video [Spoiler alert: cuisine and schools! :)] A couple of the Madison public schools have a language learning program that is more extensive than most. We study Japanese, so that's a big plus. Madison West participates in that language program, and I like what I've seen of that area. Is there a convenient way to connect with your company as we get closer to making the decision and the move? I'd definitely be interested in working with someone who really understands the area. Thanks for the reply!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

@@70sStargirl sure thing, send me an email at [e-mail] and we can connect!

[@70sStargirl]

@@livinginmadisonwi Sent. :)

[@Tylory2]

Do I need to buy a car or there are good transportation system such us buses?

[@livinginmadisonwi]

There is a good bus system now and the city recently approved a new project for a rapid bus system they are going to start that will be completed in 2022: www.cityofmadison.com/metro/routes-schedules/bus-rapid-transit

[@solaviento]

Public transportation is terrible in Madison unless you live downtown and the schedule is terrible. Having a car is a must.

[@georgetilley9529]

My husband is looking at a job in Madison. He moved to Wilmington, NC, to live with me. He moved from Edmonton, Alberta. Madison reminds me of Edmonton, but in a more intellectual way. I am not sure of the cold. I do like a more liberal place with good food and fun like festivals and folk music. He is punk music guy. What are the options for him?

[@fmac89123]

Moving to Madison in a couple of weeks. Appreciate the videos - very helpful.

[@wendyspangler4824]

Lived here forever. The weather is nice compared to say gulf Coast.

[@lilyvampwolf]

You're not as awful as Chicago in winter. The wind chill makes all the difference. The lake effect snow from lake Michigan.

[@danielking7456]

My family may be moving to the Verona area soon. My daughter will be entering sixth grade -- how can we enroll her in the STEM chart school? Is it based on a lottery?

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Hello Daniel, shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I'll send some info on placement/enrollment. Thanks!

[@hannawillmer2843]

Yes! The food in Madison is so good!!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

It’s crazy good! Farm to table at its finest!

[@failedcontentcreator7062]

awesome!, i am moving there next month from west Virginia, so this video will help!

[@snowwhite-sy4in]

Hiii...I have been researching this city to visit for a few months..then covid19 hits.. after this virus cools down I want to visit..any tips on hotels and best time of the year to visit??

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Spring is gorgeous, but really anytime between April - October is great. There are lots of hotel options. If you want the total downtown Madison experience I would recommend the Edgewater, the AC, or the Hilton.

[@snowwhite-sy4in]

Thank you so much..I am looking forward to be thier in the summer . Thanks for the tip..helps a lot..

[@domizzi626]

Thanks for the info. I became interested in Wisconsin ever Since I took a flight ✈️ from Toronto to Vancouver and we flew above Wisconsin, and from the sky Wisconsin looked nice. I saw many lakes and it was green. There’s a an opportunity in my current job for a position in Madison. The pay is similar to my current pay in LA California. I don’t like the cold, and I look to live in a place with cheaper taxes, but at the same time I like all the pros you guys brought up, and just that it might be worth living in Madison, especially if I can keep my Californian salary 😉.. hopefully soon I’ll make a visit to Madison Wis..

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Glad to hear you’re considering Madison. Yeah cost of living is significantly less here, specifically housing. There are lots of ways to deal with the cold, but it isn’t for everyone. That’s great you have the option for a job with the same company here. Would you like a link to my free relocation guide? There’s some more info on there that might be helpful for you. Let me know if you have any specific questions about Madison. Have a good day!

[@andreasvelten4060]

I love the winter till about January. There are a lot of fun things that can only happen in the snow, dark, and cold of winter. The downside of the winter is that it lasts well into April. So that is a time to plan an escape to the south ...

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Yes Andreas! Lots of fun to be had in the winter months! I like going south late Feb/early March because by the time you get back spring is right around the corner.

[@FoxVonBonk]

Moving from Alaska the cons don't sound like cons, more like pros.
Exclaimer: Don't move to Alaska. Not great.

[@livinginmadisonwi]

I can’t imagine living in Alaska, the dark winters are tough enough here, can’t imagine trying to get through an Alaskan winter. Yes our winters are mild in comparison!

[@farokhbulsara4890]

I live in australia and i have been to america 6 times over the last 20 years, last t8me was 3 years ago, vegas, seattle, alaska, wiol come amd visit wisconsin one day, thanks guys for a great insight into your beautiful city, oh yeah neally forgot, both my son and i,are fanatical packers supporters, especially my son, he wears all their gear, cheers guys, average house price in sydney australia is around i million,,,,,,

[@xgwke5867]

Spot on review of Madison. I love going there but navigation and traffic are no joke especially if you come from other parts of WI.

[@indovilletv8601]

1100 I paid 1200 in CA in the HOOD lol only CONS of the Midwest is it's really cold otherwise Ir's pretty nice lived in IL and travel throughout the midwest and it also is considered to be the friendliest region of the US

[@livinginmadisonwi]

You are right it does get cold, but we embrace the change of seasons as a result. Yes friendly region for sure!

[@djackson1441]

Yes that's why they have places called Chiraq and Killwaukee, friendly places indeed...

[@crafty_android]

Great video glad to see more videos about Madison. Only tip is to work on your audio, the voice quality isn't very good and the music level could be lower

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Agreed, we made some adjustments/upgrades on our other videos. Hopefully they’ll be more pleasant for you to listen to.

[@nexmontex]

Greetings from México 🇲🇽🤗, I would love to go there and work. I'm a Bilingual Medical Interpreter English/Spanish... I wonder if there's any companies hiring for that. You guys have such a beautiful vibe, thanks for the Pros and Cons. Sounds great and by looking at your vids hearing your recommendation caught my attention so badly. Thanks again!! Happy New Year by the way!!

[@reckersworld9351]

It's funny that your first Con about the weather is actually my first Pro. It's too hot for me at my home... and I live in New Hampshire

[@ajkrill]

hard to believe you didn't mention the CONstruction!!!!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Very true, we didn’t in this video but we have mentioned in other videos that there are 2 seasons in Madison, Winter and Construction Season😂

[@calliopelove]

you guys are adorable! thank you

[@user-ln4zr4pz4f]

Madison has snow? News to me there could be an issue. Professional jobs are likely not to care if you wear hiking boots to work much of the year = show up on time. Drive Slow please when it does and good tires please. Generally my city doesn't close unless there is an ICE STORM. Stay home if Canada decides to be funny overnight. Case in point; watch the weather news. Have a good day and buy a fishing license please.

[@RubiHarot]

I really enjoyed your video... what can you tell me about tornadoes 🌪???

[@livinginmadisonwi]

They aren’t a big deal here. There are a couple days a summer we get a watch or warning but usually pretty limited in terms of damage.

[@Splashstar216]

Moving to Madison later in the fall! My best friend was there for college. She's now a doctor 🏥 💓😏 that's so cool with the free zoo! But I'm as liberal as can be, so I'll LOVE Madison! My husband included (I'm the more liberal of us two.)

[@michaelconrad8580]

Great another liberal 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@sinsinsinat5377]

Is it hard to make friends and date as a single professional in late 20s?

[@thewitchpolyglot6625]

Politically charged should be a pro everywhere. A community active trying to bring change when politicians don't do anything is a good thing

[@posaidon67]

Hi there , I have a quick question... I'm Canadian, but just 1.5 yrs ago I moved to Germany and I hated, I always wanted to move to the states but wasn't sure, cuz most important the health insurance in Canada is to me the best ,how is it to live in Wisconsin, I'm originally from Toronto

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Well, Madison is a much smaller city than Toronto. Many call Madison the little big city. Meaning it has a small city feel with all the amenities of a large city. The climate is going to be similar. Wisconsin is a beautiful state with lots of outdoor activities to do year-round. I'm not sure how health insurance compares, it is expensive everywhere in the US. Madison has excellent health care hospitals and clinics. Hope that helps!

[@posaidon67]

@@livinginmadisonwi hi and thank you, I think after this mess with the virus I'll come over and see , about health insurance I know in the states you have to buy insurance, in Canada its pretty much covered by the health system. Weather I don't mind lol

[@livinginmadisonwi]

@@posaidon67 Yeah that would be nice to have it covered! What are you not liking about Germany?

[@posaidon67]

@@livinginmadisonwi everything lol , I'm used to the north American life style everything is at your finger tips , stores , malls , banks , all open late 7 days x week , in Germany on Sunday everything is closed nothing is open , bank tellers are hardly ever there , asking for something it's a constant fight...... eather way first chance I have I'm coming back lol

[@posaidon67]

@@livinginmadisonwi the people are rude if you dont speak proper German, sometimes when I go to stores and I talk to let's say college or university kids I get frustrated and tell them that English is an international language and them going to school should know lol , but it's ok i guess 🤔😱

[@bigfootswatching9986]

How is the diversity in Madison? Any Asian's or other ethnicity ?

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Thanks for reaching out, this sight should help you: www.niche.com/places-to-live/madison-dane-wi/residents/

[@kingboss26u]

semi diverse, however, bars dont play rap music, unless it Nelly. Not many things for black people to do sadly. that's why i moved. but it is family friendly

[@YapperU]

@@kingboss26u mannnnnn, moving from Miami. Thinking about moving there. Miami is too expensive for people in their 20 s

[@tajhagrady4055]

@@kingboss26u where did you move too? I live in Milwaukee but looking into moving to madison or Green Bay but DIVERSITY is where I draw the line.

[@kingboss26u]

@@tajhagrady4055 Madison, i booked it out of there, not much to do, food is trash compared to mil, or chicago. I didnt enjoy my time there. now texas, thats where the fun is at.

[@jeffsampson3796]

Outside of the Natural Beauty of Madison, you can thank the state taxpayers of Wisconsin for each and every Pro. Madison would be Janesville (at best) without them and Rockford at worst. It's fun, but not a town steeped in reality. Thanks for your detailed descriptions of the city.

[@hajinafares4567]

Great job guys!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

[@ctextoris]

Would you move there as a single 38 year old female? I’ve heard that dating can be tricky there, and I’m not sure why that is. Maybe it’s too family-focused?

[@p1nesap]

Since you like beaches, and presumably cold winters, try Maine.

[@ChrisRudolph]

Can't wait for this video!

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Thanks Chris! Hope you enjoy it and it's helpful!

[@MrKaplooie]

😂 when they say around $6000 a year property taxes but living by you pay 2-3x times

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Hello there and thanks for watching. Can you clarify your comment? Want to make sure we clear up any confusion if there is any. Thanks!

[@coreycoyle9548]

I live on the northside down the Street from Warner Park. Corey

[@ralphperez8522]

I’m out here in Kenosha I can’t find a place to play poker

[@ep330]

Any good Mexican food in Madison ? Great video 👌

[@livinginmadisonwi]

There are quite a few good options but this one is the best for authentic hands down: Taqueria Guadalajara
1033 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715
[phone]
goo.gl/maps/VAu5W7gcaBssqv8u9

[@paulagonzalez5286]

There isn’t an AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I miss it.

[@TymanHer]

Taco Bell or taco John is where I go for authentic Mexican food

[@livinginmadisonwi]

@@TymanHer 🤣

[@tresonsaint6488]

So basically the only difference from where I currently live, California, is the weather....

[@livinginmadisonwi]

I would say it is similar to many Ca cities from what I know of them other than the weather yea, that one is a big difference. Especially compared to Southern Ca.

[@octaviaherron9082]

Im moving here soon 😭

[@livinginmadisonwi]

So why are you crying?? 😉

[@galactock]

+ Awesome kite surfers and lessons available to learn how~~~

[@hosank]

0:17 - Plot twist: they're both 17 years old

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Lol...yeah right...

[@asher24]

Definitely not Caps fans. Or maybe not hockey fans.

[@mathiasmanderos6378]

How about LGBT Community in Madison, WI ?...

[@lolathetoenado]

I LIVE 2 MINUTES AWAY FROM LAKE MENDOTA-

[@lusynunezluna8447]

I live in Madison

[@zonedevilgaming6282]

Best resturant, the Curve

[@PlantNativeTrees]

Rather deal with snow than swamp ass in the south

[@livinginmadisonwi]

😂😂

[@rubystaging237]

The only people that would move there is people that grew up there or near there

[@TranquilityTerrace]

really guys? or course its Beautiful City, YOU PAY FOR IT!!!! So not worth all the high rents and the houses pricing! Life is not about paying high price, its about simple happy life! Madison WI is So overrated and overpriced! If you are a person that does not mind paying half of your monthly paycheck or even more than that then of course Madison is for you. Think again. Is it worth it?

[@theredamigo5011]

Don't move anywhere in wisconsin and I'm from Wisconsin. The only thing you can do here joyfully is drink lots and lots of drinking

[@livinginmadisonwi]

Oh come on...there are lots of other things to do...its a state of mind.

[@MrJohnso]

I’m just fine with drinking while the kids and wife go enjoy some festivals. Cheers.

[@iarreolav]

I did a lot of fishing

[@MakeupandMasque]

@@livinginmadisonwi I’m traveling there for a nurse job at Unity Point Meriter. What are some safe areas to stay for a 3 month contract? Preferably less than 20 mins from the hospital?

[@livinginmadisonwi]

@@MakeupandMasque I would look to the west of Park St towards Monroe st and Midvale Blvd. Not sure on short term options but that area is solid.

[@toastiercar947]

1100 for a one bedroom downtown? *laughs in philadelphia suburbs*

[@lolathetoenado]

I LIVE FIVE MINUTES AWAY FROM THE CAPITAL OF WISCONSIN-

[@mrmiyagi5]

CON #6 Commies