Madison is consistently voted one of the best places to live in the U.S.

And this doesn’t happen by accident. From its diverse and inclusive culture to its natural beauty and booming economy, discover the outstanding features that make Madison an exceptional place to live, work and play.
 

Why Madison, WI? | Madison College Careers
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See what life in Madison looks like!

Madison is…

Madison, WI neighborhood aerial shot

Vibrant

Tucked between Milwaukee, Chicago, and the Twin Cities, Madison is a vibrant cultural hub for art, music, food, and entertainment—fueled by a high employment rate and resilient economy.

scenic bridge over a creek

Scenic

Surrounded by Wisconsin's naturally beautiful landscape, Madison boasts 5 lakes, 270 parks, and 6,000 acres of greenery. Perfect for camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, skiing or strolling.

flamingo mural on brick wall

Eccentric

From mustard museums and naked bike rides to annual sightings of pink flamingos on our frozen lakes, Madison offers fun and memorable experiences for everyone.

Linda N. photo

“I have been part of the Madison College family for over 22 years, working at both our Portage and Main campuses. I have experienced the difference our college makes in people’s lives. Every location offers an exceptional learning opportunity.”

Linda N.

Manager, School Operations, School of Professional and Continuing Education

Campus Locations

Madison College has several campuses located throughout metro Madison. But our reach is broad. Faculty and staff also serve students at Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Reedsburg and Portage regional campuses. No matter which Madison college you choose, our commitment to excellence remains the same. Check out our campuses.

Explore local economies:

Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce
Madison Chamber of Commerce
Portage Area Chamber of Commerce
Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce

Every season, there's a reason to love Madison!

Everyone has their favorite season, right? Well, that's what makes living in Madison so great. We have four beautiful seasons to enjoy and celebrate! No matter the time of year, there's always something to enjoy in the capital city.

Madison farmer's market

Dane County Farmers' Market

Enjoy the country's largest producer-only farmers' market beginning every year in April. It's truly a haven for foodies, arts and crafts enthusiasts, and music lovers. Learn more

chef plating food at Taste of Madison

Taste of Madison

Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the Taste of Madison showcases more than 80 local restaurants and live entertainment around Capital Square. Learn more

 
scenic path cut in snow

Snowshoeing, Snowboarding and Skiing

If winter is your season, Madison offers three major skiing and snowboarding destinations. There are also hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and snowshoeing, including the famous Ice Age Trail. Learn more

sculpture of Bucky Badger

UW Sports

Madison is well-known as a Big 10 sports powerhouse, and the Wisconsin Badger football team never disappoints. Join the live action at Camp Randall Stadium or mingle with the fans tailgating in parking lots, backyards, and alleyways around the stadium. Learn more

downtown Madison, WI

Madison and the surrounding area are well known for the quality of their public and private schools. Madison was ranked by Livability as the best places to live in 2022, and education was one of eight factors that weighed into the final score.