Living in Madison

You’re not only choosing a program; you’re choosing a home.

Madison, the state capital of Wisconsin, is situated on an isthmus between lake Mendota and lake Menona. Often described as a cosmopolitan city with a hometown feel, Madison is a place with four distinct seasons. The city boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to meet diverse tastes, plenty of shopping and restaurants, as well as sports and recreation.

 

Madison in all seasons

Explore the website below to find indoor and outdoor activities to match the season.

The City of Madison

The City of Madison website is valuable resource for Madisonians.  You’ll find information about neighborhoods, parks, libraries, schools, services, transportation, news, updates and much more.

News outlets are another good source of Madison information. Check out The Wisconsin State Journal, The Cap Times, Isthmus, The Capital City Hues, Umoja Magazine, Brava Magazine, and student newspapers The Badger Herald and The Daily Cardinal.

University of Wisconsin–Madison Sports & Recreation

Are you a sports enthusiast? Check out the UW–Madison athletics site for all things Badger.

Prefer to be a participant instead of a spectator? The Recreation and Well Being site will have something for you!

Shopping

Madison has big name stores and shopping centers found in many other American cities. You’ll also find a collection of co-ops and farmers’ markets to choose from.

Shopping centers include Hilldale Shopping Center, West Towne Mall and East Town Mall.

Grocery Stores include Metcalfe’s Market, Woodman’s Markets, Hy-Vee, Festival Foods, Pick ‘n Save, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, Costco and a variety of smaller specialty shops.

Co-ops, member owned and run shops, include Willy Street Co-op, the Regent Market Co-op and Community Pharmacy.

Farmer’s markets are a feature of Madison. The largest, Dane County Farmers’ Market, is located on the square around the Capitol Building during spring, summer and fall. There are a number of other Farmer’s Markets located throughout the city.