Madison consistently ranks among the country’s best places to live, and with good reason. Here, you will find vibrant arts, entertainment, cultural, and recreational options — combined with a down-to-earth attitude that makes the city easy to enjoy.
An isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona is home to downtown and the state capitol. The lakes lend the city a unique beauty and offer numerous recreational opportunities, including sailing, paddling, water skiing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. Bicycle and nature trails connect many parts of the city and neighboring communities. Madison residents find plenty to do indoors and outdoors, in the city and on campus, year-round.
Arts, entertainment, and culture all thrive here, with both large and small venues hosting concerts, plays, art exhibits, festivals, and street fairs. The selection of restaurants and eateries in the greater Madison area is remarkably diverse, ranging from food carts serving ethnic specialties to gourmet restaurants and everything in between.