Livability ranked Madison 15th among its Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest. The ranking was created using data collected from Livability’s annual ranking of the Top 100 Best Places to Live, celebrating the best small and mid-sized communities across the U.S. The list is based on extensive research into relocation trends, economic variables, and factors that influence the quality of life.
Per Livability’s emphasis on affordability, only cities with a median home value of $500,000 or less were included in the final ranking of the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest, and the list broadly reflects the findings that affordability and local amenities are top priorities for people looking to relocate.
Assets that helped Madison earn the ranking include its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, a burgeoning craft beer scene, access to 15,000 acres of lakes, and walkability and bike friendliness. Other draws to the city include the Dane County Farmers’ Market, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, UW–Madison, and its diverse economy with a wide network of support for entrepreneurs. The region is also home to national brands that include American Family Insurance, Trek Bicycle, American Girl, and John Deere.
