Madison, WI

Overall Score

4.1

The capital of Wisconsin Madison is on the south side of the state. The city is located between two lakes – Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Nearby there are two more small lakes – Quegens and Óboise. This fact is reflected in the name of Madison – City of Four Lakes.

Madison was the capital of Wisconsin before construction began. A federal judge, James Doty, acquired land in 1835 to establish a city and a capital for the area. The location of the future site, named for James Madison, the 4th president of the United States, was decisive in determining the capital city of Wisconsin. The construction of Madison began in 1836. By 1858, the fast-growing settlement was already a city.

Madison is known for its high level of education and research in biotechnology at the University of Wisconsin. The citys cultural life is multifaceted: it has excellent sports facilities, museums, festivals and concerts. The attractions of Madison include the Capitol and the Monona Terrace Conference Center, the Botanical and Zoological Park, and the old citys redevelopment area.

Overall Score

4.1
  • Air quality: 28 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
  • Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
  • Religious government: Non-religious
  • Population: 250,000 people
  • GDP: $57,808 / year
  • Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
  • Power outlets: 115V60Hz
  • Internet: 46 Mbps
  • Best wireless: T-Mobile
  • Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
  • Tipping: How much should I tip at a restaurant? A gratuity of 15 to 20 per cent on top of the bill (before sales tax) is standard, with 25 per cent given for topnotch service. Servers in America work hard for the money – they’re generally friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for customers.
  • Apartment listings: Rent
  • Apartments: Airbnb
  • Hotels: Booking.com
  • More hotels: Hotels.com
  • Best coffee 24/7: Tempo
  • Best taxi: Uber
  • Best coworking space: Coworking Horizon
  • Online electronics shop: Amazon
  • Best hospital: Lakeview
  • Best short-haul air carrier: Jet Blue
  • Best intl air carrier: United Airlines
  • Monthly costs for expat: $1900
  • Monthly costs for family: $4100
  • Monthly costs for local: $1200
  • Meal: $10
  • Small Cola: $1.7
  • Beer 1 Pint: $5
  • Coffee: $3.5


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