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Janice N.
moving
Planning a move to Madison -neighborhoods?
Hi all, There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Julia Anderson
Moved here from San Diego about 8 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to healthcare but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Maverick Nelson
I've lived in Sunset for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Arianna Moore
Came here for cost of living and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The school system is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
nyc_eli
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 38, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Fairview and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a writer, 38, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Fairview and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
20 upvotes
Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 28, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a contractor, 28, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
Gabriel Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes