First post here. Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $168,469 in Madison. Crime rate is something to consider -Madison sits at 6.1 per 100K. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Does this match your experience? Thanks for reading.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Alice Gray
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Landon Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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