Why Live Here?

• Stable Economy: The Wisconsin government and University of Wisconsin-Madison are the top two employers here. Other employment opportunities exist with schools, hospitals, and insurance companies. Dane County is also one of the top 10 agriculture producers in the country, with eggs, alfalfa, corn, tobacco, hogs, and cattle being the top local commodities. In 2006, Forbes referred to Madison as one of the “Best Places for Business and Careers.” The city is well-known for having historically low unemployment and highly skilled workers with Bachelor’s Degrees and the highest PhDs per capita.   
• Thriving Downtown: State Street links the State Capitol square and University of Wisconsin campus. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is lined with more than 300 shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes, clubs and bars. Buy everything from cigars, bicycles and jewelry to books, hats and ice cream. Taste ethnic delights from Greece, Italy, Afghanistan, Japan and Vietnam. Take your youngsters to the Children’s Museum, catch a theatrical performance at the Madison Civic Center, or peruse the collection at Madison Art Center. 
• Community Activities: The Dane County Farmer’s Market is the largest producer-only farmer’s market in the nation with 150 Saturday vendors, arts and crafts tables, and street musicians. Listen to free concerts on the Capitol Square lawn on Wednesdays. Enjoy the second-longest-running craft beer festival at the Great Taste of the Midwest. The Rhythm and Booms fireworks celebration synched to music and coordinated with the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s F16 airplanes is a tremendous sight to see.