Rankings and Accolades 

What does one of the world’s happiest cities look like? One of America’s fittest, most walkable, and best places to live? A place for business and pleasure? It looks like Madison, Wisconsin. See where we rank.

Growing Recognition for Going Green

#4 Greenest Cities in the US
zippia.com (2020)

A HAPPENING PLACE TO BE HEALTHY

#5 Fittest Cities in America
American Fitness Index (2021)

#18 Mental Healthiest Cities in the U.S.
Men’s Health (2021)

#4 Happiest Cities in America
thrillist.com (2021)

#6 Best Cities for Remote Workers
ownerly.com (2021)

#4 Fittest City in the U.S.
ACSM American Fitness Index (2020)

#2 Best Cities for Bikes
peopleforbikes.org (2020)

#9 Best Cities for Runners
smartasset.com (2020)

#2 Fittest Cities in America
Men's Health (2019)

#2 Most Walkable Cities
expedia.com (2018)

PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE

#1 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Livability.com (2022)

#11 in 30 Most Beautiful Cities in the U.S.
Forbes (2022)

#1 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Livability.com (2021)

#14 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
CBS News (2021)

#1 Best State Capitals to Live In
smartasset.com (2021)

#1 10 Best Places to Retire in America
money.com (December 2020)

#2 Happiest Cities in America
menshealth.com (2020)

#3 Top 100 Best Places to Live
livability.com (October 2020)

#2 Best Places for Outdoor Enthusiasts to Live and Work
smartasset.com (October 2020)

#2 Best Cities for Millennials
rent.com (September 2020)

#3 Best State Capitals to Live In
wallethub.com (February 2020)

#1 Cities with Best Work-Life Balance
smartasset.com (January 2020)

#2 Most Caring Cities in America
wallethub.com (December 2019)

#8 Best Places to Live
money.com (September 2019)

#5 Best U.S. Cities for Renters with Pets
zumper.com (April 2019)

One of the Best Small Cities in America
National Geographic (January 2018)

Top 10 Best City for Recent College Grads
livability.com (May 2018)

#1 Best Cities to Live In if You're Young and Broke
magnifymoney.com (May 2018)

SWEET SPOT FOR SPORTS

#1 Best College Football Town in America
si.com (August 2019)

#4 Sportiest City in the U.S.
Men's Health (September 2017)

BEST IN BUSINESS

#1 Best Cities for Work Life Balance
gobankingrates.com (November 2020)

#1 20 Best Places to Live and Work Remotely
moneycrashers.com (September 2020)

#7 Best Cities for STEM Professionals
ceoworld.biz (January 2020)

#1 Cities Where Women Are the Most Successful
smartasset.com (April 2019)

#2 10 Best Cities to Start Your New Career
zippia.com (August 2018)

#9 Best U.S. Cities to Find a Job
thestreet.com (August 2018)

#3 10 Cities Where Women Are the Most Successful
smartasset.com (September 2018)

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION, ARTS & ARCHITECTURE

25 Best College Hotels in the U.S.
vacationidea.com (August 2018)

Most Educated City in Wisconsin
insurify.com (July 2018)

#15 Best Public Schools in the U.S.
US News (September 2018)

#4 25 Best Green Colleges in the United States
collegeconsensus.com (October 2018)

FABULOUS FOR FAMILIES

#6 America’s Best Cities for a Quickie Getaway
tripsavvy.com (2021)

#2 U.S. Destinations to Travel to This July
matadornetwork.com (2021)

#1 Best Places in the U.S. for Raising Children
diversitydatakids.com (January 2020)

#2 Best Cities for Working Moms
havenlife.com (March 2019)

#1 Best Cities to Raise a Family
Zumper.com (August 2018)

#12 Best Cities for Millennial Families
ValuePenguin.com (October 2018)

PHENOMENAL AT FOOD

Top 5 Best Drinking Cities in the World
Punch (2023)

#4 The World’s Best Beer Destinations
vinepair (2018)

#1 Best U.S. Cities for Living Sober
allsober.com (2022)

#8 Best Cities for Beer Drinkers
smartasset.com (December 2020)

Best Food Trucks in America
msn.com (February 2019)

#2 Best Beer Festival
10best.com (March 2018)