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, August 2020

A HAPPENING PLACE TO BE HEALTHY

#4 Fittest City in the U.S.
ACSM American Fitness Index, July 2020

#2 Best Cities for Bikes
peopleforbikes.org, June 2020

#9 Best Cities for Runners
smartasset.com, August 2020

#2 Fittest Cities in America
Men's Health, September 2019

#2 Most Walkable Cities
expedia.com, May 2018

PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE

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

#2 Happiest Cities in America
menshealth.com, December 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

#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

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

Best Food Trucks in America
msn.com, February 2019

#4 Best Beer Destination in the World
vinepair.com, January 2018

#2 Best Beer Festival
10best.com, March 2018

More Things To Do

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Things To Do in Summer

Check out our list of 99 summer activities and then book your trip.

A view of the Madison skyline and Capitol from afar between trees with changing Fall colors. The sky is at sunset.

Fall Things To Do

Stunning colors. Crisp air. Warm beverages. Corn mazes and pumpkins. Fall is an undeniably special...

Things to Do With Kids

There's no shortage of things to do with kids in Madison. From a quirky children's museum to...

Dozens of people float down the Yahara River on a sunny day during the Floatilla parade. A family of a white man holding a baby and several children watch from the shore line.

Festivals and Fairs

Looking for Madison festivals & fairs for your 22-23 season? These events are sure to top your...

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Attractions

Whether you're here to visit the State Capitol or spend time on our lakes, Madison is a...

Outdoors & Recreation

Why is Madison a haven for outdoors and recreation enthusiasts? Skiing and skating. More than 260...

A white man and a white woman look into a display cabinet filled with small antique trinkets at a museum

Museums & History

Madison's museums showcase a unique history. Whether it's a human-sized gerbil wheel or...

Free Things to Do

From stunning lakes to one of the nation's best free zoos, there's an abundance of free...

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Shopping

From shops that line State Street's pedestrian mall to neighborhoods known for specialty stores,...

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Arts & Culture

Love the arts? Looking for a vibrant culture? Madison is the city for you. Come find your...

Spas & Wellness

Whether relaxing at some of Madison's best spas or just searching for overall wellness, it's...

Lush greenery surrounds a pond dotted with lily pads. A brick building is in the background and a red bridge is seen going over the pond.

Colleges & Universities

Madison's a progressive city with highly-acclaimed colleges and universities that attract...

Bucky Badger runs out onto the field at Camp Randall stadium followed by UW Badger cheerleaders and band members.

Local Sports

Badgers, Mallards, Flamingos. Oh my! Madison's vibrant local sports scene features college and...

Bars & Nightlife

From outdoor patio seating to enjoying nightly live entertainment, you'll enjoy vibrant bars and...

Essential Madison Experiences

Essential Madison Experiences are your guide to unforgettable times. Taste, explore and learn about...

Free Visitors Guide

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