Relocation
Madison was all about promise and potential when James Duane Doty first campaigned for the paper city on an isthmus when the territorial government had to choose its capital. There wasn’t even a single cabin on the hill at the center. But modern-day Madison is the promise fulfilled. A beautiful city with lakes and green space, a world-class university, and a Midwestern friendliness that is hard not to like. Since the 1960s when it was touted as the best place to live in the USA, Madison has won hearts and minds and kept Ph.D. graduates in jobs for which they are overqualified. Since its number one rating in Money Magazine in 1996, it seems that the number of “best of” listings in publications has grown exponentially to the point of becoming cliché. Not only is Madison one of the tops for bicycling, walking, and recently, for adventure (National Geographic Adventure Magazine), it also ranks high for job opportunity, starting a business, healthy living, education, and just being one of the “most livable” cities. Apparently, Madisonians also have the best teeth. Whatever might draw a person to Madison, few will be those who regret the choice.
Within this chapter is information about making that move—a review of some of the popular neighborhoods and nearby communities, listings of real-estate firms, neighborhood libraries, radio and TV stations, and even instructions on how to register to vote or change your driver’s license.
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
2. Mcfarland
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Description: The Village of McFarland has its own school system with schools that have seemed to hit the optimum size of not too big, not too small, and with a bit of diversity. Being just a couple minutes south of the Beltline Highway on Stoughton Road/US 51 gives it a not too far location as well. The population is about 7,500, and the village has its own library.
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
4. Monona/Cottage Grove
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Description: They share the same school district but Monona lies nestled into Madison along the east shore of Lake Monona, while Cottage Grove is a short drive east into the country. Whereas Monona has older neighborhoods rich with old trees and developed parks, Cottage Grove is a city on the build. The multiuse Glacial Drumlin State Trail, which passes on an old rail bed all the way to Waukesha, has its western terminus in Cottage Grove. Plans are to connect the path into Madison and the Capital City Trail. Both towns have their own established commercial zones and don’t rely on Madison for much other than the big box stores and the larger job market.
5. Oregon
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Description: Surrounded by farmland and about a 15-minute drive south of Madison along US 14, Oregon is a community of just under 10,000 but is growing fast. Its small downtown area has been restored to its historic look and offers a handful of restaurants and shops. It has its own high school and is part of the Oregon Area School District, which includes the tiny town of Brooklyn.
6. Sun Prairie
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Description: To the east of Madison just 10 miles and with a population of over 28,000, Sun Prairie is its own city. The community has one high school, two middle schools, seven elementary schools, and three parochial schools. A second high school is in the planning stages. Its proximity to Madison is convenient for employment on the east side, and the lower home prices are tempting people to commute.
7. Verona
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Description: This city of just over 12,000 is growing fast as a bedroom community to Madison. Located southwest of the city and separated from it by farmland, Verona is about a 15-minute commute from the Capitol Square and downtown. Epic Software Systems built its enormous campus here and funded its own Madison Metro bus for commuters. Verona’s school system receives high marks. Other facilities cater to the youth such as the 40-acre, 15-field Reddan Soccer Park, a natatorium, University Ridge Golf Course, and the Eagles Nest Ice Arena, which offers year-round skating and hockey programs on an Olympic-size rink. US 151 passes along the edge of the city with several access points making a trip into Madison quick and easy.
8. Bunbury & Associates
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (608) 310-5777
Address: 6180 Verona Rd.
9. Century 21 Affiliated
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (608) 221-2121
Address: 221 West Beltline Hwy.
10. First Weber Group
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (608) 443-2277
Address: 5250 East Terrace Dr.
11. Keller Williams Realty
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (608) 831-0800
Address: 3 Point Place
12. Re/Max Preferred
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (800) 236-4411
Address: 2970 Chapel Valley Rd.
13. Restaino & Associates
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (800) 637-1178
Address: 2970 Schroeder Ct.
14. Stark Company Realtors
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (608) 256-9011
Address: 2980 Arapaho Dr.
15. Madison East Service Center
City: Madison, WI
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (608) 266-1466
Address: 2001 Bartillon Dr.