Looking likely that I'm moving to Madison, WI

[RealSNR]

Yep, another "what do you think of this city" thread. Sorry.

I opted to not renew my contract for my professorship at the local university due to bad politics and all around misery when I'm at work. I made this decision with the blessing of my wife. We have barely any debt (outside of mortgage loan on a small house) and no kids, so we figured my happiness was more important than the extra 45K per year (her salary would more than keep us afloat). But we are planning on expanding our family at some point and we're gonna need more than that one job.

For the past three months (really more like 10 months since I thought about quitting my current job) she's been browsing the job market which is already in rough shape for something with better pay. She found one in Madison, interviewed, and just received an offer today.

Anybody ever lived there? Good areas to find a house/raise a family? I've heard nothing but good things about the town, so I'm not worried. Just curious if anybody has any hints/suggestions about living in Madtown.

[Jenson71]

I went to Madison this summer. I thought the campus area on the waterfront was such a cool, relaxing and beautiful atmosphere.

[kregger]

Originally Posted by SNR

I grew up in North Dakota, so these supposedly harsh winters are going to feel like saunas.

Thanks for the advice. Thanks for the heads up about Middleton, Spicy. We were looking for homes outside the city (in Sun Prairie, actually) but on the map that looks like a more complicated commute than necessary. I know it wouldn't be that bad, but I think we can do better.

SNR,
I see your spouse is getting a gig with Epic. They are in Fitchburg and if you want to score points, make her commute really short. As I mentioned earlier, Fitchburg and Verona are pretty nice little suburban communities with nice infrastructure. I never have checked Middleton out, but it probably has all that going for it also.
Good luck, you'll like the area.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by SNR

Yep, another "what do you think of this city" thread. Sorry.

I opted to not renew my contract for my professorship at the local university due to bad politics and all around misery when I'm at work. I made this decision with the blessing of my wife. We have barely any debt (outside of mortgage loan on a small house) and no kids, so we figured my happiness was more important than the extra 45K per year (her salary would more than keep us afloat). But we are planning on expanding our family at some point and we're gonna need more than that one job.

For the past three months (really more like 10 months since I thought about quitting my current job) she's been browsing the job market which is already in rough shape for something with better pay. She found one in Madison, interviewed, and just received an offer today.

Anybody ever lived there? Good areas to find a house/raise a family? I've heard nothing but good things about the town, so I'm not worried. Just curious if anybody has any hints/suggestions about living in Madtown.

Congrats?