Avoiding work like the plague, so thought I would add a bit to 'Mad Town' as a native East Coaster. Breenie and Bacci have already spoken of the highlights such as the Farmer's Market, good sized city and some of the parking stuff. But, here's a little more...
I grew up outside of NYC; and have lived/worked in DC and Philly. But, the greatest place I ever lived was Madison, WI. I simply loved it there and would go back in a heart beat (and yes, I applied). However, the love affair didn't happen overnight... As a 'city dweller' it took me a bit to get over the friendly slower pace of the city. For months they all told me I talked and walked too fast.
But after a couple of months I settled in nicely and I still consider it my home away from home.
The city itself is absolutely beautiful (always say it was the most beautiful place I ever lived) and is situated on an isthmus flanked by lakes Mendota and Monona. The lakes are hopping places... Sailing, the UW Union Terrace that overlooks the bays of Lake Mendota (and yes, drinking beer and watching the boats go by is a MUST), and several events such as Kites On Ice are native to Madison alone. Also, when the ice fishing shacks start to dot the landscape in winter it's really quite something!
Wonderful restaurants and shopping a plenty!! And it's really close to Chicago. Thus, if you need a 'city fix' you just hop on 90 and go. Map programs on line will tell you it's a 3 hour drive, but it really isn't. I attended several concerts and other events in Chicago and did round trips all the time.
Plenty of outdoor activities and clubs for them all!! Sailing, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are area favorites. They even hold the Iron Man Triathlon in September. It's quite something to see!
Traffic is traffic. As a city dweller, it's really nothing in my opinion; but you really only need to drive if you live outside of the general capital / university area. The bus system for downtown is quite good! But, as already mentioned, parking around campus blows! The parking authority allows 2 hour parking and chalks tires. And they LOVE to tow! Oh, and football Saturdays - forget getting anywhere near Camp Randall (the stadium).
The vet school itself is situated on the far side of campus off of Lake Mendota with the creamery, barns and other 'green' spaces on campus. The library is wonderful (vet school has their own) and there are several other handy resources available to students.
Weather - well, it gets cold. If you're not used to it, a high temp with a negative sign in front of it will scare you the first couple of times; but after about -10 F it's all relative. If you go, get a good coat, good moisturizer and winterize your car!! But, after you make it through shaking the ice sickles off your eyelashes, you're rewarded by spring, summer and fall. The summer is really short and the 'hot' weather doesn't last all that long. Also, thanks to the lakes, the air is always moving!! 4 summers and I never turned on my A/C - just opened up the windows. And fall is so beautiful there are no words.
OK, I should shut up now, you get the point. Madison =
😍
!
