Madison Wisconsin Real Estate News

Although there are hundreds of miles between them, you may be surprised to learn that there are many similarities to be found between Austin, Texas and Madison, Wisconsin.  Aside from the fact that both cities hold the distinction of being the capital of their state, both cities are also centers of education within their states, both have a solid standing in the arts, and both enjoy an economy that is strongly rooted in technology.  With so much to offer to their residents, it is no surprise that Madison and Austin are among two of the most desirable cities in the country to live.

Getting Educated in Madison and Austin

Ranked by Forbes magazine in the #2 position of top education cities in the nation, Madison has much to offer to its residents in terms of educational opportunities.  In fact, 50,000 of its residents attend one of the many different colleges and technical institutes the city has to offer, among these being Edgewood College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison Media Institute and Madison Area Technical College.

Education is also put at a premium in Austin, with researchers at the Central Connecticut State University ranking the city as the 23rd most literate city in the nation and the Travel Channel identifying the city as "America's #1 College Town."  Among the institutions of higher learning within the city of Austin are The University of Texas, Austin Community College, St. Edward's University, Concordia University and the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest.

The Economies of Austin and Madison

Although Madison's economy was once dominated by government positions and the education field, the city's economy is becoming increasingly dependent upon consumer services and technology.  Austin, on the other hand, has long been considered a hub for technology, but both cities are becoming increasingly involved in biotechnology.  In fact, Austin is home to about 85 different companies within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields, making it the twelfth most important biotech and life center in the United States as ranked by the Milken Institute.  

Arts and Culture in Austin and Madison

Madison and Austin are both home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with Austin's official slogan being The Live Music Capital of the World.  The city is also home to the annual Austin Film Festival as well as numerous other cultural events each year.  Madison is also home to a number of music festivals as well as a variety of art museums.  Due to its rich cultural opportunities as well as its low crime rate and low unemployment rate, Madison was ranked by Money magazine as the best place in the country to live in 1996.  Every year since, the city has ranked near the top of the list. In 2006, Austin grabbed the #2 spot on the same list.

Despite having so much to offer to their residents, both Austin and Madison still manage to offer homes that are reasonably priced.  It’s no wonder both cities continue to grow so rapidly in terms of population as well as business opportunities!

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty, an Austin real estate brokerage. Eric works actively with buyers andsellers, as well as helping his agents further their own careers. Ericis an SEM enthusiast and you can check out his Austin real estate blog for more ramblings.