📍 About MSN & Madison
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) serves the capital city of Wisconsin and is located just northeast of downtown Madison. With its vibrant culture, excellent public amenities, and beautiful lakeside views, Madison offers a high quality of life for singles, couples, and families alike.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Downtown Madison – Walkable, energetic, near State Street and the Capitol
- Willy Street Area – Hip, artsy, local cafes and nightlife
- Tenney-Lapham – Charming homes near the lake and downtown
Families
- Sun Prairie – Great schools and growing suburbs
- Middleton – Highly rated schools, parks, and family vibe
- Fitchburg – Affordable, family-friendly, south of downtown
🚗 Commute Times to MSN
- 5–10 min: Downtown, Tenney-Lapham
- 15–20 min: Sun Prairie, Middleton
- 20–25 min: Fitchburg, Monona
🎓 Top School Districts
- Middleton-Cross Plains: Highly rated academics and facilities
- Sun Prairie Area School District: Modern campuses and strong community support
- Madison Metropolitan School District: Diverse programs and magnet schools
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
- Downtown Madison: State Capitol, museums, bars, and restaurants
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Sporting events, arboretum, lakeshore paths
- Devil’s Lake State Park: Hiking and climbing (1 hour drive)
- House on the Rock: One of Wisconsin’s most unique attractions
- Milwaukee: Breweries, lakefront attractions (1.5 hours away)
✈️ Nearby Airports
- MSN: Dane County Regional Airport (primary)
- ORD: Chicago O’Hare (2.5 hours by car)
- MKE: Milwaukee Mitchell International (~1.5 hours)
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Safest areas: Middleton, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg
- Watch zones: Some east and south side neighborhoods
- Local crime map
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$325,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$1,200–$1,400
- Utilities: ~$150–$200/month
- Taxes: Moderate to high property taxes; no tax on Social Security
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown: Urban living near lakes, UW campus, and nightlife
- Middleton: Suburban charm, family-friendly, great schools
- Sun Prairie: Growing suburb, new housing, strong community
- Tenney-Lapham: Classic homes and walkability near Lake Mendota
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold with snow (20s°F, heavy snowfall)
- Spring: Mild with rain (40s–60s°F)
- Summer: Warm and sunny (70s–80s°F)
- Fall: Crisp and colorful (50s–60s°F)
- Note: Snow tires or AWD recommended for winter
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Metro Transit: Reliable bus system serving Madison area
- Driving: Easy access via I-39/90/94
- Biking: Excellent bike trails and infrastructure citywide
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- UW Health University Hospital: Top-ranked academic medical center
- SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital: Downtown location
- UnityPoint Health – Meriter: Full-service hospital near campus
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Farmers’ Market: Largest producer-only market in the U.S.
- Community events: Concerts on the Square, art fairs, Badger games
- Nightlife: Bars, breweries, and comedy clubs downtown
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Graze: Inventive dishes with a view of the Capitol
- Tipsy Cow: Burgers and local beers
- Lucille: Artisan pizza and craft cocktails
- Monty’s Blue Plate Diner: Comfort food with a retro vibe
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Runways: 18/36, 3/21, and 14/32 – multiple intersecting configurations
- Traffic mix: General aviation, commercial, and military
- Peak times: Mornings and late afternoons
- Weather impacts: Snow and IFR ops common in winter months
📦 Moving Tips
- Best time to move: Late spring or early fall
- Utilities: MG&E (electric/gas), Spectrum or TDS (internet)
- Storage: Available in Middleton, Fitchburg, and east Madison
❓ FAQs
- Is Madison walkable?
Yes, especially downtown and near UW campus - Is winter driving a concern?
Yes – snow tires and preparedness are recommended - Is Madison bike-friendly?
Extremely – one of the top biking cities in the country