Madison 76 Exceptional
Madison Livability #9 ranked city in Alabama#2,951 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Madison

PROS
  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

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What's it like Living in Madison?

Located in the state of Alabama, Madison is a mid-sized city with a population of 50,717 inhabitants. The majority of Madison residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Madison will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Madison, Alabama. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Madison, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, housing and more.

With a livability score of 73/100, Madison is ranked #4,435 in the United States and #17 in Alabama. Based on the grades for each individual category, Madison has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Madison does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Madison has an unemployment rate of 1.97% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Madison, the average school test scores are an impressive 74%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Madison can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Madison real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Madison. The median home price for Madison homes is $263,800, which is 105.3% higher than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Madison, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 3.4% lower than the Alabama average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Madison

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Madison?

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Compare Madison, AL Livability

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      Madison transportation information

      Statistic Madison Alabama National
      Average one way commute20min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work87.6%85.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.0%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%1.1%2.8%
      Working from home8.6%2.9%4.6%
      Source: The Madison, AL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).