Madison 85 Exceptional
Madison Livability #17 ranked city in New Jersey#426 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Madison

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Crime 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

What's it like Living in Madison?

Located in the state of New Jersey, Madison is a mid-sized city with a population of 17,048 people. Madison has a population density of 3,952 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Madison is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Madison entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 30 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Madison, New Jersey could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Madison and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, employment and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Madison has received a livability score of 85 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Madison could be a great choice! Madison has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Madison has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A-).

If you're considering living in Madison, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Madison provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Madison shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 12 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Madison, the average school test scores reached an impressive 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Madison an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Madison has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Madison. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Madison are affordable. Median real estate prices in Madison come in at $1,314,666, which is 136.7% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Madison, the home price to income ratio is 5.6, which is 9.8% higher than the New Jersey 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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      Madison transportation information

      Statistic Madison New Jersey National
      Average one way commute30min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work63.1%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.2%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit11.3%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.9%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home14.6%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Madison, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.