Madison 57 Below average
Madison Livability #243 ranked city in West Virginia#21,432 ranked city in the USARanks better than 26% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Madison

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

  • Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

  • Schools

    Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.

New Real Estate Listings in Madison Area
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What's it like Living in Madison?

Madison, West Virginia is a smaller city with a population of 2,728 inhabitants. The majority of Madison residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. With an average age of 48 years, Madison residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice.

Living in Madison can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of West Virginia, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Madison and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the West Virginia and national averages.

Madison, WV receives 54/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #281 in West Virginia and #23,013 in the USA. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in Madison may not be a pleasant experience. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Madison scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B-) There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Madison. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F).

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.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Madison is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Madison come in at $114,800, which is 6.9% higher than the West Virginia 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 2.8, which is 12% higher than the West Virginia 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, WV Livability

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      Madison transportation information

      Statistic Madison West Virginia National
      Average one way commute22min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.7%82.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool1.1%9.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk13.2%2.9%2.8%
      Working from home2.0%3.1%4.6%
      Source: The Madison, WV data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).