jennalouise7

I've lived in Florida for 5 years now - 2 in Boca Raton and 3 in Orlando. I LOVE Orlando - I love the weather, I love the theme parks, I love eveything being right there and always having something to do.

I was recently asked to move to Madison, Wisconsin. I have visited once in September and once in December. I enjoyed the time in September, but in December I was FROZEN.

I need advice and information -- maybe once I get used to it, I'll be fine??
I especially liked Downtown, but is Downtown fun in Winter?

Also - random question - not TOO important but are there any craft beer bars in Madison?

Thanks guys!!

jennalouise7

everything*

WhereAreWe

Madison is a college town so there's always something to do. It's relatively quiet over winter break between mid-December to mid-January when students are gone, but there still are plenty of things happening.

You will get used to the cold. Best if you don't move in the middle of winter so you can give yourself time to adjust to the temps.

People in Wisconsin in general like to drink, it's what they do.

http://www.madbeerweek.com/welcome

http://www.malthousetavern.com/
http://www.theoldfashioned.com/index.php
http://www.greatdanepub.com/

tomfuller

Unless you have a serious love interest or a REALLY good job offer there, I would pass.
There are many better cold climate cites than Madison WI.
If you went by Amtrak you would go to Chicago by train and take a 3 to 3.5 hour bus trip to South Madison. You would have cabin fever by Groundhog day.

Married2dan

I live in Champaign, IL, I was born in Minneapolis, MN, spent two years in Madison WI in college, and i have visited Florida twice.
If you move to Madison, WI, you NEED winter outerwear. Consider spending some money at LL Bean and getting an insulated parka AND snow pants. Insulated gloves, insulated or Sherpa or fleece hat and a muffler AND insulated and waterproof boots.
Without the right outerwear you will be freezing!!!
If I moved to Florida, I would have no clue how to deal with a hurricane.
If you move to Madison WI, you will have to learn new skills to drive and maintain a car in cold weather, ice and snow.
You should check Amtrak too I think it still serves Madison or goes very near.

abram

We went to college in Madison and now live in Milwaukee--I much prefer the climate here to Florida. You can always bundle up and enjoy the outdoors whgen it's cold, but the same thing cannot be said for hot, humid weather.

We have found that taking up a winter sport (we love to ski; friends ice skate and snow shoe) makes us look forward to winter.

Madison is a great town, with the Unversity and the state capitol, it has lots to offer.

happytrailstoyou

I LOVE Orlando - I love the weather, I love the theme parks, I love eveything being right there and always having something to do.

I believe you answered your own question.

HTTY

WhereAreWe

Madison is consistently rated as one of the best cities to live in.

Not sure where the Amtrak comments are coming from.

Gretchen

Yes, no , Maybe. How old are you--what is the up side of moving? How can we know. Weather isn't everything. Is it your last job/move.

Fra_Diavolo

To me, Orlando is Hell-on-Earth, so, although I have never visited Wisconsin, I would say go, go go!

Aduchamp1

Anyone who loves Orlando should stay in Orlando. You are probably needed there.

qwovadis

I lived for a while up there so cold in the winter all folks can do is sit around drink beer and get fat.I am a big fan of
terrycove.com orangebeach.com villagetannin.com cheap in AL
low property taxes right on the border with FL. Like old time
FL without all the tourists and New Yorker crowds attitudes.
I like the Dells in the summertime otherwise you would have to
pay me a lot to move back.Just the heating oil bills in winter will pay for a nice FL lifestyle in a cheaper area.So
for me a move would not be logical unless a MAJOR economic
incentive.

Happy Deciding!

FrankS

Madison is in my territory. In the cases when we have recruited someone from the South and they left, the long winter was often the reason. It seems the candidate was prepared for it, but a spouse or family member couldnt or plain just did not want to adjust.

This year winter has been mild, but its not unusual to have already had weeks filled with subzero temps. Further spring sometimes doesnt arrive till late April, so its possible to have a 5-6 month winter. I dont think you can find much better than Madison for quality of people, fun and lifestyle for the price, but you must be prepared for winter. Some of us actually look forward to winter.

Many in Madison today would RATHER have it colder with 20 inches of snow on the ground. We cant start our winter sports until real winter does arrive

BigRuss

Not only does Madison get Wisco winters, it's situated between two lakes and that means you get the double lake effect of wind whipping off the water and into your face.

The fact is if you've been "asked to move" that means it's either a job or a love interest. If the latter, don't do anything without a ring and a wedding date set. And have him consider moving - after all, Florida is a low-tax state with great weather and I'm guessing Wisconsin cheddar is sold in Florida stores. If the former, you'd best negotiate a serious relocation package.

Ultimately, if you like Florida weather, you will hate the weather in Wisconsin. Days like the 2007 NFC title game in Green Bay (4 degrees) or a 27 degree day in early October aren't anomalies like a 35 degree day in Orlando. The snow is pretty at first, the cold is invigorating, and then they begin to get oppressive.

And it gets dark early there in the winter - days are short and cold.

nytraveler

If you like the wether in Orlando (there is not enough money in the world to make me live through the hell of it) I doubt very much you will be happy in Madison. I find it a charming town - but I LOVE cold weather - and enjoyed going there even in midwinter.

I guess the question is - what is the reason for going - and is there any compromise?

poudrecanyon

I moved to Madison about 10 years ago and still haven't gotten used to the long, cold winters. I grew up in a snowy climate so I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, but I find the winters here extremely unpleasant.

We've had it easy so far this winter, but usually the cold weather moves in Nov-Dec and it doesn't leave until April. Basically, as others have said, if you love the weather in Florida, you will not like living in Wisconsin.

On the positive side, the folks who live here are friendly, kind-hearted people -- some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. And there are plenty of places to get a craft beer. That's for certain!

ziggypop

Please do tell. Have you met someone online and they want you to move?

JeanH

I've lived in Iowa my entire life. I'm not sure why. I hate the cold. I hate the dark.

Now, we're retired. Leaving Wednesday for three months in Belize. Florida isn't warm enough in the winter.

All that said, I love Madison. Great college town.

As for craft beers, there are dozens, perhaps hundreds.

JJ5

There are craft beers throughout the Midwest. Everywhere I have been there seem to be a hundred more a year.

WI is so different culturally and in every other way from FL, besides the weather. It is.

If you love warm weather, I would not go. I love cold weather and hate heat, and find WI too Nordic, white bread etc. and groomed, all three, believe it or not. And I have spent much time there. BF and surrogate mother lives in WI Rapids, WI- right in the middle. Summer is beauty and lakes are more than fine as is fishing. Winter is not. There is a bit of skiing but very mild and low hills.

I like Minneapolis much, much better. Less snow, too, you know. Minneapolis has a vibe and an energy that is now missing from much of the rest of the Midwest. Madison is a college town. Like numerous other college towns.

Taxes are not cheap and business is leaving in droves like it is in IL. Think about that. I read WI stats and they are horrendous, as well.