No. 2 on the charts, No. 1 in our hearts. | Photo by @thecolorfulkid
A new market study listed Madison as the No. 2 city for work/life balance in the country. Topics factored into this study include mental health, affordability, commute, and remote work prevalence.
We broke it down by category and added a few local resources and tidbits that we think contribute to our silver medal spot.
Mental health 🧠
Coworking Cafe based 80% of a city’s mental health score on the average time spent working each week (37 hours for us) paired with the number of outdoor spaces and recreational activities available.
Parks galore | With 200+ parks taking up roughly 6,000 acres of land within the City’s Park Division, there is no shortage of outdoor activities.
Resources | From Veteran programs to youth services, the City has compiled a list of mental health resources for locals.
Affordability 💰
Median household incomes were compared to the cost of living to determine affordability scores. This, along with our remote work score, is seemingly what gave the No. 1 city, Minneapolis, the edge over us.
Top market | Realtor.com listed Madison suburb DeForest as one of the best markets for first-time home buyers in the coming year.
Remote work 🖥️
Our lowest score came in this section, but who needs to work remotely when the best jobs in the state are right down the street?
UW Madison | The university staffs around 20,000 employees and contributes around $30 billion a year to Wisconsin’s economy.
Epic Systems | Listed as one of Forbes’ largest private companies, Epic staffs around 10,000 employees and brings in close to $4 billion a year in revenue.
Commute 🚌
Madison’s commute score was surprisingly high with an average travel time of 20 minutes for commuters. Perhaps our compact layout contributed to this score because it sure wasn’t our one-way streets and never-ending construction.
Ride Guide | Conquer public transit with ease by using this in-depth resource.
Board Game Cafe | Monday, Jan. 23 | 6 p.m. | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Join in on this community game night where you can revisit old favorites or try something new from the library’s collection — refreshments are provided.
Green Thumb Gardening | Monday, Jan. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Virtual | $12 | Learn about Integrated Pest Management, crop-specific tips, and specialized techniques such as lasagna and square foot gardening. 🪴
Tuesday, Jan. 24
Wilson/Broom Public Info Meeting | Tuesday, Jan. 24 | 7-9 p.m. | Virtual | Free | In this meeting, plans for the reconstruction and/or replacement of street infrastructure, water mains, and traffic lights around the intersection where Broom Street meets West Wilson Street will be discussed. 🚧
Salt Wise on Tap | Tuesday, Jan. 24 | 7 p.m. | Free | It’s like college all over again. Drink some beer while learning from UW staff and local experts about the environmental impacts that salt has on our lakes.
Wednesday, Jan. 25
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 12:30 p.m. | Goodman South Madison Library, 2222 S. Park St., Madison | No appointment is necessary for this free vaccine and booster clinic brought to us by Public Health Madison and Dane County.
Noche Latina | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 10 p.m.-2 a.m. | The Rigby, 119 E. Main St., Madison | Free | Drink specials on Modelo, Corona, and tequila accompanied by music from Choko Loco and DJ Ree Manic. 🎶
Thursday, Jan. 26
Brews and Q’s Taproom Trivia | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Karben4 Brewing, 3698 Kinsman Blvd., Madison | Free | Compete for prizes and sip on delicious beer during these 50+ questions of original trivia. 🧠
Adult Craft Program | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Fitchburg Public Library, 5530 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg | Free | Why let kids have all the fun? Join fellow crafty adults for this Valentine-themed origami class.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Every beer is non-alcoholic (0.5% ABV or less). | Photo by Athletic Brewing Company
You might even have more fun.
Athletic Brewing Company makes non-alcoholic beer you can drink without sacrificing feeling your best. It tastes great, has all the variety from IPAs to goldens, and has even won awards. (Read: Even beer snobs think it’s good.)
Union Commons— formerly known as the University Club — is now open for business. What was once a members-only social club is now open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Besides a few cosmetic updates, the historic building at 803 State St. remains preserved. (Cap Times)
Closed
After 2.5 years in Madison, Everyday Kitchen is closing its doors. Stop by to grab one last bite from the modern comfort food eatery before Sunday, Feb. 5. The adjoining Lodgic Kids Camp and Workplace will remain open for business.
Eat
A Bloom Bake Shop employee is sharing her cultural traditions and recipes in honor of the Lunar New Year. Preorder a “Good Fortune” box filled with traditionally-inspired Chinese treats or stop by to grab individual items through Sunday, Jan. 29. 🍪
Sports
Saturday’s Northwestern vs. Wisconsin men’s basketball game was postponed due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions. The game was pushed to tonight at 5:30 at Northwestern’s Welsh-Ryan Arena. 🏀 (WSJ)
Madison Ice, Inc. has set up a GoFundMe to maintain proper ice conditions at the Madison Ice Arena for the 2023 Midwestern and Pacific Coast synchronized skating sectionals on Sunday, Jan. 29. The nonprofit is asking for help from the community due to half of the rink’s chillers recently breaking down. (Madison.com)
Jobs
The Golden Nest Cafe in Sun Prairie has taken a unique approach to combat staffing issues. With the help of Bear Robotics and GPS technology, a robotic server has joined the team. The robot navigates a programmed path from the kitchen to the dining area delivering brunchy bites to patrons. (Channel 3000)
Plan Ahead
The City of Madison Parks Division is hosting a Winter Prom this Saturday, Jan. 28. Geared towards children 13 and under— all accompanied by an adult — this community dance will have dancing, refreshments, and a photo booth. Check out the Parks Division’s webpage to learn more and register online. 🪩
Listen
While Wisconsin’s Rock Fest is still six months away, we recommend grabbing your tickets now. This year’s lineup includes Slipknot, Ice Cube, and Papa Roach. Additionally, Pantera will be making their first US appearance in two decades. (WKOW)
Travel
Scott’s Cheap Flights is going, going...Going. The travel membership that saves you hundreds on flights has a new name, and in honor of the rebrand, you can get 30% off aPremium membership with code 6AMCITY30. What you’ll get: last-minute weekend trips, mistake fares, and early deal alerts. Hurry — this offer ends tomorrow, Jan. 24. ✈️*
Learn
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Be sure to wear your most aerodynamic banana costume. | Photo by @movinshoesrc
I know, I know. With snow on the ground and seemingly permanent clouds in the sky, the last thing any of us want to do is lace up our running shoes.
Whether it takes you six days or six weeks to prepare for a race, we got you covered. Check out this list of 5ks (3.1-mile races) coming up in the 608.
Frozen Assets | Saturday, Feb. 4 | $45-$50 | Register with the Clean Lakes Alliance to trek across a frozen Lake Mendota.
Freeze for Food | Saturday, March 4 | $20 | Support the local Open Doors for Refugees organization. Pro tip: Sign up a group of three for $10 off registration fees.
Shamrock Shuffle | Saturday, March 11 | $40 | This themed race includes an Irish dance performance and a best-dressed award.
Beat the Blues Cruise | Saturday, April 15 | $50 | This race contributes to charities rooted in suicide awareness and prevention causes.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Ally.
Editor’s pick: In my book, long-distance running is closer to a form of torture than a therapeutic release. With that being said, that Lakeshore Path Parkrun is the most palatable running activity I’ve come across in a while. So if you see me trudging my way down the shoreline this Saturday, no you didn’t.
Missed our last newsletter? We learned about the Lunar New Year in the 608.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Ally Geiger, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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