Hanover/Madison area information (Indianapolis: place to live, moving, retired)

[cmmimg]

SuperOcean,

If you are considering moving to Madison, you'll defintely want to visit and find out how it feels.

While I would love if it were different, I have to be frank and say that Madison is socially conservative for the most part. It is right on the Kentucky boarder and has more affinities with Kentucky than with most of Indiana. As someone who was only a student while living in Madison and visiting only to see my parents now, I don't know many adult gay couples. I do know a few though, mostly friends of my mom. I guess it really depends on what you're expecting and how much you'll work to seek out people who are tolerant.

Let me know if you have any more questions about Madison.

[2dogmama]

Hi! I've lived in Madison for over 30 years and have some thoughts to add.

As far as being GLBT friendly, Madison is quietly friendly. There are some blowhards who'll act all rough and tough, but my friends and I have never experienced any outright problems. We can go out to eat, shop, and relax without any hassles. If you keep your eyes open you'll notice several alternative families living happily alongside everyone else. This also includes those with a variety of national/racial heritages.

Downtown is great if you like walking around quaint little shops and tree lined neighborhoods. The Hilltop is more suburban looking, with larger yards, but you'll need to drive to get places. Any drive in the area is short with very little traffic compared to the East. We have so many great festivals and events that even little old Madison can offer family fun on the weekends.

Any other questions, just post them and I'll try to help too.

[FiremanTim]

Madison....I could write about that town for quite a while. I stumbled on Madison in 1996 after doing some research on Indiana History. I was at first amazed that a town like that could still exist in the 21st Century. My wife and I first visted there in 1999 and have returned each year sometimes multiple times. We purchased an 1850's shotgun house which will someday be our part time summer retreat overlooking the Ohio River. Being from New Jersey, Madison is what my hometown was fifty years ago. A few reasons why I love Madison.

1. History everywhere, from the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, Steamboat, Railroad and Architecture. History is recognized and preserved.

2. People are great. Nearly everyone will say hi and ask how you are. Locals welcome non-locals and the backwoods anti-newcomer attitude is non-existent (or at least hidden well)

3. A dowtown hosptial, cancer center and paid EMS and Paramedic service right in your backyard. I dont even have that in NJ

4. A real downtown movie theatre that shows NEW FILMS, and hasn't been converted into a Euro, New Wave, Artisian, place showing things no one wants to see!

5. At least five drugstore soda fountains on Main Street.

6. Great Views.

7. An awesome volunteer fire department which is among the oldest and largest in America. With over 200 members located in six fire stations, (one is the oldest active firehouse in the US) they stand ready to assist everyone.

8. A great State park, Clifty Falls in the town.

9. Great places to eat.

10. See the last nine!!!

[debbie1840]

have you now moved to Madison, IN? I too am considering moving there from MI due to poor economic conditions in my state. Do you like it..if you are there.

[charmedone.1]

Hi debbie- I dont know about superocean, but my husband and I moved here at the end of May and for the most part- we really enjoy it. It is a lovely town and everyone has been very welcoming. As for economic conditions- the cost of living is about 40% lower than where we were in New England- but unless you have very specific job experience, a chance to transfer- or are less picky about what you do- finding a job can be tough. It took my other half about 4 months to find work- and he found it through a temp agency. I would check out The Madison Courier Newspaper - Madison, Indiana and search the classifieds and also the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development, then search Madison to see what is available. Feel free to PM me if you want more information.

And good luck!

[debbie1840]

Originally Posted by debbie1840

have you now moved to Madison, IN? I too am considering moving there from MI due to poor economic conditions in my state. Do you like it..if you are there.

i have not moved there and am not so sure i want to...lovely town, but couldn't seem to find a place to live without being on top of neighbors

[cswitzer]

It's been a while since I posted on here. We made the move from Indianapolis to Madison over July 4th weekend.

It is a great small town, but being a gal from Indy....I miss having Target, Meijer, a mall, etc within a 10 minute drive. I don't mind driving 40 some minutes to Columbus or The Summit though. (I used to drive that far for work). I miss the convenience that's all.

I have discovered that the Madison Coffee and Tea place is much better than Starbucks...and I was a huge Starbucks junkie, LOL!

I, personally, am having a hard time finding work here though. We moved because of my fiancee's job, but I am unable to find what I want to do and that's making it hard for me to adjust. Every time I interview, I keep hearing that I'm over-qualified....okay? I have a Bachelors in Education and an Associates in Medical/Legal Secretarial field. I spent 9 years as a College Advisor for univeristies that offer online programs....now, because of my skills, I can't find work. I already knew that I wouldn't be able to find work making what I did in Indy....in fact, nothing has come close. Right now, I'm a Teacher's Assistant at one of the elementary schools here and even though it's easy with great hours, and the kids are great....I'm SO bored.

So, I'm still searching...SORRY ABOUT VENTING....I have a good possibility with Hanover, I think, so we'll see. Otherwise, Madison is a great town. I like being on the river and all the festivals that go on are great! We often go down by the river or walk downtown in the evenings.

This is definately a good place to raise kids. Ours are adjusting just fine. The neighborhood that we are in is great along with our neighbors! Overall, it's been a good move.

[Lopeses]

Hi all,

Does anybody know what the current use of the Jefferson Proving Grounds is (just north of Madison)? It sounds like it may be used for Air Force testing (which would be pretty darn loud to live near) -or- as a Wildlife Refuge (which would be pretty darn...quiet)...

Jefferson Proving Grounds

Thanks for any information. This area is one of the big contenders for us to retire to, and of course city-data is a big part of the info-gathering process!

[charmedone.1]

Well- I have to tell you, as much as I liked Madison in general- I took a job transfer that took me to New Albany and we decided to move down here. Like CSwitzer, my hubby had such a tough time finding permanent employment that it was ridiculous. He was driving into Scottsburg for a temp job for months and it was killing us in gas money. SO- in February, we moved to New Albany and he is now looking here, in Jeffersonville, Clarksville and Louisville for something permanent. Financially for us- this is just better all around. I do miss my townhouse and the gorgeous deck that I spent many, many relaxing hours enjoying, but the tradeoff of better job prospects for my honey, choices as far as shopping for necessities and being another 50 miles closers to my parents made this new move a no-brainer for us.

As for the Proving ground- there is a park area and some housing over there- but as far as I know, it has been decommissioned by the government.

[Lopeses]

Thanks charmedone. I'm glad that the Proving grounds are no longer in use (because of the noise).

Does anybody know what the area 5-10 miles NE of Madison is like? I see some very rural areas like China and Manville. Is it pretty much just...farms? It's pretty hilly around there, right?

I will check all this out in person, but it probably won't be this year .