Madison, Boulder, Iowa City (Middleton: school, university, taxes)

[setherik]

Hey, I just spent an evening in Iowa City and was very impressed. I've spent a (very small) bit of time in Madison, but none in Boulder. Was wondering if anyone had a good base of knowldege?xperience about the three and would be able to compare them in terms of geographic size of the pedestrian areas, culture, nightlife (civilized and otherwise), cuisine, walkability, etc. Obviously Madison is the only city of the three that is also a state capital, so undoubtedly it will be more than JUST a college town like the other two. But any insights would be helpful, even if they diverge from the categories listed above. Thanks so much.

[phlute23]

I don't know anything about Boulder but I did live in Iowa City from 99-01 while in grad school and in Middleton (west suburb of Madison) in 98. I loved both cities. Iowa City reminded me of a smaller version of Madison. Madison, being bigger, will of course offer you more options for cultural activities, restaurants, etc. and it has several lakes in the area for water type of activity. Iowa City will always be a special place for me. It has a lot to offer in many regards and the university offers many nice options for concerts, art exhibits, etc. So between those two choices, I do not believe you could make a mistake.

Good luck!

[jsatkeph]

I went to college in Iowa City, have visited Madison several times and now live in Denver (very close to Boulder). I have to say Iowa City is my favorite of the three, but Madison would be a close second. There's just something about the people in the midwest that make living nicer. Boulder is similar in culture and "feel" for the most part, but many people would consider Boulder people a little snootier. You can't beat the mountains, but I'm looking forward to moving back to Iowa City.

Best of luck - mighty fine choices if you ask me!

[badger74]

I have lived in Boulder and Madison. Boulder has a lot more of the trust fund kids hanging out in a beautiful place vibe while M is more real. IC always seemed like a smaller M to me with not as much to do. B has nicer weather overall but it sure varies. Also expensive to live there.

[UW Badgers]

Living in Cedar Rapids and going to Iowa City many times, Madison hands down is better. Heck, Madison is better then this whole state. The only reason we go to Iowa City is because it's the only Iowa location of Chipotle, our favorite place to eat.

We lived in Wisconsin our whole lives up until 4 years ago, so I've been to Madison plenty of times. Working our way back there. This city/state is not for us.

[cheesehead1]

I have lived in both Madison and Boulder, can't speak for Iowa City.
Madison is much more of a city, with more to do unrelated to the 18-24 set. However, Boulder has lots to do as well.
Boulder definitely has a more transient, unsettled (and privileged) vibe to it. Nobody I knew when I lived there is still in town. People drift to the mountains, etc., so it doesn't feel too settled. It's also ridiculously expensive, but ridiculously beautiful. Loved all 8 years!
Madison is fabulous for all ages. Cheaper, great fun people and downtown. University is huge, but not all-encompassing (except football Saturdays). Yes, winter is long, but it's worth it for the spring thaw. The lakes are great, too. If I could pick to return to one, it'd be Madison.
Good luck!

[radraja]

Iowa City is the most affordable. Small town feel, but still plenty going on.

Madison is pretty expensive, which surprises a lot of people. Propery taxes are high, and so is the cost of living in general. There is a fair amount to do, but it still doesn't feel like a city. If you're looking for nightlife and diverse cultures and such, you'd be better off looking in the Twin Cities.

Boulder has the mountains and the most mild climate (winters are sunnier and a bit warmer than the midwest). Right in the Denver metro, which means easy access to city life AND easy access to good skiing. It is the most expensive though (but not much more expensive than Madison, really, if you look in the right areas).

[Alt Dach]

Flip a coin , a yuppy town is a yuppy town is a .......

[mad420]

Well obviously Boulder would have the most prestige if you can afford to live there.

[edsg25]

the best way to look at Iowa City and Madison:

both deliver the full bang for their buck in their respective roles:

Iowa City is one of those ultimate small sized college towns.

Madison is one of those mid-sized college towns.

Both work fantastically well. Madison offers far more than Iowa City as a location as a bigger place, but Iowa City is able to be more collegiate than Madison because it is smaller.

In the Big Ten, IC and Madison deliver big time. Other places that, IMHO, really succeed that differ from both at other conference locales:

Minneapolis: great large city college town

Evanston: great suburban city college town

Ann Arbor: great edge-of-the-metro-area college town