Software Engineer Jobs in Madison (Middleton, Verona: home, job outlook, neighborhoods)

[luv80s]

Hi,
Does anyone know what the job outlook is like for software engineers (or software developers) in Madison? What are some good companies (big or small) to work for this kind of job? My husband has 8 years experience as a software engineer and has a MS Computer Science. We are thinking of relocating there with our 17 month old son and want to know the job outlook and salary range.

Any information or websites would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

[NY4eva]

Epic Systems is where my hubby works... he's a developer. It's one of the area's best companies to work for...

(broken link)

[luv80s]

Thanks NYeva. We will look into that, I think I might have seen them on Monster.com. Does the company offer good benefits or relocation package? Is your hubby happy there? Thanks again!

[NY4eva]

Originally Posted by luv80s

Thanks NYeva. We will look into that, I think I might have seen them on Monster.com. Does the company offer good benefits or relocation package? Is your hubby happy there? Thanks again!

The benefits are really great... in fact, he just got his $100 check for Christmas which every employee receives ON TOP of their annual bonus. And, yes, they also offer a reloc. package - at least I know that my DH got a handsome package (everything related to his move was paid for). He's very happy here... so happy that I cannot get him to move back East now... I really miss the East Coast way of life...

[luv80s]

Thats good that your husband is happy there and they paid for relocation costs. What do you like and not like about Madison? Where are you from in NY? I've never been to NY or anywhere in the Midwest, so just want to pick your brain about the two places.
Me, born and raised in Houston and I hate it here so much. Sure its home but there has got to be better places to live than this swamp, lol. My husband hates it here in Houston too. He was born and raised in Chicago, later lived in Amarillo and then moved to Houston when he was 18. So we are looking for a smaller city and a place with actual seasons to raise our family. Heard good things about Madison.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by luv80s

So we are looking for a smaller city and a place with actual seasons to raise our family. Heard good things about Madison.

Oh you'll get seasons all right, from 90s in the summer to 10 below in the winter...

[NY4eva]

Originally Posted by luv80s

Thats good that your husband is happy there and they paid for relocation costs. What do you like and not like about Madison? Where are you from in NY? I've never been to NY or anywhere in the Midwest, so just want to pick your brain about the two places.
Me, born and raised in Houston and I hate it here so much. Sure its home but there has got to be better places to live than this swamp, lol. My husband hates it here in Houston too. He was born and raised in Chicago, later lived in Amarillo and then moved to Houston when he was 18. So we are looking for a smaller city and a place with actual seasons to raise our family. Heard good things about Madison.

As Drover said, the seasons are winter and summer... sorry to inform you of that! LOL Fortunately, though, there is lots to do around town in both seasons, especially if you have a family. Madison is definitely a wonderful place to raise your family. There are so many activities geared towards children here.

I grew up in NY State. I was born in the city but raised about an hour NW of the city. I love NY, and I will always be a New Yorker (as my handle suggests ) I think it's hard to move from a place that you love (and where all your family and friends are) to any other place. In addition, our family has grown recently, and it's been really difficult not to have familiar people around us (I am a SAHM - which by the way there actually are lots for SAHMs too). I suppose I am letting my NY attitude get in the way of actually enjoying all that I do have here. As my husband says, if we move back we won't have this beautiful home (since it would cost about 3 times what we are paying now)... I know he's right, but still it's been hard to come to terms with leaving family and friends behind...

[luv80s]

I've never experienced winter, its nonexistent here in Houston, lol. I've been on winter vacation in Montreal a few times and loved the snow! Now, if I'd actually like living with those kinds of winters is another question. I'm sure I'd adapt either way. I'm sure Madison's summers are nothing compared to Houston. Let me put it this way. When I was pregnant in my last trimester during the summer of 2005 (when I say summer I mean starting from May til when my son was born mid July) my ob/gyn told me not to be outside past noon or 1pm. He didn't want me to into early labor from being overheated because it was so dang hot outside, high 90's-100+ with like 90%humidity. Its ridiculous here and I would not miss that part of houston for one moment or other things for that matter.

Like you, I'd have a hard time being away from family and friends too. I'd miss them terribly. The city I wouldn't miss but I can see how you would since you love NY. I'm a SAHM too and would be nervous about making new friends in new city. Guess could always join Gymboree or playgroups.

What are some good neighborhoods there? My husbands big thing is commute time to and from work. By the way, he applied to Epic Systems yesterday. Thanks for the heads up! Apreciate it!

[NY4eva]

Well, Epic is currently in the process of building a huge campus in Verona, WI. Verona is a great place to live. The schools are decent (though I have a little animosity towards them b/c they still have yet to hire me!). But, honestly, I think the school are some of the best in the area... other than Middleton Cross Plains - another place you might want to consider living. Both areas are costly to live b/c of the schools... I am not sure what your budget is... you could definitely get something nice (3BR, 2 baths or so) for about $400,000, maybe less depending on where you are. We built our home with Veridian and ours was only $252K... but we are on the far East side and DH is looking at a 30-40 minute commute once he relocates to the new campus. In Middleton or Verona, your DH would only be looking at - tops - a 20 minute commute - (obviously from Verona, it would only be about 5-10 mins).

I hope this helps a little... and yes, there are a lot of playgroups and MOMS groups, but they never really do replace your family/friends from back home. At least I haven't been able to make close friends yet. :-(

[luv80s]

Thanks so much for the information. My husband sent his resume to Epic and he just heard back from them a few days ago! They want him to take a skills/assessment test here in Houston. I guess from there, the test proctor sends the scores to Epic and decide whether or not to set up an interview. So we are keeping our fingers crossed everything goes well. Good luck to you NY4-hope you get hired soon too