Been here about 13 months and bored to death. (Madison, York: neighborhoods, movies)

[Nala8]

Madisonians, no matter where they originally hail from, tend to take a while to warm up to you. Even though I am on my way back to New York City in August, the people I have met here, the ones who broke free of their initial reticence, have turned out to be truly interesting and truly by my side. We are a mutual support team. A big welcome surprise. Madison does not have as many of the same perks, amenities, and activities of a big city, but Madison is not a big city. I have learned to treasure what it does offer, constantly reminding myself that sometimes less is more. It helps to find your own niche. Then likeminded folks will connect with you, and vice versa; and they will keep you informed of events, gatherings, etc. I still feel like a fish out of water here, and the job market is definitely pulling me back to the Big Apple. Still, the most interesting people I've met here in Madison are also caring nonconformists--community oriented but with a sensibility that comes from having lived or traveled elsewhere. They helped me to deal with my culture shock, to hold on to my sense of social justice and equality while having realistic expectations or none at all, to see the humor in being a New Yorker in the Midwest, and to find the fun and the love again. It took some time and some initiative too, on my part--e.g. becoming a regular in certain restaurants, stores, community centers, the library, etc.

[stella1948]

Join Hoofers and learn to sail. Take some golf lessons with a pro and join a golf league. Work on a political campaign (a hobby of many in Madison). I have made great friends working on campaigns. Find a book club, have the group meet at your house. I came to Madison for college and I haven't been bored in 44 years. Don't live in a suburb, you'll get stodgy. Do something on campus once a week. Look at Wisconsin Week (online) and What's happening at the Union. Walk up and down State St. Walk through the historic neighborhoods and marvel at the magnificent homes of old Madison. When I was 18 I loved Madison and now at 61 I love her just as much.

[Angorlee]

Once you get of State street there is really nothing. Maybe the east side mall or west side mall if you like malls. Madison is a young persons town and is dominated by students at the U. Its interesting to visit though.

[Megan1967]

Ummm... As someone who actually lives here and who isn't a student, I take offense at that statement.

There are tons of free live music opportunities, bike trails, Meetup groups, unique shopping (ever been to Monroe Street? Hilldale?), museums, great library programs, free festivals, good restaurants, etc, etc...

[fewProud]

Madison is actually a "General" city. There are no real landscapes,architecture,big city amenities,and mainly dumb German,slavic norwegians,and poles here. Have fun.

[everwinter]

I'm moving here in a few weeks and this is what I am fearing. I'm not worried about the 3 good seasons, but winters going to stink! Deep dark depression here we come.

Milwaukee is fairly close by though . . . at least that's what I tell myself.

[MassVt]

Originally Posted by everwinter

I'm moving here in a few weeks and this is what I am fearing. I'm not worried about the 3 good seasons, but winters going to stink! Deep dark depression here we come.

Milwaukee is fairly close by though . . . at least that's what I tell myself.

Chicago isn't very far away, either...Madison is not a depressing town in the least, regardless of the season.

[Chelito23]

Wow there are some real Madison haters on here. Let me say this, if you are bored in Madison or can't find anything to do here, that speaks more to you personally than to the city itself. Fot a town of this size there is plenty to do. Whatever you find lacking here would only be found in a major city and why would you move to a big town expecting big city amenities anyways? Also, Chicago is 2 hours away, it isn't like Madison is in North Dakota, tens of hours away from a major city.

I think people need to have realistic expectations when moving out of their comfort zones and enjoy Madison for what it has to offer. For a town of this size there are tons of things to do. If you are so afraid of being bored here, you will most likely be bored anywhere outside of a major city. Most people that move here enjoy it as do most locals.

Personally I think it has many redeeming qualities, but if I get bored, I travel, visit other nearby places and try to meet new people and try new things. Madison is what you make of it.

[stevo6]

I just happened onto this post- I have never been to Madison, but I think this debate is not specific to Madison. Its about small town living vs. big city living. In smaller environments you can't rely on being entertained. You have to do some legwork.
Some things you might do:
1. Get involved with 1 or 2 community organizations. I mean really involved- take on an active role.
2. What are the things unique to Madison? Water? Take up boating or fishing.
3. Take advantage of the University. Walk around and find out what kinds of lectures/concerts etc. are happening.
4. Grow a garden.
The point is that this requires some energy. On the other hand, anything that doesn't require your energy is probably not that worthwhile anyway.

[mlb]

A-yup. I was born and raised in Madison - and now live out west. Still have family in Madison.

I'll trump what stevo6 said.

1. Grow a COMMUNITY garden - you'll meet lots of people.

2. Madison is Activism Central. When I lived there - there were any number of campaigns going on - political, social, environmental, food-based, bike-based, etc., etc.

If you're waiting to be spoon-fed an opportunity - you moved to the wrong place.