Madison combines small-town charm with a range of cultural and recreational opportunities usually found in much larger cities. Built on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, Madison offers incredible natural beauty, stimulating cultural opportunities, and fabulous restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Healthcare is another of Madison’s strengths, with five general hospitals, more than 20 major medical clinics, and UW-Madison’s medical, nursing, and pharmacy schools. Madison also maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Four lakes and more than 200 parks provide an abundance of year-round outdoor activities, from hiking, biking, swimming, and sailing to cross-country skiing, snow sailing, and ice fishing. The greater Madison area has so much to offer its residents, from charming historic neighborhoods and award winning schools to a great variety of cultural and recreational activities.

A host of picturesque communities, many retaining their strong ethnic heritage, surrounds the city. There’s something for everyone in the Madison area: big-city action and small-town charm, a rich cultural calendar, sensational shopping, and endless recreational opportunities amid stunning natural beauty.

Reprinted, with permission of the publisher, from 50 FABULOUS GAY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE (www.FabCities.com) © 2005 Gregory A. Kompes. Published by Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ. 800-227-3371. All rights reserved.