Living in Madison AL Guide 🏠 | Everything to Know Before Moving to Madison
Searching for a new city with a strong economy, a family-friendly, small-town atmosphere, and a high quality of life? Then living in Madison AL may be a wonderful place. Located just outside Huntsville, Madison AL is known for being a rapidly growing city, one of the top places to raise a family in the state and even the country.
Initially known as "Madison Station", after James Madison, the 4th President of the United States, the city developed around a stop on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. It was a small city for many years, with only 400-500 residents, until the development of the Redstone Arsenal US Army Base, which attracted residents seeking employment.
Today, it is one of the wealthiest and fastest-growing cities in the state of Alabama. Madison, Alabama, is a good place to live for growing families and young professionals seeking a pleasant suburb with a strong sense of community.
Thinking about moving to Madison? Here is everything you need to know to prepare for a relocation to this beautiful city and start a new life.
Where Is Madison AL?
Madison AL is primarily in Madison County (although parts of the city extend west into the neighboring Limestone County). It is located within the Huntsville metropolitan area and the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Madison is almost entirely surrounded by Huntsville, except for some small unincorporated areas in Madison and Limestone County. However, despite Madison's proximity to Huntsville, it remains an independent city with its own government.
Commuters living in Madison AL have numerous transportation options. US Route 72 runs along the northern border of the city, and I-565 runs along the southeastern border. The Huntsville International Airport is also located just south of Madison, and public transportation is offered by the Madison Assisted Ride System.
Depending on traffic patterns, it's 11 miles or an 18-minute drive from Huntsville, AL to Madison, AL. It's also only 18 miles or a 32-minute drive from Athens, AL, to Madison, AL, and 16 miles to Decatur, across the Tennessee River.
Madison Alabama Demographics & Population
The Madison, Alabama, population is 58,335, making it the 9th largest city in the state. It's one of the fastest-growing cities in Alabama, and prior to 1950, there were only 500 people living in Madison AL. From 1990 to 2000, the Madison AL population increased by 96%. It then rose by an additional 42% by 2010 and by another 32% by 2020. However, it still maintains a spacious, suburban atmosphere with a population density of 1,908 residents.
It's also a very affluent, family-oriented community. The median income is $131,336, which is more than double the median income of the rest of Alabama. About 28% of people living in Madison AL are under 18, and 29% are in their 30s and 40s.
It's also a relatively diverse community. While most residents living in Madison AL are white, it also has sizable black, Hispanic, and Asian communities. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 67% white (non-Hispanic), 13% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 8% Asian, and 4% two or more races.
Other Madison AL Demographics:
- The median age is 37.9 years old
- 51% of people living in Madison AL are female, and 49% are male
- 97.8% of people have a high school diploma or higher, 65.9% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 9.9%
Living in Madison, Alabama, is safe. The total crime rate in Madison, AL is only 1,043 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 50% lower than the Alabama crime rate and 54% lower than the national average. Its low crime rate is why Madison attracts so many wealthy families.
Here is how the Madison, Alabama, crime rate compares to the state and country for violent and property crimes.
- Violent crime: 54% lower than the country, 82% lower than the state
- Property crime: 52% lower than the country, 45% lower than the state
Based on the crime rate in Madison, Alabama, it's safer than 66% of cities in the US. Safety and law enforcement in the community are handled by the Madison Police Department.
Cost of Living in Madison AL
Living in Madison AL is very affordable for the high quality of life the city offers. Both the overall cost of living and the average home price in Madison, AL are very reasonable for such an enticing area.
A great way to gain an understanding of the cost of living in an area is to analyze the cost-of-living index. It compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Huntsville area is 90.8, which means the cost of living in Madison AL is approximately 9.2% lower than the national average. The Economic Policy Institute also has a Family Budget Calculator that can be a helpful resource. It indicates that the average family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $103,384 to afford the cost of living in Madison AL.
Typical expenses of living in Madison AL:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $16.50
- 12 ounce bottle of water: $1.93
- Regular cappuccino: $4.95
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.51
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $2.86
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $5.40
- 12 ounce bottle of soda: $2.38
Source: Numbeo
The Madison, AL real estate market is also fairly affordable, which is what attracts so many growing families. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Madison AL is $470,000, which is only 6% higher than the median home value in the US. Although most people living in Madison AL own a home, a large percentage also rent. According to census data, 75% of homes are owner-occupied, while 25% are rented out.
Rentcafe indicates that the average rent in Madison is $1369 per month, which is 22% lower than the US average. Rent in Madison, AL starts around $800 for a one-bedroom unit and goes up to $6,300 for three or more bedrooms.
A few popular places to find apartments in Madison, AL:
- The Dempsey Apartments
- The Lofts at Town Madison
- Ovation at Town Madison
- Hawthorne at The Ridge
- Limestone Creek Apartments
Madison Neighborhoods | Where to Live In Madison
There are numerous fantastic neighborhoods in Madison, AL, featuring serene, tree-lined streets, low crime rates, and a great environment for raising a family. For those considering a move to Madison, AL, here are a few top areas to consider.
Clift Farm | A Sophisticated Mixed-Use Community With a Range of Amenities
Clift Farm is a southern-style, mixed-use community situated on the historic Clift family farm, offering a diverse range of home styles and upscale amenities for wealthy residents living in Madison AL, including a fitness center and swimming pool.
Highland Lakes | A Serene Community With an Active HOA
Highland Lakes is a well-maintained, covenant-restricted neighborhood off Slaughter Road, consisting of 245 homes that feature 5 lakes, walking trails, a clubhouse, and other shared amenities. It’s an ideal community for residents living in Madison AL who love the outdoors.
Town Madison | A Thriving Mixed-Use Neighborhood With Interconnected Communities
Designed by world-renowned urban planner Andres Duany, Town Madison is a vibrant community featuring a mix of residential and commercial properties within four distinct yet connected communities — The Exchange, The Commons, The Heights, and The West End.
Madison Weather & Climate
Madison has a humid subtropical climate. That means you can expect warm, humid summers and mild winters if you plan on moving to Madison.
The temperature typically ranges from approximately 33°F to 89°F, although it can reach as high as 96°F in the summer and as low as 18°F in the winter. The best time to visit a friend living in Madison AL, is typically either May and June or late August through mid-October.
You should be prepared for precipitation if you plan on moving to Madison, as it averages about 55 inches of rain every year. While rare, it does snow in Madison, Alabama. The city averages about 2 inches of snowfall per year, so be sure to pack a parka.
Things to Do In Madison, AL
Looking for fun things to do in Madison, AL? You'll find no shortage of fun activities to keep you entertained. Old Town Madison is filled with trendy stores, coffee shops, antique shops, and delicious restaurants that residents living in Madison AL are known to frequent. You'll also find plenty of options at local shopping centers like Midtown Marketplace, Madison Village, or the Shoppes of Madison. Outside of shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in Madison.
Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve
Located in the heart of Madison, Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve is a great spot for anyone living in Madison AL who enjoys outdoor activities, with trails, picnic tables, rock formations, and a small playground.
230 Stoneway Trail, Madison, AL 35758 (256) 534-5263
Wine & Design
Wine and Design is a painting studio located in Madison that hosts workshops featuring alcoholic beverages for adults, as well as classes and a camp for kids living in Madison AL.
12060 County Line Rd Suite G, Madison, AL 35756 (256) 262-4194
US Space and Rocket Center
Located just outside Madison in Huntsville is the US Space and Rocket Center, a museum operated by the state government that showcases rockets and exhibits on the major achievements of the US Space Program. Anyone living in Madison AL who has an interest in space exploration should check it out.
1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 (800) 637-7223
Additional Madison Attractions
Looking for more fun things to do in Madison? The Parks and Recreation Department has a list of Programs and Facilities for residents living in Madison AL on its website.
Madison Restaurants
Looking for a bite to eat? You'll find plenty of delicious restaurants in Madison serving a wide range of cuisines, from Italian to Japanese. Here are a few of the best places to eat according to locals living in Madison AL.
Prohibition Rooftop Bar & Grill
Prohibition is a popular spot featuring a downstairs lounge and rooftop bar, serving cocktails and beer, along with a menu of upscale bar food, including brisket sandwiches and smoked chicken wings.
100 Moon Shot Dr Suite 120, Madison, AL 35758 (256) 325-4438
Luigi's Italian Grill
Luigi's is a family-run Italian restaurant serving authentic dishes made with secret recipes, including lasagne and pasta dishes made with love. It’s perfect for families and couples living in Madison AL planning a night out.
7559 US-72 Suite 112, Madison, AL 35758 (256) 715-1173
Miso Happy
Miso Happy is a delicious Japanese restaurant in Madison, serving a range of Teriyaki dishes, sushi, and ramen with great cocktails and outdoor seating.
104 Intercom Dr, Madison, AL 35758 (256) 325-5100
Jobs In Madison
Looking for jobs in Madison, Alabama? You'll be glad to know that living Madison AL offers a very strong economy, supported by industries such as technology, aerospace, defense, automotive manufacturing, and biotechnology. As a result, Madison residents have some of the highest median household incomes in the state.
Intergraph, a computer software company, is one of the largest providers of Madison Al jobs. Many people living in Madison AL also commute to other major employers in Huntsville, offering job opportunities such as Cummings Research Park, Redstone Arsenal, and Mazda Toyota.
The high volume of high-tech and academic jobs in Madison AL has attracted many highly educated, affluent residents to the area. The City of Madison has a labor force of approximately 29,000 residents and an unemployment rate of 1.8%.
Top providers of Madison Alabama jobs:
- The Boeing Company: 3,048 employees
- Hexagon: 3,000 employees
- Dynetics: 2,946 employees
- SAIC: 2,746 employees
- Northrop Grumman: 1,970 employees
Workers living in Madison AL will be well paid, as Payscale shows the average salary in the city is $89,000 per year. From distribution associate to meter reader, you'll find a wide range of excellent Madison, AL jobs available. You can also find great employment opportunities with the City of Madison.
Madison Schools
Students living in Madison AL will also receive a quality education, as the city boasts excellent public schools. The Madison City School System serves over 10,000 students from across the city of Madison and the adjacent community of Triana. The Madison school district consistently ranks #1 in the state for its excellent schools and is among the top 50 districts in the US, according to leading outlets such as U.S. News and World Report.
There are seven elementary schools in Madison, AL, serving grades K-5. Some of the top schools include Heritage Elementary School, Mill Creek Elementary School, and Horizon Elementary School, all of which rank within the top 20 elementary schools in the state.
There are three middle schools serving grades 6-8 and two high schools in Madison, AL, James Clements High School and Bob Jones High School. Not only are they the top two Madison Alabama high schools, but they also rank 8th and 10th in the state, respectively.
Well-respected private schools in Madison, AL, include Madison Academy, Hope United Academy, and LifeGate Academy. While there are no colleges or universities in Madison itself, residents have easy access to top-rated schools offering higher education nearby, including Athens State University, The University of Alabama Huntsville, and Alabama A&M University.
Anyone living in Madison AL is also invited to stop by the local branch of the Huntsville-Madison Public Library for books and community events.
Madison Statistics & Information
- Madison County: Madison County
- Madison area: 30.694 square miles
- Madison AL zip codes: 35756, 35757, 35758
- Madison AL area code: 256 and 938
- Madison elevation: 686 ft
- Madison time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Madison: The Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is 5 miles away.
Madison AL Map
Discover more exciting attractions, restaurants, and fun things to do while living in Madison AL with this map.
Ready to Find Out What Living in Madison AL Is Really Like?
Excited to explore what living in Madison AL has to offer now that you know all about it? When the time comes to plan your relocation, you can trust the award-winning Madison movers at This Side Up to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (256) 653-7612 today for a free quote from the top Huntsville moving company.
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