1. People In Madison Are Prouder Than Peacocks Of Their City
It’s true, there’s nothing more the people of Madison love than, well, Madison itself.
But why shouldn’t they? This vibrant city has a lot to be proud about, so it’s only natural that they’re full of hometown pride. From the plethora of wildly popular community events to their Badger spirit, the pride is practically contagious.
2. Weathering Those Harsh Winters Has Made Them More Resilient Than A Bouncy Ball
Winters in the Midwest can be harsh, cruel and unforgiving. And that’s just in regards to the temperatures! When you factor in the amount of snow that falls here, you won’t be surprised that practically everyone here owns their own snow blower. (Madison’s average snowfall is 50 inches annually.) Sometimes shovels just don’t cut it.
Naturally, because of this the people of Madison are a resilient group. Weathering the weather winter after winter can be a huge drain, but after one season the tricks are learned (I’m looking at you, long johns and winter activities) and a sense of humor is born.
I mean, after you stare at feet of snow for four months, you have to be able to laugh at tomorrow’s forecast of three more feet.
3. Sconnies And Coasties Have The Ultimate Fashion War
There is a long history of the sconnies against the coasties at the University of Wisconsin Madison. ‘Sconnies’ are the locals, while ‘Coasties’ are, well, from the coastal states and Chicago area.
The main dividing line and cause of conflict? Their fashion choices. Sconnies tend to think the Ugg boot wearing, year long tan lifestyle of the Coasties is ridiculous while the Coasties don’t seem to find the appeal in long underwear and flannel–even if it does ward off the nasty Madison winters.
It’s not just their fashion choices that divide them either. Simply put, Coasties tend to be more affluent and put on airs while Sconnies are into the more simple things in life–beer, brats and all things Midwest.
4. It’s No “West Side Story,” But There Is An East/West Divide
Though there are no ‘Sharks’ or ‘Jets’ (or as strong of a hatred) in Madison, there is still a slight divide between the east and west sides of the city. From the layout of the land in these areas to the people you see walking around, each side has a completely different feel.
Generally speaking, the east side of this city tends to feel more like a neighborhood with a gridded road system and smaller houses while the west side feels more like a suburb with its winding side roads coming off a main road littered with strip malls.
East siders are generally more liberal than those in the west. There is one thing that’s uniform across the board: no matter which neighborhood a person lives in, they love where they live and think their neighborhood is the best.
5. People From Madison Are Laid-Back, Go With The Flow Kinda Folks
The people of Madison are a laid back, go with the flow type... so much so that they can be a bit flaky from time to time. Generally, if someone says they’ll meet you at 3, they mean 3:15-3:30. Of course, if it is an important meeting, this doesn’t apply.
The people here aren’t often found power-walking from place to place—they know there’s no rush. If you’re a go-go-go, always-15-minutes-early type of person, you’ll need to slow down if you want to adjust to life here.
6. But Madisonians Are Also Like Coconuts: They’re Tough To Crack At First, But When You Really Get To Know Them, They’re Actually Quite Sweet
Though they’re laid back, the people of Madison don’t immediately open up to strangers. This doesn’t mean they’re impolite–this city is full of Midwestern charm. They just tend to be a little bit reserved.
You will feel welcomed with waves and polite small talk, but getting beyond that into a more fulfilling relationship can be a bit of a hurdle. Don’t worry though, it just takes time.
7. Liberally Speaking, Madison Leans A Bit To The Left
With a vast majority of progressive and liberal aldermen on the city council, it’s safe to say Madison leans a little to the left.
And with nicknames like “The Left Coast of Wisconsin” and “The People’s Republic of Madison,” it’s easy to see that Madison strays a bit from the rest of the state’s political views. In 2011 thousands gathered at the capitol to protest the 2011 Wisconsin Act 10 (which was basically an anti-union proposal).
The student body of the University Of Wisconsin-Madison has basically been protesting since the 1920s. But they wouldn’t have it any other way–progressiveness is a part of their history.
8. People From Madison Are In A Love Hate Relationship With Their Lakes
It’s only natural that the people of a city formed on an isthmus would both love and hate the surrounding bodies of water. Lake Mendota and Lake Monona do cause a bit of traffic congestion and increase traveling times by, well, existing, which can be a major headache at times like rush hour.
The same person that complained about being stuck in traffic for an hour will also be donned in head to toe ice fishing gear towing an ice shanty on the weekend.
The plethora of activities that come with being surrounded by bodies of water, like ice fishing or sailing, more than make up for the extra 20 minutes on your commute.
9. No Matter Where You Are, There Are At Least Five Government Or State Employees There Too
Whether it’s out to eat, enjoying sunshine in the park or simply on the bus, you’re likely to be surrounded by government and state employees. Sure, some can be a bit professional in a social setting from time to time and maybe a lot of them aren’t even from Madison. State and government employees are a factor of life quickly adjusted to. I mean, it makes sense... Madison is Wisconsin’s capital.
10. Madisonians Are Small Town Folk Living In A Big City
Initially, when interacting with the people of Madison you may think you’re in a smaller, more rural town based on their demeanor.
They wave, smile and are generally willing to help you out of a sticky situation—like changing a tire or navigating to the place you thought you were already at. But then you look around and realize (or maybe you never forgot, but go with me on this one) that you are in a bustling metropolis.
Madison delivers the friendliness of a smaller town mixed in with all of the benefits, read culture, nightlife, shopping, etc. of living in a larger city.
Featured Image Source: Flickr user ibm4381
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think of Madison in the comments below. 
