Best Jacksonville to Madison Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embarking on a move from the vibrant cityscape of Jacksonville, "The River City," to the charming, seasonally diverse Madison, "Mad City," marks an exciting chapter in your life. You're trading in the coastal breezes and seemingly endless sunshine for a city renowned for its breathtaking lakes and passionate collegiate atmosphere. Understanding the magnitude and complexity of this transition, it’s crucial to lean on trustworthy and adept professional movers, ensuring your journey to Madison is seamless and stress-free. Our team at Great Guys Moving rigorously evaluates movers to connect you with the best, making your long-distance relocation a smooth and worry-free adventure.
Best Jacksonville to Madison Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Smooth Move, LLC | 9.59 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Madison Smooth Moves | 9.56 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Skinner Moving & Storage | 9.21 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| MoveBright Van Lines | 9.17 | A | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Sunshine State Movers | 8.80 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Jacksonville guide.
5 Best Jacksonville to Madison Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
This listing has been claimed by A Smooth Move, LLCAbout A Smooth Move, LLC
A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as one of the mos...Read More >>
Services
- Full-Service Moves
- Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
- Business and Residential Relocation Services
About Madison Smooth Moves
Founded in 2018, Madison Smooth Moves operates based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, preparation, and satisfaction. As a loc...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moves
- Local Moves
- Long-distance Moves
About Skinner Moving & Storage
Skinner Moving & Storage is a family-owned and operated moving company based in the First Coast area. Their service offers include resid...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
About MoveBright Van Lines
MoveBright Van Lines provides exceptional service to First Coast residents, delivering on-demand moves at the best prices in town. Located i...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Sunshine State Movers
Sunshine State Movers is a professional moving company based in Baymeadows, Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in making moving easy and st...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Packing Services
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Jacksonville vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be an overwhelming experience, especially when navigating the unknown terrains of a new city. To ease this transition, we've crafted a detailed comparison of Jacksonville, FL & Madison, WI neighborhoods . This guide aims to familiarize you with your new surroundings by using your current city's popular neighborhoods as a baseline, helping to make your move as seamless as possible.
| Jacksonville | Madison | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside | Willy Street | Cultural, with eclectic shops |
| San Marco | Maple Bluff | Upscale, lakeside community |
| Avondale | Monroe Street | Boasts historic charm |
| Mandarin | Shorewood Hills | Quiet, family-friendly |
| Ortega | Nakoma | Lush, with prestigious homes |
| Springfield | Tenney-Lapham | Vibrant community engagement |
| Bartram Park | Midvale Heights | Growing, with modern amenities |
| Deerwood | Hilldale | Quiet community with shopping |
| Baldwin | Schenk-Atwood | Ideal for outdoor activities |
| Murray Hill | Bay Creek | Artsy, with local businesses |
In Jacksonville, the riverside charm of neighborhoods like Avondale, with its historic homes and boutique shopping along St. Johns Avenue, finds its match in Madison's Monroe Street, famous for its quaint bookshops and annual Monroe Street Festival. If you're drawn to the upscale, almost cinematic beauty of San Marco's mansions and water views, you'll find Madison's Maple Bluff a lakeside haven with its prestigious ambiance. Moreover, Springfield's community-centric vibe, featuring landmarks like Klutho Park, is akin to Tenney-Lapham in Madison, where community events and local businesses, such as the renowned Festival Foods, thrive, fostering a strong neighborhood spirit. Transitioning from Jacksonville to Madison, these neighborhood parallels can help anchor your new experiences in the familiar, making Madison feel like home.
Things to Do in Madison
Explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens.- Discover history at Wisconsin State Capitol.
- Enjoy a concert at Overture Center for the Arts.
- Kayak on Lake Mendota.
- Sample cheese at Fromagination.
- Bike the Capital City Trail.
- Attend a Madison Mallards game.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Jacksonville to Madison
Moving from one city to another offers a unique opportunity to experience the best and worst of both locales. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of comparing the move from Jacksonville, FL to Madison, WI, showcasing what you might gain and what you might have to give up. By understanding these aspects, you can make a well-informed decision about your relocation.
Jacksonville, FL- High humidity
- Longer summers
- Hurricane risk
- Limited public transit
Madison, WI- Lower humidity
- Distinct seasons
- Safer climate
- Better public transit
Madison, WI- No beaches
- Cold winters
- Higher cost of living
- Smaller spaces
Jacksonville, FL- Beaches nearby
- Warm winters
- Lower cost of living
- More space
The nuances of moving from Jacksonville, FL to Madison, WI extend beyond climate and cost of living - they reach into the culture and amenities you'll experience daily. In Madison, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Memorial Union Terrace, a beloved local spot on the water, offering food, drink, and entertainment with a view. Meanwhile, Jacksonville boasts expansive beaches like Jacksonville Beach, providing year-round leisure and recreational activities. Madison is celebrated for its community-centric approach, including farmer's markets such as the Dane County Farmers’ Market around the State Capitol Square, exuding a unique charm and sense of belonging. Despite Madison's colder winters, the city compensates with a warm community spirit, extensive indoor cultural pursuits, and winter sports opportunities, making it an appealing destination for those willing to trade the year-round warmth of Jacksonville for seasonal variety and community engagement.
Jacksonville vs. Madison Food Guide
Understanding the essence of a locale goes beyond sightseeing; it’s also about immersing oneself in its cuisine. That’s why it’s pivotal to highlight the comparison of the local cuisine between Jacksonville & Madison . This will give you insights into the food scene you're transitioning into, further enriching your moving experience.
| Jacksonville | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Cheese Curds |
| Most popular meat dish | BBQ Pork | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Fried Cheese Curds |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit BBQ | Tempeh Reuben |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move to Madison, you'll quickly discover its love for cheese and beer, prominently featured in their most iconic food item, cheese curds. These can be found in abundance at local bars and restaurants, especially in the vibrant Capitol Square area. Madison's embrace of locally-sourced ingredients is evident at places like Graze, which offers stunning lake views alongside a farm-to-table menu that changes with the seasons. The city's commitment to health and sustainability is showcased in its abundance of food trucks and vegan options, with food trucks often gathering at events like the Madison Food Cart Fest. Whether it's exploring the foodie scene, enjoying the local cuisine, or seeking out health-conscious options, Madison offers a rich and diverse culinary landscape that welcomes newcomers with open arms and delicious bites.
Jacksonville vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering places that feel like home, especially when it comes to food. This restaurant comparison will help bridge the gap between Jacksonville, FL and Madison, WI , making the transition smoother for those who cherish dining experiences. Let this guide be your compass to finding your next culinary love in Madison, using familiar favorites from Jacksonville as markers.
| Jacksonville | Madison | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Orsay | L'Etoile | French-inspired fine dining with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. |
| TacoLu | BelAir Cantina | Offers a trendy, laid-back atmosphere with innovative tacos and a robust tequila selection. |
| Maple Street Biscuit Company | Short Stack Eatery | Known for their hearty breakfasts, especially the biscuits and unique toppings. |
| MOJO BBQ | Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ | Famed for its authentic, smoky barbecue flavors and award-winning sauces. |
| Black Sheep Restaurant | Forequarter | Innovative and locally sourced dishes in a cozy, trendy setting. |
| Hawkers Asian Street Fare | Morris Ramen | Offers a vibrant take on classic Asian dishes with a focus on fresh, artisanal ingredients. |
| The Bearded Pig | That BBQ Joint | Casual spot known for its smoked meats and Southern sides, evoking a down-home feel. |
| Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant | Sardine | High-quality seafood with a focus on freshness, served in a scenic lakeside setting. |
| Bold Bean Coffee Roasters | Colectivo Coffee | A local favorite for artisanal coffees and a vibrant café atmosphere. |
| Moon River Pizza | Sal's Tomato Pies | Neighborhood pizzeria known for its unique, flavorful pies that emphasize quality ingredients. |
In the quest to find a dining experience that mirrors the comfort of Jacksonville favorites, Madison's culinary scene does not disappoint. For those who revel in the rich flavors of French cuisine, Madison's L'Etoile stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, reminiscent of Orsay's elegant offerings but with a unique Wisconsin twist through its devotion to local sourcing. BBQ enthusiasts who frequent MOJO BBQ in Jacksonville will find solace in Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ, where the dedication to the craft of smoking meats creates a familiar yet distinct experience. And for mornings when nothing but a hearty biscuit will do, Short Stack Eatery's innovative breakfasts offer a comforting taste of home, mirroring the beloved Maple Street Biscuit Company. These establishments not only promise to satisfy your cravings but also to welcome you into Madison's vibrant food community.
Ready to start your move?
Jacksonville vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most vital considerations when planning a move. Understanding how housing options compare in Jacksonville, FL and Madison, WI helps in making an informed decision. This comparison highlights the cost, architecture, and lifestyle associated with each location.
| Comparison | Jacksonville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Revival, Bungalow | Prairie, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront, Large Yards | Lakeside Views, Proximity to Bike Trails |
When moving from Jacksonville to Madison, you'll notice significant differences in both the cost of living and lifestyle. Madison prides itself on higher walkability and bikeability scores, thanks to an extensive network of bike paths and pedestrian-friendly streets. The median home prices and rent in Madison are notably higher, reflecting the city's demand and vibrant urban scene. Architecturally, Madison boasts a charming mix of Prairie and Craftsman styles, often featuring lakeside views and easy access to nature and bike trails, catering to those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle. Jacksonville, with its Spanish Revival and bungalow homes, often emphasizes larger properties with waterfront access, appealing to those prioritizing space and privacy.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Madison, WI
1. Williamson-Marquette: This neighborhood is known for its community vibe and welcoming atmosphere, where you'll often see pets and their owners enjoying the many local parks and pet-friendly cafes.
2. Nakoma League: With its close proximity to the UW Arboretum, your pets will love the extensive trails and natural areas ideal for long walks and exploration.
3. Shorewood Hills: This area boasts ample green spaces and a pet-friendly attitude, with easy access to the Shorewood Hills Pool for summer dog swims and several off-leash parks nearby.
Jacksonville vs. Madison Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Jacksonville, FL to Madison, WI, it's crucial to understand how weather conditions vary between these two cities. This comparison is designed to highlight the differences in climate you'll experience, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in Jacksonville vs. Madison.
Jacksonville, FL
Madison, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Jacksonville, FL
Madison, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Jacksonville, FL
Madison, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Jacksonville, FL
Madison, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Jacksonville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tropical Storms | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Jacksonville to Madison, you'll trade mild winters and hot, humid summers for cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers. The significant drop in winter temperatures in Madison, accompanied by substantial snowfall, requires a different approach to clothing and driving, emphasizing the need for winter gear and possibly snow tires. Madison’s fewer days of sunshine could be an adjustment, but both cities offer beautiful seasons and outdoor opportunities tailored to their unique climates. Additionally, transitioning from hurricane threats to snowstorms and tornadoes signifies a sharp change in emergency preparedness and seasonal adjustments.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Jacksonville to Madison
When deciding to move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in cost of living, taxes, and income between Jacksonville, FL, and Madison, WI, providing a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home.
| Comparison | Jacksonville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $58,621 | $67,270 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.9 | 95.65 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | 5.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.94 | 1.94 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.0 | 5.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Finance, Transportation | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
| Poverty | Higher | Lower |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
When moving from Jacksonville to Madison, you'll encounter notable differences in living costs and taxation. While Jacksonville boasts no state income tax, making it attractive for many, Madison's residents face a state income tax but enjoy a higher average household income. This is reflective of Madison's slightly more affluent demographic and its cost of living, which is above the national average. The top industries in each city—healthcare in both, but with finance and transportation in Jacksonville versus education and manufacturing in Madison—also indicate varied job markets and economic environments. These aspects can significantly impact your financial planning and quality of life in your new city.
Jacksonville vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison of politics and religious life between Jacksonville & Madison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the local climate in these aspects as you consider your move.
| Jacksonville | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | Mix of Republican and Democratic leadership | Democratic leadership dominates |
| Religion | Highly Religious; diverse denominations | Less Religious; progressive faith communities |
In transitioning from Jacksonville to Madison, you'll find Madison's political and religious environment to be notably different. Madison is recognized for its very liberal stance and Democratic leadership, which is in stark contrast to Jacksonville's moderate conservatism and mixed political leadership. This difference reflects in local policies, community events, and general societal attitudes. The religious landscape also changes substantially; Madison houses a variety of progressive faith communities and is generally considered less religiously active compared to Jacksonville's vibrant and diverse religious community. Whatever your beliefs or political stance, understanding the local climate will be key in making your move as smooth as possible.
Jacksonville vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Jacksonville, FL, to Madison, WI, vastly changes your daily commute and traffic experiences. Here, we compare the traffic and transportation options between Jacksonville & Madison to better understand what your daily travels might look like.
| Comparison | Jacksonville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 19 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Challenging | Easier |
Jacksonville enjoys relatively moderate traffic congestion with an average commute time of about 25 minutes. However, its public transit options are limited, making it challenging to get by without a car. On the other hand, Madison provides a more efficient public transportation system, reflected in its higher transit score and shorter average commute time of just 19 minutes. This makes living in Madison without a car significantly easier, offering a blend of convenience and accessibility to its residents. Whether it's catching a bus from the Madison Metro or enjoying the city's bike-friendly routes, Madison caters to a wide range of commuting needs.
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