Best Columbus to Madison Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling life of Columbus, OH, to the vibrant community of Madison, WI, marks an exhilarating chapter in your life. You're leaving behind Columbus's renowned sporting spirit and dynamic arts scene for Madison's iconic lakeside living and thriving food culture. Given the distance and the life change you're embarking on, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. With our expertise, we ensure your move is seamless, focusing on delivering your possessions safely and efficiently.
Best Columbus to Madison Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Smooth Move, LLC | 9.59 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Blue Men Moving LLC | 9.57 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Madison Smooth Moves | 9.56 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Manifest Shipping Llc | 9.19 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Integrity Moving and Storage | 8.99 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Columbus guide.
5 Best Columbus 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 Blue Men Moving LLC
With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior moving experience...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving 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 Manifest Shipping Llc
Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and s...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
About Integrity Moving and Storage
With over three decades of expertise and a small-town customer-first approach, Integrity Moving and Storage offers exceptional service in Ce...Read More >>
Services
- Long-Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Piano Moving
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.
Columbus vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be a challenging adventure, especially when it means leaving a familiar city behind. To ease this transition, we've prepared a comparison of local neighborhoods between Columbus, OH & Madison, WI . This guide aims to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings by finding a Madison neighborhood that shares the spirit of your old Columbus haunt.
| Columbus | Madison | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| German Village | Maple Bluff | Historic charm, community feel |
| Short North | Willy Street | Artsy, vibrant community life |
| Clintonville | Atwood | Eclectic, with a strong sense of community |
| Upper Arlington | Nakoma | Upscale, family-friendly |
| Bexley | Shorewood Hills | Affluent, academic atmosphere |
| Grandview Heights | Monroe Street | Cozy, walkable, with local shops |
| Dublin | Middleton | Suburban comfort, good schools |
| Victorian Village | Tenney-Lapham | Historic homes, close-knit community |
| Brewery District | State-Langdon | Vibrant nightlife, young atmosphere |
| Italian Village | Schenk-Atwood | Innovative restaurants, arts scene |
In your journey from Columbus to Madison, you'll discover neighborhoods that mirror the unique characteristics of your Ohioan hometown. For instance, just as German Village offers a quaint historical ambiance with its cobblestone streets and charming eateries like Lindey's, Maple Bluff in Madison welcomes you with its majestic homes and community-centric vibe, ideal for afternoon strolls. If you loved the bustling artistic flair and eclectic dining of Short North, including the likes of Northstar Café, then Willy Street with its vibrant arts scene and community events will feel like home. And for those who cherished the family-friendly atmosphere and sprawling parks of Upper Arlington, Nakoma offers a similarly serene environment coupled with close-knit community activities, ensuring you and your family will seamlessly transition into the heartwarming embrace of Madison.
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 Columbus to Madison
Considering a move can be both exciting and daunting. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Columbus, OH to Madison, WI, highlighting what you can look forward to and what challenges you might face. Let's dive into the specifics with these detailed charts.
Columbus, OH- Higher crime rate
- More congestion
- Hot summers
- Fewer lakes
- Smaller tech hub
Madison, WI- Lower crime rate
- Less traffic
- Cooler summers
- More lakes
- Larger tech community
Madison, WI- Higher housing costs
- Smaller city vibe
- Fewer restaurants
- Less shopping variety
- Fewer sports events
Columbus, OH- More affordable housing
- Bigger city feel
- Diverse dining options
- Extensive shopping
- More sports teams
Transitioning from Columbus to Madison means adjusting to a new lifestyle, but it also opens up a lot of exciting opportunities. Madison, with its laid-back atmosphere, offers an exceptional quality of life, with ample green spaces like Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the UW Arboretum providing beautiful escapes within the city. Dining spots such as Graze Madison offer a taste of the local cuisine that emphasizes farm-to-table ingredients. Despite a possibly higher cost of living compared to Columbus, Madison’s community-centric feel, strong educational environment, and thriving tech scene—bolstered by organizations and startups around the University of Wisconsin—make it an appealing destination for many. Whether you're looking for peaceful parks, lively restaurants, or innovative tech hubs, Madison promises a blend of Midwestern charm with progressive urbanism.
Columbus vs. Madison Food Guide
Food is a crucial aspect of understanding a city's culture and lifestyle. As you plan your move, a comparison of the local cuisine between Columbus & Madison will provide a flavorful insight into your new home. This guide will help you get acquainted with the culinary scene, allowing for a smoother transition.
| Columbus | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Buckeye Candy | Beer Cheese Soup |
| Most popular meat dish | Columbus-style Pizza | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Taco Trucks | Fried Cheese Curds |
| Most popular vegan food | Plant-based Burgers | Vegan Brats |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Exploring the food scenes in your new city, Madison, you'll notice its strong German and dairy heritage with local favorites like Beer Cheese Soup and Bratwurst, especially popular during the football season. The bustling State Street and Capitol Square areas offer a diverse range of dining experiences, from the farm-to-table offerings at Graze to the Italian delights at Lombardino's. Madison's higher ratings in foodie scene and vegan friendliness reflect its thriving market for diverse and health-conscious cuisines, complementing its vibrant street food culture highlighted by Fried Cheese Curds and Vegan Brats, ensuring there's something for every palate.
Columbus vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a pivotal role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart between Columbus, OH, and Madison, WI , is designed to help you find your next favorite dining spot by drawing parallels with your current go-to eateries. Discover the Madison equivalents to Columbus's beloved restaurants and ease your transition into your new home.
| Columbus | Madison | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Pearl | Graze | Offers a similar gastropub vibe with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients |
| Lindey's | L'Etoile | Both provide an upscale dining experience with a focus on fine American cuisine |
| Northstar Café | Monty's Blue Plate Diner | Casual, eco-friendly eatery known for hearty, health-conscious meals |
| Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union | Renowned for unique, high-quality flavors made with local dairy |
| Thurman Cafe | Dotty Dumpling's Dowry | Famous for their hearty, customizable burgers in a comfortable setting |
| Service Bar | Merchant | Both known for innovative cocktails and a modern, stylish atmosphere |
| Marcella's | Osteria Papavero | Offering a cozy Italian dining experience with an extensive wine list |
| Katalina's | Short Stack Eatery | Both serve unique, locally-sourced breakfasts with a twist in a laid-back setting |
| Schmidt’s Sausage Haus | The Old Fashioned | Features traditional, hearty Midwestern fare with a focus on local ingredients |
| Wolf's Ridge Brewing | Ale Asylum | Both combine craft brews with inventive, upscale bar food in a vibrant atmosphere |
Discovering the dining scene in your new city is part of the adventure. For those relocating from Columbus to Madison, you'll find that Graze mirrors the chic, gastropub atmosphere of The Pearl, emphasizing creative dishes made from local produce. Ice cream aficionados missing Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams should not despair, as Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union offers a range of inventive flavors, ensuring your sweet tooth is well catered for. Importantly, both cities boast a lively food scene that champions local ingredients, innovation, and community-focused dining experiences. Whether you're in the mood for an upscale dinner at L'Etoile, reminiscent of Lindey's, or a casual yet memorable burger akin to Thurman Cafe at Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, Madison's culinary scene has the diversity to make you feel right at home.
Ready to start your move?
Columbus vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal aspect when considering a move. It's vital to understand how Columbus, OH and Madison, WI stack up in terms of housing costs, styles, and lifestyle . This comparison will illuminate the differences and similarities that could influence your decision.
| Comparison | Columbus | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Prairie School |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, proximity to schools | Lake views, bike paths |
Columbus, OH, and Madison, WI, offer distinct living experiences reflected in their real estate markets. In Columbus, homes tend to be more affordable, with Colonial Revival architecture being prevalent, catering to those looking for spacious backyards and proximity to schools. Madison, on the other hand, commands a higher price for living, attributed to its scenic lake views and exceptional bike paths, courtesy of its Prairie School architectural style. Moreover, Madison's higher walkability and bikeability scores indicate a more active urban lifestyle, something to consider if you prefer getting around without a car. Each city's unique offerings ensure that whether you're drawn to Columbus's affordability or Madison's vibrant urban living, you'll find a place that feels like home.
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.
Columbus vs. Madison Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Columbus, OH to Madison, WI, it's essential to understand how the weather compares. This comparison helps you anticipate what changes you might need to make to your lifestyle and wardrobe. Below, we provide detailed information about the climate and weather conditions in Columbus and Madison, aiming to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Columbus, OH
Madison, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Columbus, OH
Madison, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Columbus, OH
Madison, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Columbus, OH
Madison, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Columbus | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Thunderstorms, Tornadoes | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Weather conditions significantly vary between Columbus, OH, and Madison, WI, most notably in winter temperatures and snowfall. Madison experiences colder winters with more snow, being 29°F/13°F on average with 42 inches of snow annually compared to Columbus's milder 39°F/23°F winters with only 28 inches of snow. Furthermore, despite Madison having more days of sunshine per year, it's crucial to prepare for the colder winter climate and possibly invest in heavier winter clothing and snow removal equipment. Both cities share similar challenges regarding humidity and seasonal allergies, implying a relatively easy adjustment in those aspects.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Columbus to Madison
When planning a move from Columbus, OH to Madison, WI, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge how your expenses, taxes, and the overall economic environment will change. Comparing Columbus and Madison across various financial dimensions will ensure you're well-prepared for your new life.
| Comparison | Columbus | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $58,202 | $67,270 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 95.65 |
| State Income Tax | 3.33 | 6.27 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.67 | 1.94 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.5 | 5.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Finance | Government, Manufacturing, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Notable | Lower |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
Moving from Columbus to Madison, you'll notice differences in both income and cost of living. The average household income in Madison is notably higher, but so is the cost of living, particularly influenced by higher state income taxes and property tax rates. However, Madison’s lower sales tax and affluence level suggest a potentially higher standard of living, with less pronounced poverty and homelessness rates. Understanding these dynamics can help you plan your finances more effectively for your relocation.
Columbus vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison
Moving presents an excellent opportunity for a fresh start in a new environment. To help you understand the community dynamics better, we've prepared a comparison of the politics between Columbus & Madison , along with a quick glimpse into the religious landscape. This comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities.
| Columbus | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Diverse, with active civic engagement | Highly progressive, with a focus on environmental and social issues |
| Religion | Pluralistic, with a range of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic centers | Pluralistic, but with a strong presence of non-religious and secular individuals |
In both Columbus and Madison, you'll find a community that values political involvement and civic engagement. However, Madison stands out with its distinctly progressive stance, especially on environmental and social issues, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability and equity. The religious landscape is quite diverse in Columbus, offering everything from Christian churches to Jewish synagogues and Islamic centers, providing a multitude of options for spiritual gatherings and community services. In contrast, Madison's population leans towards a more liberal and secular ethos, though there are still various religious communities present for those seeking spiritual connection. Understanding these nuances will help you get acquainted with your new home, ensuring a smoother transition to life in Madison.
Columbus vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Columbus & Madison can greatly affect your daily commute experience. By comparing these facets, you'll gain insight into what to expect when moving from one city to the other, helping you prepare for changes in your day-to-day travel.
| Comparison | Columbus | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 23 | 19 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Moderately Easy |
When comparing the two cities, you'll find that Madison generally offers a smoother commuting experience than Columbus. The average commute time in Madison is shorter, and the city experiences less traffic congestion. This can be attributed to Madison's efficient public transportation system and its bike-friendly nature. While public transit in Columbus is improving, navigating the city without a car can still be challenging. Madison, on the other hand, provides better options for those looking to rely less on personal vehicles, with its higher public transit availability and more manageable urban layout.
