Moving from Austin to Madison?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Austin to Madison Movers

Moving from the Live Music Capital of the world, Austin, to the vibrant, ice-capped terrains of Madison offers you an exhilarating life change and adventure. While you're trading in your Texan BBQs for Wisconsin's famed cheese curds, understanding the nuances of your new home—food, neighborhoods, and all—becomes essential. More so, ensuring this long-distance transition is smooth and hassle-free underscores the importance of choosing trusted and reliable professional movers, a task we've simplified by ranking the best with an unbiased algorithm, making sure you're in great hands every step of the way.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Austin guide.

5 Best Austin to Madison Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

#1
A Smooth Move, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,293+ data points

Appleton, WI
Full-Service Moves, Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking, Business and Residential Relocation Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3350934 Verify

About 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 >>

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top 3 ranked movers in appleton 2023 a smooth move llc image
top ranked movers in appleton 2022 a smooth move llc image
#2
Madison Smooth Moves Logo
Exceptional

based on 894+ data points

Madison, WI
Residential Moves, Local Moves, Long-distance Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3350934 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in madison 2023 madison smooth moves image
top 10 ranked movers in madison 2022 madison smooth moves image
#3
Heavenly Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 4,606+ data points

Austin, TX
Local moving, Long-distance moving, Full-service packing See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3429695 Verify

About Heavenly Moving and Storage

Heavenly Moving and Storage has been one of Austin’s premier moving companies since 2005. This locally-owned moving company provides high-qu...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in austin 2023 heavenly care moving storage image
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#4
A
Exceptional

based on 606+ data points

Volente, TX
Out of state moving services, Packing services, Office moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3119927 Verify

About Amen Moving

Amen Moving is a professional moving company based in Austin, TX. The company specializes in out of state moving and packing services, offic...Read More >>

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#5
Quality Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 365+ data points

Round Rock, TX
Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 1947538 Verify

About Quality Moving & Storage

Quality Moving & Storage is a family-owned and operated moving company based in Austin, Texas. Established in 2003 with a single truck, ...Read More >>

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Relocating from Austin to Madison Neighborhood Guide

When relocating from Austin, TX to Madison, WI, it's beneficial to compare familiar Austin neighborhoods with similar areas in Madison. This guide aims to ease your transition by highlighting comparable localities, making your move smoother. Explore our Austin, TX & Madison, WI local neighborhoods comparison to find your new favorite spot.

AustinMadison
South CongressState Street

Vibrant shopping, dining scene

Travis HeightsMaple Bluff

Upscale, lakeside community

Hyde ParkTenney-Lapham

Historic homes, community-focused

ZilkerMarquette

Laid-back lifestyle, near water

Barton HillsNakoma League

Family-friendly, nature-oriented

East AustinWilly Street

Hip, artsy and vibrant

TarrytownShorewood Hills

Exclusive, tranquil

MuellerHilldale

Modern homes, convenient amenities

RosedaleDudgeon-Monroe

Community-centric, charming

ClarksvilleUniversity Heights

Quaint, with historic significance

Discovering neighborhoods in Madison that resonate with your favorites in Austin can be an exciting part of your moving journey. For instance, if you were drawn to the bustling arts and music scene of East Austin, you'll find a similar vibe in Willy Street - known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and venues like The Barrymore Theatre. Nature lovers who cherished the outdoor spaces in Zilker might find comfort in Marquette's proximity to Lake Monona and favored spots like Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Moving from a neighborhood centered around community and historic homes like Hyde Park would feel right at home in Tenney-Lapham, where community events and a sense of locality thrive among streets lined with storied residences. Finding these community parallels will help you adapt to Madison's charm while holding on to a piece of Austin's spirit.

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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.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Austin to Madison

Moving between cities is an adventurous step that requires a balanced view of what you're leaving behind and what awaits. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection between Austin, TX and Madison, WI, focusing on the pros and cons to help you weigh your decision carefully. By highlighting the benefits and disadvantages, you'll be better prepared for your new chapter in Madison.

CONs
PROs
Austin, TX iconAustin, TX
  • Hot summers
  • Traffic congestion
  • High living costs
  • Less snow activities
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Cooler summers
  • Less traffic
  • More affordable housing
  • Winter sports
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Smaller music scene
  • Less diversity in cuisine
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Quieter nightlife
Austin, TX iconAustin, TX
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Diverse food options
  • More tech jobs
  • Livelier nightlife

Moving from Austin's vibrant, music-filled streets to Madison's serene landscapes presents a unique shift in lifestyle. In Austin, venues like ACL Live and bars on 6th Street offer an unparalleled music and nightlife experience. However, Madison counters with its picturesque nature spots and family-friendly activities. The Olbrich Botanical Gardens provide a tranquil escape from the city, and the winter months open up opportunities for snow-based sports at Tyrol Basin. Despite Madison's smaller music scene, it has a tight-knit artistic community that fosters creativity in cozy venues across the city. This transition might mean leaving behind Austin's famous BBQ joints, but Madison welcomes with open arms a diverse culinary scene, including favorites like Graze, proving that every city has its unique charm and flavors.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Austin to Madison

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Austin & Madison, underscoring how food reflects the cultural vibrancy and lifestyle of an area. Understanding the food scene of your new home can enrich your relocation experience.

AustinMadison

Most iconic local food item

BBQ BrisketCheese Curds

Most popular meat dish

Tacos Al PastorBratwurst

Most popular street food item

Breakfast TacosFried Cheese Curds

Most popular vegan food

Vegan BBQVegan Cheese Platter

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Franklin Barbecue
  • Torchy's Tacos
  • Uchi
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Graft
  • Ian's Pizza

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

97

Foodie Scene

98

Vegan Friendly

87

In Austin, you'll find neighborhoods teeming with food trucks offering everything from vegan BBQ to gourmet breakfast tacos, reflecting the city's high scores in the foodie and health-conscious categories. Places like Uchi and Franklin Barbecue epitomize the city's fine dining and casual eating scenes. In contrast, Madison boasts a hearty food scene with staples like bratwurst and cheese curds, found in local favorites around the Capitol Square area, such as The Old Fashioned. Both cities offer a rich dining landscape ripe for exploration, but with distinct flavors indigenous to their regions.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Austin to Madison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This comparison is designed to ease the transition for anyone moving from Austin to Madison by finding their new favorite eateries. Through this guide, you'll discover how Austin's top restaurants find their counterparts in Madison , ensuring you don’t miss out on culinary comforts in your new city.

Franklin BarbecueLiliana's Restaurant

Offering similarly acclaimed BBQ with a local twist.

UchiMuramoto

Fine sushi and Asian fusion, akin to Uchi’s high standards.

Odd DuckHarvest

Focuses on local, sustainable cuisine with an innovative menu.

Torchy's TacosBelAir Cantina

A spot for unique tacos and a fun atmosphere.

Home Slice PizzaSalvatore's Tomato Pies

Known for handcrafted pizzas that mirror the dedication to quality.

Barley SwineA Pig in a Fur Coat

Offers adventurous, farm-to-table dining experiences.

Matt's El RanchoTaqueria Guadalajara

Authentic Mexican cuisine rivals Matt's El Rancho.

Kerbey Lane CafeMickies Dairy Bar

A classic diner experience with a local Madison flair.

Banger’s Sausage House & Beer GardenThe Old Fashioned

Known for its sausage platters and extensive beer selection.

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQSmoky Jon's #1 BBQ

Fusing Tex-Mex flavors with Wisconsin's BBQ style.

For those moving from Austin to Madison and worried about finding their culinary comforts, this guide offers a beacon of delicious hope. If you’ve been a regular at Franklin Barbecue, you’ll find warmth in the smoky flavors of Liliana's Restaurant, where the focus is on heartwarming BBQ with a local Madison twist. Uchi's sophisticated sushi can be mirrored at Muramoto, where the art of sushi and Asian fusion cuisine is practiced with similar finesse. Fans of artisanal pizzas will delight in Salvatore's Tomato Pies, offering handcrafted pizzas with fresh, local ingredients, paralleling the passion and quality of Austin's Home Slice. Meanwhile, Taqueria Guadalajara brings a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine to Madison, rivaling the experiences offered by Matt's El Rancho in Austin. Each Madison counterpart not only represents a match in culinary excellence but also reflects the unique local culture and flavors of Wisconsin, ensuring new residents will find a seamless transition of taste.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Austin to Madison

Real estate significantly affects your relocation experience. Understanding how Austin, TX, and Madison, WI compare in housing costs, architectural styles, walkability, and urban lifestyle can help you make an informed decision.

When comparing the housing aspects between Austin and Madison, one can see distinct differences and similarities that cater to various preferences and lifestyles. Austin's higher median home prices reflect its booming tech industry and desirability among young professionals, while Madison offers more affordable living with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Madison's higher walkability and bikeability scores make it ideal for those valuing active and eco-friendly modes of transportation, thanks to its extensive bike paths like the Capital City State Trail. Meanwhile, Austin's rapid growth has influenced its modern and innovative housing styles, incorporating Texas's traditional aspects with new, smart technologies. Considering these factors will help you decide which city's housing and lifestyle better suit your needs.

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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.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Austin to Madison

Moving from one city to another means adapting to new weather patterns. It’s important to understand how the weather in Austin, TX compares to Madison, WI, so you can prepare for the changes ahead. This comparison will help you adjust more easily to your new environment.

Summer icon
95°F / 72°F

Austin, TX

82°F / 62°F

Madison, WI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
62°F / 42°F

Austin, TX

27°F / 10°F

Madison, WI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34.2

Austin, TX

37.3

Madison, WI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0.6

Austin, TX

42.5

Madison, WI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While both cities enjoy a significant number of sunny days, you'll find that Austin’s summers are much hotter and winters milder compared to Madison's more temperate summers and significantly colder winters. The dramatic difference in annual snowfall—nearly nonexistent in Austin but plentiful in Madison—means you'll need to prepare for winter driving and snow removal in Wisconsin. Additionally, the higher UV index in Austin calls for regular sunscreen use, whereas Madison's lower index means less daily sun exposure but doesn't eliminate the need for protection against sunburn during summer months.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Austin to Madison

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape is key. This comparison provides vital insights into how living in Austin, TX versus Madison, WI will impact your budget and lifestyle. Specifically, it highlights differences in income, taxes, and the overall cost of living to better prepare you for the transition.

From the table, it's apparent that each city presents its own set of financial circumstances. While Austin boasts a slightly higher average household income, it's important to note that Texas has no state income tax, which can offset some of the higher costs of living—including a greater property tax rate and sales tax. Madison, however, despite a somewhat lower average income and a state income tax, offers a more affordable cost of living overall. Moreover, both cities have robust education and health services sectors, but Austin's growing technology sector indicates potentially higher-paying job opportunities. Understanding these nuances is key to making an informed decision about your move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Austin, TX and Madison, WI

In transitioning from Austin, TX to Madison, WI, it's valuable to grasp a quick snapshot of the diverging cultural landscapes. This comparison focuses on the politics between Austin & Madison , alongside the religious inclinations of their residents, offering a brief but insightful peek into the communities you're moving between.

AustinMadison

Political Make-up

Liberal/ProgressiveLiberal/Progressive

Local Politics

Democratic DominanceDemocratic Dominance

Religion

Mixed, with a notable "nones" segmentMixed, with a sizable "nones" segment

While both Austin and Madison share a liberal and progressive political landscape, there are nuanced differences in how local politics play out in day-to-day governance and community involvement. Both cities are known for their Democratic dominance in local elections, reflecting a politically engaged population that values progressive policies. Religion in both cities mirrors a growing national trend, with a significant portion of residents identifying as having no religious affiliation, known colloquially as "nones." This reveals a potential for diverse spiritual and secular communities, allowing for a broad spectrum of cultural and religious experiences in both cities.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Austin to Madison

Moving from Austin, TX to Madison, WI brings with it a shift in traffic dynamics and transportation options. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Austin & Madison is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experiences will be like in your new city.

AustinMadison
2619

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

56

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

PossiblyMore feasible

Can you get by without car?

In Austin, the combination of heavy traffic and less prevalent public transportation highlights the importance of owning a car, even though initiatives like Capital Metro are improving access. Meanwhile, Madison offers a somewhat more relaxed traffic scenario. The city benefits from a slightly better public transit score, primarily due to services like Madison Metro Transit, which cover a significant part of the city. The average commute time is notably less, making Madison's traffic and transportation atmosphere somewhat more accommodating for those looking to depend less on a car.

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