Madison, Wisconsin named among top retirement cities by WalletHub
Key Points:
- Madison, Wisconsin, is ranked the 11th best place to retire in the U.S. according to WalletHub, excelling in quality of life (6th) and health care (19th) despite a lower affordability ranking (110th out of 182 cities).
- The city's park system is highly regarded, ranked 21st best in the country by the Public Land Trust, and Madison is also noted as one of the fittest cities nationally per the 2026 American Fitness Index.
- Milwaukee is the only other Wisconsin city on the list, ranking 73rd, while no other cities from the state made the top retirement destinations.
- Overall, Madison offers a strong balance of amenities, health care access, and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive retirement option despite moderate affordability.