Rated NJ’s “Top Town to Live In” Madison is a charming, historic town with a strong community spirit
Named in honor of President James Madison, Madison is a picturesque, quaint town located 25 miles from downtown Manhattan. It is renowned for its great educational and historical attractions, as well as its excellent schools, quaint shops, and lovely homes. Known as the Rose City from its history as a prominent grower and distributor of roses, Madison is a thriving, top-rated town to live.
From Victorian mansions to modern designs, Madison features a wide variety of upscale home styles, making it the perfect place to invest in a luxury dream home. Values continue to appreciate each year as buyers reap the rewards of homeownership in this exciting town.
Madison's residents are friendly and open, with a close-knit community vibe. The town is home to Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, contributing to Madison's lively and diverse atmosphere and great sports programming.
Madison has a small-town feel with a vibrant downtown area. Local shops and restaurants add to the town's charm, providing a unique atmosphere that makes it feel more inviting. The town has an active arts scene with several galleries and performance venues, and it hosts a number of festivals throughout the year.
Because of its picturesque qualities, Madison was used as the backdrop for well-known movies and TV shows, including The Family Stone, The World According to Garp and The Sopranos.
Madison's residents are friendly and welcoming, and the pace of life is slow and relaxed. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to many amenities and activities. In their spare time, residents can explore the beautiful downtown district, hike in one of the many parks, or attend one of the many cultural events held throughout the year.
Both Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University also provide residents with various social enrichment activities, including concerts, plays, lectures, and films. Residents are often involved with the schools through non-credit courses and volunteering at on-campus events. Both colleges also host many athletic events that attract sports enthusiasts. The college students also provide excellent babysitter options.
Downtown Madison is home to various popular dining locations. The Bottle Hill Tavern is a cozy restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of American comfort food classics such as burgers, fries, and wings. The tavern also has an extensive choice of beers and wine selections and provides live music venue where local bands play.
The Sugar Rush Candy & Gift Boutique sells a variety of sweet treats, including candies, cakes, and ice cream. The store has a retro-inspired design with bright colors. There is even an old-fashioned candy counter where customers can purchase bulk candy by the pound. Sugar Rush also carries unique children's gifts and apparel.
Downtown Madison is a bustling shopping district with something for everyone. Whether you're looking for the latest fashion trends or searching for a unique gift, you're sure to find it here. Suburban Shoes is one of the many businesses that call downtown Madison home. The family-owned shoe store has been a fixture in the community since 1947. Whether you're looking for a new pair of everyday shoes or something for a special occasion, Suburban Shoes is worth checking out.
With an impressive selection of traditional and educational toys and games, Tons of Toys is the ideal place to find the perfect gift for any child. The store has overwhelmingly positive reviews, with particular mention of their helpful staff and extensive inventory of hard-to-find games and toys.
From exploring the downtown area to enjoying the many parks and recreational facilities, there are plenty of things to do in Madison. The town's Parks and Recreation Department oversees many parks that encourage walking, biking, and running. There are also several playgrounds and athletic fields located throughout the area.
Madison is widely known for its popular Bottle Hill Day festival each fall. Bottle Hill Day originated from the village of Bottle Hill, which was established in 1715. The festival features a wide range of handcrafted goods from local artisans, live music, amusement rides, and delicious foods.
The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts is a great place to learn about the town’s early history and the trades that were practiced. The venue contains over 8,000 tools and artifacts used in New Jersey before 1860. Carpenters, coopers, and blacksmiths demonstrate how early craftsmen used the tools.
Madison hosts major parades for Memorial Day and Christmas. The Memorial Day parade winds its way through the streets of downtown Madison, with veterans and active-duty military personnel participating alongside local scout troops and community groups. Each December, the town hosts a festive holiday parade featuring floats and marching bands. Both parades are cherished and popular traditions in the town, as they bond the community during the respective holidays.
Madison has an excellent public educational system, including the following elementary schools with low student-to-teacher ratios.
Together they will work tirelessly to protect your interests and go beyond in fulfilling your needs whether you are purchasing your first home or selling your property for top dollar.