Population: 627,618
Average annual salary: $49,030
Quality of life: 7.2
Value: 7.2
Wisconsin’s capital is a “hotbed of the healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing industries,” said a local expert. The area is also home to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, providing hundreds of jobs in education. Madison has a unique food culture that’s a blend of fine dining and farmer’s markets catering to the city’s college students, young professionals, and families.