Cultural activities abound, from the summer open-air Concerts on the Square by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, to theater, opera and ballet at the Madison Civic Center. Independent theater groups, including the highly acclaimed American Player's Theater in nearby Spring Green, offer year-round variety on the stage. The area hosts concerts in a range of venues, including the annual Isthmus Jazz Festival. Madison is economically healthy, with ample opportunities in education, government, industry, finance, health care and biotechnology. Its public school system is among the best in the country, with more recipients of the Presidential Award of Excellence than any other city in the United States.
Commutes are short, the cost of living reasonable, and the crime rate low.