Middleton Named One of Fortune Magazine's 
Best Places to Live for Families

July 25, 2024 — The City of Middleton is thrilled to announce that Fortune Magazine has recognized it as one of the best places to live for families in America. This prestigious award highlights Middleton’s unique blend of economic opportunity, recreational offerings, community spirit, and family-friendly environment.

Known as the Good Neighbor City, Middleton was highlighted for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant community life. Middleton offers a quality of life that appeals to individuals and multi-generational families. The city's success is rooted in five key areas: education excellence, resources for aging adults, wellness, financial health, and livability.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from Fortune Magazine,” said Mayor Emily Kuhn. “Middleton's success is built on the strength of our community and our schools and our focus on creating a sustainable and vibrant economy. This award is a testament to the decades of hard work and welcoming spirit by our residents, our businesses, and past and present leadership in government.

Education Excellence
Middleton is proud of its highly-rated education system, the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD), which consistently ranks among the top districts in the state. With a commitment to academic excellence, MCPASD has historically been recognized for its innovative programs and student achievements, providing families with a strong foundation for educational success. The district's focus on holistic education ensures students have access to diverse extracurricular activities, fostering a well-rounded learning experience.

Resources for Aging Adults
Middleton is also committed to supporting its aging population with robust resources, such as the Middleton Senior Center. The center has recently achieved national accreditation for its exceptional programs and services tailored to the needs of older adults. It offers various recreational and educational activities, ensuring that retirees enjoy fulfilling lives within the community. Monthly day trips and social events further enhance the quality of life for seniors, making Middleton a welcoming place for all ages.

General Wellness
In addition to its vital education and senior support systems, Middleton emphasizes the importance of general wellness for all its residents. The city's dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle is evident in its extensive parks, recreational facilities, and open spaces network. With 22 parks and 25 conservancy areas, residents have ample opportunities to engage in outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and golfing. Middleton's pool and splash pad are popular destinations for families.

Financial Health and Livability
Middleton's economic landscape is thriving, with diverse job opportunities contributing to its financial health. The largest employment sectors in the city include Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (21%, 4,174 jobs), Retail Trade (11.2%, 2,229 jobs), and Manufacturing (10.3%, 2,045 jobs), as reported by the latest data from the US Census Bureau.  Prominent employers such as Thermo Fisher have a significant role in the city's economic vitality, offering stability and growth opportunities for residents. The city's strategic location, just five miles from Madison, provides residents with a short commute to the state capital. Recent resident surveys focused on safe neighborhoods. The survey also demonstrated that over half of working residents telework and want flexibility and focus on life balance.

Community Spirit
Middleton's community spirit is exemplified by the variety of local amenities available to its residents. The city's commitment to preserving its small-town charm while embracing growth and innovation is evident in its bustling downtown area, which offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Mayor Kuhn noted, “Middleton is the community we proudly call home. We are honored to have been ranked in the nation, and we continue to work to support the Good Neighbor City. We welcome more families into our community, ensuring that Middleton remains a beautiful place for future generations. 

With its strong economy, environmental commitment, and vibrant community life, Fortune Magazine recognizes Middleton’s ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and prosperous environment for all its residents.

For more information about the City of Middleton and its accolades, please visit www.cityofmiddleton.us.