Thanks! I actually know Wisconsin rather well, as I've visited a few times. I kind of would have my heart set on a smaller town, like Wasau or Green Bay. Madison might be a bit pricey, but I like the town. That said, I think I'm kind of done with city living for a bit.
I grew up not far from Wausau, though I haven't done more than drive through it in fifteen years. Any of the smaller towns are nice, and the housing prices are pretty great. Southwest Wisconsin is really pretty, and since you're 45+ minutes to Madison's west side and over an hour to downtown, prices are still really good. Something like Dodgeville or Platteville southwest of Madison or Boscobel due west come to mind. These are pretty small. Platteville has a small state college. PM me any time if you have questions or anything. :)