Moving to Verona, WI for Epic Systems: The Complete New Hire Relocation Guide

Congratulations — you got the job at Epic Systems. Now comes the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) part: relocating to Verona, Wisconsin. Whether you're moving from across the state or across the country, this guide was written specifically for you. We'll walk through what to expect from your Epic onboarding timeline, the best places to live near campus, commute towns, school districts, cost of living, and — critically — how to buy a home before your first day of work.

Rob Miller, Senior Loan Officer and Branch Manager at MadCity Home Loans powered by ProVisor, has helped hundreds of relocating professionals — including Epic new hires — navigate the Dane County housing market and secure financing from anywhere in the country. This guide is built around the questions he hears most from incoming Epic employees.

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Chapter 1: Understanding the Epic Onboarding Timeline

Epic's onboarding process is well-organized, but it moves fast — and your housing decision needs to keep pace with it. Here's what a typical Epic new hire timeline looks like:

Offer Accepted → Start Date: Typical Window

Most Epic new hires receive an offer 4 to 12 weeks before their start date. Some roles, particularly those filled during campus recruiting, may have start dates 3 to 6 months out. Your specific offer letter will specify your start date, compensation, and any relocation assistance.

• Week 1–2 after offer: Accept the offer, complete new hire paperwork, and begin researching housing. This is also when you should initiate mortgage pre-approval — before you start touring homes.
• Week 2–6: Begin virtual home tours and connect with a local Verona-area Realtor. Many Epic new hires find their home remotely before visiting in person. Rob Miller's team has a trusted network of agents who specialize in relocation buyers.
• Week 4–8: Make an offer, go under contract, and complete your loan process. With a solid pre-approval in hand, this timeline is very achievable — even from out of state.
• Closing: Close on your new home 30–45 days after contract acceptance — ideally a week or two before your Epic start date so you can settle in before you begin.

The key insight here: you do not have to wait until you're already in Wisconsin — or even until you've received your first paycheck — to buy a home. Rob Miller's team can pre-approve you using your Epic offer letter. Learn more about the purchase process here.

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Chapter 2: Where to Live Near Epic — Neighborhoods & Communities

Verona's campus sits on the southwest side of Madison. The surrounding metro area offers a wide variety of communities — each with a distinct character, price range, and commute profile. Here are the most popular areas for Epic new hires:

Verona (0–5 Minutes to Campus)

Living in Verona itself means the shortest possible commute — often a 2 to 5 minute drive or even a bikeable route along the Military Ridge State Trail. The city has seen explosive growth over the past decade, driven directly by Epic's continued expansion.

• Cathedral Point & Scenic Ridge: Newer-construction subdivisions with spacious single-family homes, neighborhood parks, and top-rated schools. Popular with families and professionals who want a move-in-ready home.
• Downtown Verona: A charming historic core with walkable restaurants, coffee shops, local events, and the Military Ridge Trail access point. Home prices here tend to be more moderate, and the community feel is tight-knit.
• New Construction Communities: Several ongoing development projects near the Epic campus offer brand-new builds. These require advance planning, as build times can run 6 to 12 months — not ideal for new hires starting soon. However, if your start date is far out, this is worth exploring.

Median home price in Verona: $450,000–$550,000 (2026). Competition is high — homes sell fast and often above asking price.

Middleton (10–15 Minutes to Campus)

Consistently ranked one of the best cities to live in Wisconsin, Middleton sits just north of the Epic campus along Highway 14 and Century Avenue. It offers exceptional schools, a vibrant downtown, and strong resale value.

• Strong school district with nationally recognized Middleton High School
• Walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and the Pheasant Branch Conservancy
• Mix of established neighborhoods and newer infill development
• Median home price: $500,000–$650,000+

Fitchburg (10–15 Minutes to Campus)

Fitchburg sits directly east of Verona and is part of the Madison Metropolitan School District. It tends to offer slightly more affordable pricing than Middleton while still providing a quick, direct commute to Epic.

• Good value relative to Middleton and Verona
• Diverse and growing community
• Access to the Capital City State Trail system for biking to campus
• Median home price: $375,000–$475,000

Madison West Side (15–20 Minutes to Campus)

Western Madison neighborhoods — including the West Towne area, Nakoma, Odana Hills, and Shorewood Hills — offer urban amenities with a manageable commute. You're close to Madison's restaurant scene, cultural events, and the University of Wisconsin while still within a short drive to campus.

• Wide price range depending on the specific neighborhood
• Excellent proximity to Madison's entertainment and cultural life
• Strong public schools (Madison Metropolitan School District)
• Median home price: $400,000–$700,000+ depending on neighborhood

Waunakee (20–25 Minutes to Campus)

Located north of Madison, Waunakee is a highly desirable community known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong property values. It's a slightly longer commute but a favorite for families prioritizing school district and community feel.

• Highly rated Waunakee School District
• Small-town feel with strong community events
• Median home price: $475,000–$600,000

Sun Prairie (20–30 Minutes to Campus)

Situated east of Madison, Sun Prairie is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. It offers newer construction, more affordable pricing, and good schools — though the commute to Epic runs west against the grain of Madison's metro traffic.

• More affordable new construction options
• Strong Sun Prairie School District
• Median home price: $350,000–$475,000

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Chapter 3: Commuting to Epic — What You Need to Know

Epic's campus in Verona is located at 1979 Milky Way, Verona, WI 53593. Most employees drive, but Epic has built a culture that encourages biking, walking, and carpooling. Here's what to plan for:

By Car

Verona is accessible from the west via Highway 18/151 (the Beltline Highway) and from the south via Highway 69. Most residents experience a predictable commute without the stop-and-go traffic common in larger metro areas. Rush hour in Madison is notably mild by national standards.

• From Middleton: 12–15 minutes via University Avenue and Mineral Point Road
• From Fitchburg: 10–14 minutes via Verona Road (US-18)
• From West Madison: 15–20 minutes via the Beltline (US-12/18)
• From Sun Prairie: 25–35 minutes via I-90 and the Beltline
• From Waunakee: 20–28 minutes via Highway 113 or US-14

By Bike

The Military Ridge State Trail is a 40-mile paved trail that passes directly through Verona and connects to the larger Madison trail network. Many Epic employees bike to work from Verona and nearby communities — it's a genuine, enjoyable commute option for warmer months.

Epic's Shuttle & Transportation Programs

Epic offers shuttle services between its campus buildings and some off-site parking areas. The company culture emphasizes sustainability and offers programs that reward alternative commuting. Check your offer documents and onboarding materials for the most current transportation benefits.

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Chapter 4: Schools Near Epic — A District-by-District Overview

If you have children (or plan to), school district quality is often the primary factor driving where Epic employees choose to live. Here's a breakdown of the major districts serving the communities around campus:

Verona Area School District

The Verona Area School District serves Verona and surrounding areas and is consistently rated among the strongest in the state. Verona Area High School regularly earns high marks for academics, extracurriculars, and college placement. The district has grown rapidly alongside Epic's expansion and continues to invest in new school infrastructure.

• Top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools
• Strong STEM and advanced coursework programs
• Growing district with modern facilities

Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District

One of the highest-performing school districts in Wisconsin. Middleton High School is a perennial top performer, and the district's elementary and middle schools are also highly regarded. Many Epic families specifically choose Middleton for this school district.

• Nationally recognized academic programs
• Excellent athletics and arts programs
• High graduation and college attendance rates

Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD)

MMSD is a large urban district serving Madison and Fitchburg, among other communities. Quality varies significantly by school — some West Side elementary schools are excellent, while others face challenges common to urban districts. Research specific schools before committing to a neighborhood if MMSD is in your target area.

Waunakee Community School District

A smaller, highly regarded district with strong community involvement. Waunakee High School competes at a high level academically and athletically. Highly sought-after for families who prioritize a smaller-town school experience with strong outcomes.

Sun Prairie Area School District

A growing district serving one of the fastest-expanding communities in the state. Newer school facilities and solid academic programs make it a reasonable choice, with lower home prices than the districts above.

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Chapter 5: Cost of Living in Verona & Dane County

Wisconsin offers a significantly lower cost of living than many coastal markets where tech talent relocates from. However, the Dane County market — particularly Verona — has appreciated substantially over the past decade. Here's what to expect:

Housing Costs

• Median home price (Verona): $450,000–$550,000
• Starter homes: Increasingly rare below $350,000 in Verona proper
• More affordable options: Sun Prairie, Fitchburg outskirts, and some Madison West Side neighborhoods
• Renting first? Average 2-bedroom rent in Verona/Madison area: $1,700–$2,400/month

Property Taxes

Wisconsin property taxes are moderate by national standards. In Verona, expect an effective rate of approximately 1.6% to 2.0% of assessed value annually. On a $475,000 home, that's roughly $7,600 to $9,500 per year — or $633 to $792/month added to your mortgage payment via escrow.

Income Tax

Wisconsin has a progressive state income tax ranging from 3.5% to 7.65%. For most Epic salaries, you'll fall in the 5.3% to 7.65% bracket. This is a common adjustment for transplants arriving from states with no income tax (like Texas, Florida, or Washington). Factor this into your budget planning early.

Everyday Cost of Living

• Groceries: Comparable to national average; Aldi, Woodman's, Festival Foods, and Trader Joe's are popular and affordable
• Dining out: Madison has an exceptional restaurant scene — well below NYC or SF prices for comparable quality
• Utilities: Wisconsin winters drive heating costs up November through March; budget $150–$250/month for natural gas and electric combined
• Childcare: Childcare costs in Madison are significant — budget $1,500–$2,200/month per child for quality infant/toddler care

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Chapter 6: Buying a Home Before Your Epic Start Date

This is where Rob Miller's expertise matters most. Many Epic new hires ask: Can I really close on a home before I've started working there? The answer is yes — and with the right preparation, it's very achievable within your onboarding window.

The Offer Letter Pre-Approval

Under conventional mortgage guidelines, Rob Miller can fully pre-approve you for a mortgage using your signed Epic Systems offer letter. The offer letter must include:

• Your confirmed start date (within 60–90 days of closing)
• Your base salary (or hourly rate)
• Your employer's name and signature

This allows you to shop for homes and make competitive offers immediately — without waiting for a pay stub or first paycheck. You can literally go from "offer accepted at Epic" to "under contract on a house" within two to three weeks if you move quickly.

What About Relocation Packages?

Epic provides relocation assistance to many new hires. If you're using relocation funds toward your down payment or closing costs, those funds must be sourced and seasoned properly in your bank account before closing. Rob Miller's team walks you through exactly how to document relocation funds so they count toward your transaction without delays.

RSUs, Signing Bonuses & Non-W2 Income

Many Epic employees receive equity compensation or signing bonuses. For pre-approval purposes, these typically require a 2-year history to count as qualifying income. As a new hire, you'll qualify based on your base salary — but Rob can help you structure your loan so it fits your base while planning for future income growth as you settle in.

Remote Buying — How It Works

Rob Miller's team specializes in helping out-of-state buyers purchase remotely. Here's the typical workflow:

1. Pre-approval call: 20–30 minutes to review your financial profile and generate your approval letter
2. Agent introduction: We connect you with a trusted Verona-area Realtor who specializes in Epic relocations and virtual showings
3. Virtual tours & offer: Tour homes via video walk-throughs and FaceTime with your agent; make an offer remotely
4. Inspection & appraisal: Managed by your agent and Rob's team — you don't need to be in Wisconsin for this
5. Remote closing: If you can't be in Wisconsin on closing day, we can arrange a mobile notary to meet you wherever you are to sign final documents

Many Epic new hires close on their new home and arrive in Verona for move-in weekend — ready to start their first week at Epic in a home they already own. It's one of the most rewarding experiences our team gets to be part of. See what our clients say →

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Chapter 7: Renting vs. Buying — Making the Right Call for Your Situation

Some Epic new hires choose to rent for 6 to 12 months before buying — especially if they want to explore neighborhoods in person before committing. Here's how to think through the rent-vs-buy decision:

Reasons to Buy Right Away

• You plan to stay at Epic (and in the Dane County area) for at least 3–5 years
• You have a clear sense of where you want to live and have researched neighborhoods
• You want to lock in today's home price before further appreciation
• Your mortgage payment would be comparable to or lower than rental costs
• You have your down payment ready and your financial profile is pre-approval-ready

Reasons to Rent First

• You want to explore neighborhoods before committing
• Your start date is very soon (less than 3–4 weeks) and a purchase timeline isn't feasible
• You're uncertain about your long-term plan or whether Epic is the right fit
• Your financial profile (credit, down payment, debt) needs preparation before a purchase

If you rent first, that's completely fine — Rob Miller's team can help you build a 6-to-12-month plan so you're in the best possible position to buy when you're ready. Learn about our credit consultation services →

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Chapter 8: What to Do in Verona & Madison — Life Beyond Epic

One of the most common things Epic new hires discover is that Wisconsin — and the Madison area specifically — is a genuinely great place to live. Here's a snapshot of what awaits you:

• Outdoor Recreation: The Military Ridge State Trail, Lake Wingra, Lake Monona, and Devil's Lake State Park (40 minutes away) offer year-round outdoor activities — biking, kayaking, hiking, skiing, and swimming.
• Food & Dining: Madison's restaurant scene punches well above its population weight. The Dane County Farmers' Market is the largest producers-only market in the country, operating every Saturday on the Capitol Square.
• Sports: University of Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, and hockey are deeply woven into the community's identity. Camp Randall Stadium is 20 minutes from the Epic campus.
• Arts & Culture: The Overture Center for the Arts brings Broadway shows, symphonies, and cultural events to downtown Madison year-round.
• Community: Verona has a strong, growing community with youth sports, neighborhood events, and local festivals throughout the year.
• Weather: Yes, winters are cold — but Wisconsin winters are also beautiful, and Madison residents embrace them with outdoor ice skating, cross-country skiing, and (of course) Friday night fish fries. Summers are spectacular.

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Ready to Start Your Relocation? Here's Your Next Step.

The best time to contact Rob Miller is the moment you accept your Epic offer — even if your start date is months away. Getting pre-approved early gives you maximum flexibility, keeps you ahead of the competition in a fast-moving market, and removes the financial stress from your relocation so you can focus on what matters: showing up ready to do great work at Epic.

Rob Miller's team has helped hundreds of relocating professionals buy homes in Verona, Middleton, Fitchburg, Madison, and surrounding communities. We know the local market, we know Epic's compensation structure, and we know how to close on time — every time.

📞 Call or text: 608-227-2002
✉️ Email: rob@provisor.com
📍 Office: 8446 Excelsior Dr Ste 2-RM, Madison, WI 53717

→ Start Your Secure Online Application
→ Book a Free Relocation Strategy Session
→ Use the Mortgage Calculator
→ Read: Verona, WI Home Loans & Financing Guide for Epic Employees

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