If you've spent any time in Madison, you know it's a happy place - you'll find plenty of smiles at the Capitol Square farmers' market, (especially near the cheese bread), and the atmosphere is definitely light on Regent Street after a Badgers win. And how about all the Madison characters you run into - like a guy playing a banjo while riding a unicycle down a random side street? He certainly doesn't seem down in the dumps! But what we all know in our hearts has been made official. According to Wallethub, Madison is not only a fun Wisconsin city - it's also the third happiest city in the United States. Here's why the ranking seems right on target.

Wallethub ranked cities across American on 30 key indicators of happiness - including categories such as emotional and physical wellbeing, income and employment, community, and the environment.

When all the numbers were tallied, Madison ranked number three, just behind Fremont, California and San Jose, California. While Madison is a happy place, how about the rest of the state? It's a little more cloudy - in a similar statewide ranking, Wisconsin came in at only number 21.

This is not the first time Madison has made a national ranking - its quality of life has made other lists over the years. The city consistently ranks high in measures of quality of life, including access to healthcare, education, and public safety.

Compared to many cities, Madison is also pretty easy on the eyes, with its iconic state Capitol and picturesque lakes, parks, and trails. There are ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and plenty of scenic views.

There's also a vibrant culture: Madison has a thriving arts and music scene, as well as a strong local food and craft beer scene. There's always something fun to do in the Capitol City.

The city also boasts a strong economy. The Madison area is home to several large employers, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison and several technology companies, like Epic Systems in nearby Verona, which contributes to a strong and stable local economy.

While Madison is a happy place, it's not a city for everyone. Do you love Madison? Do you enjoy visiting? Could you see yourself living there? Learn more about the happiness rankings on the Wallethub website. Being this happy can make you a little hungry; so when you're in Madison, hit up Lazy Jane's Cafe, where you can find the best morning bun.