Living in Appleton, WI
Explore Things to Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

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• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Appleton, WI? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Appleton, WI

Known as the cultural hub of the Fox Cities, Appleton ranks as one of the best cities to live for plenty of reasons, starting with affordable housing, safe neighborhoods and a low cost of living. And if that’s not enough to sway you, residents have access to high-quality health care with three major hospital systems, a thriving arts and culture scene (think music festivals, performing arts and live music), and burgeoning dining and entertainment offerings.

Living in Appleton is sweet, and the city of more than 77,000 people attracts both families and young professionals. The city overlooks the Fox River, just north of Lake Winnebago and close to Green Bay. While the winters are snowy, that doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying all the seasons. And as it warms up, there are trails through the woods, parks, pools and fields that appeal to everyone. A summer day rarely passes without a concert, festival or market somewhere here, as the residents make the most of the warmer months.

When it’s time to get down to business, local residents are poised for success. The Fox Cities have a long tradition of paper making and printing, and other key industries include food processing and heavy transport manufacturing for the military, aerospace industry and emergency services.

The city combines access to top-tier entertainment, restaurants and breweries with the quaint charm of a small town. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center entertains residents with a roster of Broadway productions, concerts and workshops. The Trout Museum of Art showcases a variety of art on its three floors of galleries. And not to be missed is the History Museum at the Castle, where you can discover fun facts about Appleton’s famed resident, Harry Houdini.

Top Reasons to Move to Appleton

• Appleton is affordable, with a cost of living and median home prices below the national average.
• Recognized for its safety, high-quality health care and strong sense of community, Appleton is family-friendly.
• Appleton has a stable, robust economy, with an emphasis on manufacturing jobs.

• Home to more than 30 public parks and the Fox River, Appleton is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Appleton is a charming city in east-central Wisconsin along U.S. Route 41. It’s part of the Fox Cities region and known for being the childhood home of Harry Houdini. The nearest airport, Appleton International Airport, is just west of the city, making travel a breeze. When you’re ready to explore, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Green Bay is just 30 miles northeast, where you can visit Lambeau Field or the National Railroad Museum.
• Milwaukee sits 100 miles south, offering the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum.

• Madison is about 100 miles southwest, home to the Wisconsin State Capitol and the Henry Vilas Zoo.

Residents enjoy a humid continental climate with four highly distinct seasons, featuring warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city experiences significant seasonal temperature variations and partial cloud cover year-round, with particularly vibrant autumns and crisp, refreshing springs.

Manufacturing, health care and retail are among the largest industries in Appleton. Some major employers include ThedaCare, the Appleton Area School District, Kimberly-Clark and Miller Electric, a welding equipment manufacturer headquartered in the city. 

Affordability is the name of the game here. The reasonably low housing costs and diversity of home choices make the area appealing for families and young professionals who want to purchase their first home.

The cost of living in Appleton is below the national average. The median home value in Appleton is $241,171, and the average household income is $80,704.There is a state income tax in Wisconsin. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Appleton is 5.5%.

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Amenities abound in Appleton, and residents have access to ample activities that range from family-friendly fun to creative pursuits. The arts scene is dynamic, with spots like the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Trout Museum of Art and Hearthstone Historic House Museum. Residents come together at events like Octoberfest and the Mile of Music Festival, where roughly 200 musicians rock out at 40 venues during the multiday summer festival, and the performances are free. Families can have fun at spots like the Building for Kids Children’s Museum – a hands-on museum with interactive exhibits like a fire truck – and the Fox River Mall.

Beyond family-friendly fun and cultural offerings, residents can appreciate outdoor events. Visit the open-skate hours at Community First Champion Center to burn off some energy, or enjoy an outing to a Timber Rattlers game. The Badger Sports Park is a must-visit, with 5.5 acres of indoor and outdoor all-season fun, including a go-kart track, an 18-hole mini-golf course, batting cages, mini-bowling alleys and a laser-tag arena. Entertainment venues such as the Fox Valley Symphony and Fox Cities Performing Arts Center – home to Broadway Across America and Boldt Arts Alive! Series – and the lively atmosphere of downtown ensure there’s always something to do.

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Outdoor activities in Appleton are plentiful, from scenic trails and parks to water-based adventures and seasonal events. The city is home to more than three dozen parks, and residents can explore the 700-acre Bubolz Nature Preserve or hike the trails at High Cliff State Park. Hit the water at the Fox River for boating, kayaking and fishing, or visit Plamann Lake Water Park during the summer to enjoy their slides and pools.

There are tons of parks, playgrounds and green spaces to enjoy, including Lindenwood Park and Appleton Memorial Park, perfect for picnics and family outings. In the winter, snowshoe, cross-country ski or ice skate. The city is located near the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Winnebago, providing further opportunities for outdoor fun.

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Eat your way through Appleton, where restaurants blend classic Midwestern comforts and innovative culinary experiences. The city has a range of dining options, from traditional supper clubs to cozy brewpubs like the Appleton Beer Factory to globally inspired spots. Brunch is a highlight, with places like Fratello’s Riverfront Restaurant offering views of the Fox River. There is an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients in the city, and the food scene has something for everyone. 

Unique beverage experiences abound with Mondo! offering a curated wine selection and McFleshman’s Brewing Co.’s British ales. Cleo’s celebrates Christmas year-round, and its signature “dirty snowball” drink adds to the city’s quirky charm. Pet-friendly patios are also located throughout the city, including The Stone Yard.

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Appleton is known for having a tight-knit community and family-friendly amenities. The city’s top-rated school system appeals to families seeking a place to put down roots. The Appleton Area School District (AASD) serves roughly 15,000 students and excels in diversity and extracurriculars for students. AASD also has a large number of charter schools, many of which have a specific focus, like fine arts or technology. There are also many different private schools in town, ranging from independent schools to college prep to religiously affiliated.

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