Appleton

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Appleton, WI

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A riverfront city with plenty of charm.

Riverfront Lake Outdoor Adventures Family-Friendly Parks Green Space

Appleton is a charming, green city located about 30 miles southwest of Green Bay. It straddles the Fox River at the north end of Lake Winnebago. In addition to a rolling, lush landscape with mature trees and river views, Appleton is a college town -- home to Lawrence University, a private liberal arts college founded in 1847. You'll find plenty of student traffic on College Avenue, which houses Lawrence University. However, more students live nearer to the University of Wisconsin in Menasha, to the south of Appleton city limits. While looking for apartments in Appleton, be aware that this large city spans three counties: Winnebago County, Outgamie County, and Calumet County.

You might be surprised to learn that Magician Harry Houdini lived in Appleton for a while as a youth. His father was once mayor of the town, and a trip down College Avenue will take you to The History Museum at the Castle, which has fun exhibits about the type of feats Harry Houdini performed along with other historical exhibits.

The Hearthstone Historic House Museum is another venue where you can enjoy an hour or two as you tour the old building that's been converted. The Trout Museum of Art wraps up the last of the museums while you can get in touch with nature at the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve during the warmer months.

If you have children, you have options in Appleton. Erb Park is a family favorite for tennis and swimming during summer and for ice skating in winter. Badger Sports Park boasts mini golf, go carting, laser tag, and more activities that youngsters love. The Building for Kids Children's Museum offers everything from summer camps to classes that mix art and science.

Explore the City

Gorgeous fall colors along the Fox River

A historic trestle bridge in Appleton

Fall in Telulah Park

The City Park Historic District in Appleton contains Victorian architecture

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in Appleton, WI is $1,009 for a studio, $951 for one bedroom, $1,149 for two bedrooms, and $1,628 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Appleton has decreased by -0.9% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$951/month
734 Sq Ft
House
$2,161/month
1,484 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,793/month
1,643 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Appleton, WI

Transportation

46

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

51

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Woodland School

Public

Grades K-4

450 Students

10
out of 10

Woodland Intermediate

Public

Grades 5-6

337 Students

10
out of 10

Odyssey-Magellan

Public

Grades 2-8

200 Students

9
out of 10

Huntley Elementary

Public

Grades PK-6

649 Students

8
out of 10

Houdini Elementary

Public

Grades PK-6

546 Students

8
out of 10

Odyssey-Magellan

Public

Grades 2-8

200 Students

9
out of 10

Einstein Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

553 Students

5
out of 10

Madison Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

612 Students

3
out of 10

Wilson Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

364 Students

2
out of 10

Appleview

Public

Grades PK-12

25 Students

Rating Unavailable

North High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,561 Students

6
out of 10

West High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,157 Students

4
out of 10

East High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,306 Students

3
out of 10

Appleview

Public

Grades PK-12

25 Students

Rating Unavailable
Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • The Building for Kids
  • Weis Earth Science Museum
  • Barlow Planetarium
  • Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve
  • Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Airports

  • Appleton International
  • Green Bay/Austin Straubel International

Top Apartments in Appleton

Houses for Rent in Appleton

Property Management Companies in Appleton, WI

Living in Appleton

Restaurants

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Appleton is one city that offers a wide variety of world cuisines. If you love schnitzel, you have to stop in for an order -- and top it off with some beer -- at Old Bavarian, which specialized in German-inspired food. Take the heat up a notch at Sai Ram Indian Cuisine, which has hundreds of positive reviews and even offers vegan dishes. When your appetite turns toward Greek, Apollon is the answer. Of course, you can stop by any number of Italian restaurants to get your fill of pasta. Victoria's and Carmella's are loved by residents.

This city offers every sort of convenience restaurant you'd expect from a larger city. Eateries such as T.G.I. Fridays and Outback steakhouse provide familiar menus. You'll never find a shortage of good pubs that offer burgers and the typical bar fare. What Wisconsin city lacks these? Stone Cellar Brewpub and Appleton Beer Factory both excel at American cuisine. If you want to try British pub food, then Beefeater's is the place to go.

Shopping

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Appleton's Fox River Mall is one of the largest around, making it a shopping destination for thousands of people in Central and Eastern Wisconsin. The mall has a variety of well-known stores including Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath & Body Works, Designer Shoe Warehouse and Rogers & Hollands Jewelers. Five department stores make up the cornerstones of the mall: Target, JC Penney, Younkers, Macy's and Sears. A multi-level food court provides plenty of eating options.

Aside from the Fox River Mall, downtown boasts a smaller mall in addition to many smaller shops on College Avenue. Stores such as Blue Moon Emporium, Fox River Wood Shop and Two Paws Up Bakery provide the small town feel in Appleton, despite the city's large college crowd and accessibility. There are plenty of strip malls where you can buy books, multimedia, furniture, pet supplies and more.

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