Top Neighborhoods
Appleton, WI Neighborhood Guide: Where to Live Based on Your Life (Not a Brochure)
Appleton isn't just one city—it's a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods that feel like separate towns. Choosing wrong means a brutal commute on Oneida Street or getting stuck in a rental with zero walkability. This guide cuts through the fluff to give you the real breakdown.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Appleton
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northland | Upscale Suburban | $950-$1,300 | Families, Medical Staff | ~45 |
| Downtown | Urban Core | $750-$1,100 | Young Professionals | ~82 |
| Appleton East | Starter Home Central | $700-$950 | First-time Buyers | ~35 |
| Riverfront | Quiet Professionals | $850-$1,200 | Remote Workers | ~60 |
| Westside | Blue Collar Roots | $650-$850 | Budget-Conscious | ~50 |
Northland
Overview: The "nice" part of town north of College Avenue. Centered around Northland Mall and the sprawling Fox River Mall area, this is where Appleton's families plant their flag.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $950 - $1,300/mo (1BR) | $1,200 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $320k - $380k
- 🚗 Commute: 8 min to downtown | 12 min to Theda Clark Medical Center
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent, but you can walk to the mall area)
Local Intel: Traffic on Northland Drive near the mall is a nightmare during holiday shopping season (mid-Nov through Dec). The secret is using the back entrances off Ballard Road. For coffee, Copper Rock Coffee on Northland Ave is the local spot where nurses from nearby hospitals actually hang out. Avoid the apartments directly off Oneida Street—too much highway noise.
Who Thrives Here: Medical professionals working at Theda Clark or St. Elizabeth Hospital who want a 10-minute commute and decent schools. Families who prioritize square footage over walkability.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Proximity to major medical centers (Theda Clark is literally 5 minutes away)
- ✅ Best public schools in the district (Appleton East High, Einstein Middle)
- ❌ Zero walkability—everything is a strip mall or car dealership
- ❌ Winter driving sucks; you're shoveling your driveway from November to April
Schools: Appleton Area School District. Einstein Middle (above average) and Appleton East High (strong academics, good sports). Several private options nearby.
The Verdict: Move here if you work in healthcare or want top-tier schools and don't mind driving everywhere. Avoid if you want to walk to bars or hate suburban sprawl.
Downtown
Overview: The beating heart of Appleton, centered on College Avenue between Oneida and Richmond. Historic buildings, actual sidewalks, and the only place in the city that feels alive after 8 PM.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $750 - $1,100/mo (1BR) | $1,000 - $1,400/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $250k - $320k (condos mostly)
- 🚗 Commute: 0 min to downtown | 15 min to Fox River Mall area
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~82 (Very walkable—grocery, bars, coffee all on foot)
Local Intel: The best parking hack is the free lot behind Lawrence University after 5 PM and weekends. Houndstooth Coffee on College Ave is the unofficial downtown office for remote workers—get there by 8 AM or it's standing room only. The Appleton Farmers Market on Saturdays (May-Oct) is actually worth it, unlike the token small-town markets you see elsewhere. Avoid apartments on Oneida Street itself—traffic noise is brutal.
Who Thrives Here: Young professionals who work downtown or remotely, Lawrence University students/grads, and anyone who wants to bar hop without Uber.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Only truly walkable neighborhood—Walk Score of 82 is legit
- ✅ Real nightlife: Stone Cellar Brewpub, Clem's (dive bar), Apollon (fancy)
- ❌ Street parking is a war zone during Lawrence University events
- ❌ You'll pay a premium for half the space compared to suburbs
Schools: Downtown is in the Appleton Area School District, but most families with kids move out by middle school. Lincoln Elementary is decent, but middle schools are average at best.
The Verdict: Perfect for remote workers, young professionals, and Lawrence affiliates. Avoid if you need a yard, have kids, or require a car for daily errands.
Appleton East
Overview: The "old" east side, east of the Fox River. This is where long-time Appleton residents live—smaller 1950s-70s homes, tight-knit blocks, and actual neighbors who know each other.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $700 - $950/mo (1BR) | $900 - $1,200/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $180k - $240k
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to downtown | 8 min to Fox River Mall
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Very car-dependent, but you can walk to some corner stores)
Local Intel: The secret weapon is Jefferson Park—small but has the best sledding hill in winter. For breakfast, Pancake Place on East Wisconsin Avenue is a local institution that doesn't card for coffee refills. The area near the Appleton International Airport (ATW) is surprisingly quiet for being so close—flight paths avoid the neighborhood. Avoid anything west of the Fox River if you work east side; the bridges are choke points at 5 PM.
Who Thrives Here: First-time homebuyers who want character over granite countertops. Retirees who've been in Appleton for decades. Anyone who wants to be close to everything without paying Northland prices.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable homeownership in Appleton proper
- ✅ Strong sense of community; block parties are actually a thing
- ❌ Schools are average—Appleton East High is good, but elementary schools vary
- ❌ Older housing stock means expensive repairs (lead pipes, knob-and-tube wiring common)
Schools: Appleton Area School District. Appleton East High is solid, but elementary schools like Hoard and Fulton are just average. Check specific boundaries.
The Verdict: Move here if you're buying your first house and want a real neighborhood feel. Avoid if you need top-tier schools or want modern amenities.
Riverfront
Overview: The stretch along the Fox River north of downtown, from the Appleton YMCA to Riverside Park. Quieter than downtown but still walkable, with river views and converted loft apartments.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $850 - $1,200/mo (1BR) | $1,100 - $1,500/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $280k - $350k (mostly condos/townhomes)
- 🚗 Commute: 5 min to downtown | 10 min to St. Elizabeth Hospital
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~60 (Somewhat walkable—river trail access is huge)
Local Intel: The Fox River Trail runs through here and is your year-round commute hack—bike to downtown in 8 minutes, even in winter if you have studded tires. Jones Park has free outdoor concerts in summer that are actually good. The Appleton YMCA is the best in the city if you need a pool. Avoid the apartments directly on the river if you're in a ground-floor unit—flooding risk is real during spring thaw.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who want river views without downtown noise. Healthcare workers at St. Elizabeth who want a 5-minute commute. Outdoor enthusiasts who use the trail system.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Direct access to 30+ miles of paved river trail for biking/running
- ✅ Quieter than downtown but still walkable to restaurants
- ❌ Limited parking for guests; most buildings have 1 spot per unit
- ❌ Winter river views are bleak; you're staring at ice for 5 months
Schools: Part of Appleton Area School District. Roosevelt Elementary is decent, but middle and high schools are average. Not a primary draw for families.
The Verdict: Ideal for professionals who want a quiet, walkable lifestyle with outdoor access. Avoid if you have multiple cars or need top schools.
Westside
Overview: The working-class heart of Appleton, west of the Fox River and north of the airport. Think 1940s-60s homes, corner bars, and the kind of neighborhood where you still see people working on cars in their driveways.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $650 - $850/mo (1BR) | $800 - $1,050/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $160k - $210k
- 🚗 Commute: 15 min to downtown | 20 min to Fox River Mall
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~50 (Walkable to corner stores and parks, but not much else)
Local Intel: Jefferson Park (the west side one, not the east) has the best basketball courts in the city and a solid playground. Culver's on Wisconsin Avenue is the unofficial community center. The Appleton Airport is close enough that flights are cheap, but far enough that noise isn't an issue. Avoid the area immediately south of College Avenue near the industrial buildings—there's some property crime, though violent crime is still low.
Who Thrives Here: Budget-conscious renters, blue-collar workers, and people who want to buy a house without taking on a 30-year mortgage they can't afford.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable housing in the city—home prices haven't been gentrified yet
- ✅ Strong community bonds; neighbors actually look out for each other
- ✅ Proximity to airport for business travelers (10 minutes)
- ❌ Schools are below average—check your specific zone carefully
- ❌ Some property crime around the industrial corridors (check spots near Morgan Street)
Schools: Appleton Area School District. West High School is struggling academically. Elementary schools vary wildly—Cleveland is better than Ferne. Do your homework.
The Verdict: Move here if you're priced out of everywhere else and don't mind rough edges. Avoid if you have school-age kids or want amenities within walking distance.
Final Advice
For young professionals: Downtown is your only real option for walkable nightlife and remote work coffee shops. Pay the premium.
For families: Northland gives you the best schools and medical access, but you'll drive 15+ minutes for everything. Appleton East offers cheaper homeownership with a community feel, but scrutinize school boundaries.
For retirees: Riverfront offers quiet walks on the trail without suburban isolation. Appleton East has the long-time neighbors and character.
Traffic reality check: The College Avenue and Oneida Street intersection is a gridlock monster at 5 PM. The Appleton Memorial Drive bridge is your winter shortcut when I-41 is ice. The Fox River Trail is your secret weapon for bypassing car traffic in summer.
One more thing: Don't sleep on Kaukauna or Little Chute if you work in Appleton but want more house for less money. They're 15 minutes away and have their own thing going on.