Appleton
Nestled along the Fox River Valley, Appleton combines city conveniences with a welcoming community atmosphere. Home to 75,644 residents, this Wisconsin city features Lawrence University's campus, which enriches the downtown area along College Avenue. The city's 28 parks include the 139-acre Memorial Park, while the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center hosts Broadway shows and concerts throughout the year. Housing options range from historic properties near downtown to newer developments throughout the city, with current average rents ranging from $979 for one-bedroom units to $1,165 for two-bedroom apartments, showing a moderate 4.2% annual increase. Downtown Appleton celebrates its heritage at the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, the world's first home powered by hydroelectricity. The downtown district comes alive during signature events at Houdini Plaza and the Mile of Music festival. The Fox River Mall serves as a regional shopping destination, while College Avenue features locally-owned shops and seasonal markets. Lawrence University anchors the educational community, and residents have access to healthcare through ThedaCare Regional Medical Center and St. Elizabeth Hospital. With a cost of living below many comparable cities, Appleton maintains its appeal as an accessible, well-connected community.
Green Bay
Green Bay combines small-city comfort with metropolitan amenities, anchored by the iconic Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field. Downtown's CityDeck along the Fox River hosts community events and outdoor dining from spring through fall. The city offers outdoor attractions like the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and Green Bay Botanical Garden, while Bay Beach Amusement Park provides family entertainment with its historic roller coaster and rides. Housing spans from the historic Broadway District to newer developments across the city, with current rental rates averaging $928 for one-bedroom apartments and $1,167 for two-bedroom units, reflecting a 3.1-3.7% annual increase. The Meyer Theatre and Weidner Center present performances throughout the year, while the Neville Public Museum explores regional history and science. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus enriches the community's educational landscape. Though Green Bay's manufacturing legacy included paper production, today's economy encompasses healthcare, technology, and tourism sectors. Community events like the downtown farmers' market and the Broadway District's ArtStreet festival bring together the city's 107,000 residents. The rental market maintains steady growth while remaining more affordable than other Wisconsin metropolitan areas.
Marshfield
Located in the heart of Central Wisconsin, Marshfield offers residents a quiet lifestyle in a charming small town. Marshfield provides relief from the metropolitan hassles of big-city congestion and sprawling suburbs with top-notch healthcare facilities, excellent public schools, a low crime rate, and a low cost of living. Marshfield’s small-town character is evident in its quaint shops and restaurants strewn throughout the historic downtown area on Central Avenue. Plenty of annual events foster a sense of community in Marshfield, including the Maple Fall Fest, Dairyfest, Hub City Days, and the Central Wisconsin State Fair. Outdoor recreation is abundant in Marshfield, with numerous options for activities such as golfing, walking, cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking, hunting, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and more. Convenient access to Highway 10 makes getting around from Marshfield simple.
