Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $77,450, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Appleton sits at 275.6 per 100K. The median home value here is around $211,500, which is actually reasonable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Does this match your experience? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Eleanor Collins
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Julia Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Charlotte about 7 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Aria Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Phoenix for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
oaklandrider2024
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great seafood places. it exceeded my expectations.
17 upvotes
chill_kaylee49
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
Ethan Gray
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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