First post here. I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $957 for rent here. Rent is about $957/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 74,873, Appleton is a smaller city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
27 upvotes
10 Replies
Lucas Thomas
Moved here from Portland about 7 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to traffic but Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Gabriella Wright
bump
34 upvotes
Kai R.
accurate
33 upvotes
Luna Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 31, moved here 15 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
28 upvotes
Ezra Myers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
25 upvotes
Raymond P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Silas Johnson
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Westside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Alice
facts
20 upvotes
Andrew Cox
100%
4 upvotes
Isabelle Peterson
I've lived in Fairview for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..