Longtime lurker here, I work in legal and Crime rate is something to consider -Kaukauna sits at 85.7 per 100K. With a population of 17,237, Kaukauna is a small town. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Anyone in a similar situation? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
9 Replies
Donald L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into running, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Paisley Myers
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
39 upvotes
Kinsley Wood
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Eleanor Taylor
accurate
30 upvotes
sacramentogirl2026
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Korean places. it exceeded my expectations.
26 upvotes
Clara
bump
14 upvotes
Declan Martin
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in The Heights area are average. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Sofia Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
7 upvotes
Robert C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 45, moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.