Appleton, WIBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Appleton’s location in the picturesque Fox River Valley epitomizes Midwestern charm. Appleton is a welcoming and family-friendly city with a strong sense of community, highly-ranked schools and a bustling downtown area that contributes to the area’s robust economy.
More About Living in Wisconsin
Appleton, WI, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Appleton, WI, is a centrally located city in the larger Paper Valley region, close to Green Bay and just north of Lake Winnebago overlooking the Fox River. Appleton is the cultural heart of the Fox Cities, a lovely section of Wisconsin where woodsy trails link communities and supper clubs and live music and a shared love for the arts bring neighbors together. Appleton is one of the best places to live in the U.S. because of its safe neighborhoods, affordable homes and high-quality health care provided by three major regional hospital systems. One of the safest cities in Wisconsin with a low cost of living and growing entertainment and food scenes, Appleton is increasingly appealing to young families and young professionals.
The Fox Cities have a long tradition of paper making and printing, and other key industries include food processing and heavy transport manufacturing for the military, aerospace industry and emergency services.
Though the winters do get cold and snowy, people in Appleton have learned to embrace it and have found hundreds of ways to get outside and enjoy the season. The cold also makes residents that much more appreciative of warmer months. There’s rarely a summer day that passes without a concert, festival or market somewhere in Appleton, as the residents make the most of the spring and summer months.
Appleton also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with music festivals, a performing arts center that brings touring Broadway shows and the Trout Museum of Art. The area is known for its live music, ranging from a summer concert series to punk bands playing at pizzerias and guitarists strumming at coffee shops. There’s also a history museum in a castle where you can learn about one of Appleton’s most famed residents, Harry Houdini, and his legendary tricks.
Appleton, WI Quality of Life LivScore
Appleton, WI Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Health
Safety
Appleton ranks highest for housing, health and safety.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Appleton, WI
Expect all four seasons in Appleton, with warm summers and cold winters. The average highs and lows are 79°F and 59°F (summer) and 28°F and 12°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Appleton is 42 inches, with January being the snowiest month.
The average annual rainfall in Appleton is 32 inches. Appleton averages 119 rainy days per year.
Appleton averages 189 sunny days a year.
Stroll through the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin, where butterflies flit about. Visitors can admire a variety of native butterfly species and learn how they differ at each phase of their life cycles.
Appleton Weather
189 days
Average Annual Sun
32 inches
Average Annual Rain
42 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Appleton, WI
Roughly 200 musicians rock out at 40 venues during the multiday Mile of Music festival in the summer, and the performances are free.
The Building For Kids Children’s Museum has all kinds of interactive exhibits, including a kids’ town with a grocery store, doll hospital and semi-truck depot.
Come for the Friday Fish Fry at Houdini’s Escape Gastropub, which often has live music.
Visit Moon Water Cafe for the coffee, but don’t leave without a lemon poppyseed scone (or two!).
The Local and State Economy in Appleton, WI
Manufacturing, health care and retail are among the largest industries in Appleton. Some major employers include ThedaCare, Thrivent Financial and Miller Electric.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Appleton is 5.5%.
Yes, Wisconsin has a state income tax.
Appleton residents are in good health, and top providers include ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley in nearby Neenah.
There are several colleges and universities in Appleton, WI, including Lawrence University.
Quick Facts About Appleton, WI
- Median Household Income
- $66,456
- Median Home Value
- $197,419
- Average State Property Tax
- $3,472
- Total Population
- 76,100
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $698
- Average Commute
- 16.31 minutes
Safe neighborhoods, affordable homes and high-quality health care all contribute to ranking Appleton as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn even more about living in Appleton, including the city’s welcoming work environment, or consider other great places to live in the Midwest. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.