The Fox River flows through downtown Appleton, WI, not far from Green Bay. 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.
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau

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.

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

0 1000 1000 730

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

What is the weather like in Appleton?

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).

Does Appleton get a lot of snow?

The average annual snowfall in Appleton is 42 inches, with January being the snowiest month.

Does Appleton get a lot of rain? 

The average annual rainfall in Appleton is 32 inches. Appleton averages 119 rainy days per year.

How many sunny days does Appleton get?

Appleton averages 189 sunny days a year.

What are some things to do outside in Appleton?

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

What are some free things to do in Appleton?

Roughly 200 musicians rock out at 40 venues during the multiday Mile of Music festival in the summer, and the performances are free.

What are some fun things to do with kids in Appleton?

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.

Where should you have dinner with friends in Appleton? 

Come for the Friday Fish Fry at Houdini’s Escape Gastropub, which often has live music.

What is the best coffee shop in Appleton? 

Visit Moon Water Cafe for the coffee, but don’t leave without a lemon poppyseed scone (or two!).

Appleton, WI, has a thriving arts and culture scene, with music festivals, a performing arts center that brings touring Broadway shows and an art museum.
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau
Appleton, WI, has a thriving arts and culture scene, with music festivals, a performing arts center that brings touring Broadway shows and an art museum.

The Local and State Economy in Appleton, WI

What are the three largest industries in Appleton?

Manufacturing, health care and retail are among the largest industries in Appleton. Some major employers include ThedaCare, Thrivent Financial and Miller Electric. 

What is the sales tax rate in Appleton?

In 2023, the sales tax rate in Appleton is 5.5%. 

Does Wisconsin have a state income tax?

Yes, Wisconsin has a state income tax.

Who are the major health care providers in Appleton?

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.

What colleges and universities are in Appleton?

There are several colleges and universities in Appleton, WI, including Lawrence University. 

Quick Facts About Appleton, WI

Median Household Income
$66,456
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau
Median Home Value
$197,419
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau
Average State Property Tax
$3,472
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau
Total Population
76,100
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau
Median Rent/Mo.
$698
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau
Average Commute
16.31 minutes
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau

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.

Continue Reading Best Places To Live in the US in 2023

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