Appleton, WIBest Places to Live in the US in 2022

Manufacturing, financial, medical and insurance are the area’s top industries. Part of Wisconsin’s “Paper Valley,” Appleton’s top employers include paper industry-adjacent companies like Appvion and Reynolds consumer products.

Lawrence University 

Appleton experiences all four seasons, including warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters with about 41 inches of snowfall every year.

The Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin houses more than 200 butterflies. Visitors can admire a variety of native butterfly species and learn how they differ at each phase of their life cycles.   

Appleton is a great spot for young professionals looking to make a change. The city is full of recreational activities, cool bars and restaurants so that remote workers can build their community outside working hours. Additionally, residents have access to cool coworking spots like Appleton Coworking, a nonprofit, member-driven group run by the community, or Stateview Commons, a clean, modern space perfect for checking items off a to-do list. 

For more than 40 years, The Book Store, a funky, independently owned shop, has been supplying more than 80,000 new and used books to the bookworms of Wisconsin. 

Tour the first private residence anywhere in the world to be illuminated by Edison’s electric light bulbs. The Victorian-style Hearthstone Historic House Museum was once home to Henry J. Rogers, credited with shaping the city of Appleton through his paper mills. 

Volunteers at The Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve have taught visitors about environmental ethics, appreciation of nature and conservation for 45 years. Visitors who are not attending one of the several education programs can walk, hike, bike or cross-country ski through the 775-acre preserve. 

The Appleton Beer Factory is a laidback brewpub housed in a former auto garage. 

The famous magician Harry Houdini was raised in Appleton, where his father became the city’s first rabbi.

Charming neighborhoods, an affordable cost of living and a thriving arts scene make Appleton a best place to live in Wisconsin.

With the city’s booming economy and also serving as the cultural hub for the Fox Cities it’s no wonder why Appleton real estate is ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Since Appleton is a college town to Lawrence University, college graduates have grown to love the city and oftentimes stick around and officially plant some roots. You’ll typically find more affordable starter homes for sale in Appleton around the southern parts, while growing and larger families tend to settle to the east. There are several Appleton real estate agents available to help you find the home you’re looking for.