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2020 Best Places to Buy a House in the Appleton AreaAbout this List

Explore the best places to buy a house based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers.

City

City Neighborhood

Suburbs

Towns

Public Schools Grade

Based on data including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, as well as reviews from students and parents.

A

B

C

D

Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel.

$

$$

$$$

$$$$

Who Lives Here

Families

Young Professionals

Retirees

Walkability

Don't Care

Care

Care A Lot

Crime & Safety Grade

Calculated based on crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary, and other crime statistics, as well as reviews from residents.

A

B

C

D

Homes In The Area

Single Family Homes

Large Apt. Buildings

Small Apt. Buildings

Townhomes

Homeownership

Most Own

Balanced

Most Rent

Based on 2012 and 2016 presidential election results compared to the national average.

Very Conservative

Conservative

Balanced

Liberal

Very Liberal

Things to do

Bars

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Restaurants

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Coffee Shops

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Parks

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

1 – 25 of 81

Best to Buy a House

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Most Diverse

81 results

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Best Public Schools

Most Diverse
Best for Young Professionals
Best for Retirees

Economy

Cost of Living
Best to Buy a House

Health & Outdoors

Healthiest
Outdoor Activities

Sherwood
Suburb in Wisconsin
4 reviews
#1 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: The Village of Sherwood is a small bedroom community just outside of Appleton. We have access to one of the nicest state parks in Wisconsin - High Cliff State Park. The taxes are reasonable yet offer so much more than expected. In the winter roads appear to be cleared of snow twice before you get up and go to school or work. The staff are on top of maintenance throughout the village. Lots of retirees, but also a lot of families so it is a growing community. Love that we have Appleton water!
Read 4 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
2,917 Population
View Nearby Homes
Kimberly
Suburb in Wisconsin
21 reviews
#2 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Former Resident: Kimberly is a great up and coming town for anyone that is looking to settle down with a family. They have a fantastic school district that is extremely focused on academics and sports. If you are a family that want your kids to get a quality education and have the opportunity to compete at the highest level of high school sports, this is the place for you! I have lived in Kimberly ever since I was born and wouldn't change a thing. You are taught by a staff that truly has your best interest in mind, and prepared well for going to university. This is a competitive school that has won multiple awards based on their academics and test scores. This is a division 1 school in a small town which compliment each other nicely with the network that you are able to quickly build.
Read 21 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
6,744 Population
View Nearby Homes
Combined Locks
Suburb in Wisconsin
8 reviews
#3 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: I love how nice everybody is, and how safe I feel here. I am a resident of combined locks so, I have seen how wonderful and comfortable it is here. It’s a very clean environment for people to live. The school district is also amazing from what I hear. The teachers really care about the students well beings, and find good techniques to help them learn more efficiently.
Read 8 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
3,570 Population
View Nearby Homes
Little Chute
Suburb in Wisconsin
34 reviews
#4 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Niche User: Little Chute is a very small community near Appleton. In little chute there are many activities to be apart of such as Park and Reck, Doyle Pool, Vanlieshout Park and much more. The School in little chute was recently updated and the parking lot was as well. In the City of Little Chute it is a very safe community. It is safe because we have "Night watch" and a police station that protect the community at night.
Read 34 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
11,225 Population
View Nearby Homes
Neenah
Town in Wisconsin
61 reviews
#5 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Niche User: Overall, I find that Neenah, Wisconsin, is a very welcoming area. The city provides parks in the neighborhoods and around the water, along with small adorable shops and restaurants in the downtown area. Although there are these positives, the Neenah public school system has it's negatives. The Neenah public school system provides Neenah's youth with a great education, but the buildings of the schools themselves need to be updated.
Read 61 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A-
Housing
25,886 Population
View Nearby Homes
Winneconne
Town in Wisconsin
5 reviews
#6 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Nearby Resident: Winneconne is a wonderful little town. Everybody knows everybody and newcomers feel welcomed no matter where they stop in. The schools offer a great learning environment. They are large enough for students to feel like individuals, but still small enough to not be overwhelming. The restaurants are owned and run by local residents who engage well with newcomers and regulars. The nightlife, though small, offers an array of entertainment, be it bands, karaoke, town parties, or league nights. It's simply a happy town filled with happy people!
Read 5 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
B+
Housing
2,627 Population
View Nearby Homes
Appleton
Town in Wisconsin
246 reviews
#7 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: I love Appleton, it has been my home for my whole life.The school district is very considerate, and is also willing to help people who need help with money issues. Especially know during the corona virus, the teachers and administration are offering food and any help that students may need during this rough time. It is a very kid friendly area, and a great place for your family. Practically nothing bad really happens in Appleton. There is a ton of schools in the area that are amazing. There is also a ton of parks for your kids to play at. I think that you would love it here!
Read 246 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
B+
Housing
74,234 Population
View Nearby Homes
St. Peter
Suburb in Wisconsin
#8 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
B+
Housing
1,447 Population
View Nearby Homes
Kaukauna
Suburb in Wisconsin
24 reviews
#9 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: When my wife and I got married we were deciding where to settle down and when to start a family. So growing up in Appleton area and knowing sbout the surrounding cities. I was very hesitant about moving to Kaukauna mostly because of starting a family, and I wasnt sure i wanted to raise the kids there. After researching for awhile Kaukauna was our decision. 12 years later a 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter I couldnt be happier. Great rec department, teachers, community activities for a small town parks, trails. The best bakery in the state at Hilltop, and i believe the best breakfast in the area at Landermans.
Yes the Paper mill stinks, and you could find other negatives if you try
Read 24 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
B+
Housing
15,998 Population
View Nearby Homes
Brillion
Town in Wisconsin
5 reviews
#10 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: It is a very small community and everyone is very involved. We all support each other in everything that we do. For example, when the boys cross country team made it to state there was a lot of support not only from the school but from the whole community. We also all know each other and it is one big community.
Read 5 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
B
Housing
3,133 Population
View Nearby Homes
North Fond du Lac
Suburb in Wisconsin
23 reviews
#11 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: North Fond du Lac is a nice quiet town to raise a family around friendly people. All of the people are nice and are willing to help out if needed. The police are very nice are caring and always looking to help. The schools are smaller so your kid will get more one on one with the teacher. You also have the city of Fond du Lac 5 mins away to do all of your shopping and other needs. That is where most of the nightlife happens. Overall NFDL is a very nice and safe place to grow up and raise your family in. You have FDL to do your shopping or to get a bite to eat . You also have the lake 10 mins away to enjoy in the summer..
Read 23 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Public Schools
B
Housing
5,066 Population
View Nearby Homes
New Holstein
Town in Wisconsin
6 reviews
#12 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: New Holstein is a tight-knit community that fits the role of the "small-town America" to a tee. This is a place where the bank teller remembers your name, the local pizza place knows who you are based on your regular order, and your neighbors truly look out for you.

But with as many advantages as a small town like New Holstein will come with, there are certainly sacrifices that have to be made. This can be a good thing, because you are thirty minutes away from anything, but also thirty minutes away from everything.

With a small school, certainly there are drawbacks like far less AP opportunities and such than a large public school may offer, but there are definite benefits as well. For one, it is far easier to stand out as an individual, rather than just another number in a classroom.

Despite wanting to pursue college in a bigger community, I must admit I would not have wanted to grow up anywhere else.
Read 6 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
B
Housing
3,142 Population
View Nearby Homes
Menasha
Suburb in Wisconsin
20 reviews
#13 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: I have lived here my whole life. I love it. It gives you your small town feel, yet it is close enough to bigger cities if you are looking for something to do. The only thing I wish that will change would be more things to do around in Menasha so there would be less travel to the other cities. Wouldn't it be cool if people from other cities purposely came here for restaurants and shops? Many people just pass through Menasha and I think we need to make it worth the stop. This is a great city and we need to prove to this area that we are the up and coming city that they need to see!
Read 20 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
B
Housing
18,075 Population
View Nearby Homes
Oshkosh
Town in Wisconsin
168 reviews
#14 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: I really enjoy living of the city of Oshkosh. They have plenty of activities throughout the year; such as three huge concert festivals,fishing tournaments, bowling allies, an ice rink, and a outstanding community events. The city of Oshkosh has provided me with an amazing job and educational opportunities. Although, one of the big things i would like to see change with the city of Oshkosh is renovations to schools and public buildings. Oshkosh is run down and it would be nice to see some areas get fixed up. Overall, Oshkosh is a great place to live and go to school.
Read 168 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
B
Housing
66,610 Population
View Nearby Homes
Omro
Town in Wisconsin
4 reviews
#15 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Nearby Resident: Omro is a quaint, safe town. It has lots of cute little shops and places to eat. It is a rural community with larger cities within 20 minutes drive where more city life can be found. It is quiet, and casual.
Read 4 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
C
Public Schools
B
Housing
3,573 Population
View Nearby Homes
Fond du Lac
Town in Wisconsin
69 reviews
#16 Best Places to Buy a House in Appleton Area
Current Resident: I currently live in Fond du Lac. I attend College here. We are lucky to have three colleges in our town. Two Universities and one Technical College. I feel for a town under 50,000 we are fortunate to have these three schools for higher education. Our town has some great eateries as well! Great family fun like the Children’s Museum and our local Library offers many great and free activities for our youth. Fond du Lac is a great town to live and raise your family. My children were and are very successful at what they do. I thank Fond du Lac for all the great schools and programs that were there for us.
Read 69 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
B
Housing
42,858 Population
View Nearby Homes
Chilton
Town in Wisconsin
4 reviews
Current Resident: A safe small town in the middle of wisconsin. There is not much of a nightlife in this town, but that is the tradeoff for the safety. Good public school system
Read 4 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
B-
Housing
3,848 Population
View Nearby Homes
Greenville
Suburb in Wisconsin
16 reviews
Current Resident: I haven't been everywhere in Greenville, but from where I have been I can say that it is a very nice place to live. Lots of diversity when it comes to housing options. You can live in a traditional neighborhood subdivision, an apartment in the city or maybe even on a farm. There are a lot of farms and forests. The area is mostly safe, we only hear about something every few months, and most of the time the local police responds quicker than the story can get out. So if you're looking for somewhere peaceful, with friendly neighbors, good schools, and lots of farmland, Greenville is the place to be.
Read 16 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
11,827 Population
View Nearby Homes
Winchester
Town in Wisconsin
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A
Housing
1,570 Population
View Nearby Homes
Rosendale
Town in Wisconsin
3 reviews
Current Resident: I've lived in Rosendale my whole life and I love it here. The small town experience is one that shapes who you are and I'm so blessed to have grown up in such a safe and loving community. Everyone knows everyone and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Read 3 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Housing
1,013 Population
View Nearby Homes
Algoma
Suburb in Wisconsin
13 reviews
Current Resident: I think that the diversity needs to change and help to create more opportunities for people in the community.
Read 13 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
7,087 Population
View Nearby Homes
Mount Calvary
Town in Wisconsin
B
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
A-
Housing
507 Population
View Nearby Homes
Dale
Town in Wisconsin
10 reviews
Niche User: We have had very few noteworthy crimes in my town and the surrounding area that I am aware of.
Read 10 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
2,854 Population
View Nearby Homes
Greenbush
Town in Wisconsin
B
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A-
Housing
2,588 Population
View Nearby Homes
Buchanan
Suburb in Wisconsin
6 reviews
Current Resident: The town of Buchanan is truly wonderful. I have lived here all of my life and have never had anything bad to say. The people are great, the economy is great, and there is just so much to do. The town of Buchanan is surrounded by plenty of other outstanding communities, such as the city of Appleton, Kaukauna, Menasha, and Little Chute. Each town/city comes together and makes the Fox Valley a greater overall community.
Read 6 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Housing
7,129 Population
View Nearby Homes
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About This List

Explore the best places to buy a house based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

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