Appleton,WI Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Appleton, WI – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Appleton, WI
Appleton, WI, is a charming city known for its welcoming community and vibrant neighborhoods. Nestled along the Fox River, Appleton boasts a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, whether you’re looking for a lively downtown vibe or a peaceful suburban setting. With a rich history and plenty of modern amenities, Appleton’s neighborhoods offer a perfect blend of small-town warmth and city convenience. Whether you’re consulting an Appleton neighborhoods map or exploring in person, you’ll find plenty to love in this Wisconsin gem.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
The best neighborhoods in Appleton are diverse and family-friendly, with communities that range from young professionals to retirees. Areas like Northland and College Avenue neighborhoods have a balanced mix of families and students, thanks to their proximity to local schools and Lawrence University. The neighborhoods tend to be stable and welcoming, with a strong sense of community. Many residents enjoy local parks, such as Houdini Plaza, and frequent nearby eateries like The Roxy Riverfront Bar & Grill, which adds to the local charm and community spirit.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Safety is a priority in Appleton neighborhoods, and many areas report lower-than-average crime rates compared to other cities of similar size. Neighborhoods such as Hearthstone and Riverside are known for their quiet streets and well-maintained homes, making them popular choices for families. The city invests in community policing and neighborhood watch programs, promoting a stable and secure environment. When looking for the best neighborhoods in Appleton, residents often highlight the peace of mind that comes from living in these well-established areas.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Getting around Appleton is convenient thanks to the Valley Transit system, which connects key neighborhoods with downtown Appleton and beyond. Neighborhoods like Downtown and College Avenue offer excellent walkability, with bike lanes and easy access to bus routes. For those commuting to work or school, the city’s thoughtful planning ensures that most neighborhoods have nearby transit stops. Additionally, Appleton’s pedestrian-friendly streets and scenic bike trails make exploring the city both fun and eco-friendly, which adds to the appeal of these communities.
Colleges & Universities: Neighborhoods Near Campus
Lawrence University sits right in the heart of the College Avenue neighborhood, making this area bustling with student life and cultural activities. This neighborhood features a mix of historic homes and student apartments, with plenty of coffee shops and bookstores catering to campus residents. Fox Valley Technical College is located just a short drive away in the Fox Cities area, influencing nearby neighborhoods like Northland, where you’ll find a variety of affordable housing options for students and faculty alike. These neighborhoods thrive on the energy and diversity brought by the academic institutions.
Hidden Gems: What You Might Not Know About Appleton Neighborhoods
Many might not realize that Appleton neighborhoods offer some unique local treasures beyond the usual attractions. For example, the Riverside neighborhood is home to the Appleton Memorial Library, a hub of community events and learning opportunities. The Hearthstone neighborhood has a rich architectural heritage with beautifully preserved homes dating back to the early 1900s. Moreover, many neighborhoods participate in annual events like the Appleton Art Walk and farmers markets, which foster tight-knit community bonds. Exploring an Appleton neighborhoods map reveals a city full of character and surprises just waiting to be discovered.
Appleton Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alicia Park | 40.2 | 26.5% | $166,725 | $76,174 | 2.2 |
| Erb Park | 37.6 | 27.8% | $169,843 | $73,390 | 2.4 |
| Huntley | 40.8 | 23.5% | $188,025 | $71,557 | 2.6 |
| Peabody Park | 32.5 | 24.1% | $183,260 | $66,911 | 2.8 |
| Central | 35.3 | 28.3% | $152,733 | $58,649 | 2.9 |
| Colony Oaks | 36 | 22.6% | $263,767 | $82,026 | 3.5 |
| Downtown | 35.6 | 23.5% | $196,855 | $59,715 | 4.1 |
| Lawrence-City Park | 30.3 | 22.9% | $217,529 | $57,749 | 5.3 |
| Old Third Ward | 37.8 | 20.9% | $258,133 | $65,332 | 6.7 |
Appleton neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Appleton—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Appleton, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Appleton
| Crime |
Reported |
Appleton /100k |
WI /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 2 | 2.7 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 39 | 52.4 | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | 9.4 | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 102 | 137.1 | 200.1 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 150 | 202 | 279 | 359 |
| Burglary | 114 | 153.2 | 117.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 841 | 1,130.5 | 875.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 47 | 63.2 | 161.3 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 1,002 | 1,347 | 1,154 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 1,152 | 1,549 | 1,433 | 2,119 |