Moving to Appleton, WI (Milwaukee, Madison: fit in, for rent, low crime)

[madisonman]

Hello,

I am in NYC and will be moving to Appleton for a job. I was wondering how the city is? Is it a good place to live? What are the pluses and minuses?

[sunnyskies]

It's a very surreal place. I grew up there and left at 18 years of age to get a taste of the real world. Never felt like I fit in there. Was always on the outside looking in. Too much cheese, brats and beer for my liking not to mention football. Had a very controlling, alcoholic family, too, so that kind a put a damper on my life at a very young age. Sorry to paint such a somber picture, didn't mean to but no one else jumped in so I did for what it is worth.

[keylaleigh]

I have never been to NYC, so I can't compare the two cities for you, but I have lived in Appleton for the last 11 years. Were you wondering about the weather, the arts, recreation? We are a city of around 65,000 (I think) but with the surrounding towns we are probably closer to double that. We consistently make the list in "Top Places to Live". I think, coming from a big city, that one of the first things that you will notice is how low and flat it is. Our tallest building downtown is only 183 feet, and the second tallest is 168 feet. No, I didn't know this off the top of my head- I had to look it up If you have any specific questions, I'd be glad to try to help you out.

As far as pluses and minuses, in my opinion.
Plus: low crime rate- when you compare our numbers to the national average, we practically look like Mayville. We have seen a slight increase in crime over the last decade, but we have experienced quite a bit of growth which may have contributed. Shootings still make the news (probably less than 6 a year- almost always drug-related), and are almost always followed a couple of days later by an article giving the details of the person(s) in custody. I think our cops are pretty good at staying on top of things. To the best of my knowledge, we have never had a carjacking.

Plus: it is just a short drive to Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Chicago. The lakefront is also only an hour away.

Plus or minus: Appleton LOVES the GB Packers! They are only half hour north of here, and when there is a Packer game, the city stops to watch it. If you do not like football, it is a fabulous time to eat out (not anyplace with TVs though), shop, or get groceries as crowds are minimal. It is a safe bet people will be talking about the game the next day as well.

Plus: if you like just kicking back on mini-vacations, you should look into visiting Door County. Just two hours away, it is the peninsula of WI, only 13 miles wide and there are no chain restaurants or stores allowed north of Sturgeon Bay. Lots of quaint little shops and natural scenery (water, forests, beautiful sunsets).

Plus: Compared to most parts of the country, our housing is extremely affordable. A house around 1000 sq ft - 1500 sq ft can be had from around $100,000 on up. Obviously this is just a general observation, so prices will vary. For what you are probably paying for rent in NYC, you would surely live like a king around here!

Minus: If you are used to round-the-clock living, you will not find it in Appleton. Other than the bars and 24 hour food and pharmacy drive-thrus, you will not find much open after 9 p.m.

[sunnyskies]

Appleton may be a little flat but it happens to be close to 1000 feet in elevation compared to NYC which is probably at sea level. It does have cold winters. If you don't have a garage, you will need an engine heater to start your car in the winter. It is a dry cold though so it doesn't feel too bad. All of the above is true but be perpared for culture shock. I have been to NYC and visit often (not that I like it or anything) but it is the real world. You might find Appleton a little to "not happening" for your liking. LOL.