Fox Valley Community
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Quality of Life
Appleton is the largest of the Fox Cities, a cluster of 18 communities located along the Fox River in east-central Wisconsin. With a combined population of over 220,000, the Fox Cities are the third-largest and fastest-growing metropolitan area in Wisconsin, yet offer the tranquility of small-town America and easy access to rural surroundings.
The Fox Cities have consistently received national recognition as one of the most inviting places to live, work, and raise a family. The area has ranked:
- In Business Week's Top 25 Best Affordable Suburbs in the Midwest for 2007. The magazine praised the city for low crime, cleanliness, great schools, affordable homes, and plenty of entertainment options, and said Appleton "stands out from the rest" of those ranked in the top 25;
- 4th safest of 330 metropolitan areas in 2005 by Morgan Quitno Press, which ranks America's Safest and Most Dangerous Cities;
- 27th in Forbes magazine's 2006 "Best Small Place for Business" list;
- 16th in Top Metro Areas for Public Schools by Expansion Management's 2006 Education Quotient; and
- One of the "100 Best Communities for Young People," in the 2005 national competition led by America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth.
Education
Education resources in the Fox Cities are among the best in the country. Appleton schools consistently rank in the top 10 districts in the nation, and students consistently exceed state and national scholastic test score averages.
Three University of Wisconsin campuses are within an hour's drive of the Fox Cities, as are several private universities and community technical colleges.
Economy
The cost of living in the Fox Cities is approximately two percent below the national average. The area's economic base is broadly diversified in manufacturing, insurance, health care, and retailing.
Smart Money magazine recently ranked the Fox Cities as an area of strong economic growth, boasting low crime, favorable tax rates, and a wide range of recreational and cultural opportunities.
Recreation
Nature's colorful four seasons offer many outdoor recreational opportunities in the region, including golf, fishing, boating, hunting, biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hockey, state and county parks and nature preserves. High Cliff State Park on Lake Winnebago is a scenic 20-minute drive from Appleton, with camping, horse and hiking trails, a beach, and marina.
The Fox Cities Stadium, home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers class A baseball league, is a fan-friendly ballpark for family fun and low-cost outings. The legendary Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers, and the Packers Hall of fame, are both a half-hour away.
The hundreds of beautiful lakes of Wisconsin's Northwoods, the renowned Door County vacationland, and the larger cities of Madison and Milwaukee are all within a two-hour drive from Appleton.
The Family Medicine Clinic is located in downtown Appleton, adjacent to one of four local YMCAs and within walking distance of a variety of ethnic restaurants, coffee shops, and local clubs. Fox River waterfront development is underway, with several restaurants offering scenic outdoor patio dining.
Culture
Downtown Appleton's Performing Arts Center features nationally touring Broadway shows, concerts, performances by the Fox Valley Symphony, and other offerings in music, dance, theater, and literature. The Lawrence University Conservatory of Music offers everything from symphony to jazz. The Fox Cities Children's Museum and 11 specialty museums and historical sites are located in the area.
Numerous community festivals are held throughout the year, including Appleton's famous Oktoberfest, which brings more than 150,000 people downtown to enjoy food, music, and entertainment in a spirit of community celebration.
Appleton is also known for extensive shopping at the Fox River Mall, which brings visitors from throughout Wisconsin and beyond.
