Appleton, WI Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Appleton, WI: What You Need to Know

Appleton is the seat of Outagamie County in central-eastern Wisconsin. The Fox River flows through the city, which is known as the Heart of the Fox River Valley.

The Local History

The founding of Lawrence University (originally the Lawrence Institute) in 1847 is an important part of Appleton’s growth. Merchant and philanthropist Amos A. Lawrence supported the university. The town was named in honor of his father-in-law, Samuel Appleton, who donated $10,000 to the college library. Appleton was incorporated as a city in 1857. Its thriving paper industry led to the establishment of America’s first hydro-electric central station in 1882, the Vulcan Street Plant on the Fox River. 

Things to Do in Appleton

The History Museum at the Castle showcases the history of Appleton and the Fox Valley. An exhibit is devoted to illusionist Harry Houdini, a local resident whose real name was Erik Weisz. His father, Mayer Weisz, was Appleton’s first rabbi. Don’t miss the Trout Museum of Art, which features a permanent collection of over 150 works, including American, European, Asian, and African paintings, sculptures, and other decorative objects. The museum was established in 1960 to provide educational opportunities and promote art appreciation.

The Cost of Living in Appleton

No offense to the Big Apple, but this little apple in Wisconsin is a lot more reasonable as a place of residence. The cost of living in Appleton (population: 74,098) is 13.4% lower than the national average. Food and housing costs are 17% and 30.3% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $779. In Wisconsin, income tax ranges from 3.86% to 7.65% depending on one’s income. The state’s sales tax ranges from 5% to 5.6%.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Appleton residents love their parks, great schools, and farmers markets. They look forward to events such as the Mile of Music, a four-day musical celebration in the summer. For those who prefer the suburbs, Kimberly and Neenah are less than 10 miles away from Appleton. Both communities get kudos for their highly rated public schools and safe and welcoming environment.

Weather and Climate

The city receives about 41 inches of snow annually versus the U.S. average of 28 inches. On April 14-16, 2018, a blizzard dumped 21.2 inches of snow, breaking the record of 19.5 inches on Dec. 12-14, 1909. Appleton gets about 32 inches of rain every year compared with the U.S. average of 38 inches. On average, the city experiences 189 sunny days per year versus the U.S. average of 205 sunny days.