AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Appleton, WI — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Appleton neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$950/mo
Median Rent
76,595
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
ThedaCare
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Appleton? What Renters Need to Know

Average rent in Appleton is approximately $950 per month, competitive for a Fox Valley city with strong employment and quality schools. Downtown lofts and the College Avenue corridor tend to run higher, while outer communities like Menasha offer lower costs.

Quick Facts

Population 76,595
Median Rent $950/mo
Top Employer ThedaCare
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$950 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Appleton median rent is $550 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Appleton is ThedaCare, making the Downtown Appleton area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Appleton

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Downtown Appleton

Score: 84/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 7/10
#2

College Avenue Historic

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 7/10
#3

South Side

Score: 72/100
Safety B
Walk Score 44
Avg Rent $900
Schools 6/10

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#4

Grand Chute

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 8/10
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#5

Neenah

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 40
Avg Rent $950
Schools 8/10
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#6

North Side

Score: 74/100
Safety B
Walk Score 52
Avg Rent $920
Schools 6/10
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#7

Menasha

Score: 70/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 46
Avg Rent $880
Schools 6/10
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#8

Kimberly

Score: 78/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 34
Avg Rent $940
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Appleton Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Appleton Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Appleton renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Appleton.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Appleton properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Appleton

What is the average rent in Appleton, WI?

Average rent in Appleton is approximately $950 per month, competitive for a Fox Valley city with strong employment and quality schools. Downtown lofts and the College Avenue corridor tend to run higher, while outer communities like Menasha offer lower costs.

Is Appleton a good place to live?

Appleton is consistently ranked among the best mid-size cities in the US, with a vibrant downtown, low unemployment, strong schools, and a close-knit community character. It offers a high quality of life at a reasonable cost compared to major Wisconsin metros.

What is downtown Appleton like?

Downtown Appleton is one of the most lively small-city downtowns in the Midwest, with a dense concentration of restaurants, bars, independent shops, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, and Lawrence University. College Avenue is the main pedestrian corridor.

How is the job market in Appleton?

ThedaCare (healthcare), paper and specialty manufacturing, insurance (Appleton is home to several major carriers), and retail/distribution anchor the economy. The Fox Cities metro has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Wisconsin.

What outdoor activities are available in Appleton?

Appleton sits on the Fox River and is close to Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake, offering boating, fishing, and ice fishing. The city has an extensive park and trail system, and the Northwoods recreational areas are within a two-hour drive.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.