Whats Appleton, Wisconsin like?

[denvernative1982]

It seems to have a very low unemployment around 4 percent, incomes lag behind a bit and crime is very, very low. In fact isnt Appleton the lowest crime metro area in America acccording to Morgan Quinto. They have a 10,000 person college in Osh Kosh.

Anyway, it seems nice being so close to Milaukee and Chicago.

Please tell me if you know anything about Appleton MSA.

[The Mad Hatter!!]

weren't you the one who started the north dakota thing yesterday,why are you trying to do the same tonight

[Badgers77]

I go to the fox cities quite a bit, and it's pretty nice. Oshkosh is kind of dumpy, but Appleton has a lively downtown for a non-college town of it's size, it's quite clean, has a large mall ride outside it, and is pretty nice. Also, Willem Dafoe and Harry Houdini are from there.

Has some big problems with Hmong gangs, though.

[denvernative1982]

Well, I am curious because I saw that Morgan Quinto said that its the safest metro in America and I look a little more and was wondering if any of the SSC Wisconsin residents knew more.

It seems like a decent place and I just want to know more thats it.

[Badgers77]

It has the Fox River Mall, which I remember hearing is the 2nd largest mall in the midwest, I believe, behind the MoA... that was a long time ago I heard that though.

[Ben]

http://foxcities.org/fox_cities/intro.html

There's pictures, stats and a video. There was a list recently in some magazine; "safest metros above 200,000 population" appleton was 10, madison was 3rd.

Oshkosh really isn't part of the fox cities, nor is green bay. it's part of the fox river valley, but only the towns listed on that website or on typical metro area maps are included in the term "the fox cities."

Just a picture of a physical map, but this is all of the municipalties included in the term "the fox cities" -
http://bookmarkhosting.com/wisconsin/Appleton.jpg

[Badgers77]

Oskosh is a "fox city" as the Fox River runs right through it and into lake Winnebago... it's included in teh Metro area I believe too.

[Ben]

http://foxcities.org/fox_cities/communities.html

[Markitect]

Oshkosh is kind of dumpy, but Appleton has a lively downtown for a non-college town of it's size...

Appleton isn't a non-college town.

[Badgers77]

I spend an enormous amount of time in Oshkosh, and despite what the website says, it's definitely a fox city. In fact, I'm in Oshkosh right now... Appleton is a 15-20 minute drive.

And Appleton is a non-college town. They have Fox Valley tech, some of which is located in Oshkosh, as well as Lawrence, which has barely over 1000 students, if that.

Although it "technically" is not a Fox City, most Oshkoshites will say it is, as the Fox River runs directly through the city and its like a 5 minute drive to Neenah.

[Ben]

Yeah, just like Racine is part of the Milwaukee metro, but only MSA. Racine isn't suburban metropolitan. Just like Waukesha. And JUST like Oshkosh is to Appleton. The Fox River doesn't have much to do with it, it's just a region of the Fox River Valley which has dense population surrounding such a short river.

Personally I wish Oshkosh was part of the fox cities because then the suburban population would be 280,000. Though the MSA for Fox Cities is like 350,000.

[MJinOshkosh]

Appleton-Neenah-Menasha-Oshkosh are considered as one metro area (according to the US census bureau)though Oshkosh is 18 Miles from Appleton, Oshkosh is about 5 miles or so from Neenah. Lawrence college has an enrollment of a little over 1400 students and is located near downtown Appleton. UW Oshkosh has an enrollment of just over 11,100 students. Many people from Oshkosh work and drive up toward their jobs in the Appleton through Neeah area. Oshkosh's latest population is listed at over 62,000 and Appleton's population is listed at over 71,000 . Oshkosh may lack some of the panache that Appleton may have but many people don't know the real wealth of retail in the Fox River Valley namely the Fox River Mall lies west of the city of Appleton within the confines of Grand Chute which has a population around 14,000 or a little more and the airport is located just a little furthur west in the township of Greenville. I guess I better not forget the localities of Kaukauna, Little Chute, Combined Locks, Darboy, and Kimberly the original home of Kimberly-Clark corp before they left Neenah and moved their Headquarters to Texas. the Largest Corp in the Valley now is Thrivent (formerly AAL) financial for Lutherans located along highway 41 north of Appleton. As for Oshkosh being "Dumpy" well I personally find that statement a little to strong and inacurate. there are plans in the works to bring a water park and resort along the Fox river in the old Universal Foundry property between downtown Oshkosh and the University. This proposal would also include a hotel as well. I will say that if someone were to call someone else's home city or town "Dumpy" that person would be upset with that other persons lack of tact.

[Badgers77]

I'm sorry to offend. It's not "dumpy" by any means- it's downtown is just a lot less lively than Appleton's, especially with the concrete block of a Mall that would look awesome if it were knocked down.

Oshkosh isn't "dumpy" its just underutilized and in my opinion, rather poorly managed. Also, vote for Mark Harris.

[Jason]

Some seriously wealthy people live in Appleton. My half-brother grew up there, where he lived with his mom.

[Badgers77]

Neenah has had the reputation as the wealthy place, although it's died over years. There are some enormous houses in Neenah though, bigger than anything I've seen in Appleton or Oshkosh.

[appletonwi]

Here is how i would define Appleton. It is the heart of the Fox Valley, which socially should not incluce either Green Bay or Oshkosh. Many government agencies do however define those two cities as members of the Fox Cities. As far as conservative, it used to be more conservative, but recent voting informaiton suggests it is moderating. It used to be very conservative. I think that title in wisconsin would go to one of the milwuakee suburb communities. In terms of Downtown- It is clean, very low crime ( No murders in whole city as of July of 2005), relatively prosperous ( lacks both high poverty and superrich), schools are well supported, taxes are a little below average for a city in Wisconsin. Development downtown has lost some steam. In the beginning of this decade a drive to build a 45 million dollar Performing Arts Center was successful. A host of smaller projects then followed in the downtown area. Then the Richmond terrace project completed in the past year. It is a very large brownfield building that isnt tall enough (5 stories) to have signicant views of the city and has a rapidly developing reputation as a empty shell. Unfortunately, it may be a rotten aftertaste for prospective condo developers in the downtown appleton area. In turns of the last year Appleton has had little downtown development to brag about compared to the projects both underconstruction and be battered about in downtown Green Bay. Nothing wrong with that since Appleton does have numerous developments on its fringes. Hope that helps you understand a little more about Appleton.

[ReddAlert]

Great post..welcome to the forums man. :cheers:

[D-res]

It has the Fox River Mall, which I remember hearing is the 2nd largest mall in the midwest, I believe, behind the MoA

It's the biggest in Wisconsin, although Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee has about the same number of stores, Fox River Mall is the biggest in area... or somethin

[araman0]

I spent the Summer in Appleton for my internship with Kimberly Clark. I agree with appletonwi that the downtown developement has sort of died in the past few years. Richmond Terrace still remains a complete empty shell for retail. I considered renting one of its condos for when I move back this December, but the price tag is way too high for what it is. It is too far away from downtown and too short (only 5 stories) to justify its >$1000 monthly rent for a one bedroom. I am giving serious consideration to purchasing one of the upcoming downtown condos in Green Bay and comuting to Appleton for work instead.
But other than that, the city is very very clean in all areas of the city, and it has a certain sense of "newness" to it that other Wisconsin cities lack. It seemed to me to be rather progressive, being the only city in the state of Wisconsin to pass a complete smoking ban in all work places including bars. And with strong opposition from bar owners, the city seems to be standing strong in its decision. I'm sure it has a bright future ahead for itself, just not in the downtown area.

[Paule]

http://www.boomspeed.com/paule17/Scott_04.jpg

[araman0]

^^ Can't see the picture

[TwoClubs]

I went to UW-Oshkosh for 5 years (however, that was 20 years ago) and spent a fair amount of time in Appleton during that time. Everything I have read in this thread jibes with my memories, but I thought I'd add my .02 anyhow.

Oshkosh does sort of have a less flashy edge to it, but there are some very beautiful and gracious parts of town, as I recall. Especially Algoma Blvd. and the lakefront. I worked at the Pioneer Inn, which is a gorgeous property (except at lakefly time of year :sly: )

[style515]

Appleton is very sophisticated and trendy for a Wisconsin town, possibly more than Milwaukee and Madison.

[ReddAlert]

Appleton is very sophisticated and trendy for a Wisconsin town, possibly more than Milwaukee and Madison.

ha very funny Mr. Seinfeld

[Jason]

Appleton is very sophisticated and trendy for a Wisconsin town, possibly more than Milwaukee and Madison.

Is this a joke? I sure hope so.

[Paule]

^^ Can't see the picture
Ok, I'll try again

http://www.boomspeed.com/paule17/Scott_04.jpg

[araman0]

^^ Thanks. Ironicaly, right now I am typing this message from the building located to the right (south-west) of the tallest building in that picture.

[columbusguy]

I didn't even know there was an Appleton, WI until a few months ago.

I was reading the Columbus Dispatch and read that a locally based insurance company, Grange Insurance, was considering a move to Appleton, WI.

Looks to have a decent economy, might be one of those "future" sprawl boom towns.

[araman0]

This is definately a sprawlish metro. I don't think any significant buisnesses have moved to downtown in 30 years. Our newest downtown midrise was built in the 70's. Not very good for a metro of over 300,000. Buisness and retail is thriving out in the fringes of town though.
BTW, is that insurance company considering moving its headquarters here or just a local office? If that's the case, it would be bad news for Columbus, but at least Appleton would greatly benefit from that move.

[columbusguy]

Actually I think that you are right, Grance Insurance is going to keep their headquarters in Columbus but their new office expansion is either going to be part of a new office highrise in Columbus or they might expand in Appleton.
I'm wanting the new highrise :), it's always good to have companies stay that are willing to build new buildings in a downtown

[araman0]

Wow, that's great news for Columbus! I actually hope they stay in Columbus, because they probably won't be building any highrises in Appleton. They will probably just add to one of our office parks here.

[appletonwi]

I miss for a few days suddenly Appleton talk is all the rage. I dont know of anyone in the Appleton area who knows about this possible Grange Insurance move. Perhaps they are just using Appleton as a negociating alternative site when discussing city subsides with Columbus. Appleton may be part of 300,000 metro but it really is not a an inner city with a bunch of suburbs like most metros. Instead, each community within the Fox Cities has a long history and are not bedroom communities in the least. Appleton itself is only 70,000 pop so to be fair you must compare it to like sized cities. A drive through shows that only 2 Wisconsin cities have a more impressive downtown - Milwaukee and Madison. That may not be long as Green Bay has massive expansion plans that appear likely to proceed.
Appleton is a very impressive site for insurance companies becuase of good work ethic and fairly affordable wages. It struggles in the research and high tech industries becuase it has no univiersity larger than 3000 students.
In terms of trendy, i dont think Appleton is nationaly trendy city or even statewide, but since it does have a huge retail base nearby is probably viewed in favorable terms by those that live within a 50 mile range. The smoking ban was passed by a very thin referendum margin and has a pretty good chance of being overturned by a pro-smoking referendum within a few months. We will see.

[columbusguy]

Grange was considering an Appelton expansion but it looks as though it will be an expansion to their headquarters on the south side of downtown Columbus.

This was announced last week.


Columbus Business First

Grange gives Brewery District project green light

Grange Mutual Casualty Co. said Tuesday it is going ahead with plans to expand its Brewery District headquarters, after

"We are pleased to expand our presence in the downtown Columbus area, where we have had a presence since 1935," Phil Urban, president and CEO of Grange, said in a press release.

Grange plans to construct a 1,000-vehicle parking garage and a 200,000-square-foot mid-rise tower at 650 S. High St. The $61.5 million project is expected to create 800 jobs over the next 20 years, in addition to 775 already working at the site. About 60 of the new jobs are coming from Gahanna.

The city said Grange needed the tax incentives to make the downtown project worthwhile. Building in the Brewery District necessitated the parking structure, which added $20 million to its construction costs. Grange considered other locations that did not require a parking structure.

Council approved two tax incentives for the project. The first creates a Tax Increment Financing district that will divert 75 percent of the new property taxes on the parking deck site to pay for the parking deck.

The TIF will save the company $11 million over its 10-year term, according to the city.

Council also approved a tax incentive that will rebate Grange 50 percent of the payroll taxes generated by the new workers. That incentive is scheduled to begin in 2009 and run for eight years. It will save the company around $1.1 million over its term, City Council estimates

[araman0]

That is great news. If they would have moved to Appleton, they would have just added to Appleton's extensive collection of office parks. (Though I wouldn't have minded more buisness coming to the area.)