Home Affordability Index: Comparing Northeast Wisconsin Home Costs
September 6, 2018
For those who live here, Northeast Wisconsin (NEW) is home. Up-and-coming cities and close-knit communities, Packers games, squeaky cheese curds, and an amazingly reasonable home market keep folks in the area long-term.
If you’re hoping to put down roots in the area permanently by way of purchasing a single-family home, we’ve done your price comparison research for you. We reviewed real, active listings in the major cities of NEW to provide you with true average home costs for both 3- and 4-bedroom homes.
In addition to reviewing prices in each area, we’ve listed school district ratings to help you pick the perfect place to raise your family. So, come on—let’s go home shopping.
Allouez (Green Bay)
School district grade: B-
Tucked between Green Bay’s downtown, Bellevue, and De Pere is the small community of Allouez. You’ll know you’re there when you see trees on trees on trees … in fact, the village of Allouez is recognized as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation. Under those trees are handsome, sprawling mid-century ranches lived in by brainiacs. According to NeighborhoodScout, Allouez has more people living here who work in computer and math-related industries than 95 percent of the United States population.
Allouez’s history, beauty, emphasis on education, low traffic, and safety place it in the middle of the pack price-wise.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $176,955
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $244,389
Appleton
School district grade: B+
Main Hall, Lawrence University | Photo via Flickr
In the heart of the Fox Cities is Appleton, a medium-sized city of 74,370 people and 27 neighborhoods. It’s home to Lawrence University and the Fox Valley’s best nightlife. Appleton’s also a very educated city, with 32 percent of adults in Appleton being Bachelor’s degree holders. That love of education translates to strong local schools—Appleton’s schools report card gets high marks in sports, clubs and activities, and college readiness. Also notable is the range of home styles in Appleton, with many neighborhoods representing the craftsman, storybook, and prairie styles.
Interestingly, Appleton is the most affordable of the cities we surveyed for 3-bedroom homes. In contrast, it’s one of the most expensive cities for 4-bedroom homes. Keep in mind that you’ll pay considerably less for a turn-of-the-century charmer versus new construction.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $146,172
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $341,945
Ashwaubenon (Green Bay)
School district grade: B+
On the west side of the Fox River and south of Howard lies Ashwaubenon, also known as Packerland. The Green Bay Packers stadium is visible from pretty much any part of Ashwaubenon, and the village is constantly humming thanks to plentiful retail shops and attractions based on Oneida Street.
Of course, if you want to be in the middle of Green Bay’s retail oasis and near the stadium, you’re going to pay for it. Homes are more expensive than many other cities we surveyed, in part due to the recent Packer party home trend.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $255,703
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $335,350
De Pere (Green Bay)
School district grade: A
Main Avenue Historic District, West De Pere | Via DePere.org
South of Green Bay and divided into two parts (East and West) by the Fox River is De Pere, a sleepy city with great schools and lots of character. On the west side of the city is St. Norbert College, a private school with big-city amenities and arts initiatives. The downtown of the east side of De Pere is growing, with new restaurants and shops popping up all the time, and a weekly farmer’s market. Just outside of downtown on Broadway are some of Green Bay’s most beautiful historic homes.
With its abundant history, charm, attractions, and amenities, De Pere is one of NEW’s most expensive places in which to live. Most De Pereans would say the price is worth it, though.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $274,875
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $371,168
Grand Chute
School district grade: B+ (Appleton) or B+ (Hortonville)
On Appleton’s northwest side is Grand Chute, home to a sizeable $2.3B tax base and a thriving commercial and retail environment. Major employers like Presto Products and Pierce Manufacturing, along with other big names like the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, attract talented and sports-loving residents to the area. Due to its strong economy and the fact that most 3- and 4-bedroom homes for sale in the area are newly constructed, it’s one of the more expensive places to live in the area.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $271,467
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $332,169
Northeast and Downtown Green Bay
School district grade: B
Green Bay’s downtown and northeast side contains lots of hidden gems: the historic Astor Park neighborhood, the chill and eclectic Broadway district, great restaurants and museums, and more parks than you can count. This part of town is just a short trip from Door County, Howard, and De Pere, and contains the area’s best hospitals. Though Green Bay isn’t home to the best schools in the area, its district does get an A+ for diversity.
Despite its history, nightlife and attractions, and convenient location, northeast and downtown Green Bay are Northeast Wisconsin’s most affordable places to set up shop and get to livin’.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $158,541
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $164,009
Howard (Green Bay)
School district grade: A-
Lush Greenery from Overhead | Via Village of Howard
Northwest of downtown Green Bay on the banks of the Bay and Peats Lake sits the village of Howard. When looking at an aerial map of Green Bay, Howard stands out as the greenest portion of the city. That said, you can be sure to land a good-sized lot, and when you’re not at home, you’ll enjoy greenery at Meadowbrook Park and the Ken Euers Nature Area.
Luckily, Howard’s collection of newly constructed homes surrounded by great schools won’t set you back too far—it’s one of the more affordable places to buy a 3-bedroom.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $277,227
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $304,858
Kaukauna
School district grade: B
We’re probably biased, but Kaukauna is a solid choice for raising a family. Kaukauna’s community and city spirit is unrivaled in the Valley, and there’s also a ton to do. City-sponsored events include a weekly outdoor music series called Live! from Hydro Park, of which we’re a #ProudSponsor. Kaukauna also hosts the Fox Firecracker 5k Run/Walk and the downtown farmer’s market from June through October. If you’re not convinced, consider the city’s motto: “The Friendly City.”
Kaukauna’s small-town feel comes at a great price—K-town falls on the lower end of our home price scale.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $162,990
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $237,358
Kimberly Area
School district grade: A
Southeast of Appleton on the banks of the ‘Bago are some of the most sought-after towns in the area: Kimberly, Buchanan, Harrison, and Sherwood. In addition to spectacular views and a stellar school district, the Kimberly area flies under the radar and sits in the middle of the pack. This area is highly coveted—get here before it’s too late!
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $233,208
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $331,618
Little Chute
School district grade: B
Downtown Windmill | Via LittleChuteWI.org
Between Grand Chute and Kaukauna is Little Chute, a town of just over 11,000 people and some adorable historic homes. When you’re not hanging with the kids at Heesacker Park or exploring the local trails, you’ll be happy to live in this memorable small town with BIG windmills.
Other than the northeast/downtown areas of Green Bay, Little Chute is Northeast Wisconsin’s most affordable city.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $152,510
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $170,382
Wrightstown
School district grade: A-
On the way south from De Pere toward Kaukauna is Wrightstown, a small town that’s full of good surprises. The village of 2,827 boasts some unique architecture, a picturesque downtown, and one of the area’s best school districts. As we discuss elsewhere on the blog, Wrightstown’s district ranks in the Top 25 for Best Teachers in Wisconsin and enjoys a graduation rate of 95 percent.
Unsurprisingly, Wrightstown’s 4-bedroom homes are the most expensive in the area. But, don’t worry—you can score the perfect 3-bedroom for just over $250K.
- Average price of a 3-bedroom home: $256,944
- Average price of a 4-bedroom home: $379,450
Still not convinced? Consider these average home prices from major U.S. cities.
- Boston: $398,000
- Honolulu: $530,000
- Los Angeles: $605,000
- Milwaukee: $192,000
- Minneapolis: $235,000
- New York: $425,000
- San Jose: $1,000,000
- Washington, D.C.: $375,000
- Chicago: $218,000
Northeast Wisconsin is the best … U betcha.
With luscious greenery, big Packer pride, and great schools, it’s no wonder that Wisconsin’s Northeast region continues to grow. If you’re ready to start home shopping, consider getting pre-approved for a home loan. Our dedicated Member Advisors are ready to help you land your dream home while alleviating the typical stress of home buying.
Once you’ve found your home, consider our competitive mortgage rates and stellar home equity loans and HELOCs. Unison’s combo of awesome customer service and competitive products means that our Northeast Wisconsin members are empowered to follow their dreams—whether it’s buying a home, putting the kids through college, or consolidating debt. Want to join the Unison family? Contact us today.
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