Appleton v. Oshkosh?

[Sabriel]

I hope you Appleton/Fox Valley DUers can offer advice. We have the opportunity to choose between living in Oshkosh or Appleton (we work in Oshkosh), but Oshkosh seems so incredibly conservative that we don't want our kid going to school here.

Is Appleton any more progressive, or does it offer reasons to make the drive every day down 41? I'd love to hear from any of you who do commute like that and what you think of it. If you're from Appleton, we're also interested in learning about areas of town you'd recommend buying a house in the $150,00,-200,000 range.
Thanks,
Sabriel

[WFF]

1. Hi Sabriel

My totally biased opinion is that Appleton is nicer. It can be pretty conservative too, but there is also a strong group of peace activists and a strong intellectual community (as I'm sure Oshkosh does too). You will not feel alone in Appleton.

Appleton does offer better shopping, cultural events (brand new Performing Arts Center), sports (semi-pro baseball), etc. Appleton's public school system is pretty darn good, though I don't know how it compares with Oshkosh.

Do you like old or new houses?

Good luck and let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.

[Sabriel]

7. Any thoughts on schools?

We're looking at elementary schools in the Alicia Park or Erb Park neighborhoods. Ideally, we'd like an older ranch on a biggish lot, circa 50s-70s.

Anyone have info about Doty Island as a potential home?
Thanks to all who replied. It's very much appreciated.
Sabriel

edit: park spelling

[Viking12]

2. Split the difference

Try Neenah-Menasha, centrally located between Oshkosh and Appleton so you can take advantage of the opportunities presented by both cities. I also work in Oshkosh, but live in Menahsa and it works well. As the previous poster pointed out, all of NE WI is largely conservative but there are many groups of good progressive people in the area.

You can find some very nice houses in your price range.

[Poiuyt]

3. I like Appleton

I might get some arguments from the people of Oshkosh, but I think that Appleton is a much more vibrant city. Much more going on. Whenever I drive through Oshkosh, it seems kind of stale. Nice University though.

Neenah is also a nice city, but VERY conservative. Think soccer mom Republicans.

Do you live in Oshkosh now?

[TheMightyFavog]

4. Oshkosh!

Three letters: EAA

Coolest. Museum. In Wisconsin.

[MessiahRp]

5. From someone who has lived in both...

I choose Oshkosh. Here's why. While Oshkosh seems conservative, Appleton is actually moreso. Appleton consistently votes Republican, while Oshkosh is a swing area (Oshkosh went for Gore in 2000, while I believe Appleton did not also).

Also beyond regular politics, Oshkosh has more to do for families. It has two really solid parks (Menominee and South Park) and has one of the best blocks for Trick or Treating in all of Wisconsin (Washington Ave.).

There are tons of great restaurants and for family movie nights most all of them deliver. :wink: In Appleton every three blocks is a different delivery zone and it's a pain to find delivery places.

The only draw to Appleton is the shopping and that's a short 15-20 min. drive away.

Oshkosh has (depending on what you like):
Country USA
Sawdust Days
Lifest
EAA
Waterfest (live bands every Thursday outdoors at the Convention Center)
The Paine Art Center


Appleton has:
Octoberfest (held in September for some dumb reason!)
Outagamie County Museum (with the Houdini exhibit)

Also next year Oshkosh hosts the Wisconsin Democratic Convention. I plan to be one of the organizers for it so trust me when I say it will kick ass.

Believe me Oshkosh is better for a family.

Rp

[jef4wi]

6. Oshkosh/Neenah/Menasha

Go with one of these. Then you can vote for me.

Appleton is in Dottie's district.

Make sure you move by Mid-October.....

-jef-

[newyawker99]

8. Hi jef4wi!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[goddess40]

9. Oshkosh vs Appleton

Both have their advantages. However the tie breaker for me would be the quality of pizza available. For that reason I would suggest Oshkosh because of Ratch and Deb's pizza. Hands down the best pizza in the state (and they deliver in Oshkosh only). Both are conservative however Oshkosh does have UW-O (pronounced UW-Zero by those of us that went there)which lightens it up a bit.