South Appleton Neighborhoods
Your Complete Guide to Fox Cities’ Premier Residential Communities
📍 Neighborhood Directory
South Appleton Neighborhoods
Reid Golf Course Area
The Reid Golf Course neighborhood offers upscale living with immediate access to the historic Reid Golf Course. This well-established area attracts families and golf enthusiasts who appreciate:
- Range of homes from character to ranch 200k-800k
- mature landscaping
- Walking distance to Reid Municipal Golf Course
- Easy access to downtown Appleton via College Avenue
- Proximity to Lawrence University campus
Nearby Schools: Multiple elementary options within the highly-rated Appleton Area School District Parks & Recreation: Reid Golf Course, Telulah Park, Memorial Park
Palisades Neighborhood
The Palisades area represents some of South Appleton’s most scenic residential real estate, featuring:
- Elevated lots with Fox River valley views
- Homes range 400+2Million
- Tree-lined streets and established landscaping
- Strong property values and low turnover rates
School Access: Convenient to multiple elementary schools and Appleton West High School Green Spaces: Close to Fox River trails and conservation areas
River Drive & Riverview Gardens
These prestigious waterfront and near-waterfront communities offer luxury living along the Fox River:
- River Drive: Direct Fox River access with boat launches and fishing opportunities
- Riverview Gardens: Established neighborhood with river views and mature trees
- Premium home values ranging from 300k-1.5 Million waterfront proximity
- Walking and biking trails along the riverfront
Educational Excellence: Top-tier school ratings within Appleton Area School District Recreation: Fox River State Recreational Trail, boat launches, fishing access
McKinley School Neighborhood
Centered around McKinley Elementary School, this family-focused area provides:
- McKinley Elementary located at 1125 E Taft Ave serving the immediate community
- 455 students in grades PK, K-6 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1
- Walkable streets with sidewalks throughout
- Affordable family housing options 200-450K
- Strong neighborhood association and community involvement
School Highlights: McKinley Elementary offers gifted and talented programs and Project Lead The Way curriculum Park Access: Multiple neighborhood parks within walking distance
Gardner’s Row
This charming historic neighborhood features:
- Early 20th-century architecture and character homes values range from 200-350k
- Tree-lined streets with established canopy
- Walking distance to downtown amenities
- Affordable entry-level homeownership opportunities
Educational Options: Choice of several nearby elementary schools Community Features: Historic district charm with modern conveniences
Lake Park Area
Named for its proximity to green spaces, the Lake Park neighborhood offers:
- Family-friendly suburban setting
- New homes ranging 400-700k
- Newer subdivisions with modern amenities
- Cul-de-sac streets and safe neighborhoods
- Growing community with active residents
Schools: Well-served by Appleton Area School District transportation Recreation: Multiple parks and playgrounds within the community
Colony Oaks
One of South Appleton’s newer developments, Colony Oaks features:
- Contemporary home designs and layouts
- Planned community amenities
- Family-oriented subdivision with young demographics
- Some Riverfront values range from 250K-1Million
- Surrounded by Colony Oaks Park
Educational Access: Modern school facilities and transportation options Amenities: Community parks, walking trails, and recreational facilities
Janet Berry Neighborhood
This established residential area provides:
- Newer homes 20+ years old values 400K-on up
- Quiet streets with minimal through traffic
- Upper end duplexes
- Close-knit community atmosphere
School Proximity: Multiple elementary and middle school options nearby Green Space: Easy access to city parks and recreational facilities
East South River Drive
An extension of the prestigious River Drive area, featuring:
- Fox River access and scenic water views
- Mix of established and newer homes
- Adjacent to Fox Trot Trail
- Overlooks Fox River Locks
- Premium lot sizes and mature landscaping homes range from 200-700k
- Quiet residential streets with minimal traffic
Education: Excellent school ratings and transportation access Recreation: River access, trails, and water activities
Darboy
This growing community on Appleton’s southern edge offers:
- Newer construction and modern floor plans New homes 400k+ homes range up to 700k
- Family-friendly subdivisions and amenities
- Rural feel with city conveniences
- Near Shopping & restaurants
- Near CE Walking trail
- Excellent value for larger lots and homes
Schools: Served by top-rated Appleton Area School District Parks: With 257 acres of picturesque hills and trails, Plamann Park, located near the neighborhood provides extensive recreational opportunities
Kensington Drive (Near Dercks Park)
Located adjacent to Dercks Park, this neighborhood provides:
- Direct park access and recreational facilities
- Family-oriented community with playgrounds
- Safe walking and biking opportunities
- Mix of housing styles and price points new construction starting at 400K, most homes 30+ years old
Educational Excellence: Quality school options within walking or short driving distance Recreation: Dercks Park offers playground equipment, sports fields, and open green space
South Appleton residents enjoy exceptional access to parks and recreational facilities:
Major Parks and Facilities
- Dercks Park: Community playground, sports fields, and open recreation space
- Lake Park: Multi-use recreational facility with trails and green space
- Reid Golf Course: 18-hole municipal golf course with pro shop and dining
- Fox River State Recreational Trail: Miles of paved trails for walking, biking, and rollerblading
Community Amenities
- Biking/Walking Trails Picnic Area Playground Equipment Horseshoes Multipurpose Sports Field Basketball Tennis Hockey Sledding Swimming Pool Pavilion/Shelter
- Year-round recreational programming through Appleton Parks and Recreation
- Community gardens and environmental education programs
School Excellence in South Appleton
The Appleton Area School District serves South Appleton with distinction, offering:
Elementary Schools
- McKinley Elementary: offering a Gifted & Talented program and Project Lead The Way curriculum
- Multiple neighborhood elementary schools within walking distance
- The student/teacher ratio at McKinley Elementary is 11.7, which is the 9th best among 20 elementary schools
District Highlights
- It is one of 24 elementary schools in Appleton Area School District
- Strong academic performance and comprehensive programming
- Excellent transportation and before/after school care options
- Diverse extracurricular activities and sports programs
Transportation and Connectivity
South Appleton neighborhoods benefit from excellent transportation access:
- Major arterials including College Avenue, Wisconsin Avenue, and Richmond Street
- Easy access to US Highway 41 for regional commuting
- Public transportation options through Valley Transit
- Bike-friendly streets and dedicated trail systems
Real Estate Market Insights
South Appleton’s real estate market offers:
- Diverse housing options from affordable starter homes to luxury waterfront properties
- Strong property values with consistent appreciation
- Low inventory and high demand in desirable neighborhoods
- Excellent return on investment for homeowners
Community Services and Shopping
Residents enjoy convenient access to:
- Fox River Mall and major retail centers
- Healthcare facilities including ThedaCare and Ascension
- Banking, dining, and professional services
- Cultural attractions including the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Conclusion: Your South Appleton Home Awaits
South Appleton’s neighborhoods represent the best of Wisconsin living, combining excellent schools, abundant parks, and strong community connections. Whether you’re drawn to waterfront luxury along River Drive, family-friendly amenities near McKinley School, or the recreational opportunities surrounding Dercks Park, South Appleton offers the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle.
With over 600 acres of parkland and access to top-rated educational facilities, South Appleton continues to attract families and individuals seeking quality of life in the heart of Wisconsin’s Fox Cities. Start your search today and discover why South Appleton is consistently ranked among Wisconsin’s most desirable places to call home.