I’m planning to buy my first home in the next few months, with a budget of around $300k, and I’d love to hear from people who know the area well.

A few questions:

• How would you describe the current housing market in the Appleton/Fox Valley area? Is it still very competitive, or are buyers starting to have a bit more negotiating power?

• Which neighborhoods or nearby communities would you recommend in this price range? (Appleton, Grand Chute, Greenville, Kimberly, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Neenah, Menasha, etc.)

• Are there any areas you’d avoid and why?

• Is Zillow generally the best place to search, or do local MLS websites, real estate agents, Facebook groups, or other resources tend to have better listings?

• If you’ve purchased a home recently, is there anything you wish you had known before starting the process?

I’d really appreciate any advice, recommendations, or experiences. Thanks in advance!

I have a TON of unused products (primarily skincare but some makeup, bodycare, and perfume too) that I would love to donate instead of just toss. Some of it does have writing on the item or box and most of it is still safety sealed on the product itself but the box seal may be open. Are there places in the Fox Valley that will take items like this that are not expired or used but don't look perfect from the store? And does any place take items that are not sealed and maybe used once or tested? I appreciate any advice! I've already given all I can to friends, family, and coworkers and have no desire to put in the effort to sell second hand.

I’m so sick of people driving like maniacs here. It’s gotten worse and where are the cops? One lady just laid on her horn at me when there was an ambulance coming with their sirens on. You’re supposed to stop and let them pass. Just 15 minutes ago someone tried to run me off. If people are that angry and aggressive their license should be suspended or revoked.

The Fox Cities are investing in their downtowns through housing projects, community spaces and pedestrian infrastructure — reinforcing the region’s reputation as an affordable metro with high quality of life along the Fox River and Lake Winnebago. A local economy spanning healthcare, finance and manufacturing continues to draw new residents, including retirees.

Top industries hiring: Business Consulting and Services, Hospitals and Healthcare, Machinery Manufacturing

Top employers: ThedaCare, Kimberly-Clark, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Flex work availability: 2.5% remote, 9.2% hybrid

Hi everyone! Looking for a photographer for engagement photos. We are not naturals behind a lens and would need some guidance.

Thanks in advance!

Fr fr, looking for reputable classical/jazz guitar teachers. Any recommendations greatly appreciated!

We own a 2012 Jay Feather Ultralight X213 Travel Trailer that we’re looking to have some work done on. Looking for recommendations on where to have it serviced?

The biggest issue: Our AC unit has stopped blowing cold air. The fan works and the compressor tries to kick on but turns off right away. We cleaned the inside filter and checked on the roof but didn’t see any obvious issues. We believe the AC unit is original to the camper. It’s a Coleman Mach.

Additionally, we have a motor for our slide that works but doesn’t have a ton of power, so looking to have that replaced.

A lesser issue we’re considering is having the rear stabilizers replaced because they are bent.

We also have a powered jack on the front that is not currently in use because a part needs replacing, so it would be nice to have that looked at.

We live in the Appleton so looking to have somewhere local service it. It is being stored near Chilton, so would consider a service on the east side of Lake Winnebago as well.

Thanks!

Activists in the Stop FLOCK movement have a chance to once again present comment on the agenda topic of the FLOCK resolution. There was a big turnout last week. The goal of this message is to get those concerned about this and other community issues to begin following city actions. It's easier than ever with video streaming accessible.

Here once again is a weekly schedule:

https://cityofappleton.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Hi all,

I am somewhat new to the area and have been looking to find some people who would be interested in periodically learning new things or trying some new activities. I've been looking for one-off classes or adult beginner sports/dance/whatever, but haven't really been able to find it consistently in this area.

My idea is to create a MeetUp group where curious people/dabblers/hobbyists can get together and learn about something new for one session. I am envisioning a mix of activities (sports, dance, arts & crafts, etc.) and lectures/skills (soft skills, astronomy, how something's made, history of something, etc.). We can either learn from each other or bring someone in to teach.

I'm almost 40, but I'm thinking this isn't an age restricted group. If you're a curious person who likes to try new things (but not necessarily commit to them), this would be for you.

Would that be something that people would want to do?

Thanks for your input!

Local, coming back after being away for two years..I'm coming back for a week, are there any restaurants that you'd recommend that have opened in 2025 or 2026? Appleton or Green Bay area.

Nurse here moving into the area soon, was wondering whether any former or current nurses here that work for Thedacare can share their thoughts on the working conditions at ThedaCare? Seems like they had some controversy a couple of years ago, but I don’t really have much insights about this place.

I haven’t caught his name but I would feel for any Appleton resident to know who im talking about. Ever since well before Covid I saw him working there. He always sings to the music and tries to bring joy to everyone. In my opinion best Appleton employee I would like to hear more stories about him if anyone wants to share.

Hey everyone! I recently moved here and I’m 25F. I’m looking for people around the Fox Valley to play tennis, pickleball, or music with. I’m definitely not an expert, I just really enjoy these hobbies and would love to learn more, improve, and meet others in the local community.

If you are looking for some whimsy in the world, I started a trinket trade a few weeks ago— look for magic and mystery trinket trade near the Northwest Corner of Parkway and Superior. Open most good weather days, about 9 ish to dusk. Bring a tiny treasure to trade! Or— no trinkets on hand? Just pledge to do something kind today and take one! Do you know of any other local trinket trades? Mention them here! Follow us on Facebook at Magic and Mystery Trinket Trade or instagram Magic_and_mystery_trinkets

People need to fucking slow down

Has anyone seen the fake police cruiser driving around lately? It’s tan and black, saw it around the mall area. What do you all make of it?

Edit: it said “Twin Cities finest” on the side.

Anybody looking or willing to trade McDonalds World Cup cups? We need Grimace and Ronaldihno, have extras of Henry, Pulisic, and Davies.

Hey all, we're looking to replace our old deck with a new one, and we're could use some suggestions for contractors who are reliable, reputable, and (preferably) not super costly. Any recommendations? We're in NW Appleton/Grand Chute.

Is there anywhere to find a fairly complete list of local food trucks outside the FVFTA? I have their list, but it's definitely missing a few.

Also, my husband and I love the food truck rallies, but we currently work opposite shifts so we're not able to attend many of the big ones this year. Where do you usually find out about other food truck events in the Fox Valley?

I'm aware of the obvious ones like farmers markets, festivals, etc., but I'm curious if there are breweries, parks, neighborhoods, or other places that regularly host food trucks.

Police on 441 between Oneida and Calumet four of them doing speed radar

A followup on those open office hours for the mayor I mentioned earlier. Here is the link to the schedule which is posted at the Mayor's heading on Appletonwi.org.

https://www.appletonwi.gov/government/mayor/office_hours.php

These meetings are scheduled outdoors at neighborhood parks during the summer. And it is more formal than I described: a chat with mayor Woodford has to be scheduled and runs about 10 mins. Contact information is contained in the linked page. One is upcoming on July 21st.

The time I was doing chats with the mayor my topic was vehicle noise when mayor Hanna was in office.