Algoma is an independently run town and suburb of a larger city
The town of Algoma, not to be confused with the city of Algoma in Kewaunee County, offers open, rural plains just west of Oshkosh. “It’s big enough to be a little bit anonymous, but everyone is still nice and cares for each other,” says Realtor Barbara McClain with First Weber Real Estate Services, who has sold in the area for 38 years. The town mainly consists of farmland and homes, often occupied by medical personnel working at the two nearby hospitals. Algoma sits west of Interstate 41, providing a combination of country living and proximity to city amenities.
Newer suburban subdivisions and multi-acre lots are available
Buyers will primarily find ranch-style and New Traditional homes at a wide range of prices. Modest houses start around $200,000, while larger options and waterfront lots can surpass $750,000. Subdivisions are steadily encroaching on the once-open countryside, replacing stretches of farmland with rows of new homes. “There was nowhere else to build in Oshkosh other than west of the highway, since Lake Winnebago is to the east,” McClain says. “Once they got gas energy to the area in the mid-to-late 20th century, it became a desirable place and started booming, and it’s continued to grow.” Properties typically sit close together, but still offer enough space for sprawling lawns, driveways and sizeable backyards. Other lots span multiple acres and provide more privacy and seclusion. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Outdoor recreation on the nearby lakes and town parks
Jones Park is the largest in Algoma, featuring an array of facilities. Visitors can walk the nature paths, use the exercise stations or play on the basketball and pickleball courts. During the winter, it also has a popular sledding hill. Kewaunee Park and Town Hall Park are smaller gathering spaces with athletic fields and playgrounds. Hiking trails meander through Sheldon Nature Area, owned by the Oshkosh Area School District and open to the public. The town’s only public boat landing on Lake Butte des Morts is accessible via North Oakwood Road. Lake Winnebago and the Fox River are also nearby for water activities.
Oshkosh schools score in the B range
Families in the Oshkosh Area School District have an open enrollment option, where students may apply to any school, regardless of their zone. Children in the northern part of town may attend Oakwood Elementary, which earns a B rating from Niche. Traeger Elementary, rated B-plus, serves the southern portion of Algoma. Traeger Middle and West High both score B-plus grades. High schoolers can participate in various extracurricular activities, from a co-ed bowling team to an equestrian club for all skill levels.
Oshkosh’s restaurants and shopping plazas are close to home
Algoma sits next door to Oshkosh’s commercial development. Shopping, dining and hospitals are all within about 3 or 4 miles. Shopping centers off Interstate 41 and state Highway 21 supply big-box stores like Walmart and Festival Foods grocery store. Locals will find various restaurants near this intersection; others are available 6 miles away in the heart of Oshkosh. “We like to eat and drink in Wisconsin,” McClain says. “It’s kind of our winter sport.” Popular spots downtown include The Roxy Supper Club, which has served comfort food since the 1980s. Truffle Pig is a newer fine-dining Italian restaurant. “It’s fantastic — they brought in a chef from Italy, and I think it’s better than anything you’ll find in Chicago,” McClain says.
Navigating Winnebago County by car
State Highway 21 is the main route through Algoma, heading 6 miles east to the heart of Oshkosh. Interstate 41 is also nearby and leads 55 miles northeast to Green Bay. Appleton International Airport, just over 20 miles away, is the closest hub for commercial flights.
