The Old Third Ward strikes a balance between active and historic
Appleton’s Old Third Ward strikes a balance between active and historic. Located less than a mile south of downtown, the neighborhood is bordered to the south by the Fox River, while to the north the modern eats, vibrant murals and hip boutiques line College Avenue. As the seat of Outagamie County, Old Third Ward carries deep roots in advocacy, protecting historic places from modern development and maintaining the sanctity of community green spaces. Late 18th and early 19th-century homes are colorful, many of which Hearthstone Historic House Museum showcases during walking tours. With vintage homes, eclectic restaurant options, and parks for recreation and relaxation, Old Third Ward respects its past while working to provide comfort and stability in the present.
The Fox River forms the southern boundary of the Old Third Ward neighborhood.
The Hearthstone Historic House is know for it's many fireplaces.
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Colorful Queen Annes and Dutch Colonial classics
When autumn arrives in Appleton, the mature trees in Old Third Ward take on vibrant shades of yellow and orange. Leaves decorate the sidewalks and road verges in piles, raked up by residents dedicated to maintaining the neighborhood’s manicured façade. Their historic homes were largely constructed between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. Several are listed on the state and national Register of Historic Places, including eight buildings in the West Prospect Avenue Historic District. Ranging in price from $150,000 to $350,000, properties vary in style from Dutch Colonial to Tudor Revival, Queen Anne and classic traditional architecture. Hints of yellow, deep red and muted blue complement white and brown shutters and shingles, making for an altogether colorful neighborhood. Spacious yards out front sometimes flaunt modest gardens or the occasional free library. Beyond the steep-pitched rooftops, views of the steeple at St. Joseph Catholic Church can often be spotted in the distance.
A brightly painted Queen Anne home sits on a corner lot in Old Third Ward.
Old Third Ward has the feel of a classic American neighborhood.
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Saving Ellen Kort Peace Park
Jones Park sits just northeast of the Old Third Ward, where residents flock with lawn chairs for the park’s annual summer concert series. In addition to live music, the park's lighted basketball court and walkway are often used in summer months, while the ice skating rinks are available in winter. Pioneer Park is a casual spot set with a partly shaded walking path and plenty of open field space for pick-up soccer games or lounging in the sun. Honoring Wisconsin’s very first poet laureate, Ellen Kort Peace Park, a green space located along the Fox River, has been the subject of some debate in recent years. “The city develops a lot of green space because Appleton is growing so fast,” says Lauren Kelly with the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. “People want to keep the park clean, green and peaceful. But they almost built the new Trout Museum of Art there. There were even signs up front yards advocating against it.” At present, the park remains void of any future development plans as of 2024.
Jones Park in Appleton has plenty of playground facilities for the little ones to use.
A paved walking trail weaves it's way through Pioneer Park.
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Vibrant, modern eats on College Avenue and beyond
College Avenue stretches just north of the Old Third Ward, Appleton’s bustling central thoroughfare lined with shopping and dining options. Blues music and colorful murals curate the ambiance at The Cozzy Corner, a soul food joint well-loved for BBQ plates and fried chicken. Sake samplers and artful hibachi are best had at Katsu-Ya of Japan, within walking distance of the bustling strip’s vintage finds, boutiques and music shops. Those opting to dine closer to home can check out Tipsy Taco & Tequila Bar, a local favorite for its Frida Kahlo-themed murals and broad selection of authentic tacos. Pick ‘n Save and The Free Market are the nearest grocery stores, located on Memorial Drive and Richmond Street, respectively. Heading south across the river, Pullman’s at Trolley Square, a seafood spot with a garden patio overlooking the Fox River, first opened in 2006.
Walking downtown Appleton is convenient for Old Third Ward home owners.
Old Third Ward residents gather for a meal at Pullman's at Trolley Square.
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The Hearthstone Historic House Museum
Though the Hearthstone Historic House Museum sits at the intersection of Memorial and Prospect, many Appleton natives drive right past it without a second glance. “The city almost tore it down to build a turn lane, but the community purchased it and turned it into a museum,” Kelly says. “It was the first house in the world actually to be lit up using an Edison system. It basically uses the power of the Fox River for electricity.” The museum combines its engineering history with Appleton’s historic roots, providing science summer camps for kids alongside self-guided walking tours of the Old Third Ward’s Victorian homes. Just north on College Avenue, visitors frequent both the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and the current location of the Trout Museum of Art, soon to relocate closer to Lawrence University. Every Saturday at dawn, The Downtown Appleton Farm Market packs more than 100 vendors onto the thoroughfare’s already bustling sidewalks, selling everything from locally-grown produce to handcrafted items. Running June through October, the market overlaps with Appleton’s annual Mile of Music, which takes place the first week of August. Guests can return in the evening for free access to 40 unique venues hosting 200 up-and-coming musicians.
The Hearthstone Historic House is know for it's many fireplaces.
Old Third Ward is one of Appleton's oldest neighborhoods.
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Public and private schooling options in Appleton
Students in the Old Third Ward are zoned for the Appleton Area School District. Jefferson Elementary School, located less than a mile southwest, enrolls kindergarten through Grade 6 students. They may then move on to Wilson Middle School for seventh and eighth grade. Both schools are graded C-plus by Niche. Appleton West High School earns a B, providing an expansive athletics program that includes an adapted sports league for students with disabilities. Private options nearby include Riverview Lutheran School and St. Paul Lutheran School. Both schools serve kindergarten through eighth grade.
Jefferson Elementary School in Appleton has a playground on its campus.
Appleton West High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
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Navigating the Fox Valley
Valley Transit bus stops are provided throughout the Old Third Ward. Bike lanes run only along Oneida Street, heading less than a mile north into Downtown Appleton. While public transportation is largely available for local travel, many residents remain car-dependent to reach nearby amenities and neighboring cities. Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital is a mile southeast, and Appleton International Airport is 7 miles west on Prospect Avenue. There are notably no buses that stop at the airport. Green Bay commuters can expect a 31-mile trip north on Interstate 41, while Oshkosh remains 20 miles south.
Old Third Ward is served by the Valley Transit public bus line.
Old Third Ward is wedged in between Downtown Appleton and the Fox River.
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The Seat of the Outagamie County government
The Old Third Ward has been the seat of Outagamie County’s government since 1851. However, the development of government buildings throughout the neighborhood has meant the demolition of historic structures. A handful of Outagamie County parking and building projects launched in the 1990s, resulted in the destruction of 6 properties, raising public awareness for the preservation of historic places going forward. “We have more than 9,000 people on our Facebook page, and we post historic photos constantly,” Moderson says of the historical society. “One of our directors owns the oldest intact house in Appleton, and even gives tours 2 or 3 times a year.”
Old Third Ward includes Appleton's oldest constructed home.
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402 S. Memorial Drive #4 - Appleton - -Park on W. Seventh Street-Entrance is off of the parking lot of W. Seventh St.-Go up the open staircase and it's the first door at the top. #4Near Downtown, restaurants, churches, schools, etc. Be in your new 1 bedroom before the New Year - 402 S. Memorial Drive # 4 - Appleton These cute and cozy apartments include coin operated
Experience the charm of Appleton's Old Third Ward Historic District with this beautiful, classic home. Featuring loads of hardwood floors and quarter-sawn oak trim, this home exudes style from a bygone era. Enjoy an evening meal at Fratellos with views of the Fox River or take a stroll downtown on College Ave, just a couple of blocks away. The kitchen has been updated and includes a nice pantry
Feel at home in this beautiful character home with modern updates and furnishings, located just 3 blocks from the heart of downtown. The newly remodeled kitchen is fully equipped for your culinary adventures, and the flexible self check-in/out ensures a hassle-free stay. Situated in a safe, well-established neighborhood on the edge of downtown, you'll enjoy the convenience of being close to
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
671
Median Age
34
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$73,976
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$89,555
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84%
College Graduates
38.6%
Advanced Degrees
19%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.7%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
10°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
70''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
