Combined Locks is a quiet suburb and former mill town
A suburb of Appleton, Combined Locks is a largely residential community located on the banks of the Fox River. The village began as a mill town, centered on the Combined Locks Paper Company, and many residents still work at the mill, which is now owned by McKinley Paper. The community has a suburban feel, which attracts families and anyone else looking for green space. “That region has a lot of rolling topography and hills,” says Jason Helling, a local real estate agent at Fireside Realty with over 20 years of experience. “There are a lot of parks and community spaces where you can go walking and hiking.” Zoned for the sought-after Kimberly School District, many young families are moving to the area, prompting some new residential development to accommodate demand.
Homes range widely in age, with some opportunities for new builds
The oldest homes in the area date to the late 1880s, though residential development didn’t really pick up until the 1930s. Ranch-style homes, cottages and new traditional properties often feature partial stone facades and manicured lawns. Many streets end in cul-de-sacs, and mature trees between the houses provide an even greater sense of privacy. Homes on the community’s west side were mostly built from 1930 to 1990, generally ranging from $240,000 to $700,000. Houses built in the 21st century are more common on the east side, usually ranging from $150,000 to $550,000. New developments are popping up around the area, and empty lots range from $50,000 to $80,000 for less than a quarter acre.
Lots of parks with athletic fields and walking trails
There’s a large recreation area in the center of the community, home to several parks. Memorial Park has athletic courts for volleyball and basketball, playgrounds and an archery range. The Don Fries Recreation Area features a soccer field, while Lindberg Park has tennis courts across the street. All three parks are connected by forested walking trails, the longest spanning almost a full mile. Smaller neighborhood spaces like Van Zeeland Park are dotted around residential areas, often with playgrounds and picnic shelters. The Fox River borders Combined Locks on the north side; though there’s no access for boating and swimming, locals can visit the Fox River lookout to enjoy the scenic views.
Kimberly Area District schools earn high ratings
Combined Locks falls within the Kimberly Area School District, which is a big draw for local families. “Most of the schools are new or being added to,” Helling says. Janssen Elementary earns an A from Niche and offers a running club for third and fourth graders. Students attend Mapleview Intermediate School for fifth and sixth grade, and J.R. Gerritts Middle for seventh and eighth grade. Both schools earn an A and offer activities, including chess, skiing and snowboarding clubs. The A-minus-rated Kimberly High offers construction, engineering and graphic design pathways.
Around 10 miles from downtown Appleton, limited public transit
Combined Locks is under 10 miles away from downtown Appleton. Major roadways like Interstate 41 and Highway 441 are around 3 miles away, and Green Bay is less than 30 miles away. Though public transit is limited, Valley Transit’s Route 20 bus stops just outside the community, taking passengers into downtown Appleton. Train tracks run along the river, mainly used by nearby paper mills for industrial purposes. Some residents on the north side of the community report noise pollution from passing trains throughout the day. Ascension Northeast Wisconsin Saint Elizabeth Hospital is over 5 miles away, while Appleton International Airport is about 15 miles away.
There’s a small selection of locally owned eateries
Though Combined Locks is primarily residential, there’s a small selection of restaurants nearby. Founded by a former paper mill employee in 1965, Lox Club is a popular eatery serving steak and seafood. Kamps Bar and Grill serves American fare with an outdoor patio. Festival Foods is the nearest grocery store.
The Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival is held nearby
The Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival is a three-day celebration held every June across the river in Little Chute. The event includes a parade down Main Street, a cheese curd eating contest and carnival rides. Live bands play throughout all three days of the festival.
