The city of De Pere’s name can be traced back to a mission established in the 1600s along the rapids of the Fox River. The stretch of waters eventually came to be known as “Rapides Des Pères,” or Rapids of the Fathers. Today, the city sits just below Green Bay, another Fox River city, offering more recreational activities along the river than the home of the Packers. “There’s a dam right in De Pere, so the further north to Green Bay is more industrial,” says Realtor Jessica Janssen with Design Realty. “But anything to the south is recreational and houses along the Fox.” Along with its less industrial feel, De Pere’s downtown, two school districts and residential development continue to pull more people to the city of 25,000.
The city of De Pere is split between the Fox River, but connected by a central bridge.
Voyageur Park in De Pere has a great history of early settlers.
Ice fishermen off the shores of Voyageur Park in De Pere.
River front homes in De Pere enjoy the Fox River.
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De Pere's two dining districts
At one point, De Pere split into two cities — De Pere proper on the eastern side of the Fox and West De Pere opposite. Because of this split, two downtowns formed on either side of De Pere. Today, local businesses and restaurants sit on both sides of the Claude Allouez Bridge, which is the only connection between east and west within De Pere city limits. “There are no malls in De Pere,” Janssen says. “Everything’s little storefronts.” Shopping centers with supermarkets sit on the western side of De Pere along World War II Veterans Memorial Highway and Lawrence Drive.
Covenient shopping is located on the west edge of De Pere.
Hey Soup Sister sells homemade soup in De Pere.
Treat yourself to a cup at Luna Coffee Roasters in De Pere.
Pasquale's International Cafe serves italian fare in west De Pere's downtown.
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Western De Pere's technical education programs
“Green Bay has a single school district, but De Pere is broken into two school districts, even though it's smaller,” says Realtor Alex Young with Keller Williams Commercial. “And that’s one of the first attractions to the area.” The school districts are another remnant of De Pere’s days as two separate cities, and now makes the city the only one in Wisconsin with two districts. Unified School District of De Pere serves students east of the Fox River, while School District of West De Pere serves those living on the western side. Niche grants both districts A rankings. Part of the west De Pere district, West De Pere High School recently approved renovations to its technical education spaces, like its wood, metal and auto shops, due to growing interest in the program. On the west side of the river, Saint Norbert College (SNC) is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts school that serves over 1,800 students.
West De Pere High School scores an A by Niche.
Along the west side of the Fox River in De Pere you'll find St. Norbert College.
De Pere High School scores a A- by Niche.
De Pere Middle School scores an A- by Niche.
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Historic homes along the river and development along the outskirts
The median housing price in De Pere is about $407,000, just lower than the national average of $419,00. Homes closer to the Fox River and Voyageur Park on the east side of the city often have historic value. North Broadway Street Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places, and features Queen Annes, American Foursquares and Dutch Colonials built in between 1836 and 1923. Some homes along the river offer private piers and riverside views. Fanning out, homes begin to become more modern, with Cape Cods and ranch-style houses from the 1950s through 80s. New Traditional subdivisions sit on the city’s outskirts, along with ongoing developments. “Green Bay as a city has reached its limit for expansion,” Young says. “Here, you have (the town of) Ledgeview, which [has] vacant land. On the west side, a lot of those areas still have farmland that hasn’t been developed yet.”
De Pere not only ranks lower than the national and state averages for property and violent crimes, but also ranks lower than Green Bay.
A beautiful Queen Anne sits on N Broadway in De Pere.
An incredible Dutch Colonial home in the city of De Pere.
Cape Cod homes can be found on the east side of the De Pere.
Larger new homes will be found with in the De Pere outer suburbs.
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Riverside recreation in Voyageur Park
Voyageur Park stretches 21 acres along the Fox’s eastern side, offering docks and a playground overlooking the water. Just in the distance, Locktender Island showcases the history of the dam and river locks and lists on the National Register of Historic Places. The De Pere Riverwalk connects the island and the park and the eastern downtown district, offering fishing piers and a bridge where couples add locks with their initials. The Fox River State Trail also goes along the river, but stretches for 25 miles, connecting bikers and pedestrians with Green Bay in the north and more Fox River cities to the south.
Voyageur Park in De Pere sits on the east shore of the Fox River.
Couples will attach a lock to the De Pere Riverwalk pier.
Enjoy a walk on the Fox River Trail that runs though De Pere.
De Pere Riverwalk pier jutts out into the Fox River.
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De Pere residents support the Green Bay Packers
Voyageur Park hosts Celebrate De Pere every Memorial Day weekend, with live music, fishing tournaments and a cardboard boat regatta on the Fox, all culminating in a fireworks show over the river. Downtown, Mulva Cultural Center is working to bring arts and entertainment to De Pere. “The municipality does more smaller things for the community,” Young says. “They had a soup walk and a wine walk.” With Green Bay just a bit to the north, football fans can head to Lambeau Field for Packers games. “If you’re from Green Bay or Wisconsin in general, you’re a Packers fan. If you’re not, you keep that to yourself,” Janssen says with a laugh.
Fans gather for the start of Packers training camp.
Have lunch at De Pere's Mulva Cultural Center's cafe in their grade atrium.
Hey Soup Sister sells homemade soup in De Pere.
Packer fans bringing the love for the players and and kids.
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De Pere's east and west sides connected by Main Avenue bridge
Pedestrians and bikers can use the various river trails to get around the eastern side of Green Bay, but the western side is more car dependent. Buses powered by Green Bay Metro service the city. The Claude Allouez Bridge, or the Main Avenue bridge, is the only connection to the east and west sides of town, but Young says there are movements to build a second bridge farther south. Interstate 41 runs through the western side of the city, connecting it with Green Bay and Austin Straubel International Airport, about 7 miles away.
Because De Pere is so far north, snowstorms are frequent during the winter months. De Pere sends out plows to clear the streets, but the city specifies that residents are responsible for clearing the sidewalks themselves.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in De Pere, WI sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in De Pere, WI over the last 12 months is $400,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Convenient location close to everything! Minutes to the Ledgeview Golf Course and the Green Bay Country Club. Home features open concept with vaulted ceiling. Kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, center island with seating, pantry and glass doors to the patio overlooking the fenced yard. Split bedroom design with primary suite boasting a walk-in closet and walk-in shower. 1st floor laundry
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautifully crafted two-story home is nestled on just over 2.5 wooded acres with a ravine, offering the perfect blend of privacy & natural beauty. The main level features a spacious primary suite with walk-in closet complete with a center island & an en suite bath with dual vanities, a jetted tub and a walk-in shower. The living room boasts soaring
Stunning spacious condo at the Remington Ridge Condominiums offering a gorgeous landscaped setting w/patio area overlooking the yard. Open & bright living room w/gleaming hardwood throughout main rooms. Applianced kitchen offers raised panel cabinets, tiled backsplash, newer SS range & refrigerator, pantry closet & adjoining dining area with glass doors to patio. Main level primary bedroom suite
Introducing a premiere apartment property opening in early July 2025, nestled in the heart of historic downtown De Pere, Wisconsin. Ideally situated near vibrant museums, theaters, restaurants, and St. Norbert College, This community offers one- and two-bedroom units with included underground parking designed for comfort and convenience. New renters can take advantage of an exclusive offer: one
Introducing our brand new, spacious 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes, featuring innovative geothermal heating and cooling as a top highlight! These eco-friendly homes provide year-round comfort while helping to lower your energy costs and carbon footprint. Pet-friendly and designed with style in mind, each home also boasts luxurious quartz countertops, sleek stainless steel appliances, premium cabinetry
The Fountain Park Apartments are located just one and one-half miles from downtown De Pere. Our location offers the scenic, peacefulness of countryside living, with the conveniences of the city. Fountain Park is a courtyard-style apartment community with beautifully landscaped grounds. The courtyard's center features ponds and fountains, providing a picturesque view from private balconies or
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