The sun rises and sets over the water in Menasha, a city of 18,000 residents tucked between Lake Winnebago to the east and Little Lake Butte des Morts to the west. Over the last century, this lumber and paper mill town has evolved into a haven for outdoor recreation with affordable waterfront real estate. “I would really describe it as having that hometown feel,” says Sara Laabs, a Fox Valley native and local Realtor with Keller Williams. “I hear it all the time, children who grow up in the area tend to stay lifelong friends. The downtown area is super cute, there are a lot of family-owned businesses, and everyone is so friendly—which might just be a Midwest thing.”
Homes in Menasha line the shore of the Menasha Channel which leads out to Lake Winnebago.
The WeatherVane Restaurant in downtown Menasha is a perfect place to catch up with friends.
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Waterfront recreation is the bread and butter of Menasha
Lakefront parks typically provide piers and launches for fishing, boating and kayaking. On the Winnebago shoreline, Jefferson Park’s ball fields and community pool gain traction for annual events like Community Fest, an Independence Day celebration featuring waterski shows and sunset fireworks. Meanwhile, residents can cross the Menasha Channel to Doty Island via a pedestrian bridge on the 8-mile Loop The Little Lake Trail. The island’s 23-acre Smith Park features gardens and walking paths, which are often the backdrop for family portraits and weddings.
Jefferson Park in Menasha has great walking paths along it's shoreline.
Loop the Little Lake Trail park in Menasha.
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A historic Venetian boat parade at Community Fest
“People will travel to Appleton, Oshkosh or Neenah to participate in their events, and the biggest in Menasha is definitely the Venetian parade,” Laabs says. As part of the Community Fest celebration, the parade invites local sailors to cruise the Neenah Channel as residents watch from the shore. “They’ve been doing it for generations,” she continues. “They used to crown a ‘Venetian Queen,’ almost like a prom court. Things have evolved with time, but it’s still something people look forward to seeing every year.” At summer’s end, events like Doty Island Porchfest and Brews on Bago bring local vendors and food trucks to the city’s popular waterfront parks.
Downtown Menasha is a hub for live music & brunch
Downtown Menasha occupies a walkable strip of Main Street just north of the channel. Restaurants, shops and sidewalks with manicured gardens characterize the area. “There’s this brunch place downtown that everybody raves about,” Laabs says, speaking of the WeatherVane Restaurant. “Every time someone brings it up, it’s in a list of the best places in the Fox Cities.” She adds that at the heart of the downtown area, Curtis Reed Square hosts community programs and events, including live music and 5K runs. As for general amenities, residents head south into Neenah for a wider range of options, like Walmart Supercenter, Pick ‘n Save and Festival Foods. Interstate 41 heads north into Fox Crossing, where the Fox River Mall is surrounded by wholesale chains and retailers.
Blossom & Brew Co is perfect for a great cup of coffee and good company in Menasha.
Stores like Walmart offer close shopping for Menasha residents.
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Affordable homes in tight-knit communities
The median home price in Menasha is around $260,000, lower than that of both Appleton and Neenah. Waterfront homes typically offer private docks with scenic views. Doty Island itself features historic homes dating back to the late 1800s. “There are a lot of interesting neighborhoods in Menasha, but Doty Island specifically has a price point that’s relatively high,” Laabs says. She notes that farther inland, many midcentury ranch-style homes, bungalows and Cape Cods were a product of the post-WWII baby boom. “As you work your way north, you’ll find simpler neighborhoods with these incredible, tight-knit communities. It has that hometown feel because a lot of people grew up there and stayed,” she concludes.
According to FBI crime data, rates for violent crime and property crime rates are below the national average.
Doty Island in Menasha has a wonderful selection of homes, like Cape Cods or Colonials.
Larger magnificent homes are found along Menasha's waterfront.
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The Menasha Joint School District dates back over a century
Students citywide have attended the Menasha Joint School District since 1848, when the state of Wisconsin was founded. The historic district earns a B-plus on Niche, with buildings from the early 20th century to the 2020s. In particular, Maplewood Middle School’s brand-new facility is set for completion in 2025. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh at Fox Cities will close its doors in June of the same year. The city is currently examining opportunities to repurpose the 41-acre Midway Road campus.
Menasha High School scores a B+ by Niche and is walkable for many students.
Maplewood Middle School in Menasha is getting a new addition helping the city grow.
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The paper industry has fueled the Fox Cities for generations
Menasha and Neenah share a history, each with deep roots in the lumber and paper industries. “There’s so much overlap because the cities were born at the same time and relied on the same things to grow and succeed,” Laabs says. “The Menasha Corporation has offices in both Neenah and Menasha, and I would say that Neenah Paper still plays a big role.” Owner of Menasha Packaging, the Menasha Corporation remains one of the largest employers in the city after a century of business. Those commuting to surrounding Fox Cities rely on I-41 to reach Oshkosh, 17 miles south, and Appleton, about 5 miles north. The region also provides Valley Transit bus service throughout the Fox River corridor. Travelers can fly commercially from Appleton International Airport, just west of the interstate.
The Menasha Corporation has been one of the largest employers in the city for well over 100 years.
The Neenah Paper Company has played a large role in the city of Menasha's history.
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Written By
Dana Chesser
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Video By
Colleen Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Monte Reyment,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Menasha, WI sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Menasha, WI over the last 12 months is $430,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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