Wrightstown has space along the river unmatched by other cities
Just a few decades back, Wrightstown was Green Bay and Appleton’s best-kept secret. “My mom came home one day and said to my dad, ‘Hey, do you want to move to Wrightstown?’ And my dad said, ‘Where’s Wrightstown?’” says Coldwell Banker real estate agent Molly Daanen, who lived in Wrightstown in the ‘90s. “We lived in De Pere at the time, which was just 7 miles north.’’ Like Green Bay and Appleton, the village hugs the Fox River. While Green Bay’s riverside space remained industrial and Appleton’s recreational, Wrightstown was open and full of potential. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, the village began to gain traction with homebuyers and developers. “The value of land on the river was much less than in De Pere, and that’s still the case now,” Daanen says. “And my parents were able to build a custom home for a fraction of the cost.” Today, Wrightstown combines access to the Fox with small-town living. Riverside properties are still more affordable than other areas, while a small dining scene and distance from bigger cities create a slower pace of life.
Affordable riverside properties and New Traditionals along the green
Most homes around the river and the eastern side of Wrightstown are Nationals, bungalows and ranch-style homes along wide streets with small gardens and single-car garages. The older neighborhoods closer to the Fox River have sidewalks along the roads. Homes on this side of town typically range from $160,000 to $400,000. “They’ve put in some developments along the river that used to be farmland, but it’s cheaper than it used to be in De Pere,” Daanen says. Riverside homes are slower to come on the market, but one recent sale priced around $300,000. Meanwhile, riverside homes in De Pere can cost around $1 million. On the far western side of the village, the Meadowlands of Royal St. Patrick’s borders the village golf course. Here, New Traditionals with three-car garages sit on neat lawns with manicured gardens and along sidewalk-lined streets. Homes here start around $600,000 and reach up to $980,000.
Wrightstown's riverside park and the Royal St. Patrick's Golf Links
The Fox River goes right through the center of Wrightstown, with private docks jutting off the shoreline. A public boat launch is just off Washington Street. Daanen says some people will swim, but the strong current might make it challenging for inexperienced swimmers. Mueller Park is a small park along the river, with woods along the water and a small beach area. There’s also a playground. Royal St. Patrick’s Golf Links is a public 19-hole golf course.
Wrightstown's A-rated public schools with an active sports culture
Wrightstown Elementary School houses kindergartners through third graders. Both it and Wrightstown Middle School receive A ratings from Niche. Wrightstown High School receives an A-minus and offers sports like football, soccer, baseball and volleyball, along with a livestream so family members can always watch the game. In 2024, their football team competed in the state championship in Madison.
Wrightstown local restaurants offer plenty of outdoor seating
The River Coffee and Cream is a coffee shop overlooking the river, offering two levels of balcony seating and windows that face the water. Housed in a historic downtown restaurant, the Lost Key Tap Restaurant features seafood and steak on the dinner menu. There’s also an outdoor patio with picnic tables and string lights. Dick’s Family Foods is Wrightstown’s only grocery store, but West De Pere’s Walmart is about 11 miles away.
Choreographed waterski shows and Wrightstown Fall Fest
Wrightstown is home to the Waterboard Warriors, the city’s waterski show team. On Tuesday and Thursday summer evenings, they perform free shows at Mueller Park. “A lot of people go down to the river to watch,” Daanen says. “If you live on the river, you can see their acrobatics from home.” Wrightstown Fall Festival includes a street market with local vendors, live music and a classic car show.
Taking the interstate to both Appleton and Green Bay
Interstate 41 runs right by the village, linking it with Appleton, 15 miles south, and Green Bay, 17 miles north. Wrightstown Bridge is the only crossing over the Fox River in the village. Being between Appleton and Green Bay means residents can choose between each city’s amenities. Prevea West De Pere Health Center is about 11 miles away, while ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton is about 14 miles away. Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport is 17 miles away, and Appleton International Airport is 22 miles from Wrightstown.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
