New to the Neenah/Appleton Area

Welcome to the area! I can't help with doctor part other than to recommend Nurse Direct, which is in the phone book. They'll help you find a doctor but I'd still ask around. I just wanted to ask if you'd checked out any of the smaller towns clustered around Neenah/Appleton? I live in Omro, which is 8 miles west of Oshkosh, and I just love it. I know that Winneconne is about 5-8 miles out of Neenah, and it has one of the best school districts in the state. I'm not saying that the Appleton area doesn't have some great schools, but there are some great benefits to a smaller town. Houses are cheaper, property taxes are cheaper, and there are no gangs in the high schools. So anyway, I encourage you to take a look, but I know some people just don't like small towns. Oh, and one small tip: The principal of the schools you're looking at should be able to meet with you and list all of the reasons you should put your children in that school. If they can't do that then that school is most likely not the school you want your children in. Good luck with whatever you decide!
B.

Welcome to the Fox Cities. I have lived in the Fox Cities for apx 19 years. I really have enjoyed it here. I was born and raised in Milwaukee and been in the Fox Cities since Jr. High. It is a great place to raise a family. I am a soon to be mother for the first time. Unfortunately I can't help you with the pediatritian, for I am currenly looking as well. In regards to the preschool, I would highly suggest the Appleton downtown YMCA: 218 East Lawrence Street, Appleton, WI 54911###-###-####. I have known the child care director and one of the part time teachers for years. They are both mothers and care deeply about the well being of the children. I also would recommend Creative Child Learning Center: ###-###-####
1901 N Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911.
A coworker of mine takes her daughter there and absolutely loves it. I truely love the Appleton area. I have lived in both Neenah and Appleton. I prefer the Appleton area because of the housing properties and school district. Neenah is a very nice area; however I have found that Appleton has lower property taxes and a lower price margin for homes. Also, my husband and I really enjoy the downtown atmospher. The Fox Cities has several parks, one of my favorites is City Park downtown Appleton off of North St and Lawe St. I also really like Appleton Memorial Park off of Ballard St and Northland Ave. Since you are a new comer to the area with children, I would suggest looking into joining the YMCA in one of the areas. Or looking into a few programs at Gym Kidz to get a bit involved. I believe you will be very happy with how involved the communities are and how family oriented they are. Good luck and best wishes to you and your family.

Hi L.,

Welcome to Appleton! I have a 1 yr old little girl. We love our pediatrician--his name is Dr. Andre Krainik--he is w/ ThedaCare Pediatrics off of Ballard Road in Appleton. I know that ThedaCare also has another Peds Office in Neenah if you go to their website (www.thedacare.org) you can see the locations and the doctors.

I am not 100% sure of any pre-schools as my daughter has not gotten to that point yet-- I do know that all of the local YMCA's have great children programs. I have done swimming and stroller aerobics w/ my daughter at the Neenah location, but I think they are all connected.

I recently moved here about 3 years ago from Milwaukee. When I moved to the area I joined the Appleton Area Newcomer's Club--it seems to be a nice way to meet people and gain some advice about the area. I enjoy reading and belong to their book club-- they have many activities that you and your family can get involved in.

Please feel free to email me if you have any other questions or are interested in learning more about the Appleton Area.

Good Luck!

I don't think you can go wrong in the Fox Valley area. It is a pretty great place to raise your family.
Your pediatrician might depend on your insurance coverage, but we like everyone at the Affinity clinic on Deerwood Ave in Neenah. Our daughter sees Kevin Gentile and he is very kind with her, straight forward with us....we've had to see him and his partners a lot for recurrent ear infections. The nurses there are great too. You can see all the Affinity pediatricians' profiles on affinityhealth.org, they even have some "webouts" where you can "meet" the doctors.
There are tons of parks in both Neenah and Appleton to take the kids to. We've been taking our daughter to Shattuck Park in downtown Neenah this summer to play in the water fountain. She's not a swimmer yet, but loves the water and it's a lot of fun!

Welcome L. & family...
I am in the Neenah area.
First your house search, look for the lower taxes. The public library can help with this. They have public assess to Internet and other resources. Town of Menasha (Neenah zip code), is the lowest in the fox valley, Town of Neenah, then Neenah, Appleton is the highest in this region other than maybe Green Bay. The best is when you've decided on an area, drive for a house. Drive by neighborhood's looking for a house type you like then call the realitor/owner.
School Districts... I have put twins through the Neenah School District. They are one of the best in the area, one child had learning difficulties, and they worked with me. Talk to your new neighbors about school district. Stop at schools and talk to other parents. Spring Road School in Neenah is a very nice area.
Day cares... The KinderCare's and home daycares are good. You just have to interveiw them like a job; but even better. The public library has story time for young ones and many books and things for them to check out and take home for a while. The YMCA's do have good programs too. Some schools have programs afterschool, or Kindergarden all day.
Pedatrician/doctor... Thedacare Physicians are Good, but check with your insurance. This will prevent a headache before it starts. ThedaCare are located all over and each town has at least 2 or more doctor offices. Library can help you here too. Searching for a Dr or locating it.
Hope this helps. Any questions feel free to email me.

What a coincidence! My sister-in-law just moved to Appleton from Burnsville. She also is going to be a sahm and has 3 boys (4,2,6mos). She would be happy to meet another Minnesotan that is in a similar situation. Please email me if you would like to share contact info. They bought a home in Appleton because of the fabulous schools and city parks. AASD is the best in the area. (My husband and I are both in education and, unfortunately, do not work for this district.) Neenah has great teachers, but the district is going through some transition and restructuring this year because of budget. Some feel it shows questionable decision-making by the school board. Both Appleton and Neenah have YMCAs, though, that have great preschool programs.
The peds clinic off of Ballard in Appleton is wonderful. Everyone who goes there claims their doc as the "best". It seems you can't go wrong. You can read all the doctor's profiles on thedacare.org
As for activities there is a lot for youngsters to do in the Fox Cities. Especially check out the Building for Kids (children's museum) in Downtown Appleton, the local nature preserves: Buboltz and Heckrot, and coming in Sept Quarry Quest - search it online, your boys will love this event!
Hope this helps. Good Luck and hope to hear from you!
S.