Charming Riverfront Community with Top Schools South of Green Bay
De Pere real estate draws buyers who want a strong school system, a walkable downtown on the Fox River, and a community that consistently ranks among the best places to live in Wisconsin. Located five miles south of Green Bay, De Pere has a population of about 25,000 and a small-city feel that doesn't sacrifice convenience. The Fox River splits the city into East De Pere and West De Pere, each with its own personality, its own school district, and a shared sense of community pride.
De Pere's housing market reflects a city that has grown steadily while preserving its historic roots. East De Pere is the older half, with the original downtown and many of the city's historic homes. Streets near the Fox River feature well-preserved properties with character and mature landscaping. West De Pere is where most of the newer residential development has occurred, with modern subdivisions and growing neighborhoods.
Home styles across the city include ranch homes, tri-levels, quad-levels, Cape Cods, and Colonials. The ranch remains one of the most popular styles in both halves of the city. Waterfront properties along the Fox River command a premium and are among the most desirable in the entire Green Bay metro.
East De Pere: Historic downtown proximity, older homes with architectural character, walkable to shops and restaurants along Broadway Street. The North Broadway Street Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.
West De Pere: More residential space, newer developments, and growing neighborhoods. Proximity to I-41 makes commuting easy. Hemlock Creek Elementary and other newer school facilities serve this side.
Local Tip: De Pere is the only city in Wisconsin with two separate public school districts, a holdover from when the east and west sides were separate municipalities. Both districts are well regarded, so buyers on either side of the river have strong options.
Condos and townhomes are available in smaller numbers, particularly near the downtown area. Buyers looking for land or new construction will find the most options in West De Pere's expanding edges.
De Pere's downtown is the heart of the community. Restaurants span everything from Italian to Mexican to Asian cuisine, and the dining scene continues to grow. The downtown comedy theater, live music venues, and seasonal events like Beer Gardens and Celebrate De Pere keep the social calendar full.
The Fox River defines outdoor life here. Three public boat launches provide access for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Voyageur Park sits along the riverbank with trails, green space, and playgrounds. The Fox River Trail connects De Pere to the broader regional trail network for long-distance biking and running.
The Mulva Cultural Center, which opened in recent years, brings world-class exhibits, films, and community programming to the banks of the Fox River. The center has quickly become a regional destination.
St. Norbert College, a private liberal arts school founded in 1898, sits on the west bank of the Fox River. The college brings cultural events, guest speakers, and a college-town energy that benefits the broader community.
De Pere is five miles from downtown Green Bay and all the shopping, entertainment, and healthcare options that come with it. Bellin Health and Humana (the area's largest employer) are nearby. I-41 runs along the west side of the city, making regional travel straightforward.
Absolutely. The city has two well-regarded school districts, low crime, and abundant parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and river access. Community events are family-oriented, and the walkable downtown gives older kids and teens places to go without needing a car.
De Pere is smaller, quieter, and more suburban in feel. It has its own downtown, its own school districts, and a strong sense of identity separate from Green Bay. But it's close enough (five miles) to access everything Green Bay offers, including Lambeau Field, major shopping, and healthcare.
Both the Unified School District of De Pere and the School District of West De Pere receive strong marks. The city also has private and parochial school options, a Montessori program, and St. Norbert College for higher education. Families regularly cite the school systems as a top reason for choosing De Pere.
The Fox River is the main attraction, offering fishing (walleye, bass, catfish), kayaking, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding. Parks like Voyageur Park and Legion Park provide trails, picnic areas, and green space. The Fox River Trail connects to a larger regional network for biking and running.
The downtown areas on both sides of the river are walkable, with restaurants, shops, and the Riverwalk all accessible on foot. Residential neighborhoods are generally car-dependent, though many have sidewalks and are close to parks and schools.
Green Bay is about 10 minutes north. Appleton is roughly 25 to 30 minutes southwest via I-41. Most errands and daily needs can be handled within De Pere itself or in nearby Green Bay. I-41 provides direct highway access.
49,663 people live in De Pere, where the median age is 36.8 and the average individual income is $44,914. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around De Pere, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Two Birds Bakery Cafe, Sweet Willow Herbals & Cafe, and Wine Cellar.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.22 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.36 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 3.05 miles | 19 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.42 miles | 13 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$$ | 3.05 miles | 11 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.48 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.61 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.89 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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De Pere has 19,693 households, with an average household size of 2.4. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in De Pere do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 49,663 people call De Pere home. The population density is 400.51 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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