If the city of Oshkosh reminds you of baby overalls or the UW Titans, you’re not that far off track, but the baby overalls aren’t mandatory. Oshkosh, despite its adorable name, is actually a city steeped in manly pursuits such as lumberjacking and fur trapping and though those days may be behind it, it’s still a city with plenty of available and cheap housing for you to choose from (manly pursuits are still available, should you so choose). Since you already know you want to find an apartment in Oshkosh – and who doesn’t? – you’ll just need the basics before you find a pad to call home in this bustling Wisconsin river city of delights.
Don’t worry, it’s not torn by politics or beer preference
Oshkosh, B’gosh.
If the city of Oshkosh reminds you of baby overalls or the UW Titans, you’re not that far off track, but the baby overalls aren’t mandatory. Oshkosh, despite its adorable name, is actually a city steeped in manly pursuits such as lumberjacking and fur trapping and though those days may be behind it, it’s still a city with plenty of available and cheap housing for you to choose from (manly pursuits are still available, should you so choose). Since you already know you want to find an apartment in Oshkosh – and who doesn’t? – you’ll just need the basics before you find a pad to call home in this bustling Wisconsin river city of delights.
A City Divided
Don’t worry, it’s not torn by politics or beer preference. Beer preference is certainly always a hot topic in Wisconsin, but the city of Oshkosh happens to be split by the Fox River with access to either side of the city via multiple bridges. In a geographical shocker, the city is divided East from West by Main Street; West Oshkosh then continues onto the other side of Fox River. Main Street itself continues South once it crosses the river, mostly because if it went east it would land in gargantuan Lake Winnebago, award winner for Most Awesome Name for a Lake Ever. Now, in case all this water talk has you nervous, rest assured that no boats, canoes or gondolas are necessary for traversing Oshkosh on a daily basis. Unless you just prefer them.
The thing about Oshkosh is…
Because Oshkosh is home to one of the University of Wisconsin System campuses, it can be hard to find housing in West Oshkosh, particularly close to the school during the academic year. Moving during the winter in Wisconsin also won’t be a viable option unless you don’t mind sliding perilously around on three solid inches of ice while carrying a mattress or forty pound box of never-returned library books. So, if you want to live near campus, start looking well in advance. Some leasing companies will start showing and signing leases on properties seven to eight months in advance. When you actually hit the pavement and start searching, you’ll want to have all of your documents and identification in hand: if you find a place you like, you might have to throw a few elbows and “sign on the X” that day.
In the event that you were somehow unaware, Wisconsin has brutally cold winters. It’s almost like the ice crawls inside your heart and attempts to shrink it Grinch-style, but any Wisconsin-ite’s surefire solution is to crank that heat up and roast marshmallows in his or her respective underpants. Summers can be surprisingly hot as well, and what this can add up to are some pretty depressing utility bills. If you want to be able to adjust your temperatures accordingly and not be left sitting on milk crates and cinder blocks, find an apartment with utilities included.
Where the Cheeseheads live
It’s important to know that, in Oshkosh, the housing size and style you choose will dictate the size of your rent check each month more so than its location. Prices range from $500 for a 1BR and up to $800 for a 2BR, rarely exceeding $1000. This is great news if you’re the sort that likes to wine and dine: low overhead means another round of drinks for everyone, which in turn means you just made 27 new friends! Everyone wins.
Downtown
Unlike many smaller Midwestern cities, Downtown is the go-to area for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Oshkosh. Trust me when I say that once you visit other Midwestern downtown areas, you will fully appreciate all that this little gem of commerce has to offer. Running along the Fox River, the downtown area has prospering nightlife options, galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Expect: Newer multi-story apartment buildings or an apartment in an older duplex.
East
Finding a new place in East Oshkosh will guarantee you access to Menominne Park, the Zoo and Lake Winnebago. The far Northeast sector is mostly industrial so a good place to start looking is just outside of Downtown. Expect: Two level complexes and modest homes, as well as larger 4-5 bedroom homes near Lake Winnebago.
West
West Oshkosh begins at Main Street and continues West of the Fox River and includes the University. New York Avenue and Algoma Boulevard are both stretches of the city that have larger older homes and are part of a historic district. If you choose to live in West Oshkosh, you will still have easy access to Downtown, and in some areas it’s just a short walk. Expect: Vintage buildings with molded woodwork and original hardwood floors or new two bedroom units with a patio.
Now that you’ve got an idea of the housing in Oshkosh, crack a beer (you better get used to it, you’re moving to Wisconsin!) and start packing–a new home in the land of Cheeseheads, beer, an unfairly maligned accent, and some truly nice people awaits you!
