It's affordable here
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4/22/2007
The first home I purchased was in Ashwaubenon, a village in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It will likely be my last home purchase, too. I found a peaceful neighborhood on a cul-de-sac, one block from a park with walking trails, woods and pond. I have easy access to the interstate and bypass, shopping, schools and the airport. I got to watch three deer cross in front of my house to go into the woods the other morning. It's a common sight.
Property taxes could be cheaper. I pay about $2,500 yearly and just had the value of my home reassessed for the second time in three years, so I worry it will go higher. But for the comfort of living, I shouldn't complain. The village is good about curbside pickup of waste, recycling, leaves and more throughout the year. We moved to this village for our children, because Ashwaubenon has a top-notch school system.
I purchased my home in 2001, directly from the home owner, and paid $116,000. My home value has appreciated to over $140,000. Homes in my neighborhood have sold for $157,000 to $169,000 recently. At those prices--three bedroom, two bath homes built in the late 70's (and with big lots adjacent to forested walking trails)--that's still a bargain. So if I do sell, I know I will make out very well.
Just on the other side of our park are the homes that will go for $400,000 to a million dollars. These places are close to Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. Many Packer players are attracted to that area for its accessibility to the stadium and airport. I proudly claim Brett Favre as a neighbor, when he's here, though I've never seen him. It's just fun to tell people I live a hoot and a holler away and my son can go to his house to get candy at Halloween.
So that's my life and I'm sticking to it.
Brian | Howard, WI