Green Bay is known for beer, cheese, and, of course, the Green Bay Packers.
So, if you’re thinking of being right in the mix of the action, Green Bay is probably the perfect location to move to.
But besides sports, Green Bay has a thriving economy and is affordable to live in.
However, just like any other city, Green Bay has several downsides.
So, before you make up your mind, this guide will help you determine whether Green Bay is the right place to live.
Contents
Pros of Living in Green Bay, WI
1. Affordable Living
It’s critical to choose a town that is affordable when looking for a new place to live.
Fortunately, Green Bay is perfect in terms of affordability.
In fact, the cost of living in Green Bay is 17.7% lower than the national average.
This means that you’ll be spending a lot less on living expenses here compared to other major cities in the country.
Considering its size, it’s definitely worth it.
2. Housing Prices Are Affordable
Another perk of living in Green Bay is the low housing costs.
If you are thinking about buying a home in Green Bay, you can feel confident that you’ll find something affordable.
There are only about 30.3% of residents who rent in Green Bay.
This means the majority of people living in Green Bay own their homes.
The average home value in the city is $181,988, which is much lower than the national average.
3. Thriving Economy
Many residents simply enjoy living in Green Bay because of the abundance of economic opportunities available.
You won’t find much opportunity anywhere else in Wisconsin compared to Green Bay.
The unemployment rate in Green Bay is 4.2%, which is much lower than the national unemployment rate.
One thing is certain: you won’t have difficulties finding work.
There are plenty of job openings in several industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
Furthermore, the average household income in Green Bay is $49,251, which may explain why everything here is extremely affordable.
4. Plenty of Options for Entertainment
Green Bay is ideal for entertainment.
Everyone knows Green Bay because of its football team, the Green Bay Packers.
However, besides football, there are various other entertainment options for people living here.
You have the option to choose between many indoor and outdoor activities to keep you satisfied.
Green Bay has various parks around town.
If you’re looking for indoor entertainment, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of museums, cinemas, and more.
Also, Green Bay offers great entertainment options for families and children of all ages, including the National Railroad Museum and the Green Bay Children’s Museum.
5. Excellent Education System
Green Bay has a reputation for its above-average education system.
All residents who live here can count on receiving a quality education.
There are a number of elementary, middle, and high schools within the Green Bay Area Public School District.
And if you’re in search of higher education, Green Bay offers plenty of universities and colleges in town, including:
- Bellin College
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- Marian University-Fond du Lac Campus
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
6. Good Public Transportation
If public transportation is your thing, Green Bay offers excellent public transportation options for residents living here.
For example, the Green Bay Metro has a reliable bus system that serves many areas in the city and suburbs surrounding Green Bay.
Furthermore, Green Bay has an airport known as Austin Straubel International Airport.
Residents and visitors flying in and out can rely on direct flights to various locations all over the United States.
7. Vibrant Arts & Culture Scene
Green Bay is a much smaller city, but it still has a vibrant arts and culture scene in addition to various entertainment options.
If you love art and history, you should enjoy The Neville Public Museum.
The museum has various exhibits, displays, and art collections.
There is always something new to check out here.
If you are into theater, the Meyer Theater offers a wide range of performances, including concerts, musicals, and plays.
8. Perfect for Nature Lovers
While Green Bay typically gets a lot of snow, it’s still considered a nature lover’s paradise.
The best times to explore the outdoors in Green Bay are between May and November.
The good news is that you’ll experience all four seasons throughout the year.
If you enjoy hiking, biking, or walking, a few trails to check out include:
- Bay Beach Wildlife
- Baird Creek Parkway
- Barkhausen Wildlife Area
- Fox River Trail
- East River Trail
Cons of Living in Green Bay, WI
1. High Crime Rates
Green Bay, unfortunately, has a higher-than-average violent crime rate.
Violent crime rates in Green Bay are 33% higher than the national average.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Green Bay are 5.04 per 1000 residents.
Furthermore, the violent crime rate is much lower throughout the rest of Wisconsin compared to Green Bay.
The primary reason for the high violent crime rate is due to a lot of gang activity and low-income areas within the city.
2. Frigid Winters
Wisconsin alone is known for its snowy and frigid winter weather.
Green Bay is no exception.
You’ll get a real taste of the winter weather in Green Bay.
Furthermore, the wind can make temperatures feel much colder than they are due to the location of Green Bay.
It’s not uncommon for arctic blasts to make their appearance frequently in the winter.
If you aren’t used to frigid temperatures, Green Bay may not be the best location for you.
You may find yourself struggling to adjust to the city.
3. High Poverty Rate
It’s no secret that Green Bay’s poverty rate is higher than the national average.
An estimated 16,003 out of 103,644 people live in poverty in Green Bay.
The poverty rate is 42.59% higher than the average in the rest of the state.
It’s also 20.3% higher than the average in the U.S.
The high poverty rate is mainly due to low-wage-paying jobs and marginalized communities.
4. Must Rely on a Vehicle
Green Bay, WI is spaced out and lacks a good public transit system.
This is mainly due to the community being rural and the geographic makeup of the city.
Commutes are longer in Green Bay. And since the area is so spread out, a vehicle is required.
Unfortunately, walking isn’t even an option in Green Bay.
Since many people rely on vehicles, the good news is that parking isn’t typically an issue.
The majority of people living in Green Bay own a car.
5. Lacks Diversity
If you are someone who takes diversity seriously, Green Bay isn’t the place for you.
The state of Wisconsin ranks 39 in regard to diversity.
More than 81% of the residents living here identify as white.
Furthermore, more than half identify as Christian, which means there’s also not a lot of religious diversity here either.
With that being said, look elsewhere if this is considered a game-changer for you.
6. Odd Smells
Green Bay is known for smelling awful.
Green Bay earned its name from all the algae that live inside the Bay.
Algae doesn’t have the best smell.
But, besides algae, the bay is extremely polluted, which also contributes to the foul smell in the city.
Fortunately, there are things being done to try and reduce the pollution in the bay.
7. Mosquitoes
Green Bay has a mosquito problem, making this yet another downside of living here.
The mosquito problem in Green Bay can be compared to that in New York and Florida.
This is mainly due to the large number of lakes in Wisconsin.
Lakes are the perfect breeding locations for mosquitoes.
So, if you plan on moving to Green Bay, you will have to invest in mosquito netting around your home if you plan on being outside.
8. Industrial City
The majority of jobs in Green Bay are industrial.
While you won’t have an issue finding a job in construction or within a factory, the town is highly industrialized.
The average income per household is $49,251, which is low compared to the national average.
If you have a college degree and plan on finding a job here, it could be challenging.
Green Bay just isn’t a city that suits college graduates.
Pros and Cons of Living in Green Bay, WI – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Green Bay, WI | Cons of Living in Green Bay, WI |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordable Living | 1. High Crime Rates |
| 2. Housing Prices Are Affordable | 2. Frigid Winters |
| 3. Thriving Economy | 3. High Poverty Rate |
| 4. Plenty of Options for Entertainment | 4. Must Rely on a Vehicle |
| 5. Excellent Education System | 5. Lacks Diversity |
| 6. Good Public Transportation | 6. Odd Smells |
| 7. Vibrant Arts & Culture Scene | 7. Mosquitoes |
| 8. Perfect for Nature Lovers | 8. Industrial City |
Green Bay Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Green Bay Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods in Green Bay?
In 2022, the average cost of a home in Green Bay was $250,000.
If you’re looking for some of the best neighborhoods to move to in Green Bay, check out the following:
- West Madison
- Preble
- Astor
- Indian Trails
- Ledgeview
- Fayetteville
Is Green Bay a walkable city?
Certain areas of Green Bay are extremely walkable, especially close to the downtown area.
However, it’s still recommended that you use a vehicle if you must travel from one area to the next, especially in the winter.
The average walk score in Green Bay is 42.
Is Green Bay a family-friendly town?
The city of Green Bay has plenty of family-friendly activities for all ages.
The town also offers plenty of recreational activities and opportunities for indoor fun.
You’ll find everything here, from movie theaters to museums to VR arcades.
Is there a river that runs through Green Bay?
Yes, the Fox River runs through the middle of Green Bay.
It’s also located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Does Green Bay have traffic issues?
Green Bay’s traffic isn’t that bad compared to other major metro areas.
Rush hour in the city is between 7 and 8:30 a.m. and again in the evening between 4 and 5:30 p.m.
You can also expect traffic on game days to be terrible if you travel close to the stadium.
Green Bay, WI is an affordable city with a thriving economy and plenty of entertainment options, but it has high crime rates, frigid winters, and lacks diversity.
Disagree!