Hi & welcome to Green Bay, Wisconsin! Green Bay has been voted the #3 best place to live in America in 2022 by the U.S. News & World Report for the quality of life, job market, and affordability. Do you live in Green Bay? Do you want to live in Green Bay? Why do you think Green Bay has been voted the best place to live?
Eric Here from EricEstate (Instagram @EricEstate). Green Bay just made #3 position on the Best Place to Live in America List. Here are just a few of the other reasons which I will outline below. I blog about cities and love to share all the best things my new hometown has to offer.
How old is Green Bay?
Green Bay is the oldest city in Wisconsin. It was founded by Jean Nicolet in 1765. It’s the 3rd largest city in Wisconsin (after Milwaukee and Madison), and is the smallest city with a professional Football team. This makes it something very special.
What is the population of Green Bay?
107,395 people call Green Bay home according to the 2020 US Census. The population of Green Bay stays relatively stable with a 4% relative growth rate. I’m surprised by this for a couple of reasons: this is a great place to raise a family.
There are so many things to do in Bayland. Did you know that Bayland is the nickname for Green Bay Wisconsin?
To me, Green Bay winters are no different than the summers in Austin. Did you know that Austin is extremely hot (I lived there for more than a decade) in the summer? It is impossible to do anything from the end of May until Halloween because of the heat and humidity. Green Bay is what Austin was 15 years ago, just with the seasons flipped.
Green Bay has so much to offer. Here are my 9 Reasons Why Green Bay Wisconsin is the Best Place to Live. What are yours? I’d love to hear why you love to live here!
FAQs on Green Bay
June, July, and August are the best months to visit Green Bay with temps in the high 70’s and low 80s. The spring and summer months are also quite pleasant with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. During the winter months, the best time to visit Green Bay is any weekend the Packers are playing at home.
Located East of Downtown, Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is the official airport of Green Bay. It is a quick 10-minute drive or rideshare from the airport to Lambeau Field and only 15 minutes by car to the Downtown District.
Compared to major metropolitan areas Green Bay Traffic is mild. Rush hour is from 7-8:30 am and 4-5:30 in the evening. Like most midwest cities, the streets follow a grid pattern with major highways running mostly North-South, and East-West. Game Day traffic is bad, however, especially near the stadium.
The Fox river divides Green Bay down the middle. It is the primary tributary to the Bay of Green Bay which is at the southern end of Lake Michigan.
The major areas of Green Bay are very walkable, especially near Downtown and along the Walk of Legends around Lambeau Stadium. However, it is necessary to take a car from area to area. During the winter months, the roads are cleared with plows and treated with a salt brine mixture to allow people to get around.
The median cost of a house in Green Bay in 2022 was around $250,000. As for the best neighborhoods Astor, Preble, Indian Trails, West Madison, Fayetteville, Ledgeview, and around the Elmore School are all popular areas.
The area directly around the stadium is called Packerville USA, and for houses that are very close to the stadium, there is quite a premium on price.
De Pere, Ashwaubenon, Howard, Suamico, and Allouez are nearby suburbs that are also very popular.
9-Reasons Green Bay is a Great City to Live In
Did you know that Green Bay is the #2 most affordable city to live in? This is according to the same report. Due to low unemployment, I’d suspect. The unemployment rate is s 2-4% on average. This is lower than the national average. Housing prices are still affordable for the majority of Americans.
n the springtime, the residents are excited to get out and about. From hiking to farmers’ markets. The music and art scenes are just beginning to develop. I almost forgot to mention the main reason people live in Green bay. Football.
If you’re thinking about moving to Green Bay, here are 9 things you should know before making the decision.
1. So many things to do in Green Bay Wisconsin
There is so much to do! I believe Green Bay is a significantly underrated city. Some activities revolve around the Packers but there are lots of other things if you are coming in for the weekend or are moving.
- With more than 20 rides, Bay Beach Amusement Park is fun for all ages.
- Hike at The Wildlife Sanctuary at Bay Beach with over 700 acres of trails
- Eat all the Cheeses, especially the curds
- Try one (or more) of the 24 different on-Tap LOCAL beers at Badger State Brewing Co.
- or just walk into any one of the Bars on Broadway St, but be respectful of the regulars.
- The basic tour of Lambeau Stadium is good but go for the upgraded one
- Stroll the Green Bay Botanical Gardens (they have a great summer concert series)
- Titletown
- The weekend Farmer’s Market usually has over 75 vendors.
- The NEW ZOO has 90+ different animals.
- Go to Saint James Park on a Wednesday for a free concert.
- Take the kids to the National Railroad Museum for the afternoon.
- Tailgating on Game Day
2. The Bar Scene is Authentic
Pop into any one of the numerous bars along Broadway St. These establishments rarely update and have all the things you would expect. Dim lighting, Neon Signs, Packer Memorabilia, etc.
Order one of the many local Wisconsin beers, or if you are brave ask for a Kessler.
These dive bars are a second home to many. Some regulars have been frequenting the same place for 20+ years and have stories – boy do they have stories.
One time I was at a Bar in Green Bay with my friends. We decided to play a game of pool. A local asked if he could play too. After a while, a local challenged us to a game. I got hustled big time.
Just about every weekend there is a pub crawl. Connect with an organized one, or just do your own. Remember, don’t drink and drive.
- BBs – friendly staff with good prices
- Pump Room – cheap pool and stiff drinks
- Jekyll & Hyde – Authentic dive bar experience
- The Sardine Can – Indoor or outdoor seating
- Lennys – Clean and low key
- St Michael’s – cash only! Fun place to watch the game
- Cropseys – popular enough to almost not be a dive bar
- Hammer Inn – Perfect Dive Bar for an out of towner after a game
- Kegger’s – karaoke and pizza
- Old School – No food. Great Drinks
As for what to drink – I’d stick to the basics. Find a local beer on tap, or go with a simple mixed drink or the occasional shot. If you ask for anything as complicated as a martini everyone will look at you funny the rest of the night (also from experience).
3. The Green Bay Packers
Everywhere you go, you see Green and Gold. Yes, I capitalized the colors intentionally. Green Bay celebrates its home team year-round. Residents are proud of their team, and it shows. Even in the dead of winter, you feel it. But the feeling is best is on a game-day weekend. The energy grows and swells until kickoff when the world stops and every CheeseHead focuses on the game.
Tailgating starts early all around the neighborhoods and the stadium parking. Some are free like the Johnsonville Tailgate Village (super crowded), while others are families that have gone to the same spot for decades. The tradition runs deep.
On game day, if you are lucky enough to have a ticket get to the stadium early. There are lots to see and do. Be sure to visit the Pro Shop – it also gets very crowded with fans before the game. You have been warned that the lines to check out your merch can be long.
If you don’t have a ticket – don’t worry – just visit any of the dive bars above. Be sure to wear your Packers gear.
4. It’s a Nature Lover’s Paradise
It used to be that whenever anyone said “outside” and “Green Bay” a snow-covered stadium was the only thing I could imagine Sure, it snows in Green Bay, but no more than any other town in the area. Chicago feels colder to me, It’s on the lake and even farther south. Besides 48″ of snow annually isn’t that much, is it?
From late May until November the weather in Wisconsin is just about perfect. You get to experience all 4 seasons every year, and not just for a weekend. Green bay isn’t too hilly or at too high of an altitude. Here are a few of my favorite trails for hiking and biking. For more, I like to use the All-Trails App.
- Baird Creek Parkway is one I keep going back to. Nice 2 & 4-mile loops.
- If you are a cyclist – the Fox River Trail is 25 miles long, and paved.
- East River Trail has numerous access points along the 6.5-mile route.
- One of my favorites is the trails in the Barkhausen Wildlife Area. About 6 miles of paths.
- Bay Beach Wildlife sanctuary has wetlands and also about 6 miles of trails.
There are dozens and dozens of smaller neighborhood parks scattered throughout the city too. Some have play equipment for the kiddos. Or just grab a frisbee and throw it around during a picnic lunch.
In mid-October, you can experience the height of fall colors. I have yet to go, but everyone says I should see them from the botanical gardens. I’ll be sure to this year.
5. There are other sports teams in Green Bay, too!
Rockers Baseball
Once called the Bullfrogs and even Booyah this team plays the regular schedule (May-August) in the Northwoods collegiate league. While it’s hard to keep up with all the name changes, it’s not hard to enjoy a game. They play at the Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon which is within walking distance from Lambeau Field.
Gambler’s Hockey
This Tier 1 Jr League team is the first step to collegiate and even Pro Hockey. They have won numerous titles and some of their players have even gone on to the Olympic games.
6. Watersports in Green Bay
I’ll bet the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words Green Bay, is not watersports. But, it’s right there in the name: Green BAY.
The Fox Runs right through the middle of the city, dividing it into the Eastside and the Westside. Then the river flows into the body of water called Green Bay, which is on the eastern side of Lake Michigan. Plus there are numerous tributaries all over the area as well.
From fishing to sailing, Green bay offers both relaxation and recreation on its waters.
Fishing has been a mainstay activity here for so many years that some of the top Anglers come to the waters of Northeast Wisconsin for Bass, Walleye, and others.
If you prefer something more active, there is kayaking waterskiing, and even party boats. Just head to
For a more laid-back time, you can go sailing or even hop on a tour boat to see the sights from the water.
7. It’s all About Supporting Local and Small Businesses
With all this plus everything I haven’t mentioned, it’s no wonder Green Bay is the 3rd best city to live in.
There are Farmer’s markets, resale and vintage stores, and even a few casinos and all these combined with so much more to make Green Bay Wisconsin the best place to live
From the people, to the food, to all the cool things there are to do, Green Bay has much more to offer in addition to Football. Come for the game, and with a little bit of exploring you will realize that Green Bay is both a great place to visit as well as raise a family.
8. SUPER FRIENDLY LOCALS
Now that you know more about the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to make this incredible city their home. It may not be the biggest or the best, but it is pretty awesome.
Explore their diverse culture and be sure to experience some of the delicious food and beverages that Green Bay has to offer. Visit the local parks, hike a few trails, and check out some museums to soak in some of our incredible culture.
What’s your favorite thing about Green Bay?
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