I grew up outside of Milwaukee and spent many a season near Appleton on land that my grandparents had.
Appleton for the most part is nice, has a very small hometown feel but with a larger population. It has all the modern conveniences of a city (Mall, Walmarts, Sams Club, etc). Schools are decent, everyone is a Packers fan (due to the close proximity to Green Bay) and many of the players live in the "outer suburbs" of Appleton. Hunting is big in the area, many people have plots of land for deer hunting, etc (deer hunting is around thanksgiving time).
If you are into wine, there are a number of winery's that are in the surrounding areas that give free tours and samples.
Autumn in Appleton is amazing, and if you don't find it amazing then drive and hour north to Door County and then be amazed. Trees change color, very crisp cool air as the temperature drops and a consistent smell of burning leaves.
My only gripe about Appleton, or Wisconsin in general is the snow and cold. Being in the Greenbay Appleton area, you're going to get a lot of it. Be prepared for negative degree temps (-10 to -25 with the wind chill) and shovels full of snow.
If you're coming from AZ, be prepared for a 180 degree difference.
Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Oh - and be prepared for the onslaught of Wisconsin accents (the long o's and eh's
)