Fond du Lac, meaning "bottom of the lake" in French, sits at the southern tip of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake. This city of just over 42,000 residents offers renters a more affordable alternative to larger Wisconsin cities, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $902 per month — significantly below the state average of $1,224.

Renters in Fond du Lac enjoy a mix of housing options, from small apartment communities to townhomes and single-family rentals. The city's rental market has seen moderate growth, with average rents increasing about 4.9% for one-bedroom units over the past year. Downtown Fond du Lac features boutique apartment options within walking distance of Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts and the local farmers market, while neighborhoods further from the center offer more spacious townhomes and single-family rentals.

With a 19-square-mile footprint, Fond du Lac provides renters with convenient commutes, typically under 15 minutes to major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. The city's location at the intersection of Highways 41 and 151 makes it accessible for professionals who may work in nearby Oshkosh or even Milwaukee for those willing to commute. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate rental options near Lakeside Park, offering 400 acres of recreational space along Lake Winnebago's shores.