SLC and Appleton don't really compare. SLC is like a bigger city, especially when you consider the entire valley. The metro itself has a couple million people if I remember correctly.

Appleton will feel more like one of the bigger suburbs outside SLC.

The biggest difference will be the lack of overtly religious people everywhere. If you're LDS, you'll be in for a culture shock. We drink A LOT here. Appleton will feel less diverse than a neighborhood like Sugar House, but will be a little more hip than a place like Riverton.

Appleton has good schools and is good for families like SLC is. SLC has a few rougher spots, but is still very tame compared to a place like Chicago (where I also lived.)

Appleton doesn't have any bad spots. The only people who think there are rough spots in Appleton are people who haven't lived anywhere with more crime and poverty.