Choosing between Howard and Suamico can feel like splitting hairs. Both deliver suburban comfort near Green Bay, yet they live a little differently day to day. If you are a move-up buyer weighing space, commute, school boundaries, and long-term value, a few key contrasts will help you decide. In this guide, you will see a clear side-by-side, current pricing context, and a simple checklist to narrow your search. Let’s dive in.
Quick snapshot: Howard vs Suamico
Howard and Suamico are both Brown County villages tied closely to Green Bay’s job base. By population, Howard is larger at roughly 21,960 residents in 2024, while Suamico has about 13,109 residents. Both have grown since 2010, with Howard showing faster recent growth, according to U.S. Census QuickFacts (ACS 2020 to 2024). You can review the latest village-level data for Howard and for Suamico.
Tenure and value patterns differ. Suamico shows a higher share of owner-occupied homes, around 89 percent, and a median owner value near $366,900. Howard’s owner-occupancy is lower, around 64 percent, with a median owner value near $315,700. These differences often translate into Suamico reading as more owner‑dominated and Howard showing more rental or denser pockets in select areas.
Commutes are similar. Mean travel times to work run about 20.3 minutes in Howard and 22.8 minutes in Suamico per ACS 2020 to 2024. That reflects both villages’ roles as Green Bay suburbs where most residents drive.
On pricing, Zillow’s ZHVI offers an indexed view of “typical” home values. As of Jan 31, 2026, Howard’s ZHVI is about $379,000 and Suamico’s is about $448,000. You can confirm the latest Howard snapshot on Zillow’s ZHVI page. For active listing medians and days on market, check MLS-based summaries and note the date when you view them.
How growth shapes each place
Suamico’s gradual, planned expansion
Suamico’s growth evolved from a historic fishing and farming community into a bedroom suburb, especially since the 1980s. The village continues incremental, planned development with regular comprehensive plan updates and zoning amendments. You can see a sample of current planning activity on the Village of Suamico’s planning updates. With substantial water area in its footprint, Suamico maps and manages shore access, trails, and parks that reinforce a water-forward identity.
Howard’s compact center and steady infill
Howard’s larger population and land-use footprint include a more compact village center and a visible municipal planning process. The village maintains GIS and asset mapping plus a roster of community facilities and parks. The result is a mix of established neighborhoods near services and new subdivisions on the edges, with a steady population climb since 2010.
Housing and neighborhood feel
Home types, tenure, and value signals
Both communities lean single-family detached. Suamico’s higher owner-occupancy rate and higher median owner value point to more owner-dominated streets and lower turnover in many areas. Howard’s lower owner-occupancy and wider range of housing types can mean more varied neighborhood textures. Review the latest ACS data for Howard and Suamico when you are close to making a move.
Prices and market context
- Indexed values: ZHVI places Howard near $379,000 and Suamico near $448,000 as of Jan 31, 2026. Use this for broad context, not a specific list price.
- Live MLS snapshots: Listing medians and days on market move with inventory and season. Check a current snapshot for Howard on Realtor’s market page and note the date of the report.
Lot sizes and micro-neighborhoods
If you prioritize yard space and proximity to water, Suamico often fits the brief. Larger-lot cul-de-sacs and near-water parcels are common, and the village’s park and boat-launch network supports an outdoor lifestyle. Explore the village’s park inventory to see how green space lines up with nearby neighborhoods on the Suamico Parks page.
Howard offers a broader mix. You will find established neighborhoods with smaller lots near village facilities, plus newer subdivisions and conservation pockets. The village’s mapping and parcel viewer make it easy to compare lot widths and trail access. Start with Howard’s GIS portal to visualize parcels near conservation areas such as Gordon Nauman Conservation Area or Wietor Wharf using the Howard GIS and asset maps.
Age of homes and new construction
New construction continues in both communities, with speculative builds in select subdivisions. In Howard’s older pockets you may see classic layouts and mature trees, which can come with age-related maintenance like roofs and mechanicals. Newer subdivisions in both villages often command higher prices but reduce near-term system upgrades. Check current listing details and property records for the home’s age, roof, foundation, and major systems before you write an offer.
Lifestyle and services
Schools and enrollment
Most of Howard and Suamico is served by the Howard‑Suamico School District (HSSD), which operates multiple elementary schools, an intermediate, and Bay Port High School. School boundaries can vary by street, so confirm attendance zones and programs on the HSSD site.
Parks, trails, and regional anchors
- Suamico: Mapped shoreline access, boat launches, and trail links make the village appealing if you want water access and outdoor recreation. Preview options on the Suamico Parks page.
- Shared regional draws: The Brown County Reforestation Camp and the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park serve families across both communities. See project updates and attractions via the NEW Zoo site.
- Howard: Neighborhood parks, conservation areas, and village programming, including activity near the Howard Commons area, create a compact civic core. Use the village mapping to explore trailheads and conservation adjacency near your short list.
Health care, retail, and errands
Specialty health care and hospital services are concentrated in the Green Bay metro area. For big-box retail and major grocery, residents in both villages typically shop the Green Bay corridors and local arterials such as Lineville, Velp, and County Highway RK.
Commute and transportation
Both villages function as classic Green Bay suburbs with similar commutes. ACS 2020 to 2024 shows mean travel times of about 20.3 minutes in Howard and 22.8 minutes in Suamico. The I‑41 corridor and county highways provide quick regional access, and Austin Straubel International is the local commercial airport. Public transit is limited compared with urban cores, so plan on car-based commuting. For context on drive times, review ACS travel-time figures for Howard and Suamico, then test your route during your actual commute hours.
Practical checklist to choose
Use this checklist to narrow your list quickly.
- Commute vs lifestyle trade-off
- Reason: A few minutes each way adds up over years.
- How: Confirm ACS mean travel times for context, then run live drive-time checks during your commute hours.
- School boundaries and programs
- Reason: The assigned school for a specific address can drive daily routines and activities.
- How: Verify attendance zones and registration steps on HSSD’s site.
- Lot size and outdoor priorities
- Reason: Yard space, shoreline proximity, and trail access vary street by street.
- How: If you want water access or larger lots, start with Suamico near mapped parks and launches. If you want a village-center feel and shorter errands, focus on Howard pockets near services. Compare parcels with the Howard GIS maps and Suamico’s parks inventory.
- Home size and age trade-offs
- Reason: Older homes can be more affordable per square foot but may need near-term updates.
- How: Use current MLS listing details and property records to assess age, roof, mechanicals, basement, and energy features.
- Flood and shoreline risks
- Reason: Waterfront and river-adjacent parcels can have floodplain considerations.
- How: Review local floodplain information and park notes that flag constraints on Suamico’s parks page. Order a professional shoreline and floodplain review during due diligence if needed.
- Taxes, assessments, and long-term costs
- Reason: Municipal and school levies change annually and impact monthly budgets.
- How: Request the most recent tax bill from the seller and confirm current rates with the municipal treasurer before closing.
- Resale and market liquidity
- Reason: Inventory and days on market affect negotiating power and exit strategy.
- How: Check a current MLS-based snapshot for Howard on Realtor’s market page and note the publish date. Compare against Suamico’s recent activity via your agent’s MLS feed.
Street-level comparisons to try
You can learn a lot by pairing a Saturday drive with parcel maps.
- Established Howard near village amenities
- What to look for: Smaller to mid-size lots, sidewalks in select areas, and short drives to community facilities. Use the Howard GIS and asset maps to check parcel widths and any trail links to nearby conservation areas.
- Newer Howard subdivisions on the edge
- What to look for: Newer construction, larger footprints, and cul-de-sacs. Compare HOA details and park proximity to choose the right pocket.
- Suamico near water corridors
- What to look for: Larger lots, more privacy, and potential boat or shore access. Use the Suamico Parks page to see how launches, preserves, and trails line up with your target streets, then confirm floodplain notes.
Inspection and ownership planning
Before you write an offer, order three essentials:
- The current property tax bill to confirm annual costs.
- The seller’s condition report to surface known issues.
- A live drive-time check during your commute hours to validate daily rhythm.
If you are considering shore or near-shore parcels, add a professional shoreline and floodplain review. For older homes, budget for age-related items like roof, foundation, HVAC, and basement drainage. For newer homes, verify warranties and builder documentation.
Which is right for you?
If you want larger lots and water-forward recreation, Suamico will likely rise to the top. If you prefer a compact village center, a mix of housing options, and shorter local errands, Howard may fit better. Both offer similar commutes and access to Green Bay services. The difference often comes down to lot size, neighborhood texture, and your daily routine.
When you are ready to compare real listings, walk lots, and confirm school boundaries, connect with the local team that pairs boutique service with data-backed guidance. Reach out to Sandra Ranck Real Estate Collective eXp Luxury to refine your strategy, preview on- and off-market options, and move with clarity.
FAQs
What are current home prices in Howard vs Suamico?
- Zillow’s ZHVI estimates as of Jan 31, 2026 show Howard near $379,000 and Suamico near $448,000. For active listing medians and days on market, review an MLS snapshot such as Realtor’s Howard market page and note the report date.
How long are typical commutes from each village to Green Bay?
- ACS 2020 to 2024 shows mean travel times of about 20.3 minutes for Howard and 22.8 minutes for Suamico. Most residents rely on I‑41 and county highways for car-based commutes.
Which school district serves these communities?
- Most addresses in both villages fall within the Howard‑Suamico School District. Always confirm boundaries, program details, and registration steps on the HSSD site.
Where can I find trails, parks, and water access in Suamico?
- Start with the village’s mapped amenities on the Suamico Parks page. This inventory highlights shoreline access, boat launches, and preserves that support an outdoor lifestyle.
What family attractions serve both Howard and Suamico?
- The Brown County Reforestation Camp and the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park are regional anchors for both communities. Explore current attractions and updates on the NEW Zoo site.
