The Altoona area continues to grow alongside Eau Claire
Altoona has long been the smaller, more suburban neighbor of Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley’s largest city. In recent years, its attractions have broadened. “It’s growing and expanding in both residential and commercial avenues,” says Realtor Kristie Lasher with Chippewa Valley Real Estate, who has sold here since 2017. “It’s kind of like a little big city.” The area offers lakefront parks, new housing developments and an entertainment district. In Altoona, residents experience the slower pace of suburban living within reach of amenities and activities in town and next door in Eau Claire.
A lot of new housing developments over the past few decades
Buyers will find a mix of housing options in Altoona, from century-old farmhouses to subdivisions full of contemporary ranch-style builds with high-reaching gables. “There’s a good mix of homes, apartments and condos you can own or rent,” Lasher says. Single-family prices often fall between $230,000 and $500,000. Pricier homes come in New Traditional styles, with the largest properties reaching $600,000 to $1 million. Townhouses sell between $230,000 and $330,000, and manufactured homes generally have price tags of $50,000 to $100,000. Most residential streets offer a suburban layout, with green lawns and paved sidewalks. Rural areas feature expansive, secluded properties hidden beneath towering trees.
County-owned parks on land, water and in the snow
Rivers, lakes and ponds surround Eau Claire and Altoona, providing plenty of waterfront recreation. Lake Altoona County Pak has beaches, a boat launch and grills for a lakeside cookout. Twice a week, visitors gather to see the Ski Sprites Water Ski Team perform tricks and stunts. Other outdoor spaces include Altoona City Park, known for its tennis and basketball courts, playground and community center for events and exercise classes. The private Eau Claire Golf & Country Club is also in Altoona. During the winter, the hiking and equestrian trails at Tower Ridge Recreation Area, 8 miles away, transform into cross-country ski paths for all skill levels.
River Prairie has athletic facilities, restaurants and event spaces
Apart from fundraisers, library events and holiday celebrations, most Altoona activities take place in the River Prairie business district. “It has a little bit of everything,” Lasher says. “It’s got music in the park, river access, apartments, restaurants and a wine distillery.” Residents come to its open grass space for festivals, outdoor movie viewings or to play lawn games. It’s also one of the only places in the country with ice rinks for Crokicurl, a Canadian winter sport akin to curling. Visitors can launch kayaks onto the Eau Claire River, go fishing or hit the walking trails. Complete with a children’s splash pad and an arcade at 44 North Gastropub, River Prairie is one of Altoona’s top spots for entertainment.
Students attend the School District of Altoona
The district’s schools are all named after Altoona. The elementary school scores a B-minus on Niche, and the intermediate and middle schools have B-plus ratings. Altoona High holds a B, and sixth through 12th graders have a virtual academy option. Graduates can apply to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The public, four-year university occupies a riverside campus 4 miles west.
Shopping off the highway and dining at local staples
U.S. Highway 53 houses most of the area’s shopping options. Oakwood Mall, 4 miles away, has dozens of retailers, and big-box stores like Target and Walmart are available in nearby plazas. Grocers include Hy-Vee, Woodman’s and Festival Foods, as well as smaller specialty markets. Altoona offers abundant dining outside downtown Eau Claire, from dive bars to bakeries. Altoona Family Restaurant serves classic American comfort food, and the Nostalgic Bean bakes sweet treats. River Prairie features dining options such as Cabin Coffee Co. and Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant.
Transportation in Eau Claire County and health care nearby
U.S. Highway 53 is the main thoroughfare in Altoona. The route leads to Interstate 94 into Minneapolis, 95 miles west. Eau Claire Transit buses provide a public transportation option. The closest medical center is about 5 miles away across the Lake Street Bridge at Eau Claire’s Mayo Clinic Health System hospital.
