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Altoona

Altoona

$341,885 Average Value
$181 Average Price per Sq Ft
27 Homes For Sale

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.

The city of Altoona sits on the south side of Lake Altoona.
The city of Altoona sits on the south side of Lake Altoona.
Altoona residents enjoy taking a stroll along the sidewalk lined streets.
Altoona residents enjoy taking a stroll along the sidewalk lined streets.
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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.

Rows of larger homes in Altoona are found near the Lake.
Rows of larger homes in Altoona are found near the Lake.
Ranch style homes are among the most popular in Altoona.
Ranch style homes are among the most popular in Altoona.
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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 Park 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.

Otter Creek is an 18 hole private golf course conveniently located near Seymour.
Otter Creek is an 18 hole private golf course conveniently located near Seymour.
Boaters and fishing enthusiasts enjoy the open waters of Lake Altoona.
Boaters and fishing enthusiasts enjoy the open waters of Lake Altoona.
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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.

Families enjoy the splash pad at River Prairie Park.
Families enjoy the splash pad at River Prairie Park.
There is a concert pavilion at River Prairie Park.
There is a concert pavilion at River Prairie Park.
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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.

Altoona Elementary School serves grades K-3.
Altoona Elementary School serves grades K-3.
Altoona Middle and Intermediate School is located in Altoona, Wisconsin.
Altoona Middle and Intermediate School is located in Altoona, Wisconsin.
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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.

Juanita's Mexican Restaurant is a popular Altoona eatery in the River Prairie.
Juanita's Mexican Restaurant is a popular Altoona eatery in the River Prairie.
Otter Creek residents can pick up the latest video games nearby at Target.
Otter Creek residents can pick up the latest video games nearby at Target.
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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 in Altoona. The closest medical center is about 5 miles away across the Lake Street Bridge at Eau Claire’s Mayo Clinic Health System hospital.

Grace Pitney
Written By
Grace Pitney
Tyler McNair
Photography Contributed By
Tyler McNair
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joe Germain, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,591
Number of Homes for Sale
27
Median Year Built
2019
Months of Supply
2.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,944
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,342
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,153
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Altoona Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
17
Median Rent
$1,600
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,850
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,300
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,395
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,395
Median Condo Rent
$1,495
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,495

Demographics

Total Population
10,300
Median Age
39
Population under 18
23.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$68,656
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$82,433

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
34.2%
Advanced Degrees
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.2%
On par with the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
6°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
48''

Area Factors

Fairly bikeable

Bikeability®

50 / 100

Somewhat walkable

Walkability®

30 / 100

Limited public transit

Transit®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Altoona
Joe Germain
Woods & Water Realty Inc/Regional Office
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