With the arrival of tech companies to a city founded by French explorers who -- legend has it – exclaimed “Voici l’eau claire!” (Here is the clear water!), Eau Claire continues its 21st century expansion as one of the state’s success stories. And with that growth, parks, restaurants, arts installations and other cultural attractions are keeping pace, making Wisconsin’s fourth-fastest growing city a home.
“Eau Claire is booming and the rate of growth over the past 10 years is simply amazing,’’ says Peter Hebert, an Eau Claire Realtor with NextHome WISCO Success. “For many reasons, including a remarkably low cost of living and incredible outdoor attractions, software, medical and manufacturing companies have come here and thrived. And with that, our cultural scene has just exploded. People say that Eau Claire is a little city, but I consider it a very well-rounded big town.”
Outdoor recreation in Eau Claire is year-round, but shifts with the seasons, and the city offers a network of bike lanes, walking paths and bridges over the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers, which converge downtown. River rafting in the summer, skiing in the winter combine with 12 month pursuits.
The Eau Claire River runs adjacent to Banbury Place, an industrial landmark converted to retail.
The peak of Mount Simon Park gives residents once of the best views of Eau Claire.
Randall Park residents enjoy the winding paths through Owen Park.
Eau Claire is known as the city of bridges.
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Historic homes, a few new builds for incoming residents
Eau Claire’s first homes were built in the 1880s by the city’s affluent founders and are often still the largest homes in downtown, many of them in the Third Ward, which adjoins University of Wisconsin’s Eau Claire campus and a bend in the Chippewa River. As the city grew through the early 1900s, many working class homes built were two-story farmhouse style and one- and two-story cottages. After World War II, the mid-century modern ranch-style house, split-levels and Colonial-inspired homes became common. As Eau Claire is a college town, many large homes have been remodeled into separate rental units to house students.
Townhouses make up less than 5% of the city's homes, but that number is growing, Hebert says. The average single-family home price in Eau Claire, from August 2023 through August 2024, was $322,500.
In addition to employers based in larger West Coast or Midwest cities, the largest employers in the Eau Claire metro area contribute more than 20,000 jobs to a labor force of about 40,000 in a city with a population of about 71,000, up about 10% in the last 14 years. They include the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the Eau Claire Area School District, Menards grocery chain and the Mayo Clinic Health System.
Education and healthcare are the leading employers by industry. Software companies that have recently relocated or expanded to Eau Claire include Jamf, Applied Data Consultants and Fresh Software.
The Third Ward neighborhood in Eau Claire is renowned for its iconic historic mansions.
Rows of Farmhouse style homes fill the streets of Randall Park.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire near Third Ward, is the heart and soul of the city.
Jamf is a software company that calls Eau Claire home.
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Fun indoors and out, in all kinds of weather
In keeping with Eau Claire’s four-season climate that leans toward cooler weather, outdoor sports change with the temperatures, which range from all-day below-freezing weather in the winter to mid-70s in the summer. Eau Claire’s outdoor stars are its two rivers and more than 30 parks. Kim Watnemoe, Office Coordinator with Eau Claire County Parks & Forest, says, “The parks in and around downtown Eau Claire are some of the city’s best attractions. They’re close to the river, they host events much of the year, and they educate visitors about the history of Eau Claire.”
River rafting, kayaking and cycling are popular sports throughout the warmer months. Cross country skiing and skating take over in the winter. Randall Park neighborhood sits between downtown Eau Claire and the Eau Claire River to the east, and Half Moon Lake, a 134-acre peninsula, to the west. Historic Carson Park dominates most of the peninsula and offers baseball, football, and softball venues, as well as the Chippewa Valley Museum. It also is a great place to fish, canoe or kayak. Its views of the river and downtown Eau Claire are some of the city’s best.
The city averages about 55 inches of snow a year, while June is historically the wettest month with an average rainfall of 4.83 inches. The Chippewa River has historically experienced significant floods that have damaged riverside parks, surrounding trails and some commercial property. The last such event was in April 2023.
Eau Claire dog lovers will take daily walks along the paths at Phoenix Park.
Residents enjoy fishing at Carson Park.
Carson Park is home to the Chippewa Valley Museum.
Eau Claire has four seasons with an average rainfall of 39.22 inches.
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A thriving arts and culture scene brings awards and tourism to Eau Claire
Eau Claire is nationally regarded for its arts and culture scene. The indie folk band Bon Iver, who won two Grammy Awards in 2012, formed in 2007 in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, 12 miles east of Eau Claire. Justin Vernon, the band’s lead singer, curated the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival from 2015 through 2018. The Sculpture Tour Eau Claire, founded in 2010, is the largest sculpture tour in the United States. The year-round free public art tour exhibits original outdoor sculptures across Eau Claire.
Pablo Center at the Confluence is a 130,000-square-foot performing arts and recording center in downtown Eau Claire. Founded in 2018, it is dedicated to art in all its forms, including music, theater, visual and literary arts. Its location at the confluence of the Chippewa River and the Eau Claire River is significant as the site was the sacred and ancestral lands of the indigenous people of the Ojibwe and Dakota Nations.
The center is home to the Eau Claire Regional Theatre and to the Music and Theatre Arts program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Eau Claire features more than 10 art galleries and 14 museums that cater to a wide range of interests from the history of logging to modern sculpture. Semi-professional sports teams include the Chippewa Valley Phoenix football team, which plays home games at historic Carson Park. The Eau Claire Cavaliers baseball team won their first Chippewa River Baseball League championship in August 2024.
Airport neighborhood residents are minutes from downtown Eau Claire and the Sculpture Tour.
The Pablo Center at the Confluence is the home of art, theater, and entertainment in Eau Claire.
Eau Claire residents frequent the Pablo Center for rotating art galleries and featured artists.
Carson Park is the home of the Chippewa Valley Phoenix Football Team.
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Downtown Eau Claire is the hottest spot for shopping and dining
“With so much growth in Eau Claire over the past several years, the dining and shopping options around downtown have exploded,” says Hebert. “There’s fine dining, culturally unique bistros, wine bars, breweries, distilleries and mixology shops. Residents who consider themselves ‘foodies’ fall in love with Eau Claire’s dining scene when they come here.” Hebert explains that with a significant influx of Vietnamese immigrants who moved to Eau Claire after the Vietnam War, Hmong cuisine became popular and influenced the success of other Asian, Latin and Mexican-inspired restaurants downtown.
Gourmet destinations range from the compact Eau Claire Cheese and Deli to The Nucleus Café in Randall Park. Acoustic Café doubles as an art gallery and offers occasional live music in the evening. For a mix of fine dining, historic location and modern décor, visitors and locals head to The Lismore Hotel which features The Informalist, a trendy new restaurant. Their first-floor setting offers modern décor and outdoor seating. Dive is the hotel’s rooftop lounge that pays tribute to the rooftop swimming pool that occupied the space in the 1970s.
Downtown retail shops include The Antique Emporium and Riverside Bike and Skate, an essential resource in a city with two rivers. Festival Foods offers two full-service grocery stores in Eau Claire, while Oakwood Mall is the primary one-stop indoor shopping destination in the city.
Eau Claire Cheese and Deli is a local favorite lunch spot serving a variety of sandwiches.
Minutes from East Hillside, Acoustic Cafe is an Eau Claire classic anytime of day.
The Antique Emporium in Randall Park is a popular Eau Claire shopping destination.
Festival Foods is one of the closest grocery stores to Pinehurst.
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Airport and highways lead near and far
Neighborhoods in Eau Claire can be as close as 2 miles from Chippewa Valley Regional Airport or as far as 8 miles. While Sun Country Airlines has been the primary carrier since 2017, SkyWest Airlines is returning to Eau Claire, with daily service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport beginning in December 2024.
Eau Claire Transit is the city’s primary bus service, with stops inside most neighborhoods close to downtown Eau Claire. The terrain in Eau Claire ranges from flat, like on the campus of UW-EC, to particularly hilly, as found in the neighborhood of Princeton Valley. Residents who live close to the university or downtown may cycle to work. However, most residents will drive cars for their daily routines. Eau Claire is about 180 miles northwest of Madison, the state capital and about 95 miles east of the twin cities Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Eau Claire Area School District is the No. 1 district in Eau Claire County
Eau Claire Area School District is the No. 1 district in Eau Claire County and receives a B-plus grade from Niche. In addition to about 20 public elementary, middle and high schools, the district also offers an early learning program and three charter schools. A-minus graded Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School is the best public elementary school in the county, according to Niche. B-plus-graded Altoona Middle School is the top-ranked public middle school and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 13-to-1. Graded-A by Niche, Memorial High School is ranked the No. 1 public high school in the county, has a 92% average graduation rate and is named one of the best high schools for STEM in Wisconsin.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is located in downtown along the banks of the Chippewa River. Founded in 1916 as the Eau Claire State Teachers College, the university’s College of Education is one of four colleges on campus. It offers 109 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs. U.S. News and World Reports ranks UW-EC among the top 10 regional public universities in the Midwest. UW–Eau Claire's Jazz Ensemble program has been called one of the most well-regarded programs in the country by The New York Times.
Crime in Eau Claire is slightly above the national average
According to the Eau Claire Police 2023 Annual Report, 4,746 total crimes were reported to police in 2021, with 4,206 in 2022 and 4,214 in 2023.
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On average, homes in Eau Claire, WI sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Eau Claire, WI over the last 12 months is $275,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set in one of Eau Claire’s most sought-after East Hill neighborhoods, this move in ready home offers the perfect blend of character, space, and location—just minutes from downtown, parks, and trails. Inside, you’ll find hardwood floors and charm at every turn, complemented by a layout designed for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into a dedicated dining room
Location and curb appeal truly shine in this instantly appealing brick home, set just five minutes from the mall area in one of Eau Claire’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Surrounded by a wooded, private lot, the property offers a peaceful setting without sacrificing convenience. Inside, the open-concept design seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, while the main floor
Clean and cozy home on the edge of the city with on a large lot in a quiet neighborhood adject to farmland on one side and wooded lot across the street. Enough room to park a camper or trailer, plant gardens and have a fire in the backyard while grilling out. Great layout, there is a bonus room adjacent the garage great for entertaining. Plenty of natural light fills this home via the large
(101/KW) Welcome to this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath Wooded Retreat in Seymour with an Eau Claire Address. A nature lover’s paradise awaits. Enjoy views of the water and wildlife from a scenic overlook above Five Mile Creek. The main property is set high above the water but allows easy access to enjoy its tranquil beauty. Discover the perfect blend of country charm and city convenience in this inviting
Large beautiful residential lot on the west side of Eau Claire, perfect for building your next home!Lots are partially cleared, level and with some existing foliage and mature trees. Close access to Hwy 12, 312 and I-94! Just a couple minutes to Wild Ridge Golf and Event Center, school, shopping and restaurants.
Open House April 29, 330-5pmOwn a piece of Eau Claire History.Historic Third Ward Landmark on Rare .44 Acre Lot. Built in 1887 by Otto Demmler, this designated historic landmark offers a rare opportunity to own one of Eau Claire’s truly distinctive homes. Situated in the sought-after Third Ward on an uncommon .44-acre lot, this property combines architectural character, space, and legacy in a
Love this neighborhood! New Owner's Suite added to the main floor! This home now has 5 beds and 4.5 baths! 4 car heated/attached garage (27x47). The 1 acre lot has plenty of room roam! Concrete court set up for basketball and pickleball with lights for night games! Stamped concrete patio, gazebo, 10x14 storage shed, and above ground pool with deck/surround make the backyard a place you won't want
7-bedroom rental property with leases already secured for the 2026–2027 school year, offering immediate and stable income. The home has seen several key updates, including vinyl siding, roof, vinyl windows, updated kitchen cabinetry, and new kitchen countertops, improving durability and reducing ongoing maintenance (dates not available for all improvements). Layout includes five bedrooms on the
Spacious house with 3 big bedrooms (king beds fit!), guest and primary baths. Open foyer to living room, formal dining, and kitchen dinette leading to the deck. Fresh flooring & paint, new roof! Family room could be another bedroom or an office, bath included. Laundry's right off the garage, which is oversized with a wide driveway. Gentle slope for outdoor fun on a quiet street. Four levels offer
This beautiful well-maintained 4BR, 3BA home, situated on a scenic 5-acre property on the outskirts of Eau Claire, offers comfortable rural living with idyllic views. Built in 1996, the main level features an open concept layout (living room, dining room, kitchen) and deck, along with 2 bedrooms, full bathroom, and convenient laundry room. Upstairs is a spacious primary suite, full bathroom, and
Well designed split bedroom plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and a 3 car garage with look out basement presented by N&P Properties. Features open concept living with 9ft walls with tray ceilings in living room and owners suite. Redwing Custom Cabinetry & flooring throughout home includes large kitchen with eat in island, mudroom lockers and bathroom vanities. Other highlights include 1st floor
Jason Jesperson ~ Jesperson GroupEau Claire Realty LLC
This exceptional 4-bedroom, 3-bath riverfront home sits on a quiet road along the Chippewa River, offering approximately 300 feet of pristine frontage on a beautifully landscaped 1.25-acre lot. Enjoy outdoor living at its finest with a boathouse, expansive stamped concrete patio, stamped driveway, and a jutted deck overlooking the riverbank, all framed by a peaceful, scenic setting.Inside,
Solid, well-built home in convenient location with an affordable price tag. Bring your ideas and vision and transform this home into your own. Some paint and flooring will go a long way into making this one shine. The full basement gives plenty of room for more square footage if needed. This home has been professionally pre-inspected for your piece of mind and the seller just invested over $3800
Some of the most beautiful lots in the Eau Claire School District, with water laterals already installed. Enjoy your own out of this world rec center, in-ground pool, game courts, attached 55-acre park with 20-acre pond. Use builder of your choice. Now priced to sell fast! Open to all builders!
Beautifully crafted C&M twin home where quality, thoughtful design, and everyday functionality come together effortlessly. Why wait to build when you can step into a home that’s already been completed with exceptional care and elevated finishes?The Kennedy floor plan offers bright, open living spaces that flow with ease, ideal for both quiet mornings and gathering with the people you love.
Live the way you've always wanted without compromising style or quality at Andante apartments. Located in the heart of Eau Claire, Andante features thoughtfully designed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. All within walking distance of Eau Claire's best shopping, dining, and entertainment. Enjoy modern conveniences, including first-floor retail with a coffee shop and local
Charming, updated 2BR/1BA rental in central Eau Claire just off Clairemont Ave, offering convenient access to shopping, dining, schools, and major commuting routes. This move-in-ready unit features an oversized living room, generously sized bedrooms, and stylish modern updates throughout. Amenities include A/C, on-site coin laundry, private basement storage locker, and off-street parking. Lawn
Brand new apartment with high speed Wi-Fi, water, sewer, and trash is all included in rent! Have peace of mind knowing the building is secure with fob or mobile entry access. Luxuries that you will find in the units include soft close cabinets, granite countertops, ample amounts of cabinet space, and in-unit laundry. Amenities for the building include a community room to host your social
For showings, please contact GNP Property Management at 715-833-7155. For more information see gnpproperties.managebuilding.comNearly new 4-plex on Eau Claire's east side hill across from University Park. In-apartment laundry.
Experience luxury living in the heart of Downtown Eau Claire in one of the newest and most modern apartment communities that the city has to offer.Upon entering, you are welcomed into a life of lavish living with hard surface countertops, LVT flooring, 9-foot ceilings, contemporary light fixtures with LED lighting, stainless steel appliances, oversized windows with black out shades and
Cannery Square is an exceptional 273-residence community situated at 1920 & 2016 Oxford Avenue in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Select from elegantly appointed studio, one-, and two-bedroom homes, each showcasing gourmet kitchens with energy-efficient stainless-steel appliances, sleek quartz countertops, abundant storage, and sophisticated laminate wood flooring. Private balconies extend your living
Paragon is a new 305-unit apartment community in Eau Claire and pre-leasing for an April 2026 opening. This residential development brings elevated living to the Eau Claire market with contemporary amenities, modern floor plans, and community-focused design.
Come and see where historical architecture meets new world ideas! Constructed in 1930, The Grand was a Scandinavian American Fraternity Building was a prominent feature of Eau Claire's central business district. The building features distressed stone walls on the ground level and second floor, with brick finishing the building. Stone is again used on the roofline which features medieval style
Alto Station is a brand new apartment community, pre-leasing now and opening in 2026. This prime location is ideal for those wanting to experience a downtown lifestyle and take advantage of the food, art, and culture that Eau Claire has to offer.Alto Station's modern floorplans include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers. Select units have
Modern living with a community-feel, this 84-unit apartment building is located within minutes of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Technical College, restaurants, shopping and more! Metro Crossing offers Studio through 4 bedroom apartments to suit any lifestyle and budget. Metro Crossing Apartments is ideal for student living! Conveniently located on the bus route, this is
If you enjoy adventure and the outdoors, The Woodspire is just the place for you. Here, you'll welcome unparalleled amenities, chic interiors, and beautiful green spaces - all conveniently located on Eau Claire's south side. With quick access to highways, you will have easy access to everything you need. At our apartment homes, you'll experience a whole new life of adventure, thanks to our own
The Guild features forty-eight units with twenty unique floor plans. The renovated structure, with amazing views along the Chippewa River, includes four floors of quality units and two newly-constructed parking garages. Amenities include a fitness room with commercial-grade equipment, a game/community room, a guest suite, spacious lobby, an outdoor dog run area and fire pit/grilling gathering
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