$361,833Average Value$173Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Third Ward offers century-old homes in a historic district
The historic Third Ward is “one of the hottest neighborhoods in Eau Claire,” says Realtor Peter Hebert with NextHome WISCO Success. “There’s been tremendous growth in Eau Claire over the past 10 years. That has brought buyers from larger cities whose investment will go much further here than where they came from. These historic homes are getting a lot of attention.” The stately homes in Third Ward reflect popular 19th-century architectural styles. Residences were once home to the founders and leaders of an upstart Eau Claire, including bankers, politicians and lumber barons. Polished and composed, Third Ward attracts buyers to its location, just east of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Students, families and university professors lend a vibe focused on art, education and community spirit. Outdoor assets include Putnam Trail which connects Third Ward to the university and the Chippewa River.
Third Ward is a residential neighborhood just south of downtown Eau Claire.
Large homes in Third Ward have often been converted into apartments.
1/2
Neighborhood parks and large city parks encircle Third Ward
Demmler Park is a small but vibrant neighborhood park in the northeast corner of Third Ward. It features a playground, sports fields and a recently resurfaced basketball half-court. An ice-skating rink and a snow-banked hockey rink are busy spots in winter. In summer, a large historic community garden welcomes neighbors to grow herbs and vegetables and share the rest with others. Putnam Park follows the Chippewa River to the west and Minnie Creek to the east and is notable as a forested plant and animal habitat. Visitors can explore gravel trails, old brick pedestrian bridges, tunnels and forested hills. Kim Watnemoe, Office Coordinator with Eau Claire County Parks & Forest, says, “With abundant natural resources and more than 15 parks in Eau Claire, local government organizations work well together. The city, county and state each have their own parks and recs departments. It may seem confusing at first, but they provide a strong alliance. The main benefit is that parks in Eau Claire are well-managed and well-tended, which brings visitors and creates loyalty.”
Shoot some hoops at Demmler Park.
Bikers pass through Phoenix Park along the Chippewa River State Trail.
1/2
Cafes, delis and bicycle shops
“With so much growth over the past several years, the dining and shopping options around Third Ward and 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.”Walking or cycling to Einstein Bros. Bagels on the way to school or work is one of the benefits of living next door to a university campus. Just east of Putnam Park on Margaret Street, Eau Claire Cheese and Deli offers fine cheeses, gourmet-style sandwiches, pizza, salads, coffee and ice cream. The Nucleus Café in nearby Randall Park shows off high ceilings, brick walls and local art to patrons enjoying breakfast and lunch. Acoustic Café in nearby downtown Eau Claire is an airy corner spot two blocks from the Chippewa River that offers hoagies, soups & salads, and a frequently changing display of local art. It also offers gourmet coffee in the morning and occasional live music in the evening.Downtown offers shops, including The Antique Emporium and Riverside Bike and Skate. Festival Foods, the closest full-service grocery store, is about 3 miles northwest of Randall Park.
Third Ward residents frequent The Nucleus Cafe near Third Ward.
The Antique Emporium is a favorite of Third Ward residents.
1/2
Historic home tours and the largest sculpture event in the country
Third Ward's Neighborhood Association hosts an annual Historic Home Tour. Five homes opened their doors in 2024 to show off mid-20th-century restored and updated residences. The association also holds thrift sales and picnics. The Eau Claire Sculpture Tour is the largest sculpture tour in the country. It exhibits original outdoor sculptures year-round. Local businesses fund the artists and the tour itself to promote tourism, spur economic development and increase downtown revitalization.
There are a number of sculptures at Phoenix Park.
There are historic homes on nearly every street throughout Third Ward.
1/2
Third Ward houses are featured on annual historic home tours
Almost 700 century-old historic homes, many dating to the early 20th century, are the stars of Third Ward. The largest homes exceed 3,000 square feet, have more than half-acre yards and feature eye-catching details, including stone walls, two-story turrets and wrap-around front porches. Streetscapes display neat yards, well-trimmed hardwood trees, wide streets and homes with separate garages. Smaller homes from the early 1900s offer renovation opportunities and often occupy properties large enough for expansions or additions. Cottages from the 1920s have recently sold from $190,000 to $365,000. Two- and three-story colonial-inspired homes have recently sold from $450,000 to $800,000.
Historic mansions are iconic in the Third Ward neighborhood in Eau Claire.
A variety of traditional home styles fill out many lots in Third Ward.
1/2
Bicycle-friendly and close to the airport
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is 3 miles from Third Ward. The fastest route to the airport is via U.S. 53 Business North. While Sun Country Airlines has been the primary carrier since 2017, WQOW-TV reported in September 2024 that the U.S. Department of Transportation decided to bring SkyWest Airlines back to the airport, which it served before 2022. Daily SkyWest flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport will begin in December 2024. Sun Country Airlines will continue limited service to Fort Myers until April 7, 2025. Third Ward is about 95 miles east of Minneapolis, Minnesota and 180 miles north of the state capital, Madison. Interstate 94 connects west to Minneapolis and southeast to Milwaukee. Third Ward is particularly bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly. The southwest corner of the neighborhood is home to the lower campus of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, with bike paths connecting to East Clairemont Avenue and across the Chippewa River to Water Street. Putnam Drive bike lanes encircle the entire southern portion of the neighborhood.
Eau Claire Area School District is the No. 1 district in the 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 offers an early learning program and three charter schools. Students in Third Ward can attend Lakeshore Elementary, which faces the Chippewa River. With a B-grade, it is ranked the No. 9 elementary school in Eau Claire County. DeLong Middle also receives a B-grade and is ranked the county's No. 3 public middle school. Activities and clubs include forensics, Math Counts, band, choir and student council. Memorial High is graded A and is rated the No. 1 public high school in Eau Claire County. Athletic programs are plentiful at Memorial High and offer more than 20 teams across three seasons, including football, track and field, baseball and volleyball. University of Wisconsin offers more than 200 majors on its Eau Claire campus and competes in NCAA Division III sports.
Crime
Third Ward’s overall CAP Index crime score is 5 (on a scale of 1 to 10), while a score of 4 is the U.S. average. Property crimes receive an above-average score of 5.
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
Are you familiar with the Third Ward neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Third Ward
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Third Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Third Ward, Eau Claire sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Third Ward, Eau Claire over the last 12 months is $381,100, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well-maintained 7-bedroom investment property with a long, proven rental history. This has operated successfully as a student rental for approximately 40 years and offers solid fundamentals for the savvy investor. Updates include vinyl siding, roof, vinyl windows, and kitchen cabinetry, providing improved durability and lower ongoing maintenance( dates when updated not known for all items). The
Nestled in the heart of the Third Ward, this exquisitely restored historic mansion is a perfect balance of classic craftsmanship and modern convenience. Gleaming hardwood floors, tall ceilings, & 3 fireplaces create a warm & inviting ambiance throughout. The chef?s KT is designed for both style & function, featuring a center island, stainless steel appliance package with gas range, & a separate
This 1.5-story home in Eau Claire’s 3rd Ward offers solid space, good light, and a chance to make updates over time. Wood floors run through much of the main level, and the living room gets plenty of sun with a bay window and a wood-burning fireplace. The layout is practical and easy to live in. The kitchen features a tile floor, good cabinet storage, and a new dishwasher. Two main-floor bedrooms
Tucked into the heart of Third Ward—where history and community run deep—From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this property is something special: a two-car garage and a sprawling .32-acre lot, both rare gems in this beloved neighborhood. Inside, the home is filled with warmth and character, the kind that can’t be replicated. The large living room, anchored by a cozy fireplace, invites slow
This charming student rental is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Located just minutes from UWEC campus and 3rd Ward, this Farwell Street home offers spacious rooms with plenty of natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere for students. The open-concept living is ideal for socializing and studying, while each bedroom features space for student's personal belongings. The kitchen
Come home to this Third Ward charmer in the most walkable neighborhood in Eau Claire! Move right in to this classic bungalow w/ TONS of living space on all levels. New exterior paint, new roof, updated electrical in Fall of '24. Inside has been refreshed w/ newly refinished gorgeous hardwood floors up & down, open staircase, built ins in living room w/ wood burning fireplace. Dining room has tons
Knelly DettingerKeller Williams Realty Diversified
Third Ward - these sellers LOVED this house for 45 years... and so will the next owner.Love is in the air for this Third Ward charmer - from the welcoming foyer, to the warm hardwood floors to the space for the perfect sweetheart table in the eat-in kitchen, the natural light plays as beautifully in this house as the memories the new owner will make here. Thoughtful architecture begins at the
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
Retro-styled, downtown one-bedroom apartment home located in Eau Claire’s historic Third Ward district and close to everything that Downtown Eau Claire has to offer. This apartment includes onsite laundry, with the option to pay with coin or electronically. It is also small dog and cat friendly. To make it more convenient for you, each apartment includes water, sewer, trash/recycling, lawn care,
Spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom lower apartment available June 1, 2026. Rent is $2,232/month and includes all utilities — heat, water, electric, and garbage.This large unit features hardwood floors throughout, a generous kitchen with room for a dining table, in-unit laundry, and off-street parking. Conveniently located within walking distance to UW–Eau Claire and downtown Eau Claire.
Welcome to this beautifully renovated two-bedroom lower unit that blends classic charm with modern comfort. Sunlight fills the spacious living and dining areas, showcasing original hardwood floors, rich natural wood trim, and charming built-in cabinetry that add timeless character throughout the home. The thoughtful layout offers plenty of room to relax, entertain, or settle into everyday
3 Bedroom House Close to CampusALL UTILITIES INCLUDED in rent- (Heat, Electric, Trash, Water/sewer, Wi-Fi)$590/mo/person- no more splitting bills. Everything included in rent.3 spacious bedrooms1 bathroomLaundry on site- includedLawn Care includedSpacious and comfortable home in a nice residential area, just minutes from campus.Available June 1,
**1/2 Off Security Deposits**UWEC Campus Area Housing - 2026-2027 School YearThis 3 bedroom house comes with an enclosed front porch, central A/C, a garage, off street parking, and a backyard! Tenants are to pay for utilities and take care of the winter exterior grounds. Priced at $450 per person for three tenants. Please call for more details or to set up a showing. This
All Utilities are included in the rent. (Heat, Electricity, Water, Trash, WI-FI) Off Street Parking, Laundry onsite, lots of storage, porch, large living room and 6 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms.
Large 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath Apartment Rent is $990/month and includes heat, water, garbage, off-street parking, and shared laundry.This spacious unit features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, a large bathroom with multiple closets, and is within walking distance to downtown.Square footage listed is an estimate. Contact EDJ Rentals for more information or to schedule a
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.