$360,339Average Value$155Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
On average, homes in Third Ward, Eau Claire sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Third Ward, Eau Claire over the last 12 months is $381,200, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Third Ward Home in a Prime Location! Located on Eau Claire’s highly desirable southside in the historic Third Ward neighborhood, this home is full of character and classic charm. Beautiful hardwood floors flow throughout the main spaces, complementing the warm, inviting feel of the home. A cozy fireplace creates the perfect gathering spot for cooler evenings.Featuring 3 spacious
Charming Third Ward Home Full of Character – Steps from UW Campus this beautifully preserved home offers timeless craftsmanship paired w thoughtful updates. The moment you enter, rich wood floors, detailed woodwork, & unique baseboards showcase the kind of character you simply can’t find in newer builds. A handsome fireplace anchors the living room, while built-in cabinets & shelving add both
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CV Real Estate StaffChippewa Valley Real Estate, LLC
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,
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