Located along the banks of the St. Croix River, the Wisconsin city of Hudson attracts Twin City commuters with its diverse housing options and a charming strip of downtown eateries. Founded in the mid-1800s, the city's name was generated from the St. Croix River's resemblance to New York's Hudson River. Today, Hudson has transformed from a sawmill and lumber economy into a 21st-century manufacturing and healthcare hub. Major employers like Phillips-Medisize, a medical device producer and Hudson Medical Center are the city's top two companies. The city also ranks as one of the fastest-growing in the state, seeing a 58% population increase since 2000. In recent years, population growth increased in part due to Hudson's larger lot sizes and cheaper price tags. “People started to think, ‘If I drove 10 more minutes every day, I could get so much more for my money,’” says Melissa Wiegele, Realtor with Wiegele Real Estate Group. “Now, you can’t really say that anymore. About the prices.” Despite its growth, Hudson maintains a small-town feel through programming like its "The Golden Rule Initiative," which promotes equality and comradery, and touts the motto of treating others as you'd like to be treated. And Hudson's direct access to major thoroughfares makes for easy commutes to and from St. Paul, just under 20 miles away.
Prospect Park has one of the best views of downtown Hudson.
The Hudson Wis. arch at Lakefront park is an iconic landmark at Lakefront Park.
The Hudson Medical Center houses multiple clinics off Charmichael Rd.
The I-94 bridge spans the St. Croix River and connects Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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Housing demand fuels ongoing development
In Hudson, “There isn’t a lot of inventory because people want to get in, but very few are leaving,” says Konnor Garrido, Realtor with Edina Realty. Housing options here vary greatly as the city was first settled in 1840 and grew steadily until its population spiked in the 1990s. Garrido explains that acreage is a key factor that brings buyers into the Hudson market, noting that three-quarter-acre lots are relatively common here, while houses closer to the Twin Cities will likely only offer a quarter-of-an acre. Hudson’s 20th-century builds consist primarily of ranch-style homes, bungalows and split levels, while post-2000 builds are almost entirely new traditional townhouses and single-family home designs. With an average sales price of $520,000, houses in Hudson are priced $200,000 higher than most properties in the United States. For a townhouse, prices can start in the upper $200,000s and can reach into the mid $400,000s, while single-family homes will start in the lower $300,000s and can go as high as $1 million for a luxury estate. Garrido warns buyers, “Being near the river means homes sell quickly.”
Many of Hudson's finest estates sit high above the St. Croix River.
3rd Street in Hudson is lined with historic homes in a variety of styles.
Traditional townhomes offer an affordable housing option throughout Hudson.
Split-level homes fill out a number of Hudson's residential neighborhoods
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The A-rated Hudson School District
Families in Hudson are zoned for the Hudson School District, which is considered the best school district in St. Croix County and receives an overall A rating from the review site, Niche. Students may attend one of six elementary schools before attending Hudson Middle School and Hudson High School. At North Hudson Elementary School, third-grade students can participate in an orchestra program and learn to play the violin, viola, cello or bass. Hudson Middle School offers an Academic and Career Planning (ACP) program to help students to prepare for post-high school plans. The ACP program continues at the A-minus-rated Hudson High School, which has a graduation rate of 96%. Hudson is also home to the private St. Patrick School and Trinity Academy, as well as the Hudson Virtual Academy, where high school students can choose between online and blended learning options.
Students in North Hudson start their education at North Hudson Elementary School.
Hudson Middle School is located in the North East corner of Hudson.
Hudson High School serves grades 9-12 in the Hudson School District.
Willow River Elementary runs along 4th street near St. Croix Street.
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Cuisine that competes with the Twin Cities
Groceries and everyday essentials are available at big-box retailers like Walmart, Target and Menards, all located south of U.S. Interstate 94 on the eastern side of Hudson. When dining in the city, a unique stretch of eateries is available along Second Street in Downtown Hudson. “The city is super well-known for its food scene,” says Wiegele. “There are very few chain restaurants. The majority of restaurants are owned by people from Hudson.” Garrido agrees with this sentiment, adding “It’s not uncommon for people from Minnesota to cross over the St. Croix River Bridge for a good meal. We have phenomenal restaurants, and I don’t say that lightly.” Notable favorites include San Pedro Café, for a caffeinated beverage, and the Agave Kitchen, for Tex-Mex overlooking the river. “They have a relaxed, really cool atmosphere in the evening and even during the day," says Garrido. “And the food is out-of-this-world.” On weekends, residents can try the Hudson Food Walk to get a guided tour of the city’s cuisine and sample signature dishes from its beloved local restaurants.
Target is a primary shopping destination for many who live in Hudson and the surrounding area.
Browse through unique and eclectic independently owned shops in Hudson's historic downtown.
Agave Kitchen is one of many popular restaurants along 2nd Street in downtown Hudson.
Downtown Hudson is known for its variety of dining options.
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Outdoor activities along the St. Croix River
Whether residents prefer to paddle, sail or relax on the shore, Hudson is home to 11 parks and plenty of opportunities for spending time outside along the St. Croix River. Lakefront Park offers a variety of warm-weather activities, including paved trails for hiking and biking, picnic shelters, a playground, sand volleyball, fishing and swimming. Birkmose Park is a beautiful riverside stretch of land perfect for watching sunsets in the evening or walking wooded trails when the lilacs bloom in early summer. Some residents get involved in the St. Croix Sailing Club, which provides on-the-water activities for members of all ages. Wiegele notes that the Willow River State Park is a popular spot for hiking, with 13 miles of scenic trails to explore. “It’s a very active community,” she says. Hudson's climate gets all four seasons, and locals are accustomed to an average of 197 sunny days and 47 inches of snow per year.
Hudson residents enjoy walking the paths at Lakefront Park near the St. Croix River.
Families enjoy watching the sunset at Birkmose Park; the best view in Hudson.
The falls are the prime attraction bringing tourists to Willow River State Park and Hudson.
Hudson is a river town with a lifestyle to match.
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Annual events with fireworks, live music and hot air balloons
Hudson hosts city-wide events throughout the year, like its Fourth of July celebration at Lakefront Park, which concludes with fireworks over the St. Croix River. In August, the annual North Hudson Pepper Festival celebrates the city’s Italian heritage with a carnival and parade. The Hudson Hometown Music Fest also takes place here in September, with live band performances and family-friendly activities like a dunk tank and sing-alongs. In February, locals gather for the annual Hudson Hot Air Affair, where 30 balloonists from across the country launch hot air balloons over the river.
If it’s not in Hudson, it’s close to Hudson
Hudson’s commercial development and easy access to the Twin Cities are significant factors bringing buyers to the city. “If it’s not in Hudson, it’s close to Hudson,” says Wiegele. Hudson’s location along I-94 makes it about an 18-mile drive into downtown Saint Paul and 28 miles from Minneapolis. The Hudson Hospital & Clinic makes access to medical care convenient, and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 27 miles away. Hudson is primarily car-dependent and doesn’t have a public transportation system. However, there is a park-and-ride lot for private organizations like FlixBus and Groome Transportation.
Crime
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, which oversees Hudson, reported 26.7 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2023. Comparatively, Wisconsin records 68.5 violent crimes per 100,000 people, while the U.S. as a whole recorded 111.4 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
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Tyler McNair
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
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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.
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On average, homes in Hudson, WI sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Hudson, WI over the last 12 months is $480,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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