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.
Written By
Christian Slater
Photography Contributed By
Tyler McNair
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Neuhaus,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Hudson, WI over the last 12 months is $505,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Park Place Village, Hudson's premier community for simple living! This fantastic townhome features over 2,900 square feet of beautifully finished living space, including three spacious bedrooms and three luxurious bathrooms. Enjoy the convenience of two underground parking spaces, with the option of adding an elevator for easy access between levels. Nestled in a quiet and serene
Beautifully maintained and updated end-unit townhome offering true move-in-ready convenience. The remodeled kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a deep sink and new faucet. Enjoy the vaulted ceiling in the living room, custom window treatments on the main level, and a refreshed half bath with a new countertop. Organized overhead garage storage and closet shelving
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained end-unit townhome offering convenient one-level living with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and an attached 2-car garage. The thoughtfully designed main level offers an open concept layout with vaulted ceilings, welcoming living room, spacious kitchen with dual pantry closets, a dedicated dining room and convenient main level laundry. The finished lower level is
Exquisite Luxury Condominium Living in the Heart of Hudson. Prepare to be enchanted by this exceptional 3rd-floor condominium, a masterpiece of design and luxury nestled in the vibrant heart of Hudson. Overlooking the majestic St. Croix River and the charming cityscape, this residence presents a unique opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of refined elegance and unparalleled convenience. Step
The perfect place to call home! If you’ve been searching for the ideal blend of space, comfort, and convenience, this beautiful home at 922 Ridge Pass is a must-see. Tucked away on over an acre, yet located just five minutes from downtown Hudson or “on the hill” shopping, dining and everyday conveniences, this property truly offers the best of both worlds. Step inside and you’ll immediately
Prepare to be captivated by the unparalleled luxury and breathtaking vistas offered by this exquisite 3rd-floor condominium, perfectly situated in the vibrant heart of Hudson. Overlooking the majestic St. Croix River and the charming downtown cityscape, this residence offers a lifestyle of refined elegance and effortless convenience. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed floor plan
Completely remodeled North Hudson walkout rambler offering modern style, quality finishes, and convenient location! This beautifully updated single-story home features an open-concept layout with luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh interior paint, a stunning chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, brand-new stainless steel appliances, and a striking freestanding range hood. The
Experience country living on 10 acres, just minutes from downtown Hudson and a short drive to I-94. This property has undergone extensive renovations over the past two years, including new stainless-steel siding, windows, doors, roof, flooring, and kitchen appliances to name a few. The home features four bedrooms, an office and two bathrooms, along with a large deck and a four-season porch that
Discover timeless elegance and exceptional comfort in this meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom residence, ideally situated on a premier 1.17-acre corner lot in the highly desirable Troy Village neighborhood and boasting gorgeous views of the prestigious Troy Burne Golf Course. Surrounded by lush landscaping and expansive green space, this remarkable property offers the perfect blend of
Welcome to easy condo living in beautiful downtown Hudson Wisconsin! This property offers many amenities you will appreciate, such as one level living, heated floors, western facing screen porch, back patio surrounded by lovely perennials and garden boxes, and a comfortable floor plan that works well. You are walking distance to the river front and parks, library, wonderful shops and restaurants,
Step inside this Updated 2-Bedroom Condo in Hudson This 11⁄2-story condo features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath upstairs, and a half bath on the main level. Recent updates include fresh interior paint by a reputable contractor, newer laminate flooring, new carpet, and stainless steel appliances. The main level offers a practical living and dining layout, while the upper level includes a full laundry
Here is your opportunity to have the prettiest 1 acre lot in a very convenient Hudson neighborhood! Close to downtown and close to the hill, this well maintained property has had the same owner for 38 years and now is your chance to make it your own! The homeowner has already taken care of all the big ticket items: *siding/roof/all windows (Andersen originals)/patio door/front door in 2009
A wonderful end unit townhouse in a perfect Hudson location, close to your everyday needs! This townhouse is light and bright, and backs up to a wooded area, providing wonderful nature views. The main floor has an updated kitchen with beautiful quartz (2026) and updated flooring and lighting (2025). The spacious living room has updated carpet (2025) and a gas fireplace. The upper level has two
Step into history with this unique two-and-a-half-story Colonial Revival residence, featuring an irregular floor plan and originally crafted in 1900 by architect John Lee. This remarkable home has had just two owners since its construction and remains as pristine as the day it was built.Ideally located in the heart of historic downtown Hudson, you'll enjoy walkable access to charming shops,
Welcome to 685 Darnold Dr, a perfectly situated commercial lot in rapidly growing Hudson, WI. This lot is in a great location right in the path of progress near many neighborhoods other businesses and high traffic areas. Already equipped with curb and gutter as well as city water and sewer, this lot is ready for breaking ground right away. A beautiful 0.65 acre pond and a high view of I-94 to the
Welcome to Gray’s Landing, a charming community located in the picturesque St. Croix County, just minutes from historic downtown Hudson, WI, and a short drive over the scenic St. Croix River to the quaint town of Stillwater, MN. Enjoy the best of small-town living, with easy access to the vibrant Twin Cities. We offer a range of spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, with sizes
Hanley Place Senior Apartments provides an affordable housing option for individuals aged 50 and better, as well as those with disabilities. Our apartments offer spacious layouts, ample closet space, a dishwasher, and air conditioning for added convenience. Residents enjoy a variety of community amenities, including a fully equipped fitness center, onsite laundry facilities, a community room for
Introducing Bella Rose Apartments, a brand-new rental community with a relaxing and inviting vibe where everyone can experience the true meaning of comfort. We offer a collection of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in Hudson, WI, with each unit being thoughtfully designed to meet your unique lifestyle needs. Our homes are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions, and our location has
The Maxwell offers 36 senior housing units and more than 3,000 square feet of commercial space. The Maxwell is phase one of a multi-phase 17-acre housing community. The Gerrard Corporation is now accepting applications for all spaces in The Maxwell.The building’s location offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and natural green space. Tenants can enjoy a beautifully wooded
The Williamsburg Apartments are located minutes from downtown Hudson, Wisconsin in a quiet residential neighborhood. Located just 2 blocks north of I-94, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area is a short 20-minute commute. Whether it's golfing, dining, shopping, or boating on the scenic St. Croix River, the Williamsburg Apartments welcomes you to the St. Croix River Valley.
Under the oversight of NEW management, Cedar Ridge features beautiful & affordable 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with spacious bedrooms, a personal walk out patio & a convenient on-site laundry facility. Our homes are perfect for accommodating roommates, friends or families with the ample living space, spacious kitchens and lots more. Cedar Ridge is conveniently located in Hudson, WI near 1-94
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Riverview Apartments in Hudson, WI! Ideally located near parks, I-94, and downtown, this home features an AC unit, refrigerator, stove, and range hood, all in a secure building. Enjoy hassle-free living with rent that covers lawn care, and snow removal. Plus, you’ll have access to on-site coin-operated laundry and off-street
55+ Senior Cottages. Heritage Cottages offers you all the peaceful pleasures of a small town atmosphere while shopping, banks, restaurants, healthcare, and easy access ot major freeways are just minutes away. Including the Twin Cities, Mall of America, theatres, parks, and the beautiful St. Croix River. This lovely neighborhood development is attractively landscaped with walking trails,
A nice place to call home doesn't have to be expensive. Affordable apartment homes with all the features you want in a quiet, conveniently located neighborhood. Here you will find that you won't have to pay a lot to get a lot. Section 42 community income guidelines (not subsidized)
In the mid-1800s, James Chinnoch was the first to try his hand at agriculture in Troy. A year later, the town established a government. Today, Troy's origins--rooted in the idea of building a home and living off the land--remains true. Troy leads Wisconsin in farmland preservation, with nearly 1,600 acres of protected farmlands at present, and with plans to preserve over 6,400 acres of farmland and 4,300 acres of open spaces. Its real estate also reflects this tradition, with most homes sitting on expansive multi-acre lots. The difference in today's culture is that residents don't have to feel isolated when living out their farming dreams. With direct proximity to neighboring cities, "They're just 30 minutes outside Saint Paul and even closer to Hudson, which has amazing restaurants and activities on the river,” says Woodbury-based Realtor David Hackworthy. “Troy offers all the benefits of rural living while still providing a real sense of community.”
People move to Troy to buy or build their dream estates. The neighborhood’s listings are primarily empty lots awaiting to-be-built homes, or recently built, custom-designed estates. Most homes were built post-2000 in traditional styles and feature vinyl or brick siding, while some of the older builds typically feature more modest ranch-style, bi-level or split-level styles. Standard lot sizes in Troy range from one to five acres, although the area has seen the addition of some denser subdivisions. Most common are single-family homes on half-acre plots, with the exception of a few planned townhouse developments that recently hit the market. Prices start in the $400,000s for smaller single-family homes, concentrate around $500,000 to $700,000 for a two- or three-bedroom new build and reach into the low millions for sprawling custom estates.
Students in Troy attend schools in the Hudson School District, which has an overall A rating on Niche. They can start their education at A-rated River Crest Elementary followed by Hudson Middle, also A-rated, before continuing to the A-minus rated Hudson High School. At Hudson High, students can participate in Project Lead the Way, a series of pre-engineering courses that qualify for college credit.
Troy is located 24 miles east of Saint Paul, offering those who work downtown a 25- to 30-minute commute. Since this is a semi-rural community, the area is car-dependent, with no public transportation or walking or biking infrastructure. The nearest medical facilities include the Hudson Hospital and River Falls Area Hospital, both of which are about 6 miles from the center of town. It’s an ideal location for those who like to spend most of their time at home, but less than ideal for frequent travelers, as the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 32 miles away.
Aside from a winery, Troy itself is almost entirely residential. To dine out or go shopping, most head to the nearby cities of Hudson or River Falls. Hudson has a happening food scene with trendy bars and restaurants lining its riverfront that people from all over the Twin Cities explore. Most get groceries in Hudson at the County Market or ALDI, and run errands at big-box stores like Target, Walmart and The Home Depot. River Falls’ food scene mixes small-town family-style restaurants with up-and-coming breweries. The town also has an old-school movie theater, some fast-food restaurants and an ALDI.
Glover Park provides year-round outdoor recreation options for Troy's residents, with amenities like baseball fields, a playground and a pickleball court. “It’s a gorgeous community park, with almost 3 miles of private trails and a new pavilion that the township invested a lot in,” Hackworthy says. In the winter, visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski on the open spaces beside the baseball field, while kids sled on the hill north of the playground. On hot summer days, locals can swim or sunbathe at Pembles Beach, a small sandy spot along the St. Croix River. Troy is also home to the Troy Burne Golf Club, which Golf Digest has named as one of America’s top 100 public courses four times.
Troy is home to Cracked Barrel Winery, which has an on-site tasting room. Visitors can pair wine flights with charcuterie while taking in the vineyard views. The winery also hosts ongoing events, like yoga and painting classes, live music, comedy shows and BINGO nights on Thursdays.
Troy has a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, the lowest score possible on this scale.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Hudson Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
17
Median Rent
$1,800
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,800
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,650
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,973
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,048
Median Condo Rent
$1,325
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,395
Demographics
Total Population
15,787
Median Age
42
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$90,835
Above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$113,905
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
45.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.7%
% Population in Labor Force
72%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
3°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
41''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
40/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
50/ 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.
