$274,693Average Value$170Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
A small western Wisconsin city along the Mississippi River
La Crosse is a 50,000-person city in Wisconsin with a downtown located along the Mississippi River. It’s home to three colleges: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University and Western Technical College. “We have quite a diverse population that comes and goes with our three universities,” Dettmann says. “A lot of those people choose to stay in La Crosse.” Graduates may stay to work for the city’s top employers, the Gunderson and Mayo Clinic Health Systems. The city’s location along the Mississippi lends itself to plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities, and it hosts large annual festivals, such as Riverfest on the Fourth of July and Oktoberfest in the fall. “We have a beautiful landscape and views, and you can’t run out of stuff to do,” says Realtor Renee Dettmann, who’s sold in La Crosse since 1988. “People come through for state track meets or are visiting relatives and will call and say, ‘We live in California but want to move to La Crosse.’”
La Crosse is a top-ten tourist destination in Wisconsin which bought in over $433 million in travel-related income in 2023.
Western Technical College in La Crosse offers affordable higher education for those wishing to expand their skills.
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Downtown La Crosse’s luxury condos, Bluffside’s bungalows and Grandview Emerson’s estates
La Crosse’s neighborhoods offer a range of lifestyles and price points, from houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places to modern luxury condos. The average home value is around $395,000, $160,000 less than the national average. The city’s highest home values are in the Downtown La Crosse, Bluffside and Grandview Emerson neighborhoods. Downtown La Crosse features a mix of luxury condos and 1800s-built single-family homes for $330,000 to $375,000. Bluffside’s bungalows and ranch-style homes range from $175,000 to $450,000. Buyers in Grandview Emerson can find a mix of property types ranging from cozy bungalows in the $200,000s to historic mansions exceeding $1 million. La Crosse’s home values have only risen in the past five years, and homes here sell quickly – after an average of 17 days, less than half the national average of 44. Dettmann advises out-of-state buyers to compare listing prices to the prices of recently sold homes, as she’s seen buyers overpay due to a lack of familiarity with the market.
The Grandview Emerson neighborhood of La Crosse boasts historic mansions which can sell for over $1 million.
La Crosse's Bluffside neighborhood is full of affordable bungalow-styled homes.
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Riverside Park hosts Riverfest and Oktoberfest
La Crosse’s temperate continental Upper Midwest climate and geographical location supply various recreational opportunities. “Being on the Mississippi River, there’s lots of kayaking, canoeing and biking along the river,” Dettmann says. “It’s a very active community.” Downtown’s Riverside Park has trails along the Mississippi and hosts annual events such as Riverfest on the Fourth of July and Oktoberfest in the fall. “During Riverfest, you can’t do business,” Dettmann says. “Everybody’s out partying, and they have out-of-town guests coming in for the holidays. We also have one of the largest Oktoberfests in the Midwest. People come from New York for it.” La Crosse’s summertime recreation ranges from tiki bars and beaches along the river, while skiing is available in winter at Mount La Crosse, which features 19 slopes and trails. Nine miles south, Goose Island Campground is known for its scenic sunsets and fishing in the Mississippi.
The same paved paths that traverse La Crosse are also plentiful at Riverside Park.
Goose Island Park just south of La Crosse sits along the Mississippi River, and has over 350 campsites.
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The La Crosse Center, Pump House Regional Arts Center and La Crosse Community Theatre
La Crosse has a vibrant arts community with over 30 active organizations. “There are many full-time talented musicians who thrive in La Crosse,” Dettmann says. “There’s live music every night – acoustic sets, big bands, tribute productions and festivals.” The Pump House Regional Arts Center hosts jazz, folk and blues performances. The city is home to the La Crosse Symphony and the La Crosse Community Theatre, which has won regional and national awards. The La Crosse Center in Downtown La Crosse puts on sporting events, concerts and trade shows throughout the year.
La Crosse's historic Pump House was converted from a water pumping station to a non-profit arts center.
The La Crosse Community Theater brings patrons from all over the state to view its stage productions.
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The School District of La Crosse and the city’s three universities
The School District of La Crosse receives a B rating from Niche. Its School of Technology and Arts I is a public charter elementary school with an A-minus rating. Top-rated private schools in La Crosse include Providence Academy and Aquinas High School, both with A-minus ratings. La Crosse has three higher education institutions: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a public university; Western Technical College, a public community college; and Viterbo University, a private Catholic university.
School of Technology and Arts I earned a B- from Niche.
UW-La Crosse is a highly-ranked university with a 69% acceptance rate.
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Third Street nightlife and the Valley View Mall
La Crosse’s dining and nightlife primarily concentrates around Downtown La Crosse, home to Third Street, the popular nightlife district. “On Third Street, we have more bars on one street than any other town in the nation,” Dettmann says. “We were in the Guinness World Records for it. We had 30-something bars. When you’re from La Crosse and you travel, it’s like, ‘Where are your bars? Where is the strip of bars?’” Dettmann explains that when La Crosse was designed, each neighborhood had a small grocery store, a tavern and a church. “Now, there’s just the big grocery stores, but there’s still churches and bars in every neighborhood,” she says. La Crosse’s biggest shopping center is the Valley View Mall, home to over 70 stores, restaurants and a food court.
3rd Street in La Crosse previously won a Guinness World Record award for most bars on a single street.
La Crosse's Valley View Mall hosts nearly 40 retailers, as well as a food court.
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Weather and the La Crosse Police Department
According to the La Crosse Police Department, both violent and property crimes increased in 2023. The city’s property crime rate exceeds the national average, while its violent crime rate is far below it, according to FBI statistics.
La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility, La Crosse Regional Airport and the La Crosse Amtrak station
Major highways including Interstate 90 and U.S. Highways 14, 53 and 61 provide routes around the city. The La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility has 11 bus routes connecting city neighborhoods to the suburbs. The La Crosse Regional Airport has a direct passenger service to Chicago. The La Crosse Amtrak station is served daily by the Borealis, which connects to Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul/Minneapolis, and Empire Builder, which connects to Chicago, St. Paul/Minneapolis, Spokane and Portland/Seattle. La Crosse was the first Wisconsin city to pass the Green Complete Streets ordinance, which accounts for bicycle and pedestrian safety when roads are reconstructed due to stormwater management. The city has nearly 8 miles of unprotected on-street bike lanes, 17 miles of paved bike paths and 12 miles of unpaved trails.
Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Scott Mason Bittinger
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
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On average, homes in La Crosse, WI sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in La Crosse, WI over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated four-bedroom, three-bath home located directly on the Mississippi River near excellent fishing. This open-concept home offers spacious living areas on both the main and lower levels, providing room for everyone. The main living room opens to a deck with river views, while the lower-level living space walks out to a patio for easy indoor-outdoor living. Numerous updates include
Timeless 3-bed, 2-bath Cape Cod filled with natural light from large windows accented by beautiful cafe shutters. Hardwood floors and a welcoming fireplace create an inviting main living space, while the kitchen opens to a bright dining area. The finished lower level with a bar area offers comfortable space for guests, hobbies, or extended living. A spacious 1/2-story upper level features a large
Stop renting and start building equity! This adorable 2-bedroom on a corner lot is the perfect first home at a price that makes sense. Enjoy a spacious eat-in kitchen with plenty of cabinet and counter space plus updated flooring. Bright living room with a flexible office nook. The oversized bathroom offers a spa-like feel with sauna area that needs to be setup. Main floor mudroom with laundry
If you’ve been looking for a budget-friendly option with room to make it your own, this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath 14' x 70' manufactured home could be the one. The home features a split-bedroom layout, a full-width living room, centrally located kitchen, and a screened porch for added outdoor space. While the property will benefit from updates and improvements, it offers a great entry point for a buyer
Beautifully updated four-bedroom, three-bath home located directly on the Mississippi River near excellent fishing. This open-concept home offers spacious living areas on both the main and lower levels, providing room for everyone. The main living room opens to a deck with river views, while the lower-level living space walks out to a patio for easy indoor-outdoor living. Numerous updates include
SELLER FINANCING available with adequate down payment! Prime opportunity to own highly desired real estate right along Highway 16. Own a turnkey building with a rock solid national tenant that has been a pillar restaurant in the community for decades. Modified lease in place and priced at a 6.4 cap rate. Tenant responsible for ALL expenses except property taxes. Lease with current tenant runs
Experience elevated condo living with stunning sunset views in this spacious four-level residence. Designed for both comfort and privacy, this condo offers multiple levels of living space--ideal for relaxing or working from home. The kitchen features granite countertops and a convenient pantry, while the living room showcases hardwood flooring and a cozy fireplace. Retreat to the third-floor
Kent GabrielsenColdwell Banker River Valley, REALTORS
BUSINESS-ONLY SALE River City Gallery Opportunity to acquire a well-established art gallery in vibrant Downtown La Crosse. Features work from over 60 regional artists with art sales, custom framing, classes, and community events. Asset-only, income-producing sale includes business assets, inventory, equipment, fixtures, website, social media, and goodwill. Real estate leased separately with
Welcome to this charming 3-4 bedroom Victorian in the historic King Cass district, blending original character with modern updates. The welcoming entry features a grand staircase and built-in bench, with hardwood floors, crown molding, and a pocket door between the living room and formal dining room. Through the butler's pantry enter the kitchen offering granite countertops, cherry cabinets &
YOUR BUSINESS WILL NOT GET MISSED ON THIS HIGH PROFILE 3/4 ACRE (+/-) DOWNTOWN CORNER IN THRIVING LA CROSSE BUSINESS DISTRICT! PLENTY OF DRIVE BY TRAFFIC/VISIBILITY, CONVENIENT LOCATION FOR CUSTOMERS, EASY ACCESS TO INTERSTATE/COMMERCE HUB, PLENTY OF PARKING/BUILDABLE SPACE. THERE IS AN EXISTING FUNCTIONAL 5000 SF BRICK BUILDING ON THE .71 ACRE SITE. BUILD OUT TO SUIT YOU AND YOUR VALUED
Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath split level home on the southside featuring stunning bluff views! The inviting living room offers a cozy natural fireplace, perfect for relaxing nights at home. Enjoy the bright 4 season room just off the dining area ideal for listening to the birds chirping. With a functional layout and nice sized bedrooms, this home offers space for everyone. The heated and cooled
You CAN have it all! Stately, executive two story w/ main level living tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac. Great location very close to the river & everything La Crosse has to offer. Soaring ceilings, a gas fireplace, and an abundance of windows shower the living room with natural light. Smart floor plan with everything you need daily on the main level including the impressive primary suite,
A Stunning custom built Contemporary home is now available for new ownership and is priced below the appraised value as of 1/21/26!! Welcome your guests into a two story marble foyer with lots of natural lighting. This stunner offers so many amenities it is impossible to list them all. The property sits on the River with a floating dock, that includes water rights. The kitchen has granite
Choice commercial building for sale with a choice central location. BUSINESS IS NOT FOR SALE! Building features wide open concepts and will adapt itself to a variety of uses. High ceilings, great 2nd story loft area (1,600 sq. ft.). It has a great office area, workshop area or could be converted to small living area. Convenient freight door for receiving or pickup of daily products. Large, paved
Beautiful zero-entry condo offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in a split floor plan, with an open concept living space and quality finishes throughout. If you love sunshine, the South facing windows will make you smile (custom made luxury shades included), while the living room fireplace will be the perfect touch of cozy. Enjoy the convenience of an HOA, the state of the art fitness center and
Discover riverfront sophistication at Lofts?at?River?Point — luxurious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes in the vibrant, evolving River Point District of La?Crosse. Each residence features a modern open layout, contemporary finishes, and select units with private balconies, offering both comfort and style in a stunning setting. Step outside and experience an exceptional amenity collection: a
Downtown Luxury Living - Available June 1, 2026 Experience modern downtown living in this stylish 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment located in a newer, secure building. Enjoy an open-concept layout with contemporary finishes, in-unit washer and dryer, and off-street parking. Utilities are included for your convenience. This home offers both comfort and sophistication just steps from the heart of the
New construction build, units coming available Spring 2025. Featuring Studio, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom and 3 Bedroom units; with many affordable units throughout the building. Scan the QR code now to be added to our interest list. We'll reach out to you when we begin leasing in February 2025.
Discover the unique blend of historic charm and modern living at War Eagle Apartments - a premier mixed-use, smoke-free development in the heart of La Crosse, WI. Located along the scenic Black River within the vibrant River Point District, War Eagle offers the perfect fusion of residential comfort and commercial convenience. This six-story building will feature 51 modern apartments, each
Elliott Arms is a classic Art Deco style eight-story apartment community within walking distance to all the amenities that downtown La Crosse has to offer. Our clean, quiet, smoke free studios, one and two bedroom apartments are also conveniently located near two major medical centers and three institutions of higher learning. Treat yourself to warm, personal attention in a home radiant with
Only one 4 bedroom left at 1010 Vine St for June 1, 2025 - May 20, 2026! Amenities include the following:Gracious bedrooms with walk-in closetsOpen concept kitchens with snack bar and all appliances including a dishwasher and built-in microwaveIncludes full size washer and dryer - FREEIncludes Wifi and basic cable - FREE Well-lit, permit enforced, off-street
St. Vallerie Apartments in La Crosse is a wonderful setting to enjoy. Our community is conveniently located at 4445 Mormon Coulee Rd. in the 54601 area of La Crosse. At St. Vallerie Apartments, fantastic amenities and features are waiting for you. Enjoy smoke-free apartments, drop by the sauna to melt away your stress and frustrations, and workout like a champ at our community fitness center. Our
Situated between the bluffs and the Mississippi River, Wedgewood Commons offers the perfect blend of lifestyle, location, and atmosphere. We are only steps away from the universities, recreational activities, and historic downtown La Crosse. With spacious floor plans and superior amenities, each apartment home is sure to meet your every need. Our professional and friendly staff is here to assist
Arrowhead is under new Owner-Managed Ownership! Spaulding Group is adding great value to these amazing spacious homes! Your new home features new windows, roofing, siding and air conditioning! Come Spring 2024, you will experience professionally installed all new landscaping that will only enhance the amazing green space this community offers for your entire family (fur babies included!) This
The historic Gund Brewery, a restored community landmark, was transformed to create 86 units of affordable housing that is conveniently located near many employers including Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, Viterbo College and Franciscan-Skemp. Along with an easy walk to work, many residents enjoy the amenities including a cyber-lounge, movie theatre,
Discover the comfort and convenience of Michael Heights Apartments in downtown La Crosse. Our modern residential community offers an array of amenities to suit your lifestyle needs. Enjoy the peace of mind with our secured entry and elevator access for easy and safe navigation throughout the building. Never worry about parking with our off-street and covered parking options. With the Wisconsin
At the Roosevelt School Apartment homes we have created a lifestyle, not just a home. Choose from an array of one and two bedroom floor plans, with contemporary features; wood laminate floors, gourmet kitchens, in unit washer and dryer, as well as, large picture windows. Take advantage of the exclusive Roosevelt School residential perks; off street parking, fitness center, community lounge, and
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