The historic homes and riverside living of Washburn
With homes originally built and owned by La Crosse's lumber mill barons, Washburn is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Right next to historic downtown La Crosse and the site of both Viterbo University and the Mayo Clinic Health System, Washburn has a mix of young professionals, college students and native La Crosse residents. "A lot of people will relocate for our hospitals and colleges, whether they're working or attending," says Dan Stacey, a Realtor with Re/Max Results, born and raised in La Crosse. "I think there's a big charm in there being so much opportunity here, but the neighborhood doesn't lose that friendly feel." The community's western edge brushes against the Mississippi River, so residents also have immediate access to one of La Crosse's primary sources of outdoor entertainment.
Viterbo University and the Mayo Clinic Hospital are located in Washburn.
There are a number of sculptures throughout Riverside Park.
1/2
Preserving Washburn's vintage architecture
Architecture in Washburn is highly diverse, with historic homes dating from the late 19th to early 20th century sitting along the tree-lined streets. Everything from Queen Anne homes to Victorians and American Foursquares can be found in the neighborhood. "The older homes have changed hands over time, but there's been a big effort to preserve them. They've kept their original charm and character," Stacey says. "Over the last 20 years, it's been cool to see them well-kept, if not improved." Smaller styles like bungalows or older homes that need renovation can sell between $150,000 and $280,000. Meanwhile, much larger, well-preserved homes have price tags of $300,000 to $650,000.
Victorian styles homes stand out among the streets of Washburn.
Two-story homes with a gabled roof offer plenty of space for most families in Washburn.
1/2
Diverse dining and shopping in downtown La Crosse
Washburn is only a mile from downtown La Crosse. "Over the last 20, 30 years, historic downtown has experienced a renaissance," Stacey says. "It's unique, I think, in that there's basically no franchises. All the restaurants, shops and boutiques in downtown are locally owned." Locals and tourists alike explore the stationery at Drift Mercantile and pick up vinyls at Deaf Ear Record Exchange. Food options are diverse, from the steak selection at The Freighthouse to the French dishes at Lovechild. For everyday errands, the closest retail area to the neighborhood is 4 miles south off Mormon Coulee Road, featuring stores such as Walmart Supercenter, Aldi and Walgreens.
Washburn residents rave about the past at Lovechild.
Downtown La Crosse is conveniently located near Washburn and has 100's of shops and restaurants.
1/2
Fireworks at Riverside Park and the long-standing tradition of Oktoberfest
In the summer, Riverside Park gets packed with people all attending Riverfest, the city's annual Fourth of July celebration. "They set off a ton of fireworks over the river; it's really cool to see. You can practically walk over the boats that all dock in the river," Stacey says. He also notes that Oktoberfest is one of La Crosse's most well-attended events, running from the end of September into the start of October. It's currently one of the Midwest's largest and longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations.
Education options from elementary to university in Washburn
Washburn falls under the La Crosse School District, and kids can start at Emerson Elementary School before heading to Logan Middle School and Logan High School. All schools get a B from Niche. Housed in the same building as Logan Middle School, the School of Technology and Arts II (SOTA II) receives a B-plus from Niche. As a charter school, the SOTA II is free for kids to attend, but parents must apply through the school district. Washburn is also home to Viterbo University, a private Catholic institution that offers associate to doctoral degrees.
Emerson Elementary School is rated a B overall by Niche.
Logan Middle School is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
1/2
Outdoor recreation on the Mississippi River
On the neighborhood's south side is Powell Park, a pocket of green space with a playground, basketball courts and a softball diamond. Nearby Riverside Park, which sits at the edge of the Mississippi River, provides everything from waterside walking trails to diverse flora and art pieces at the Riverside International Friendship Gardens. "Boating is huge here, and we've got tons of marinas. You've got people taking out everything from kayaks and canoes to heavy-powered motorboats," Stacey says.
Walk to the playground at Powell Park.
Riverside Park is a stretch of green along the Mississippi River.
1/2
Proximity to highways, bus stops and health care
Bordering downtown La Crosse, residents of Washburn have immediate access to some of the city's major routes and public transportation. Nearly every main road in the neighborhood, including Market and Cass streets, has several stops for Municipal Transit Utility (MTU) buses. Highways 35 and 33 run parallel to Washburn, and the Blues Highway crosses the Mississippi River and passes into Minnesota. A large portion of the neighborhood's east side is occupied by the Mayo Clinic Health System and its several medical plazas.
The La Crosse Cass Street Bridge is an iconic landmark near Washburn.
Washburn residents can access the La Crosse MTU bus stops throughout the neighborhood.
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
Exceptionally well maintained La Crosse Bar & Grill For Sale! This Business has been well maintained and operated over the years, the Owner's have put their heart and soul into every detail and are looking forward to warm sunshine and sandy beaches. This establishment is well known for it's food and is a popular hangout for locals. Turn key business!
Solid real estate investment opportunity in a central La Crosse location! Each unit in this spacious side-by-side duplex features laundry hook-ups, central air, a partial basement, a detached garage and tons of storage space. Tenant's pay all utilities. Leases are in place for both units well into 2026. Main portion of building has a newer metal roof. Most windows have been updated to vinyl
Aaron Wickesberg CPM®Reliant Real Estate Services, LLC
Affordable Opportunity Near Downtown - Perfect for Investors or First-Time Buyers! This charming 2-story home offers incredible potential as an investment property or the perfect starter home for first-time buyers looking to build equity. With 3 spacious bedrooms all located on the upper level, this layout offers great separation between living and sleeping spaces. Situated in a prime central
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.
At this time we are running a rent special for ½ off one month of rent for move-ins before August 10th – please take advantage today!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
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Jenny Cisewski,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,902
Median Age
28
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$19,042
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$31,776
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.8%
College Graduates
22.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8%
% Population in Labor Force
55.4%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
78/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
82/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
39/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
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.
