Wausau

The Athletic Park baseball stadium is home to the Wausau Woodchucks, but its namesake community houses walkable schools, restaurants and markets. Historical homes line residential streets, complete with sidewalks and intermittent bus stops for easily navigating the surrounding city. “Many of us call Wausau a mini Madison,” says Jacob Mizgalski, a local broker with The Mizgalski Property Group at eXp Realty. “And that’s the goal, really. Between businesses popping up and younger people moving in, there’s a real focus on development.” Residents of Athletic Park are a mere mile from popular haunts and renovated attractions, like The Grand Theater, Riverlife Park and the 400 Block. Below-average home prices near the up-and-coming downtown scene are likely to rise. For potential homebuyers, investing in Athletic Park means investing in the greater city of Wausau. No two homes are quite identical in Athletic Park, considering many date back to the early 20th century. These historical properties flaunt traditional facades with odes to Georgian, Colonial, American Foursquare and Craftsman architecture. The sidewalks out front branch into front entrance walkways, shaded by a mix of new and old-growth trees denoting the neighborhood’s history and continued growth. Paved driveways lead to detached garages out back, while wrap-around porches and spacious verandas contribute to the community’s welcoming atmosphere. “It’s densely populated because it’s closer to downtown,” Mizgalski says. “It’s not that it’s more expensive, it’s just older. Being close to the river and the downtown area means homes are super close to restaurants and shops.” Prices typically vary between $100,000 and $430,000, below average compared to the greater Wausau area. Located 1 mile north of Downtown Wausau, Athletic Park's residents can walk to some of the city's most frequented shops and eateries. On 6th Street, Bob & Randy's Bar is a go-to for cold beer and sizzling burgers during Packers season. But a few blocks south, 6th Street Filling Station is known for its loaded American brunch plates and vintage pit-stop ambiance. Sweet Lola's, a well-loved, family-owned staple, prepares delectable treats from cupcakes to mousse bombs. International markets, including Wausau Oriental Foods and Tres Hermanos Grocery, are also planted along the thoroughfare beside Zillman's Meat Market, a butcher shop open since 1961. Residents browse the essentials at nearby big-box options like Pick 'n Save and Lamb's Fresh Market. However, many opt for Downtown Grocery instead, an "everyday farmer's market" on 3rd Street selling organic produce sourced from Midwestern vendors. Downtown Wausau boasts events and festivities that unite the community throughout the year. Athletic Park residents are a short bus ride from catching a performance at the century-old Grand Theater. The opulent stage hosts off-Broadway tours, international performers and community productions with local cast members. Concerts on the Square is a free summer series attracting over 2,000 guests. Held at Wausau’s renovated city square—affectionally known as 400 Block—the series features live musicians and food vendors every Wednesday night from June through August. “You have to show up early with a picnic chair or blanket to get a spot,” Mizgalski says. “But the 400 Block is a hub for the arts, too. Wausau’s ARTrageous Weekend has local and out-of-town artists set up along the street.” Scattered across four locations, the event features art exhibits and live performances amid the late summer heat. Families are zoned for the Wausau School District, beginning at Hawthorn Hills 4K, a kindergarten and early childhood school with a B-minus on Niche. With the same grade, Franklin Elementary School is walkable from many homes and boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1. Horace Mann Middle earns a B on Niche. As one of just two middle schools in the district, Horace Mann comprises all elementary students east of the Wisconsin River. With a B-plus, Wausau East High School has been a rival of Wausau West for more than 50 years. Beginning in 2024, Wausau East will join the Great Northern athletic conference, ending a decades-long school feud. Newman Catholic School is a private, spiritual option within the neighborhood, enrolling grades 6-12 with an A-minus on Niche. Athletic Park stadium is home to the Wausau Woodchucks, a local baseball team in the Northwoods collegiate summer league. With a capacity of over 1,000 seats, the venue flaunts a sea of white, blue and green throughout the summer—the Woodchucks' team colors. End-of-game fireworks can be seen and heard from many backyards, along with the sightly view of tuckered-out residents making the half-mile trek home. Kaiser Pool is just as walkable, a public facility with waterslides and play equipment open throughout the warmer months. Next door, Thom Field is owned by Wausau Public Schools, hosting home games for both Wausau East and West High School. Recreation on the Wisconsin River occurs at Riverlife Park, where a fishing pier and waterfront fire pit neighbor a massive climbing playground, splash pad and seasonal ice cream parlor for little ones. Though designated bike lanes are not provided in Athletic Park, many locals take advantage of the River Edge Parkway. This paved cycling trail heads a mile south into Downtown Wausau. Views of the Wisconsin River and surrounding parks make for a scenic ride to Oak Park and the Isle of Ferns Park. “The city overall is very biking-friendly,” Mizgalski says. “The area has come a long way in ensuring bikeable and connected routes.” Metro Ride bus stops are provided throughout the area, mainly accessible along 6th, 7th and 10th Streets. Since 6th Street tends to congest traffic, walkable bus stops are essential in Athletic Park. The nearest emergency room is Aspirus Wausau Hospital, 2 miles west across the river. Commuters rely on State Route 29 for the 99-mile drive to Green Bay and the 103-mile drive to Appleton. Those heading out of state typically fly out of Central Wisconsin Airport, 15 miles south on Interstate 39.