Wausau's Athletic Park neighborhood gets its name from the local baseball team's home stadium, but the local sports team is hardly the main draw for homebuyers. The community is also home to walkable schools, restaurants and markets along with historical homes lining residential streets, complete with sidewalks and intermittent bus stops for commuting to 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.” Residents of Athletic Park are a mile from popular haunts and renovated attractions, like The Grand Theater, Riverlife Park and the 400 Block. At present, home prices near the up-and-coming downtown scene are below-average, so investing in Athletic Park means investing in the greater city of Wausau.
It's easy to stay active in warmer months when you live near the riverwalk by Athletic Park.
If it's mid- city life you're after, look no further than Athletic Park.
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Historical homes add character to Athletic Park
No two homes are quite alike in Athletic Park, considering many date back to the early 20th century. Georgian, Colonial, American Foursquare and Craftsman are prominent architectural styles with these historical properties. 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 face the street. Prices range from $100,000 to $430,000, below average compared to the greater Wausau area.
Many of the Athletic Park homes were built at the turn of the century.
Athletic Park offers a wide range of housing prices, from the $100,00s to over $400,000.
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Catching the Packers with a cold beer and a sizzling burger
Athletic Park's location places it within a mile of shopping and dining. "Being close to the river and the downtown area means homes are super close to restaurants and shops,” says Mizgalski. 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 family-owned staple, prepares homemade desserts 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 can grab essentials at nearby big-box options like Pick 'n Save and Lamb's Fresh Market. Downtown Grocery is more locally focused. The "everyday farmer's market" on 3rd Street sells organic produce sourced from Midwestern vendors.
GS Specialty Foods in Athletic Park offers Boba Tea, noodle dishes, and more.
Lil' Ole Winemaker Shoppe in Athletic Park will host your event, and even provide the food.
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Concerts on the Square at the 400 Block
Downtown Wausau hosts a variety of community events and festivities throughout the year and contains mainstay attractions. Athletic Park residents are a short bus ride from catching a performance at the century-old Grand Theater. The theater schedules an eclectic mix of events including 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.
If you don't own a car, getting around Athletic Park by foot is easy.
Peruse the selection of old and new releases at Inner Sleeve Records near Athletic Park.
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Wausau East High joins the Great Northern Conference
Families are zoned for the Wausau School District, beginning at Hawthorn Hills Elementary School for fourth-grade kindergarten and early childhood programs. Franklin Elementary School, serving grades K-5, is walkable from many homes and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1. Both schools earn a B from Niche. Horace Mann Middle also 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 an A-minus, 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.
Homes in Athletic Park sit on mostly quarter-acre or larger lots.
Riverlife Park in Wausau also has a large, unique playground for kids.
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Home of the Wausau Woodchucks
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 and viewed by fans walking home from the game. 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.
Athletic Park is open to the public until 4pm on weekdays.
You can warm yourself up near the gas fire by at Riverlife Park in Wausau.
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Biking the River Edge Parkway
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.
The riverwalk near Athletic Park provides endless sights and miles of walking pleasure.
Riverlife Park in Wausau is a great place to take your dog for a stroll.
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Charming 1907 East Hill Historic District Home with Modern Updates Welcome to this timeless two-story home in the heart of Wausau’s coveted East Hill Historic District. Built in 1907, this beautifully preserved residence blends its original character with thoughtful modern updates. The home features classic hardwood floors, elegant white trim, original built-in hutches and storage, with both a
Wausau East Townhomes are thoughtfully designed and developed to provide all the qualities of condominium in a private entrance townhome. These one, two, and three bedroom units include a private entry, patio, full kitchen appliance package, gas-forced heat and central air conditioning, and in-unit washer and dryer in dedicated laundry rooms. Underground parking is available for an additional
Classic Home for Rent in Wausau’s East Hill NeighborhoodThis Beautiful 2600 Sq Ft Brick Bungalow is for rent in Wausau's Historic East Hill Neighborhood. On the main level of this professional home you will find a large living room with fireplace, dining room with built-in buffet, rounding office / den with bay windows, an updated kitchen, guest bedroom and full bath. The upper level
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,435
Median Age
37
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$48,653
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,170
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.5%
Advanced Degrees
16%
% Population in Labor Force
62.1%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
72/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 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.
