The legend goes like this: Early French explorers were making their way down the dirty Chippewa River— mud-ridden and murky from the rain— in search of fresh water to drink. They were thirsty, tired and losing hope when one man stumbled upon a then-unnamed body of water, rejoicing, "Voici l'eau claire!"(“Here is clear water!”) The group stayed on the banks of what is now the Eau Claire River to settle the area and thus, the birth of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Today, the quaint community of 65,000 (its metro area reaches out to 114,000) has retained its small-town roots while offering visitors a variety of modern amenities. Nowadays, if you are thinking about relocating to the area, you won’t need to worry about potable water but you will want the inside scoop on where to find the best places to live. Here, we’ll guide you through the city and show you how to snag the house, apartment or condo that’s right for you.
About Eau Claire
This college town in northwestern Wisconsin sits about an hour and a half from St. Paul, Minnesota amid the “Driftless Zone,” a geographical peculiarity that, due to a lack of glacial drift, left the region with deep river valleys. But don’t be fooled by the “vast-nothingness” sound of the name. Eau Claire, Wisconsin is plenty populated with bustling college students, avid sports fans (“Go Bluegolds!”), and a thriving commercial district. The city holds the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Immanuel Lutheran College, as well as a couple of trade schools, making it vibrant and politically diverse. In 2007, Eau Claire was named by America’s Promise Group as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People.
Over the years, the economy has changed. At one point, the ex-lumber town was home to more than 20 saw mills but today it’s largely based around computer hardware manufacturers. Since the 1990s, a number of these companies such as Hutchinson Technology and IDEXX Laboratories have made their home in Eau Claire. The fact that it is a college town also makes healthcare a big industry (there are two hospitals here) and this is one of the other big job providers.
Eau Claire boasts several national statistics that make it stand out: Its cost of living is almost 10 percent less than national average and conspicuously low unemployment - 2 percent below the nationwide average. It has very little crime (almost none of which is violent) and negligible traffic. Places like Carson Park, Lake Altoona, and Fall Creek offer favorite outdoor activities like camping, fishing and hiking while the Hobbs Ice Arena, Old Mill antique stores and growing number of farmer’s market provide fun inside the city. It is somewhat conservative politically, but the college brings in a liberal contingency too, especially noticeable downtown. In addition to being football fans, folks here love soccer and the large, indoor sports facility downtown proves it.
The drawback, aside from sounding like an elliptical, cream filled pastry, is that some say the city has higher property taxes (though others argue that helps keep the city clean and safe.) New implants to the area also need to be prepared for three months of brutally cold weather. That said, most agree the city is laid back and its low crime makes for a great place to raise a family.
Finding a Place
While most cities have certain parts of town that are less desirable, if not out and out slums, Eau Claire, Wisconsin is a bit of an exception. Even the older parts of town here are fairly safe and well-kept. The best time to rent, by far, is in May through August when the students are packing up and leaving. Lots of apartments, condos, multiplexes and rental houses become available in this season. Though it is “not impossible” to find rental housing at other points during the year, property managers say the selection becomes “much more limited.” With that in mind, try to time your move during the summer months. In addition to finding a better house, you will enjoy the sunshine that comes around (average temps in the 70s) this time of year.
Neighborhoods in Eau Claire
West End/Shawtown
This is the oldest part of town and along with it comes both the charms and frustrations of living in older units. You will certainly find a lovely display of history, architecture and style. On the flipside, you may find that your sink leaks or your refrigerator makes strange sounds in the night – like it is sneaking out with that shifty meat freezer from down the street. Housing will be more affordable here — a definite upshot— and there isn’t the violent crime found in some city’s older districts. However, you won’t get the amenities or convenience either.
College Area/Water Street
This is the central part of town where all the kids live. Along Water Street there is a definitive “college bar scene” and the downtown area also boasts lots of nightlife. There are apartments, duplexes, and college housing, to suit most fancies, and prices are reasonable. In addition to cheap rent, the neighborhood’s proximity to eating, drinking, shopping, and other activities makes it a great spot to call home, as long as you can tolerate the noise.
South/Southeast Oakwood Mall
Both the southern and southeastern parts of Eau Claire are where you find the most new developments. In the south, this includes US 53 and an area called Brackett; in the southeast, it is from London Road on east. Although there are subdivisions in other parts of town too, these sections have a distinctly quieter, more suburban feel to them. Oakland Mall is here and all of the big chain stores such as Walmart, Target and K-Mart. There are chain restaurants like Applebee’s (getting tingly with excitement) and a variety of strip malls. The south part of town is where the schools are considered the best and for people with families. Rent is slightly higher but if you are looking for a quiet, safe place to nestle in Eau Claire, these are the spots for you.
Seymour
This section of town is in the far northeast and, apart from Shawtown, it's Eau Claire's oldest. Like its neighbor to the west, it has cheaper housing but also has its share of creaks and fixer-uppers. Because all of Eau Claire is pretty safe, crime isn’t a major consideration, even in these older districts.
North End/Lake Hallie
As you move farther north you get into a section of Eau Claire technically outside city limits, but many choose to live here. It is north of La Salle Road on the way to Lake Hallie and eventually Chippewa Falls. Many don’t know that rent is cheaper here (this goes for all of Chippewa Falls and most of the stretches between the two). The scenery has a rural feel here and you’re likely to find a place with a little more land. It is quieter and if you don’t mind a bit of a commute, it is likely you will find something that fits your needs north of town. You will have to drive (the public bus doesn’t go that far out), but the Outer Bypass offers an expressway road where residents can travel at 65 mph.
Transportation
Eau Claire is quite progressive as far as Midwestern towns go and it boasts excellent bike trails and up and coming urban pathways/networks. (The only thing in your way is a quarter-long wall of winter). There is a great public bus system that services most neighborhoods, though if you are outside of town you will need to drive. Locals note that parking is “terrible” by the university and you should “forget about it” if you’re trying to find a spot there. Elsewhere, parking is not bad and traffic has very little if any congestion. In all, transportation is quite nice in Eau Claire.
In Conclusion
Whether you have been to Planet Claire, subscribe to Marie Claire, or have sweaters that look like they were purchased for you by Claire Huxtable, Eau Claire welcomes you and your quaintness with open arms – arms adorned with a big puffy parka.
