UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
Eau Claire, WI is the #78 Best City to Live in the USA
| Eau Claire, WI Quality of Life Liv Score 605 How We Calculate Our Data |
|---|
| Civics | 55 |
| Demographics | 17 |
| Economy | 67 |
| Education | 65 |
| Health | 68 |
| Housing | 72 |
| Infrastructure | 47 |
| Amenities | 53 |
Why Eau Claire is one of the best cities to live in
Once defined as a lumber town, today Eau Claire, WI, is a thriving city with a dynamic arts and culture scene that gets top billing. But the arts aren‘t the only thing taking center stage in this Wisconsin hot spot. The economy here is robust, with several major development projects in the works and a low unemployment rate, which make Eau Claire one of the best places to live in the U.S. Also, thanks to the highly-rated school system and the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the city is highly educated and a great place to raise a growing family.
It’s not all business here, though! With miles of trails, great public parks and an exciting craft brewing scene, the fun is never done in Eau Claire. If you’re looking to go off the beaten path, Eau Claire is the proud host city of the U.S. Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship – yes, it’s exactly as cool as it sounds! With plenty of hiking and biking spots, groomed cross-country skiing trails, and rivers to go kayaking and tubing in, outdoors lovers have no problem filling up their weekends here, too.
Health care, manufacturing and technology contribute to a diverse economy in Eau Claire. The Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire Area School District and the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire are among the city’s top employers.
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire gets all four seasons in full force. Summers and winters are for outdoor recreation, and autumns are for apple picking.
Bike, walk, run or cross-country ski along the Chippewa River State Trail, a 30-mile trail that you can hop on from downtown Eau Claire.
Eau Claire, WI is Remote-Ready
Both the average home costs and rent costs are below the national average in Eau Claire, and the city has access to internet speeds of 1,000 Mbps on average. As well as having a vast suburban feel that’s perfect for families, Eau Claire offers remote workers one ticket to the Country Jam music festival or two tickets to the Pablo Center performing arts venue.
What Locals Love in Eau Claire, WI
Dotters Books is a fun, locally-owned shop that hosts a story time and a book club and sells subscription boxes.
Spend the late morning and early afternoon shopping and listening to live music at the Downtown Eau Claire Farmers Market. Then, see a show at the Pablo Center at the Confluence, a cultural gem downtown that houses 1,200- and 400-seat theaters plus galleries.
See how many of the 80 sculptures you can find throughout Eau Claire. The public can even vote for their favorite sculptures.
Find your next favorite beer at The Brewing Projekt, where you’ll find wild sours and bold IPAs. You’ll want to take a six-pack home, too, because the pretty cans will turn your fridge into an art gallery.
Eau Claire is the horseradish capital of the world.
A robust economy, top-notch school system and thriving arts scene make Eau Claire a best place to live in Wisconsin.
Thinking of Moving to Eau Claire?
Whether you want to purchase a studio near the University of Wisconsin or a 6-bedroom house in the countryside, the Eau Claire, WI real estate market can cater to your every need. One of Eau Claire’s most attractive features is its housing affordability, with homes selling for a median price of $261K. There are beautiful, historic Victorian-era homes for sale in Eau Claire, WI, but also upmarket urban apartments, lofts, and new builds costing only 80% of the average in Minneapolis Metro in both existing and recent neighborhoods developments. If you consider making Eau Claire your home, the local eXp real estate agents can help.
Quick Facts About Eau Claire, WI
- Average Commute
- 13.31
- Median Home Value
- $222,327
- Med. Household Income
- $63,984
- Total Population
- 70,098
- Walk Score
- 33
- Median Property Tax
- $3,124
