Where to Live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin: A Local’s Guide to the Best Neighborhoods 🏡

Hey everyone! Dan (and Daisy 🐶) here from the Living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin YouTube channel. If you’re thinking about moving to Eau Claire—or just trying to understand the layout of the city—this guide is for you. After helping more than 500 families buy and sell homes, and managing a moving company that helped another 600–800 people relocate, I’ve literally driven every square mile of roadway in Eau Claire.

I’ve lived here my whole life, across nearly every part of the city, and I’ve made it my mission to create the online resources I wish existed years ago. So let’s break down where to live in Eau Claire based on neighborhoods, walkability, price points, and overall vibes. 🌟

How Eau Claire Is Divided 🗺️

If you're looking at a map, Eau Claire is essentially split into three main areas:

• North Side
  
  
• Downtown / Third Ward area
  
  
• South Side
  
  

Clairemont Avenue is the dividing line between north and south, with downtown hugging the rivers and city center.

1. The North Side of Eau Claire (54703) 🌲

Vibe:

Quiet, established, residential, less commercial—but still close to everything.

What to Know:

The north side was largely developed from the 1940s–1970s. Neighborhoods here include:

• The Planets Neighborhood
  
  
• The Airport Neighborhood
  
  
• The West North Side
  
  

These neighborhoods wrap around the small local airport and feature well-maintained homes with mature trees and friendly communities. 🌳

Price Point:

Generally $250,000–$325,000, with some outliers depending on condition, updates, and smaller pockets of newer construction.

Pros:

• Better affordability compared to the south side 💰
  
  
• Clean, well-maintained neighborhoods
  
  
• Strong sense of community
  
  
• Great starter homes for first-time buyers 🏠
  
  

Cons:

Less commercial development means you’ll drive 10–15 minutes to get to big stores like Walmart, Target, or dental/medical offices. If you’re like me and love being 2 minutes from everything… that’s something to consider! 🚗

2. Downtown Eau Claire & Third Ward 🌉

Vibe:

Historic, walkable, artsy, mixed with college-town energy 🎓

Downtown Eau Claire is a blend of:

• Historic Victorian homes from the 1800s
  
  
• Early-1900s homes (many are student rentals)
  
  
• Renovated rentals
  
  
• High-end properties backing the forest
  
  
• Amazing river views along the Chippewa & Eau Claire Rivers 🌊
  
  

The Third Ward—a sub-section of downtown—is the most walkable neighborhood in the city. It's surrounded by Putnam Park, a preserved 200+ acre forest right in the heart of Eau Claire. Trails run straight through the woods, connecting you to UW-Eau Claire, shops, parks, and cafes.

Price Point:

A huge range:

• $170,000–$200,000 for student-area homes
  
  
• $800,000+ for restored historic estates backing Putnam Park or the riverfront
  
  

Pros:

• Most walkable part of Eau Claire 🚶‍♀️
  
  
• Trails, forests, and rivers right outside your door 🌲
  
  
• Close to UWEC, hospitals, tech companies
  
  
• Tons of local culture, festivals, coffee shops, and boutique stores ☕🎭
  
  

Cons:

• Student rental pockets can mean noise, parking congestion, and houses close together
  
  
• Historic homes require more upkeep
  
  
• Prices vary dramatically
  
  

If I personally had the budget for the high-end historic homes along Putnam Park? I’d move there in a heartbeat. ❤️

3. East Hill (Bonus Neighborhood) 🎁

Vibe:

Charming, quiet, family-friendly, central.

East Hill sits between downtown and the south side—not fully either. It’s a large neighborhood full of character, walkable streets, and convenient access to schools.

Price Point:

Around $250,000 on average.

Why People Love It:

• Close to Memorial High School
  
  
• Near Regis High School and nearby elementary schools 🏫
  
  
• Easy access to Hastings Way, making cross-town travel quick
  
  
• Great balance of affordability and convenience ⚖️
  
  

4. South Side of Eau Claire 🛍️

Vibe:

Newer development, suburban convenience, shopping hub.

The south side is the most developed part of Eau Claire, growing from the 1970s to today. This area is full of modern neighborhoods, cul-de-sacs, and expanding subdivisions.

Putnam Heights:

Located just across Claremont Avenue, this is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.

• Built from the 1960s–1970s
  
  
• Average price point around $290,000–$310,000
  
  
• Minutes from everything—but still feels quiet and residential
  
  

South Side Perks:

It’s the area with ALL the amenities:

• Walmart, Target, Aldi
  
  
• Hobby Lobby, HomeGoods, Michaels
  
  
• Scheels, Best Buy, Sam’s Club
  
  
• Chipotle and tons of food options 🌮
  
  
• The largest dog park in Eau Claire 🐕
  
  

Honestly? I live here mainly because I’m 2 minutes from my favorite gym and a place that sells giant burritos. 🌯

Price Point:

Most homes in the south side range from $300,000 and up, with newer developments expanding even further south.

Why People Move Here:

Many out-of-state buyers relocating from places like California, Oregon, and Texas quickly realize their dollars stretch dramatically further here. A $650,000 home in Eau Claire is stunning compared to what that buys on the West Coast. 😲

Final Thoughts 💬

Eau Claire is a growing, thriving, artsy, and highly livable city with homes for every lifestyle:

• North Side: affordability + quiet neighborhoods
  
  
• Downtown / Third Ward: walkability + culture + historic charm
  
  
• East Hill: family-friendly + centrally located
  
  
• South Side: convenience + shopping + newer homes
  
  

Wherever you’re looking, my team and I are here to help. 🙌

I’ve driven every street, lived in nearly every neighborhood, and helped hundreds of families relocate here successfully. And now—with our expanded team and in-house lending partners—we’re a one-stop shop for anyone moving to Eau Claire or the surrounding area.

If you're thinking of relocating, feel free to reach out:
Text, email, smoke signals, carrier pigeon—we’ll get it. 📱🕊️

Until next time, guys—see you soon! 👋