“The postindustrial town is reinventing itself as an outdoorsy cultural mecca, complete with new boutique hotels, locavore restaurants and an $80 million arts complex at the meeting point of two scenic rivers.”
“This is by far the most spirited and quirky town to make our list. This small Wisconsin city boasts high-paying jobs, a great university, a low unemployment rate, and a very low cost of living.”
Eau Claire seems poised, ready for its next chapter, making significant strides … Coming here now, it feels like you’re in on the ground floor of something good, with more to come.
The Chippewa River runs through this city, with loads of trails, parks, even beaches, and a shiny waterfront downtown is rolling in locally owned shops and locally sourced eats.
...young adults are moving to or staying in Eau Claire for its affordable housing, recreational opportunities, music and arts scenes, local businesses and more.
— The Cap Times
There’s easily an afternoon’s worth of browsing the city’s various shops, some of which are owned by young Eau Claire natives who left and moved back.
By all means, go to Eau Claire for the music and libations. But be sure to return for the outdoor adventure, scenery and homegrown artistry to be enjoyed.
Eau Claire is the best city in Wisconsin you haven't been to.
public safety
96% of Eau Claire residents report feeling safe in their neighborhood.
The National Citizen Survey (2016)
kids & family
90% of Eau Claire residents said the city is an excellent place to raise children.
The National Citizen Survey (2016)
home ownership
$275,000 median home sale price for Eau Claire County.
Realtor.com (2023)
your time
Mean travel time to work in the city of Eau Claire.
U.S. Census Bureau (2019)
public safety
Violent crimes in Eau Claire are 63% lower than the national average
FBI / areavibes.com (2020 / 2021)
save more
What costs $1 in EC will cost $1.10 in Minneapolis and $1.30 in Chicago.
Council for Community and Economic Research (2018)
Becky Witt
Wholistic Nutrition
Moved from Madison, WI in 2016
Wesley Escondo
Eau Claire Community Foundation
Moved from Chicago in 2012
Mike & Amy Muehlbauer
Prosperity Home Loans
Moved from Lakeville, MN in 2008
Brit Heymans
Feed My People Food Bank
Moved from Minneapolis, MN in 2018
Danny & Stephanie Pohnl
Nicolet Bank & CVTC
Moved from St. Louis Park, MN in 2017
Jason Abbs
Veritas Steel
Moved from Houston, TX in 2018
Mai Vue Xiong
Bakke Norman Law Offices, S.C.
Moved back here from Madison, WI in 2010
Most communities have at least some good. But some places have a lot of good — and Eau Claire is one of them. Dig into the guide below for the low down on everything that makes this place so great — the events, music, recreation, neighborhoods, and more that make up a truly outstanding place to live.
An ambitious community like Eau Claire always has a plan for the next big thing. These are a few of the major projects currently in development.
One decade after the first announcement of a huge donation by UW-Eau Claire alumni John and Carolyn Sonnentag and two years after groundbreaking on the project, what is now known as The Sonnentag opened in July 2024. The 226,000-square-foot, $122 million facility along Menomonie Street, east of Clairemont Avenue, is the new home to UW-Eau Claire Blugolds basketball, indoor football practice, sports medicine, and more.
The 52-acre parcel on Altoona’s West side along the Eau Claire River features commercial and residential development as well as public facilities such as a marketplace, an amphitheater, and walking and biking trails.
After securing a significant federal planning grant, Eau Claire’s transit hub concept is a seven-story mixed use building housing public buses and other transportation modes, plus shops and apartments.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library reopened its doors in 2022 after a yearlong $18.5 million renovation. The 46-year-old building occupies the same footprint at the intersection of South Farwell and Eau Claire streets. But a whole lot has changed – inside, outside, above, below, and behind the scenes. View video and photos »
The Cannery is a major redevelopment district near downtown along the Chippewa River. Projects currently under construction include a destination brewery/event venue. But ambitious future plans include a park, apartments, and a pocket neighborhood.
Think Eau Claire is a project of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more about opportunities in Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley through the following organizations:
Grow Your Career You’ve got talents and passion. Let us help you find your next opportunity (and shorter commute) in advanced manufacturing, tech, and more. Live Comfortably Good schools. Quality health care. Four great seasons. What more could you hope for? You’ll appreciate the lower cost of living in Wisconsin. Have a Good Time You’ll love life as a Wisconsinite. Take it slow on the lake. (We’ve got over 15,000 of them.) Enjoy city life. You really can have it all. Feel Supported If you’re a veteran or plan to leave military service soon, we have benefits and resources just for you. We’re here to help you feel at home.
