Living in Eau Claire, WI: A Local’s Guide to Jobs, Neighborhoods & Community
Eau Claire, Wisconsin is the largest and fastest growing city in Western Wisconsin, with a population of about 75,000. Built at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, this beautiful riverside city is a regional hub of both business and the arts, and is considered one of the most desirable places to live in Wisconsin. If you’re considering moving to a neighborhood in Eau Claire, it’s a good idea to learn a little more about what this community has to offer. Keep reading for a closer look at the essentials of living in Eau Claire. What are Winters Like in Eau Claire, WI? Western Wisconsin is a temperate climate, and those moving to Eau Claire will experience winters that aren’t always mild. Eau Claire typically experiences an annual snowfall of about 47 inches. Daily winter temperatures in Eau Claire usually have highs of 24-30ºF and lows of 8-14ºF. These conditions are normal for both Wisconsin and the Midwest as a whole, but this type of winter weather might come as a surprise to homeowners moving from other parts of the country. Is Eau Claire an Expensive Place to Live? The overall cost of living in Eau Claire is pretty average for the United States, if not slightly more affordable than average. AreaVibes gives Eau Claire a cost of living score of 98, which is slightly lower than the national average (100) and slightly higher than the statewide average for Wisconsin (96). The cost of housing in Eau Claire is more affordable than the national average, while most other day-to-day costs such as transportation, groceries, and utilities, are right around the average. In summary, it’s not expensive to live in Eau Claire but it might not be what you consider “cheap,” either. What are the Best Places That Younger Professionals Will Love in Eau Claire? Younger professionals who decide to plant their roots in Eau Claire will find many great places to explore, including: Chippewa & Eau Claire Rivers – The two big rivers that meet in Eau Claire provide younger professionals with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including kayaking, tubing, and fishing. There are also scenic walking trails along the banks of both rivers. Pablo Center at the Confluence – Younger professionals will love this modern arts hub in downtown Eau Claire, which features theater, concerts, galleries, and performances year-round. Chippewa River State Trail – This 30-mile riverside trail, which can be used for biking, running, and cross-country skiing, conveniently connects to downtown Eau Claire. Historic Districts – Eau Claire’s Randall Park and Water Street neighborhoods are lined with charming homes from the 1800s and early 1900s. Younger professionals with an appreciation for architecture may enjoy walking through these historic neighborhoods. Are There Good Employment Opportunities in Eau Claire? Eau Claire is a great place for working professionals to live. This city is home to several large employers, with many job opportunities available. Some of the largest employers in Eau Claire are: Menards – This large home improvement retailer has been headquartered in Eau Claire since the company was founded in 1960. The largest employer in Eau Claire, Menards has about 11,500 local employees, with jobs ranging from marketing and IT office positions to retail, warehousing, and distribution. Mayo Clinic – The Eau Claire branch of this world-renowned healthcare system employs roughly 5,500 residents, with positions available for physicians, nurses, technicians, administrative staff, and support services. Eau Claire Area School District – The largest public school district in western Wisconsin, with around 1,500 Eau Claire residents in its employ. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire – The local branch of the University of Wisconsin public post-secondary education system, UWEC employs over 1,000 residents. Move to an Amazing Neighborhood in Eau Claire If you are interested in moving to Eau Claire, consider living in a home in one of the beautiful neighborhoods built by C&E Wurzer Builders. To learn more about our local neighborhoods and custom homes in Eau Claire, give us a call today! Let’s Build Ready To Build Your Home? Ready to create your dream home? Contact us today to start your custom build journey with C&E Wurzer Builders and turn your vision into reality! Start building