If you’re planning to move to the greater Twin Cities metro but you’d prefer to live in a more rural community with a small town feel, consider Hudson, Wisconsin. Built on the shores of the St. Croix River just across the Minnesota state border line, Hudson is a city of about 15,000 that is regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in Wisconsin.
Before moving to Hudson, you’ll probably want to learn more about what it’s like to live in this charming city. In this guide, we’ll look more closely at the experience of living in Hudson and why it might be a good fit for you.
What are Winters Like in Hudson, WI?
Both younger professionals and retirees are sometimes hesitant to move to Western Wisconsin because of concerns about bad winter weather. Hudson experiences a full range of seasons, and that includes winters that can be cold and snowy. The average annual snowfall in Hudson is 47 inches, which is average for the state of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, but well above average for the USA as a whole. During the winter months, Hudson typically experiences highs of 25-32ºF and lows of 6-12ºF.
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Is Hudson an Expensive Place to Live?
AreaVibes gave Hudson a cost of living score of 109. This means that living in Hudson is about 9% more expensive than the average cost of living nationwide, and about 13% more expensive than the average cost of living in Wisconsin. The main reason for this higher cost of living is that homes in Hudson are more expensive due to the location being extremely desirable. However, everyday costs such as utilities, healthcare, groceries, and transportation are standard for the US.
What are the Best Places That Younger Professionals Will Love in Hudson?
Younger professionals moving to Hudson will find a lot of places to fall in love within this community, such as:
- Historic Downtown Hudson – In downtown Hudson, you can browse 19th-century buildings that feature an eclectic mix of boutiques, antiques, home goods, and cafés.
- St. Croix Riverwalk & Lakefront Park – Younger professionals living in Hudson can enjoy regular walks on waterfront trails, relax with scenic riverfront picnics, and attend summer concerts in the bandshell.
- Willow River State Park – Just 5 miles north of Hudson, this scenic state park features hiking, mountain biking, and the 100-foot-tall Willow Falls. In winter, you can snowshoe or cross‑country ski here.
- Phipps Center for the Arts – Younger professionals with a taste for the arts will love this modern venue for theatre, music, dance, and visual arts. Of note to music enthusiasts, the center is home to a rare Wurlitzer theatre organ.
Are There Good Employment Opportunities in Hudson?
Many younger professionals choose to make the move to Hudson because there are many employment opportunities both in the city and nearby. Commuters can drive to St. Paul in about 25 minutes and downtown Minneapolis in about 40 minutes. Within the city of Hudson, some of the biggest employers are:
- Phillips Medisize – A medical device manufacturer with a workforce estimated between 1,000–5,000 employees, making them the largest employer in the Hudson area.
- St. Croix County – As the county seat, Hudson houses the county government, which employs 500–1,000 people for public services such as health, welfare, and administration.
- Andersen Corporation – A major window and door manufacturer with facilities across the river in Bayport, MN, that is a large employer in the region.
- Hudson Hospital & Clinic – A major employer for healthcare jobs in Hudson.
Are You Interested in Moving to Hudson, WI?
C&E Wurzer Builders is a family-owned home builder that builds both neighborhoods and custom homes in Hudson and beyond. Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in moving to Hudson, WI, and you’d like to learn more about our home builds in the area!
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