EVEN IF YOU LIVE ON CAMPUS, you’ll probably (read: you should) make your way out to the neighborhoods that surround UW-Eau Claire. Here’s a quick rundown:

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1 Randall Park

Tons of students live this area. The Historic Randall Park Neighborhood is home to thousands of students, but also some of the oldest homes in Eau Claire and plenty of families. Named after the park that sits in the center (with the statue of ol’ Adin Randall himself), this is a nice neighborhood to call home after the residence halls.

2 Third Ward

The Third Ward – creatively named after its voting district – hosts a perfect mix of family homes, students, and young professionals in gorgeously eclectic houses. The neighborhood is known to many students as just a parking lot, but take a walk through and you’ll see a couple of gorgeous parks, community gardens, and more.

3 Putnam Heights

Just off upper campus you’ll find Shopko and Wendy’s, but tucked behind that is Putnam Heights, a large residential area that connects the downtown with Eau Claire’s south side. The neighborhood is dotted with ballparks and other sports facilities shared by the university and city.

4 Downtown

Beyond the shops, restaurants, and bars that line Barstow Street are a number of residences. With a generally young population, Downtown has been bustling with new construction and renovations.

5 Eastside Hill

Just up the hill from downtown, the Eastside Hill is made up of young families, students, and young professionals alike. There is great access to the city’s bike trails, and Boyd Park is one of the city’s most active, with events all year and a basketball court that’s crawling with pickup games. Watch for their massive thrift sale day in early May.


Most neighborhoods have active neighborhood associations that maintain websites, host events, and are there to help.

Find yours through the City of Eau Claire’s website or on Facebook.