Moving To Eau Claire (Wausau, Menomonie: crime, buy, theater)

[fhn]

Hello,
I'm a 20 year-old male from Phoenix, Arizona who is moving to Eau Claire later this month and I have no idea what to expect besides cold weather. I think I'm going to be close to Dells Pond, if I'm not mistaken. I visited Wausau last May, and though it was green and the weather was nice, it felt very lonely and depressing for some reason. Nobody seemed very happy and there was nothing to do. I just didnt like the vibe of that place at all and I want to know what it's like in EC. I'm very much used to living in a big city with plenty to do and people to mingle with. (Art crowds, musicians and such.)

What can I expect and what is there to do around town?
I also heard Menominie is a decent small town as well.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

[fhn]

Please?

[dreamhunter65]

not sure what to tell ya college town so alot of younger people that you can hang with.

[StonesThrow]

My daughter now lives in Minneapolis, and love's it. If you're looking for things to do like art, music etc., it's only 90 minutes away from E.C. or 60 minutes from Menomonie.

If you're used to the big city life, you won't find it in these towns. If you like oudoors stuff, biking, snow sports, hunting you can't beat it. And oh,by the way, it's pretty safe around here.

[adam76]

I think the lack of posts says it all . If you don't make friends, the winter will long, dark and lonely. Any reason why it must be Eau Claire?

[jsta_grl22]

Wow I am doing the opposite...moving from Eau Claire to either AZ or NV. There really isn't much to do here, although it is a college town there are a lot of bars and water street where all the college kids hang out. Other than that...yeah. It's really cold here, like winter 9 mos out of the year, so be ready for that.

Also, they do have the state theater and I believe an orchestra and the Chippewa Valley symphony. There are always things going on on the UW campus and downtown, like concerts and open mic nights.

I agree with the other poster tho. I visit Minneapolis frequently and thats where its at. However, the crime and cost of living in Eau Claire is much lower.

[fhn]

Thank you.

[wisconsinwoman]

I lived in Eau Claire for 6 years and only left for a job. It is a great place -- I have lived in a number of other states and areas and Eau Claire is by far my favorite. There is lots to do, especially if you like th outdoors. Besides the great outdoors, there are a variety of events and activities all year around. There are colleges and the University of Wisconsin there, which offer classes and various events, activities, productions. There are outdoor concerts in the summer, various festivals, a farmer's market, live theatre, movie theatres, lots of coffee shops.....There's a good mall and great thrift shops. It's safe, and people are friendlier there than anywhere else I've ever lived. It's 90 miles from Minneapolis if you want to visit the city, and of course the "cities" (St. Paul and Minneapolis) have all that a major metropolitan area offers. Check out the smaller towns nearby such as Fall Creek where you can explore the Beaver Creek Nature Reserve and Chippewa Falls where there is a nice park with small zoo. You probably don't care for antiques at 20 years of age, but there are lots of great antique places around the area. Menomonie is very nice with the university there. Lakes and rivers abound. Lake Altoona is right next to Eau Claire and Altoona and offers a beach and park area. Lake Wissota, a state park is not too far away. There are great parks and trails in Eau Claire and the surrounding area. If you have a dog, check out the city wells where there are lots and lots of nice trails. Carson Park is a superb park with a baseball diamond, museums, great trails. Cost of living is low in Eau Claire, crime is low and there's lots to do with a great quality of life! Don't let the winter get you down -- take a class in snowshoeing or learn to cross country ski. There are all kinds of activities ---ask someone to take you ice fishing! Check out Savers - a great thrift store with great deals --- you can buy your winter sweaters there for next to nothing like new!

[wisconsinwoman]

Also -- it's approaching apple season. There are a bunch of apple orchards in the area, fun to visit and sample the various freshly picked apples and pies and such.