Moving to Tomah (Eau Claire, Onalaska, Monroe: sales, apartments, crime)

[marinemail05]

Hello, I am starting a new job in Tomah next month and I have just started looking for apartments. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available online. I did find a place off of Murdock st that looks nice. My question is, does Tomah have a "bad part of town"? It seems like a very nice area so i'm assuming not but was just wondering. I am a single male in my mid 20's moving here from the Chicago Suburb area. I grew up in a small town of about 6-7000 in Iowa so I'm use to small size. However, even in our small town there were area's of the town that had a little higher crime rate. I appreciate any information you can give me. Thanks!!

[KC3700]

When I was in school I had an instructor from Tomah. He never told me of a bad part up there. Looking at it on a map, I doubt that there is a bad section up there. They have an average of 18 crimes per 1000 residents, which is really low, even lower than in the surrounding county (Monroe).

Bottom line, you'll be safe up there.

[chiak]

I am from suburban Chicago-I need to tell you- went to the county fair in Tomah and while there may not be a BAD area- there def. are many run down apartment buildings! So def. look into the actual building and landlord to make sure you don't get a slum lord! But you will def. enjoy it up in sw WI! Much less crowded than CHI and the bluffs are really cool. The fog in the morning is amazing! The bike trails are great- especially riding along the Mississippi in Onalaska! There is a nice outdoor patio sevenbridges with a view of Lake Onalaska (we thought it was the river). Onalaska is the newer retail center of the area maybe 20-25 minutes west of Tomah, just north of LAX.
I could go on and on....good luck with the move.

[marinemail05]

I appreciate the information. I'm leaning towards a 2 bd 1 bath by Tomah Lumber that is located off of Mark Ave. I like it cause it has an attached garage. And I hear its a nice neighborhood but then I also here all of Tomah is very nice.

[Dkan]

Tomah is a really nice area. You won't hear much about serious crimes there, however there are some weird crimes that occur. Pretty much every year there is a Chinese restaurant caught cooking domesticated animals (no joke). The schools can be a bit "rough" up there in a way. All in all though its a highly recommended area. Hopefully you'll enjoy it there as much as I do!

[marinemail05]

Darn, I like chinese food too.... haha Yeah I think it will be a good time. I dont have kids so the school part isnt a big deal. Thanks for the info. I'm driving up on Thursday to check some apartments/townhouses out.

[Annyz]

I was from a Chi suburb myself before moving up here. Not to worry...crime as you know it basically just does not exist here. There are some petty thefts, an occasional shooting or stabbing (domestic, drunks) but they are very few and far between. Drugs can be a problem in any area but is relatively minimal compared to metro areas. Undercover operations are very effectively controlling the drug dealing and trafficking so I wouldn't be too concerned.
You will get along fine with just about everyone if you don't put on "airs". Take people for what they are and go with the flow. People here are pretty laid back and friendly.
In Tomah there is a L...O....N..G...main street that goes from the north to south end of town. I think it is several miles long. There are business' lining both sides of the street. The northern end seems to have more new business (spread out) while the southern end consists of the established older section of town with stores next to each other with sidewalks.
(If you need dental care, try looking up a dentist by the name of Mueller. Best dentist I have ever had. Does great work, very efficient, competent and friendly staff and best of all....practically painless!)
At the northern end you can jump on the Interstate for a drive to Eau Claire..about 1 1/2 hour drive. At the southern end you can catch the Interstate to take you to LaCrosse. Not sure but might be about the same time drive.
I don't travel around much off the main road in Tomah, but from what I have seen the area seems to have a "neighborhood" feel with most homes and yards being taken care of and not unsightly or in run down condition.
At the edge of town, in any direction, you will be out in the country! Beautiful scenery, hills, valleys and farms. I'm sure you can find plenty of fishing spots although I don't know where they are myself!
If you like bargain hunting, there are always plenty of home and farm auctions, garage sales and there is a Goodwill store in town too.
Oh and by the way, don't be surprised to find an Amish buggy hitched to a light post in the Wal-Mart parking lot! There are many Amish families in the area that live on the outskirts of town.
Good luck to you and welcome to Wisconsin!

[Wingfoot]

Originally Posted by Dkan

Tomah is a really nice area. You won't hear much about serious crimes there, however there are some weird crimes that occur. Pretty much every year there is a Chinese restaurant caught cooking domesticated animals (no joke). The schools can be a bit "rough" up there in a way. All in all though its a highly recommended area. Hopefully you'll enjoy it there as much as I do!

All Chinese do this, they just get caught in WI(no joke)