[Carinthia]

We're looking for a place to settle down in and the greater Eau Claire area has somehow come into the foreground. I don't know how or why but it's all I'm thinking about. We live in tiny village on the Mississippi in Missouri. It's real scenic but has zero infrastructure (crunchy or otherwise).

Do you like it in the area? What do you not like? I would appreciate any and all information.

 

[miss_honeyb]

I don't live there, but dh grew up in Chippewa Falls and my inlaws live there now. I think you're probably going to find some of the same things as where you are - VERY beautiful country, relatively peaceful area, but I don't know of any crunchy pockets there. But like I said, I don't live there myself so I could be wrong!

 

[junebugmidwife]

Maybe you'd find the Kickapoo Valley more what you're looking for? It's the area around Viroqua, WI--about an hour-ish east of La Crosse; home of Organic Valley--quite crunchy.

 

[Carinthia]

Thank you both for your input. It's interesting though: The area looks so good "on paper": food coop, farmers market, bus system, brew pup, montessori school and homeschoolers, the description of the landscape and the recreational opportunities sound wonderful as well. For us anything would be an improvement. It's getting old having to drive 90 miles to go to the doctor or find a store that has what I need......and also being the only mom around........

 

[Beryll]

I'm in Eau Claire, and I like it here. Then again, I haven't lived anywhere else.

: I love the farmer's market, but haven't spent much time at the local/natural foods store. Several of the larger grocery stores have decent natural foods sections as well, and pretty much any grocery store will have what you are looking for.

There is lots of mainstream shopping, but nothing for cloth diapers, carriers, things like that, then again, that's what the internet is for

. There are one or two locally owned toy stores in town, but for some reason they tend to not stay in business very long. There is also a large downtown project underway to add some housing, shopping, etc. as well as to "clean up" the neighborhood.

I know there are playgroups and communities of moms here... but as we are expecting our first any day now, I haven't really looked into that too much yet.

The area is beautiful, lots of trees, and there are a lot of parks in the city. The bus system is underused, but will get you pretty much anywhere you need to go.

The school district has been unable to pass a referendum for additional funds, so there is some question as to whether or not the Montessori school will stay open, but overall it's still a good district.

I'm sure there is a lot more I could say... but you can PM me if you want more information. If Eau Claire turns out not to be for you, Menomonie is 20-25 minutes from here is somewhat smaller and also has a co-op, farmer's market (I think), birthing center, and a fantastic chocolate shop.