Rural Village of Eagle River City, Wisconsin Beckons to Outdoor Enthusiasts

Cost-of-Living:  Below U.S. National Average

Eagle River City, Wisconsin is a small community (1,600 people) that draws those who enjoy cool summers, cold winters, fresh air, sparkling lakes and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.   Located on the Eagle River in the northern portion of the state, this is Northwoods country, where the stresses of city life are left far behind and wildlife is more plentiful than people.   More retirees are discovering this peaceful destination (27% of the population is aged 65 and upwards), choosing to live in town, along the River, in the woods or along the Eagle River Chain of Lakes, a string of 28 navigable, freshwater lakes that dot the surrounding area.

Condominiums and single-family homes can be found in town, and lots, old vacation homes and single-family homes are available throughout the surrounding countryside.  Real estate prices have increased during the last five years, but in many cases, property is still reasonably-priced.   In town, there are several new condominium complexes, and very nice, 1,400 square foot, maintenance-free units on the water can be found for $140,000 to $300,000.  Single-family homes on the water tend to start in the high $300,000s.   Cute, single-family homes (2,000 square feet) in town but not on the River start at $69,000 and top out at about $299,000 (4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths).  Eagle Estates is a new, planned community with homes from $120,000 and an 18 hole golf course.  

While some retirees choose to live in town, the real draw of this area is the dense, wooded land surrounding it, where lakes seem to appear around every corner.   Waterfront lots along any one of the 28 lakes start at $19,000 for roughly 2 acres.  These may be in a planned residential area or simply be land being re-sold.  Prices can go considerably higher.  1,100 square foot, single-family homes with lake views start at around $169,000, and those directly on a lake or with direct access (and needing a little fixing up) start at about $189,000 and go up to $2 million for lakeside estates.  Many lovely, lakeside homes, though, can be found in the $350,000 range.  The town provides water and sewage, although some homes have septic tanks and private wells.

This area has at least four manufactured home communities, including Birchwood Estates, Northwood Homes and Northland Mobile Homes (for those 55+), and homes needing a little TLC start at about $15,000 for 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. 

At this writing, we were unable to find any apartments for rent.

Property tax is charged at $17.11 per $1,000 of assessed value, and property is assessed at 107% of market value.  There is a homestead credit of $1,160 for those with annual incomes less than $24,500.  Taxes are higher than in other states, but the overall cost-of-living averages 15% less than the national average.   Homes throughout the area have been appreciating at about 9% per year for the last few years.  

Eagle River City is small but has a nice quality to it, with a quaint downtown that has shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries.  Many of the buildings date from the 1920s and 1930s (the community was incorporated as a Village in 1922), and new construction is taking place around town.  The city has a fire department with twenty firemen, a police department with six full-time officers, a library, three banks and a weekly newspaper.   There are enough stores and services to meet residents' needs, but for more serious shopping,  Rhinelander (population 8,000) is 17 miles down the road.

The Eagle River Memorial Hospital (715-479-7411) is a 41-bed acute care facility that also offers emergency care and is affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin.  The Eagle River Health Care Center is a 24-hour nursing home facility with 93 beds.   There are three assisted-living facilities in town, including InnCare of Eagle River (715-479-2975) and Our Place (715-479-5142).

Of course, the recreational opportunities that living in such a rural area provide are why many people come to Eagle River.  There is an eighteen hole public golf course, but it says something about the adventurous, outdoor spirit here when the golf course is transformed into a cross-country ski trail during the winter months.  Eagle River is also known as the "Snowmobile Capital of the World" and hosts the annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby on the third weekend in January.   This event attracts more than 300 racers and 35,000 fans from all corners of the world to take part in the most important competition in the sport of snowmobiling. 

This area is also renowned for its fishing, particularly for musky, walleye and bass.   Twenty-eight lakes are along Eagle River, but nearly 1,000 lakes are located in the county.  This is a tourist destination, particularly during the summer, when vacationers descend for fishing, waterskiing and canoeing, swelling the local population to 6,500.  Then fall arrives, and most people go home.

Kalmar Senior Center (715-479-2633) provides classes and services for seniors, including transportation to local appointments (Eagle River has no public transportation), Meals on Wheels, nutrition workshops and more.   Volunteering opportunities are primarily through the churches and hospital.

Eagle River sees very little violent crime; most crimes tend to be property-related.  Northwestern Wisconsin has seen a rise in methamphetamine use, however, and state authorities worry that it may spread to other parts of the state.

The climate may be this area's biggest drawback, depending on what one considers a drawback.  Living in a winter wonderland is not for everyone.  Mid-winter temperatures hover in the low 20s, and winters are long, from November to April.  The snow, which averages 60 inches a season, comes and does not leave for months.  Average humidity rates of 50% can make winters seem colder and longer.  Summers, though, are cool and comfortable, with temperatures in the 60s, 70s and low 80s.  Autumn brings blazing colors, crisp temperatures and crystal blue skies.

Other drawbacks may be the lack of ethnic and religious diversity.  The population is 98% Caucasian, and the area has 13 churches but no synagogues. 

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