6 Reasons to Move to the Coulee Region

If you’re reading this it’s probably because you’re considering a move to the coulee region.  Whether it’s a new job bringing you here or you’re just looking for a change, the La Crosse area is a great place to live.  While there are many reasons to move to our great community, I’ve picked my top 6 (in no particular order) to help convince you to make the move.

1.  Schools

La Crosse County public schools are some of the best in the state and the nation.  Their average school ranking is in the top 20% in the state. They are consistently ranked in the top 50 for best districts, best athletics, best teachers and most diverse in the state. If you’re a teacher, you’re in luck too. La Crosse was ranked in the top 25 schools to teach at in Wisconsin.

Check our local school rankings by math, reading and overall proficiency here.

2.  The View

The coulee region has a view like no other in the Midwest!  Nestled between the bluffs and the Mississippi River, you will enjoy the view and the lifestyle it brings.

Enjoy the Mighty Mississippi by visiting one of our local beaches, boating, fishing, or camping on one of the many islands. Don’t want to get that close? Enjoy the view from Riverside Park or one of the many fine riverside restaurants. 

Take your family up to Grandad bluff where you can see the whole city, the river and the Minnesota bluffs.  You can also hike many of the other bluffs or hills in the area. Perot State Park in Trempealeau is a favorite for hikers.

3.  Culture

La Crosse is home to many cultural events throughout the year. The Weber Center for Performing Arts and the Pump House Regional Arts Center as well as our local Universities UWL and Viterbo, offer visual and performing arts entertainment. The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and La Crosse Youth Symphony provide amazing musical performances. 

In the summer, head down to the bandshell at Riverside Park for Moon Tunes. A free concert in the park overlooking the river, Moon Tunes has included our own local Grammy winner Bill Miller, Jackson Browne Tribute, String Ties, a Woodstock Tribute and much more.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket and pack a picnic!

For the little ones we have our La Crosse Children’s Museum.  Be sure to plan enough time because the kiddos won’t want to leave (and you either)! It totally lives up to the children’s museum motto, “where children play to learn and adults learn to play”. Check out the Children’s Museum site for current exhibits.

4.  Small Town, Big Fun

La Crosse is still very much a mid size to small town with about 52,000 people. Surrounding communities like Onalaska and Holmen have under 20,000 and are still just a short commute away.  The coulee region still has that small town feel but plenty of activities to keep you busy. Besides the river, hiking and cultural events I already mentioned, there is snow skiing on Mt La Crosse, Bowling, Movies, Music, Roller Skating and even Ax Throwing.  Your kids can ice skate, log roll, or participate in many other activities and sports.  

5.  Employment

We have 2 Colleges and 2 Hospitals that provide great employment opportunities in the La Crosse area. We also have many businesses large and small that contribute to the areas low unemployment rate. Because we are blessed with these opportunities, La Crosse county has an unemployment rate much lower than the national and state averages. Check out the numbers.

6.  Midwest Nice

When you move to La Crosse or any of our amazing smaller surrounding towns, you will experience the Midwest Nice you may have heard of.  People will say hi to you on the street or help you with directions if you are lost. Neighbors will know your name and bring vegetables from their garden or a hot dish if you’re sick. Ok… not everyone is that nice but you will definitely experience the Midwest Nice!

There are many reasons to move to the coulee region.  It is a great place to work, play and raise a family.  Come visit us and see!