As I See It
The Top 250 places to live has nine Wisconsin cities — but La Crosse isn’t one of them
A recent report ranked the Top 250 places to live in the US.
La Crosse didn’t make the list.
Now, that wouldn’t be a big deal, unless there were NINE other Wisconsin cities in the Top 250.
According to US News, nine other cities in Wisconsin are better places to live than La Crosse, based on quality of life, job market, value of living, net migration and desire to live in the area.
Now, maybe La Crosse loses out on a couple of those factors — like net migration or value of living — but it’s hard to believe we’re behind some of the other Wisconsin cities.
Janesville and Kenosha are better places to live than La Crosse?
Eau Claire and Appleton top the list at 49th and 53rd. I’m from Appleton. It’s got a mall, a Costco and Rod Solem — my dad, in case your tractor breaks down. But Appleton is not better than La Crosse.
Oshkosh, Wausau and Green Bay are also on the list.
Perhaps Green Bay gets a bump because it has the Packers, but Oshkosh is just Appleton and what’s Wausau got that La Crosse doesn’t? Is Eastbay still a thing? (I just looked, it closed in 2022)
So, it’s great that nine Wisconsin cities crack the Top 250, but I think the report completely missed La Crosse.
And, just in case you want to know, La Crosse did come just behind Kenosha, in 10th, as one of the top Wisconsin cities to live. One ahead of Madison.
As I See it, I’m Rick Solem.
Come On Man
May 30, 2025 at 7:53 am
Perhaps we could do a Wisconsin list of best cities for the homeless / unsheltered population to be welcomed?
Best city to chase out business due to homeless / unsheltered population?
Worst street in the State? 3rd Street between Main and Cass?
Looks like La Crosse could become popular again, unfortunately for all the wrong reasons.
Roy
May 30, 2025 at 8:24 am
Rick, As I mentioned yesterday, La Crosse and La Crosse County are entirely dominated by Democrat officials. They are all among your best friends. Tell them, not us.
Christina
May 30, 2025 at 10:08 am
LaCrosse is a drug haven and is not a good place to live despite its beauty.
walden
May 30, 2025 at 6:13 pm
Read the headlines today from your own website.
Same infestation of drugs, violence, homelessness, failing schools, empty store fronts, clueless liberal City “leadership”… different day.
Kevin
May 31, 2025 at 9:36 am
Though I love the many different opportunities for pursuit of varied interests in the area: music, theatre, climbing, biking, water sports, indoctrinated education, etc… I would not say Lacrosse is in the top 250 places to live.
Property taxes are incredibly high.
Political representation is out of balance.
We focus on solutions that are enabling vs problem solving.
We are overly focused on skin color and genitalia and hyphenated names.
Our news sources are not intellectual honest.
Out public schools are broken, and we believe people get smarter by lowering the standards.
Dylan
June 2, 2025 at 7:57 am
Eau Claire as number 1…? I lived there going to college and would never go back. It has all the same problems as La Crosse with a worse job market and worse for those who enjoy the outdoors.
What’s with everyone in the comments bashing La Crosse… This is our community, and every city has these same problems. Have some pride in who you are and where you are from. I’d never want to be on a team with someone who is constantly bashing that team for how bad they are, what’s the difference between that and community?
Jay
June 2, 2025 at 11:36 am
La Crosse is overpriced and unremarkable. The cost of living is ridiculous compared to the benefits of the city. I know a lot of people who have been happy to rent in La crosse, but when it came time to buy a home, most have chosen elsewhere. I’m looking to make a purchase too, and I’ll be looking outside the area where my housing budget has greater value.