c.1886 Wisconsin Handyman Special With Original Features Under $198K – A Palliser?
OHU50K Notes $197,500
This Wisconsin handyman special is a four-bedroom, 1.5-bath beauty chock full of original features. It may, in fact, be a Palliser home. George Palliser published many books of architectural plans, and this appears to be one with alterations.
Realtor Comments
UNLIMITED POTENTIAL! Welcome to 1311 E. 6th Street, a Queen Anne-style three-story property with endless stories encapsulated between its walls. This historic home boasts 2, 854 finished square feet, 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a large, beautiful lot, and detailed craftsmanship! With several costly updates completed already including; new plumbing, updated electrical, updated kitchen appliances, and a new furnace (2022), this beautiful property is waiting on YOU to bring it back to life! This home, coined as the, Fred & Arabella Stroud House was one of the 6 homes featured in the 2005 Heritage Homes Tour hosted by the Merrill Historical Society and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The details dont disappoint on this one- from the anaglypta walls from England and a crystal chandelier in the dining room, wooden French doors in the living room, wood knobs on the bedroom doors, original stained glass windows, custom trim throughout, original push-button switches, to the brick gas fireplace- there is abundant artistic design elements that many modern properties lack. It doesnt stop there- the detached 2-car garage, additional workshop with second level above, fully screened-in front porch, back deck, back patio, and basement sauna are all impressive aspects. You certainly wont run out of space with the open office/library space on the 2nd level, and the bonus room on the third level that could function as a 5th bedroom or hobby room. Outside, take notice of the perennial beds, carefully and thoughtfully planned so that there is always a plant in full-bloom. With a bit of sweat-work put into cosmetic updates, you truly would have a property like no other! Investors, families, and dreamers, bring your ideas! Dont miss an opportunity to view this one-of-a-kind architecture and schedule your private showing today!
- 4 bed
- 1.5 bath
- Build date 1886
1311 E 6th St, Merrill, WI 54452. $197,500
- Contact Realtor: The Steif Team
- Google Map
- Niche
Pros
• Affordable Cost of Living
Living in Merrill is about 22% cheaper than the U.S. average—with housing costs being especially low. Typical home values are around $152,100, and 2‑bedroom rent averages about $840/month
• Outdoor & Recreation Opportunities
Known as the “City of Parks,” Merrill boasts features like Council Grounds State Park, the River Bend Trail, and the Merrill Area Recreation Complex (MARC)—great for hiking, kayaking, biking, ice skating, and community sports
• Schools & Education
Merrill Area Public School District consistently scores above average, with GreatSchools listing several public schools rated good or better. Niche gives a B‑ minus grade for schools overall
• Community Feel & Proximity to Wausau
Residents describe Merrill as friendly, family-oriented, and quiet. While not huge, it provides basic amenities and easy access to Wausau, which is just a 15–20 minute drive away for shopping, theaters, healthcare, or nightlife
• Local Transit & Airport Access
Merrill has an on-demand local bus system, and the Merrill Municipal Airport supports general aviation and some air taxi service—helpful for residents and businesses alike
• Steady Economy with Manufacturing & Services
The local economy employs around 4,660 people, led by manufacturing (923 jobs), retail (745), and healthcare (638). Median wages in manufacturing are over $54K/year
Cons
• Elevated Crime Rates
Merrill’s overall crime rate is around 30 per 1,000 residents, among the highest in both Wisconsin and U.S. communities of comparable size. The odds of becoming a crime victim are approximately 1 in 34. Violent crime is slightly below state average; property crime is notably higher
• Aging Population & Limited Growth
The city’s population is around 9,300, with small declines since 2020. Many Reddit users mention it feels economically “stuck” or underdeveloped—particularly contrasted with nearby town
• Conservative Culture & Limited Diversity
Reddit reviews highlight a lack of demographic and ideological diversity. Some residents describe resistance to school funding referendums or small business initiatives. Niche rates overall diversity as B‑ minus
• Winters Are Long & Dreary
Central Wisconsin winters are cold, snowy, and stretch over many months—often leading to gloom and cabin‑fever for some residents. Summers can be humid, and seasonal variety heavy
• Limited Nightlife & Amenities in Town
While Wausau is nearby, Merrill itself has few dining or entertainment venues. Local offerings include a vintage‑style movie theater, some mom‑and‑pop shops, and basic infrastructure—but many people drive to Wausau for more variety
• Patchy Cell Reception & Lack of 5G
Though Verizon generally performs best, AT&T and other providers can be spotty. Some areas lack consistent cell or mobile data coverage, and there’s no 5G yet
