Eastman, WI

Eastman is a small town located in the southeast corner of Wisconsin. The population was 1,814 at the 2010 census. Eastman is home to the historic Eastman Hotel and the popular Eastman State Park.

Eastman has a long history as a center for agriculture and logging. The town was founded in 1881 by George Eastman, who developed an early camera film industry here. Today, Eastman is home to several businesses that support its agricultural economy, including a dairy and meat processing plant, an apple orchard, and a grain elevator.

The primary source of income for residents of Eastman continues to be agriculture and related services. However, since 2000 the town has experienced significant growth in its commercial sector as well. This growth has been driven by new businesses that have moved into town to take advantage of its proximity to Madison and other major metropolitan areas in Wisconsin and Illinois. These businesses include a regional bank, two health care facilities, two technology companies, two restaurants/bars, and a number of small business enterprises.

Eastman's real estate market is characterized by modest prices and steady demand from buyers and renters alike. The average price of residential property in Eastman was $128,000 in 2013; this figure has remained relatively stable over the past few years despite strong competition from neighboring towns with more expensive housing markets. Rents are also relatively affordable compared to other areas in southeastern Wisconsin; according to data from Zillow®, the median rent for an apartment in Eastman was $865 per month in 2013.