If you're looking for small-town living in a strong healthy state, check real estate listings for small towns in Minnesota. CNBC recently conducted a study naming Minnesota the best state in the nation for business. Minnesota is also known for having the best healthcare in the country, in part due to being home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic. Bankrate scores the small town of Northfield, MN as the best town in the country in which to retire. When it comes to small towns in Minnesota, Northfield is just one among several where life - and real estate - offer great opportunities.
Consider life in this college town where you can attend classes, theater, and sports events while enjoying a low cost of living. You will be just 45 miles, roughly 47 minutes, from Minneapolis and 55 miles, about an hour, from the Mayo Clinic. The median list price for a home in Northfield as of the first week of January 2016 is $234,300. This compares to $249,900 for the same period last year, a decrease of approximately 6%. However, since 201, the median list price has risen by $51,400 or roughly 29%, indicating good investment value over time. The median price per square foot is $114, compared to $118 for the same period in 2015. There are currently 85 homes listed for sale, 54 of which are single-family homes. Northfield's crime rate is low according to City-Data. Low is defined on a scale of 1 to over 1000 as 50-199. The most recent data indicates the crime index was 95.7 compared to the national average of 294.7. Don't miss the Defeat of Jesse James Days Festival during the month of September!
As of January 5, 2016, the median list price for homes in Alexandria, MN has increased from $189,893 to $249,900 over the past five years. The median price per square foot is $129. You will find a good mix of public and private schools in this area, as well as walking and biking trails including the 55-mile Central Lakes Trail which is connected to the Lake Woebegon Trail. Alexandria is 119 miles, roughly two hours, from Minneapolis. As of January 5, 2016, there are 22 homes for sale in Alexandria, 20 of which are single-family dwellings. The crime rate in Alexandria is average according to City-Data. Average is defined on a scale of 1 to over 1000 as 200-449. The most recent data indicates the crime index was 238 compared to the national average of 294.7. The Viking Land Band Festival is held every autumn and is not to be missed.
Home to Schell's Brewery and 90 minutes, or 75 miles, from Minneapolis, New Ulm rests in the Minnesota River Valley. The epitome of small towns, New Ulm currently has only two homes listed for sale, so move quickly if you want to live in this picturesque spot. Except for a few brief deviations, the median price list for homes has remained around $124,900 over the past five years, offering a reliable return on investment. As of January 5, 2016, you will pay just $89 per square foot for a nice 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in a wonderful neighborhood. The crime rate in New Ulm is low according to City-Data. Low is defined on a scale of 1 to over 1000 as 50-199. The most recent data indicates the crime index was just 108.6 compared to the national average of 294.7. And of course there is an annual Oktoberfest in New Ulm held every October!
Considered "up north", the small town of Grand Marais is a true gem situated on beautiful Lake Superior. With a population under 1,340 as of 2013, homes are typically accompanied by large lots and unfettered lake views. St. Paul is the nearest large city at 232 miles, roughly 4 hours, away. Budget Travel named Grand Marais the "coolest small town in America" in 2015. The town is home to artists and sportsmen alike with its top-rated artist colony and natural spaces for outdoor adventures. Despite a somewhat volatile 2015, the median list price for homes in Grand Marais is $249,900 as of January 5, 2016, with a median price per square foot at $216. Current listings range in price from $89,900 to $749,900. The crime rate in Grand Marais is very low according to City-Data. Very low is defined on a scale of 1 to over 1000 as less than 50. The most recent data indicates 0 crimes committed in Grand Marais. In July 2016, the town will host its 26th Annual Arts Festival, a tradition for residents and visitors.
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About 30 minutes, or 16 miles, from the Twin Cities, the town of Stillwater is nestled along the St. Croix River and was named one of the ten prettiest towns in America by Forbes magazine. The downtown area offers a variety of outdoor cafes, unique shops, including a walk-up ice cream shop. Whether you want to have a beer at a pub overlooking the lake or browse through quaint bookshops, you can easily spend the entire day downtown. As of January 5, 2016, the median list price for homes in this area is $469,500 compared to $289,900 five years ago, an increase of over 50%. Just one year ago, the median list price for a home in Stillwater, MN was $374,900. The median price per square foot is $162. These numbers indicate a continued increase in value for homes in the area. There are 144 homes for sale in Stillwater, 120 of which are single-family dwellings. The crime rate in Stillwater is low according to City-Data. Low is defined on a scale of 1 to over 1000 as 50-199. The most recent data indicates the crime index was just 120 compared to the national average of 294.7. Don't miss the Sticks in Stillwater Festival, a major hockey event held every winter!
