What Makes Southern Minnesota a Sought-After Place for Settling Down

When many people think of Minnesota, their first thought is typically of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. That stands to reason, as this is where much of the state’s population is concentrated. However, for those seeking to live in Minnesota, this area is far from the only option. 

Southern Minnesota is south of the Twin Cities, with many of the state’s best museums, most appealing cities, and well-known monuments. Let’s look at some aspects of Southern Minnesota that make it a desirable place to settle down.  

Minnesota has long been known as a haven for nature lovers, and Southern Minnesota is no different. The highest concentration of Minnesota’s renowned lakes lies farther north, yet the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers run throughout the state. People in Southern Minnesota go to these rivers, along with the Root River, for fishing and boating. 

Bluff Country is quite possibly the best area for outdoor fun in Southern Minnesota. In this region, glacial waters carved valleys and bluffs that now house rivers and forests. It is a center for outdoor recreation, with hiking and biking trails, camping areas, and parks for climbing and ziplining. Bluff Country is also home to some incredible native wildlife and bursts with color in both the fall and spring as leaves change colors or wildflowers bloom. 

Southern Minnesota has pleasant communities with welcoming, family-friendly atmospheres. It has both large, busy cities and small, laid-back towns. Rochester is Southern Minnesota’s largest city, a busy hub along the Zumbro River. As the city where Mayo Clinic was founded, it is known for its history as a medical industry leader. Mayo Clinic’s continued presence and a large IBM campus housed in Rochester both contribute significantly to its strong economy. 

There are many other pleasant places to live in Southern Minnesota outside of Rochester. Faribault, home to around 25,000, has a classic small-town charm. The historic downtown area is populated with restaurants and local businesses in brick buildings and is surrounded by ten lakes for waterfront fun. Also, Wells is a tiny community near Faribault, home to just under 2,500 residents. It is a tight-knit town with historical buildings, delicious dining options, and nearby natural attractions.

Minnesota has an abundance of appealing real estate options, and Southern Minnesota certainly offers plenty of attractive homes for buyers. Across Rochester, Mankato, and Faribault, buyers will find large, stately homes with expansive properties, and most are quite affordable. According to Redfin, the median sale price of a home in Rochester was $305,000 in February 2023, and in Mankato, the median sale price was $240,000 last month. Typically, homes in Southern Minnesota can be purchased for less than the national average. 

In addition to the real estate market’s affordability, Southern Minnesota residents also benefit from the area’s vibrant culture. It has plenty of quality museums, including the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and the Rochester Art Center. Southern Minnesota is also known for having high-quality wineries and delicious local breweries.