Why Rochester MSA

The Rochester area continually ranks high in polls relating to quality of life and worker productivity. Money magazine reported that the city of Rochester “radiates cosmopolitan style without big city ills.” The smaller cities surrounding Rochester represent rural living at its best. Whether you are searching for a new corporate home, a place to expand your business, or a new place to live, the Rochester area offers the finest in business climate, labor force, real estate, utilities, transportation, education, and quality of life.

Communities

Living here means clean air, low crime and a strong sense of community. Rochester area communities offer a variety of home styles and price ranges. You may find your dream home in any one of our growing communities. Our cosmopolitan style mixed with homestyle charm attracts leading professionals from all over the world.

The Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) encompasses a four-county area (Dodge, Fillmore, Olmsted, and Wabasha) with a population of more than 227,000 people. Communities  investing in RAEDI include the cities of Byron, Chatfield, Pine Island, Rochester, and Stewartville.

RAEDI is a convener for business, healthcare, education, civic and community leaders, local government, and partner organizations to help create and sustain vibrant communities where people choose to live, work, and invest.

Byron

The City of Byron is a flourishing community with many vigorous neighborhoods and thriving businesses. Miles of well-maintained trails and numerous city parks add to the charm of Byron’s family-friendly small-town atmosphere. Located 8 miles from Rochester, it is home to Somerby – a John Fought and Tom Lehman signature golf course and residential community – all within city limits.

City leaders are committed to efficiently providing high quality services. Citizen participation in all aspects of city planning is encouraged. The city enjoys a dynamic core of volunteers who spearhead city festivals and other recreational and family activities. City officials’ commitment to well-planned development enhances the distinctive and high quality of life enjoyed by the city’s residents.

Chatfield

Chatfield is known as “The Chosen Valley”.  Located in Bluff Country where Mill Creek and the north branch of the Root River meet, Chatfield straddles the Olmsted and Fillmore County line and is only 20 minutes from the Mayo Clinic and Rochester International Airport. This growing community is home to a diverse manufacturing base, a variety of retail and service businesses, and an excellent education system. Residents and visitors are surrounded by historical charm, access to the bluffs and rivers of the Driftless Area, hiking and water trails, blue ribbon trout fishing, hunting as well as personal and professional services.  The newly renovated Chatfield Center for the Arts offers galleries, live theater, nationally touring musical performances in historic Potter Auditorium, and more in the heart of downtown Chatfield.

Pine Island

Located along the beautiful banks of the Zumbro River, we are an easy 15-minute drive north of Rochester and less than an hour south of the Twin Cities. The community has a strong agricultural and manufacturing base which employs more than 300 people. In recent years, residential growth has been driven by people employed in Rochester moving to the community for the Pine Island School District. Additionally, the city has invested significant dollars into its parks and recreation for its residents and visitors which includes 8 parks, pickleball courts/ice rink, connecting trail systems to the Douglas State Trail and more additions planned in future years. Commercial and industrial development is planned on the Olmsted and Goodhue County side of the city along the steadily growing Highway 52 Corridor.

Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota is the county seat of Olmsted County and is the third-largest city in Minnesota.  The city has been frequently recognized by Money Magazine, since the 1980’s as one of the best places to live in the United States ranging from the best overall to the best in the Midwest. The estimated population in 2021 was 122,065.

The city of Rochester lies alongside the south fork of the Zumbro River and encompasses approximately 54 square mile area.  Nestled in a valley, Rochester’s skyline has tall buildings at the city’s center with farm fields in the foreground.  It has more than 3500 acres of park land and more than 85 miles of paved trails to explore.

Stewartville

Stewartville is a vibrant community located 10 minutes south of Rochester, Minnesota. Our town is home to an excellent school district, an impressive aquatic center, beautiful parks and trails, a growing industrial sector, and several new housing developments. Stewartville is located right off Interstate 90, US Highway 63, and Minnesota Highway 30, with an international airport less than one mile away, making Stewartville an incredible place to live, work, and do business.

More Communities to Explore

Education

Rochester area communities are among the nation’s leaders in establishing an innovative education system. The area’s progressive attitude toward education stems from the education attainment levels of our largely professional populace. Over 20% of our citizens hold more than 16 years of formal education, a figure well above the national average. There are several technical and community private and public colleges offer a number of graduate and undergraduate opportunities.

Things to Do

Creativity and entertainment are two of the many appealing characteristics that highlight the arts and culture scene. Whether it’s the visual arts, live music, theatre, dance, or historical landmarks; the Rochester area is home to a thriving environment for artists, residents, and tourists.

For more information about entertainment and attractions in the Rochester area, visit the following the links:

Healthy Living

The heartland is known for its strong work ethic and balanced lifestyle. For people who like to play as hard as they work, the Rochester area offers year-round activities to restore body, mind and spirit.

Our citizens are assured the finest healthcare in the world through a variety of health institutions located in the area including internationally renowned Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center.

Visit the following links to learn more about healthy living in the Rochester area.

Commercial & Residential Building

Find the most up-to-date information on all land and industrial, retail or office space available in the Rochester area in a variety of square feet and zoning.

Housing options within the Rochester area come in a variety of styles and price ranges. Choose new construction in an expanding subdivision, an older home in one of our established neighborhoods, or a modern townhome or condominium.

Commercial & Residential Annual Permit Valuations

  • 2021 – $521,166,413
  • 2020 – $405,003742
  • 2019 – $483,468,201
  • 2018 – $587,794,238
  • 2017 – $524,691,279

Multiple Listing Service Statistics for Southeast Minnesota – 2021

  • Inventory of homes for sale at year-end – 520
  • Average Sold Price – $277,011
  • Median Sold Price – $245,000
  • Total Properties Sold – 6,549
  • Average days on the market – 22

Learn more about housing in southeastern Minnesota by visiting the link below for the monthly housing market report.
https://www.semnrealtors.com/media-resources/semr-market-focus-report.php

Houses for Sale

For a listing of homes for sale in southeastern Minnesota including the Rochester area, visit www.semnrealtors.com