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.
Why Rochester MSA
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 with a population of more than 215,000 people. The links below provide information about each community in the Rochester area.
- Rochester – www.rochestermn.gov
- Byron – www.byronmn.com
- Chatfield – www.ci.chatfield.mn.us
- Stewartville – www.stewartvillemn.com
- Pine Island – www.pineislandmn.com
- Dodge Center – http://www.ci.dodgecenter.mn.us
- Kasson – www.cityofkasson.com
- Mantorville – www.mantorville.com
- Hayfield – www.hayfieldmn.com
- Wabasha – www.wabasha.org
- Lake City – http://www.ci.lake-city.mn.us
- Lanesboro – www.lanesboro-mn.gov
- Spring Valley – www.springvalley.govoffice.com
- Dover – www.dovermn.org
- Eyota – www.eyota.govoffice.com
- Claremont – www.claremontmn.com
- Fountain – www.fountainmn.org
- Harmony – www.harmony.mn.us
- Mabel – www.cityofmabel.com
- Preston – www.prestonmn.org
- Rushford – www.rushford.govoffice.com
- Wykoff – www.wykoff.govoffice2.com
- Ostrander – www.cityofostrander.com
- Elgin – www.elginmn.com
- Kellogg – www.cityofkellogg.org
- Plainview – www.plainviewmn.com
- Zumbro Falls – www.zumbrofallsmn.org
- Mazeppa – www.mazeppamn.us
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.
- 30+ Public High Schools
- 35+ Public Middle Schools
- 50+ Public Elementary Schools
- 50+ Private elementary and secondary schools in the region
- Augsburg University
- Bethel University
- Bethany Lutheran College
- Carleton College
- Concordia University
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Luther College
- Macalaster College
- Minnesota State Mankato
- St. Catherine University
- St. Mary’s University
- St. Olaf College
- University of Northern Iowa
- University of St. Thomas
- University of Wisconsin in LaCrosse
- Upper Iowa University
- Viterbo University
- Wartburg College
- Winona State University
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:
- Amish Tours of Harmony
- Biking, hiking, camping, bed & breakfasts, art galleries, shopping and restaurants Lanesboro
- Bluffscape Amish Tours of Lanesboro
- Cannon Valley Trail
- Cannon Falls Canoe & Bike Rental
- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
- Minnesota’s Rochester
- Mississippi River
- National Eagle Center in Wabasha
- National Trout Center in Preston
- Niagra Cave of Harmony
- Roca Climbing & Fitness
- Rochester Farmers Market
- Rochester Trolley & Tour Company
- Root River Trail System
- White Water State Park
- Cannon Valley Winery, Cannon Falls
- Forager Brewery
- Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery, Spring Valley
- Hop and Barrel Brewing Company
- Karst Brewing
- Kinney Creek Brewery, Rochester
- Little Thistle Brewing Co.
- LTS Brewing Company
- PawPrint Brewery
- Salem Glen Winery, Rochester
- South by Southeast Minnesota Brewing Company
- Thesis Beer Project
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
