$206,307Average Value$126Average Price per Sq Ft77Homes For Sale
A small lake town in southern Minnesota
Albert Lea is a small town of about 18,000 people in southern Minnesota. Located about 90 miles south of the Twin Cities, Albert Lea is best known for its many lakes, including Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake, which are connected at the center of town by a channel. These lakes are the largest in the area and are popular for outdoor recreation activities like boating, fishing and waterskiing. The area also attracts residents who are looking for waterfront real estate. Despite Minnesota's cold winters, what many love most about living here is the warmth of the community. "The people here are wonderful," says Realtor Heather Allen. "Over the past few years, several people I've worked with have come from outside the community and have raved about how it's a hidden treasure, how nice and welcoming it is." Even though it's a small town, Allen notes that there are always people out and about and there's always plenty to do. "Fountain Lake in the middle of town is always bustling," she says. "It's nice to see how pretty it looks in the fall with all the colors. Even in the winter, when everything is frozen, you see people out. Even if you don't enjoy the winter, it's nice to see that someone out there is enjoying it."
Albert Lea was founded in 1855 and is the seat of Freeborn County.
Fountain Lake is the heart of Albert Lea featuring a 5 mile walking trail around the lake.
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Waterfront homes along Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake
The median sales price in Albert Lea is $155,000, which is about $250,000 below the national median. However, the city's average home value has steadily increased since 2020. Albert Lea offers a mix of single-family homes, which range in design from bungalows and ranch styles to split- and bi-levels. The city's most expensive real estate includes its waterfront homes, with those along Fountain Lake reaching into the $600- and $700,000s. Buyers looking to build custom lake houses will also find land available for sale along Albert Lea Lake, with costs depending on the number of acres and location. The area also features several condo options, which vary in price depending on the number of bedrooms, most start in the low $200,000s.
Albert Lea has many homes inspired by late 19th century Queen Anne homes.
Ranch style homes are incredibly popular throughout Albert Lea.
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Lakefront parks and Myre-Big Island State Park
Albert Lea's central lake, Fountain Lake, is popular for those who want a water-oriented lifestyle. Here, activities like boating, fishing and waterskiing are common. Or for a scenic walk, there's also a 5-mile trail that surrounds the lake. The town's other lake, Albert Lea Lake, offers kayaking, canoeing and fishing and sits adjacent to Myre Big Island State Park. This park features a savanna landscape and is home to over 200 species of birds, among other wildlife. In total, the city of Albert Lea has more than 300 acres of parklands split between more than 40 parks.
Myre Big Island State Park offers amazing bird viewing and is just a short drive from Albert Lea.
Albert Lea Lake is the area's second major recreational lake.
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Albert Lea Area Schools and Riverland Community College
Albert Lea Area Schools gets a C-plus rating from Niche and is home to four elementary schools, one middle and one high school. The city is also home to Riverland Community College, which offers bachelor's degree programs, workforce training, certificates and two-year programs for students transferring to four-year universities.
Riverland Community College has a campus in Albert Lea that offers many areas of study.
Lakeview Elementary serves kids in grades K through 5 in Albert Lea, MN.
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Downtown dining at 112 on Broadway and Jake's Pizza
"Our downtown is thriving with tons of boutiques and local shopping and restaurants," Allen says. She recommends 112 on Broadway, a charming local bar and restaurant serving cocktails and American fare, and notes that "Jake's Pizza is probably the best pizza joint in southern Minnesota."
Jake's Pizza serves up hot pizza in downtown Albert Lea.
One 12 on Broadway offers cocktails and classic American food in downtown Albert Lea.
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Weather and the Albert Lea Police Department
Albert Lea's humid climate means hot summers and cold winters. "Living in Minnesota, we get the full effect of all the seasons," Allen says. "It does get very hot here in the summer, and in the winter, it can be below zero at times. It's beautiful in the spring and fall. I have family come in from out of state, and they can't believe how green everything is and in the fall the colors are just beautiful." In 2022, the Albert Lea Police Department reported that overall crime continued to decrease, and that the city had its lowest crime rate in the previous five years.
Interstates 35 and 90, Mason City Municipal Airport and SMART
Interstates 35 and 90 run through Albert Lea, providing routes to larger cities like Owatonna, 35 miles north; Mason City, 37 miles south; and Rochester, 63 miles northeast. "Because we're centrally located, if we don't have something here, we can find it less than an hour away," Allen says. When traveling out of town, residents can fly out of the Mason City Municipal Airport, which offers daily routes to Chicago. The SMART bus has a single-loop route that runs through the city of Albert Lea.
Wind Down Wednesdays and the Big Freeze
Albert Lea has an average of about 40 seasonally themed events each year. "We have a big Fourth of July celebration and Wind Down Wednesdays in the summer where we shut down most of Broadway and have vendors and live music, things like that," Allen says. The holiday season kicks off with a lighted parade down Broadway, followed by a Christmas tree lighting in Central Park. "Fountain Lake is in the middle of our town, and it turns into a little winter village with makeshift hockey rinks for kids and tons of ice fishing," Allen says. "It looks like a little winter city." Later, during the coldest months, the Big Freeze is a polar plunge and chili cookoff held in Edgewater Park.
Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Video By
Bob Yukich
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristina Wheeler,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Albert Lea, MN sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Albert Lea, MN over the last 12 months is $185,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover a rare gem at 1013 W 9th Street, a cherished family home for nearly 50 years! This beautifully maintained property features three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, ensuring ample space for family and guests. The heated shop has impressive 14-foot ceilings, perfect for car enthusiasts or builders, while the barn boasts a wood shop in the hay mound and retains its original horse
You will love this completely renovated move-in-ready home! As you enter the rebuilt four-season front porch, you are greeted with old-world charm meets newly updated craftsmanship!! So many updates and amazing features! Main floor laundry, updated kitchen and bathrooms, significant foundation repair, a new roof, new flooring throughout, fresh paint throughout, updated plumbing, new waterline,
Heather MylinKeller Williams Realty Integrity Lakes
Nice 3 bedroom ranch located on the north side. Home feature all the bedroom on the main floor. Living room with fire place. (spacious). Formal dining room right off the kitchen, that leads into the family room. Main floor bath, and the big bonus the oversized enclosed porch. Enjoy the evenings on the deck that over look the back yard. Attached garage. Just a couple of blocks from Fountain Lake
Schedule your appointment today to tour this three bedroom ranch home with a double attached garage, vinyl siding and partially finished basement located in the outlying area of Albert Lea. Enjoy this spacious back yard area with a large deck and partial wooded area for your enjoyment. The interior of this home has been partially repainted, wood laminate flooring/ newer carpet throughout and a
A little will go a long way with this 3 bedroom ranch style home. Whether you are looking for a project to finish out the year or a home you can live in while adding all the personal touches to make it your own, this property is a great equity building opportunity. Take a look at our 3D tour and then call for your private showing!
Charming home offering a functional layout and timeless appeal. Enjoy scenic views of the park from the spacious raised deck, a great space for outdoor living. The walkout basement includes a large laundry room and provides the potential to create a fourth or fifth bedroom as needed.
Charming 2-Bedroom Unit in the Heart of Albert Lea Close to Schools, Shopping, and HealthcareWelcome to 512 W Main St, a delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit offering comfort, convenience, and an ideal location in the heart of Albert Lea. Whether you're a small family, a couple, or an individual, this home is perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet accessible place to live.Prime
Find Your Perfect Home at Edgeview Apartments – Modern Living with Exceptional Comfort!Welcome to Lakeview Apartments, where contemporary design meets everyday convenience in Albert Lea. Whether you're looking for a spacious 1, or 2 bedroom home, our modern apartments are designed to elevate your lifestyle.Each Apartment Features:- Pet friendly & smoke free- Sleek
Come take a look at your new home! These apartments feature soaring 9ft ceilings, dual entry to apartment, updated kitchen, bathroom and living spaces!12 month lease Cats ($25/mo) or small caged animals only, no dogs:) Tenant ONLY pays electric!Large “New-York” style picturesque windows fill the rooms with tons of natural light! The modern-rustic light fixture
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