$206,716Average Value$125Average Price per Sq Ft55Homes 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
Devon Walton,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Albert Lea, MN sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Albert Lea, MN over the last 12 months is $193,824, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Inviting and full of character, this one-and-a-half-story home offers a comfortable main level featuring a cozy living room, functional kitchen, and designated dining area. Upstairs you’ll find two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The basement provides laundry, utilities, and an open unfinished area—ready for your personal touch or future expansion. Original woodwork, including a beautifully
Buyer couldn’t sell their home so we are back on the market! Bring your offers! Welcome to this charming four-bedroom, two-bathroom home located in a quiet neighborhood! This property features an open layout, perfect for families or anyone looking for extra space. You'll love the inviting deck in the backyard, ideal for relaxing.The home is conveniently situated near a park, schools, and
With nearly 4,000 finished square feet, this property delivers exceptional value rarely found in homes of this character and location. Enjoy the charm of two sunrooms, perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. Thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, the home preserves its original character while offering the comfort and functionality today’s buyers want. Additional highlights include a
Stunning old farmhouse has been meticulously rebuilt by a builder who planned to make it his own home. Every detail was handcrafted to perfection, blending old-time charm with modern finishes. Rustic barn doors, tin accents, hickory floors, and knotty pine throughout bring the outdoors in, creating a warm, inviting, and unique living space.Set on 12 private acres, the property includes 2
Inviting and full of character, this one-and-a-half-story home offers a comfortable main level featuring a cozy living room, functional kitchen, and designated dining area. Upstairs you’ll find two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The basement provides laundry, utilities, and an open unfinished area—ready for your personal touch or future expansion. Original woodwork, including a beautifully
Charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 1.5-story home in Albert Lea, Minnesota offering comfortable living with convenience on every level. The main floor features a desirable primary bedroom with private bath, a bright 3-season porch off the kitchen, and an enclosed front porch perfect for relaxing or extra flex space. Enjoy a maintenance-free exterior and a large fenced yard with mature trees and a handy
Schedule your showing today to tour this two bedroom condo located in close proximity to Fountain Lake with a partial view of the lake form this condo's deck and primary bedroom. This condominium facility has character galore with this structure built in 1908 and remodeled in the mid 1970's. The main building has two newer boilers that provides heat to the entire structure, windows have been
Schedule your appointment today to tour this single level twinhome with an open floor plan, main level laundry and attached single stall garage. Upgrades to this property include a newer concrete driveway and front steps along with floor coverings for this kitchen/ dining/ living room. This unit also includes 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room, breakfast bar area in the kitchen and
Step into easy, one-level living in this well-maintained manufactured home featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and a thoughtfully designed layout. The private primary suite offers a peaceful retreat with its own full bath and a walk-in closet, creating the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Fresh interior paint brights every room, while brand new carpet adds a clean, cozy feel throughout the
Step back in time in this gorgeous historic home. You will feel the history in every detail, from the stunning quarter sawn oak staircase to the original hardwood flooring, woodwork and pocket doors. A very welcoming foyer leads to an elegant living room, dining room and cozy music room. This home offers an abundant amount of square footage, convenient walkable location close to lake and
This raised ranch four bedroom home along with an attached three stall garage is located in the westerly outlying area of the City with municipal utilities serving this area. This home also includes spacious bedrooms, a large living room, a new rear-yard deck for those summer barbecues, a lower level family-room and much more. This home has been very well cared and has been built with quality
Welcome to your dream home nestled on the North side of town! This stunning property beautifully combines contemporary updates with cozy charm, making it perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. As you step through the front door, you'll be greeted by an inviting open floor plan that seamlessly connects the spacious living area to a modern kitchen. The heart of this home features sleek
Schedule your private showing today to tour this spacious four bedroom multi-level home featuring a large three stall heated attached garage. This well maintained property offers numerous upgrades, including a new roof, updated windows, a new forced air furnace and central air conditioner, along with newer cabinetry, granite countertops, updated flooring, newer four season porch and more. Be sure
This exquisite home features high end finishes and custom built-ins throughout with walls of windows and water views from almost every room. The open concept floor plan includes a gourmet kitchen, walk-in pantry, living and dining area with gas fireplace. The main floor den/office features custom built-ins and the sunroom includes a wet bar with beverage drawers, and gas fireplace making this
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
Charming and conveniently located furnished rental just a block from Mayo Clinic Heath Systems- Albert Lea in Albert Lea. This main-level unit blends the character of its 1884 construction with thoughtful updates that offer modern comfort and function as well as a lake view from the table! Inside, you'll appreciate the historic charm - tall ceilings, classic architectural details and natural
Come take a look at your new home! These apartments feature soaring 9ft ceilings, dual entry to apartment, updated kitchen, bathroom and living spaces!Large “New-York” style picturesque windows fill the rooms with tons of natural light! The modern-rustic light fixture completes the charm! You’ll feel right at home!We offer a combination of different flooring! From dark grays, to
Like Kwik Trip? The 3 buildings that make up the A Lea Apartments have a neighborhood Kwik Trip surrounded. The complex is also just a 5 minute drive from anywhere you may need to be in the city due to it's central location. On-site laundry and off-street parking. We just updated the flooring in our common areas and hallways. Most units, roughly 60 of the 71 units, have been updated within
Introducing Skye Lofts in Albert Lea, MN. This spacious apartment features many different unit options, perfect for those looking for a comfortable living space. Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking and secure building access, as well as the luxury of temperature-controlled indoor parking. Stay active in our on-site fitness room and take advantage of the green space for outdoor
This is a great property across from Lakeville Elementary school and one block from Fountain Lake. The condo features refinished hardwood floors and 9 foot ceilings. It has a garage as well as a community room for entertaining. Internet, heat, garbage, basic cable, water, snow and lawn care are included. You just have the electric bill. No animals. Non-smoking unit. Not set up for
Two bedroom one and a half baths.Split level Duplex: eat-in kitchen with attached deck, living room and 1/2 bath upstairs, two bedrooms, full bath and laundry room downstairs. Lots of large closets throughout apartment. One car attached garage with room for storage, small storage shed behind property.No smoking, no pets.
Upper level and recently remodeled one bedroom apartment in a secure building. This unit is newly fully refinished with carpet, hardwood floors, fresh paint and A/C. Rent includes water/sewer, garbage and 1 garage stall. Tenant is to pay electric.Pets are Ok with a signed lease, updated vaccinations and the agreed upon monthly fee of $50/mo. Applicants must pass a criminal and
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