$212,042Average Value$126Average Price per Sq Ft94Homes 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
Jennifer Fielding,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Albert Lea, MN sell after 62 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 $185,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the heart of this charming community, this stunning four-bedroom home offers an unmatched blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to a welcoming living room where a cozy fireplace invites you to unwind after your day. The main floor boasts an efficient layout with modernized windows and siding. Everyday chores become delightful tasks thanks to the conveniently located main floor
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this beautifully renovated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home. Spanning over 2,200 square feet of finished living area, the spacious living room is bathed in natural light from a large window, creating an inviting atmosphere for both relaxation and entertainment. The updated kitchen seamlessly integrates with the family room, which opens directly onto a
Welcome to your charming 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers a blend of comfort and potential in a location that's hard to beat. As you step inside, imagine the possibilities with hardwood floors waiting to be unveiled beneath the carpets. The spacious living area has great natural light streaming through updated windows that provide energy efficiency while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Venture
Nestled in the heart of this charming community, this stunning four-bedroom home offers an unmatched blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to a welcoming living room where a cozy fireplace invites you to unwind after your day. The main floor boasts an efficient layout with modernized windows and siding. Everyday chores become delightful tasks thanks to the conveniently located main floor
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
Discover your dream home! This renovated 4-bedroom property offers 1632 sq ft of comfortable living space. Featuring center island, updated kitchen cabinets and countertops, hardwood floors throughout main floor, 3 bathrooms, upper-level laundry, family room off kitchen, fenced backyard, deck and large patio, park across the street, this property is perfect for modern living. Located close to
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this beautifully renovated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home. Spanning over 2,200 square feet of finished living area, the spacious living room is bathed in natural light from a large window, creating an inviting atmosphere for both relaxation and entertainment. The updated kitchen seamlessly integrates with the family room, which opens directly onto a
Live where you Play! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3 bath ranch style home perfectly positioned on Green Lea Golf Course. Offering scenic views and a peaceful setting, this property blends everyday comfort with a touch of luxury. Step inside to discover a warm, inviting layout designed for easy living. The main level features spacious gathering areas, generous natural light
Welcome to your charming 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers a blend of comfort and potential in a location that's hard to beat. As you step inside, imagine the possibilities with hardwood floors waiting to be unveiled beneath the carpets. The spacious living area has great natural light streaming through updated windows that provide energy efficiency while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Venture
Step into this beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo that blends comfort, style and unbeatable location. The spacious primary suite features a sleek master bath with contemporary finishes, while the second full bathroom offers convenience for guests or family. Enjoy morning coffee or evening sunsets in the sunroom, where panoramic lake views create a serene backdrop year-round. The open
Exceptional opportunity to own 12 scenic acres in the countryside with a blend of open pasture, hay ground, mature trees, fruit trees, and established berry plantings. The property offers ample space for hobby farming, gardening, livestock, recreation, or future agricultural use. Improvements include an updated well (2025) and compliant septic system, providing a strong foundation for a variety
Welcome to this brand-new, never- lived-in 3-bedroom manufactured home offering modern comfort and a fresh, move-in-ready feel. The open-concept layout features a bright living area that flows seamlessly into a contemporary kitchen complete with new appliances, generous cabinetry and a functional design ideal for daily living. The private owner's suite is a standout, providing a spacious bedroom
Brand-New-3-Bedroom Manufactured Home with Private Owner's Suite. Step into modern, effortless living in this brand-new, never-lived-in-3-bedroom manufactured home. Every inch feels fresh, bright and thoughtfully designed, offering a clean slate for your personal style. The open-concept living area creates a warm, welcoming flow, connecting the spacious living room to a contemporary kitchen with
Schedule your private showing today of this beautifully updated, spacious four-bedroom, multi-level home featuring a heated, three-stall attached garage. This meticulously maintained home has been thoughtfully upgraded throughout, offering comfort, style, and peace of mind. Recent improvements include a brand-new furnace and central air conditioner (2026), as well as a new roof (2025) with Class
Welcome to this meticulously designed 4-bedroom, 3-bath townhouse, where modern luxury meets functionality. Located on Albert Lea's beautiful Wedgewood Cove golf course. This home offers 3,516 sq. ft. of beautiful living space, boasting a spacious main level with 1,758 sq. ft., plus an equally impressive lower level with an additional 1,758 sq. ft. of which 1201 sq. ft. are finished space, making
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
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
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
Main floor 2-bedroom apartment in a convenient central Albert Lea location. The apartment features a comfortable living room, functional kitchen, full bathroom, abundant natural light and off-street parking. Shared laundry is available on the property. Heat, gas, water and trash are included; tenant pays electricity and optional cable/internet. No smoking. One year lease, application, background
Property Id: 2756398 Welcome to your new home at 701 Water Street in Albert Lea! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit offers a convenient location with included utilities and amenities such as a refrigerator, oven, washer/dryer, and hardwood floors. Enjoy the spacious living area, shared washer/dryer, and driveway parking. Don't miss out on this opportunity for a cozy and convenient
Spacious 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment located in downtown, above Eaton Sport and Spine near Fountain Lake. Located in a secure building, large closets in the unit, along with a storage unit in the basement for extra storage. Coin operated laundry available onsite along with off street private parking. Tenant to pay electric. Water/sewer, heat, gas and garbage included. AC units included as well.
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