Settled along the Cedar River, Austin offers a relaxed lifestyle with outdoor amenities just 100 miles south of the Twin Cities. “It’s a very affordable city to live in with many modern amenities,” says Matt Bartholomew, Realtor and owner of Nord/Haus Real Estate Group. “It has that true hometown feel along with several parks and the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.” Established as a city in 1871, Austin was initially occupied by the Dakota people and later earned its name from an English settler, Austin Nichols. Lumber and flour milling were the primary industries before the expansion of the railroad in the mid-1800s. Today, the city is home to 26,000 residents and is endearingly called SPAMTOWN USA by locals. Home to Fortune 500 companies like the Hormel Foods Corporation, a meatpacking company and the creator of SPAM, this corporation provides more than 1,800 jobs to the local workforce. Local traditions like the 4th of July Freedom Fest and the Paint the Town Pink Campaign speak to Austin's know-your-neighbor feel. In a city known for its SPAM production, residents agree that "you can’t knock it ‘til you’ve fried it," a reference to both the dish and the appealing lifestyle found in Mower County.
Austin offers small town living with all the convenience of a larger city.
Hormel Foods was founded in 1891 and is Austin's largest employer.
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Entry-level homes and ongoing new construction
The real estate market in Austin attracts buyers with a wide range of housing options. With a median sales price of $185,000, homes here cost around $200,000 less than the national median. Most homes here include single-family options featuring rambler or cottage designs. There are some larger 19th-century era builds downtown, but most have been converted into multi-family rental units. New builds tend to be found on the city's north side, along with parcels of land for sale. Outliers, like large estate homes on multiple acres of land, are scarce, but can reach price points into the upper $800,000s to $1 million.
Ranch style homes are common with newer builds in the Austin Area.
Traditional two story homes can be found in established Austin neighborhoods
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City parks and the SPAM Museum
Austin maintains 28 parks and 500 acres of public green spaces, including Horace Austin Park, the primary gathering space downtown. It has a community pool, a playground and a pond for fishing. East Side Lake Park is another option, with a picnic pavilion, jungle gym and a boat landing for days spent out on the lake. Electric boats are allowed, while motorboats are not. The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is on the city's east side, and is home to forests, wetlands and prairie habitats for wildlife viewing. Austin experiences all four seasons, with temps ranging from around 80 degrees in summer to 9 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. The nature center is popular year-round and provides access to 9 miles of trails for seasonal hiking and cross-country skiing. Nearby, the SPAM Museum is off Main Street and free to visitors — here folks can explore interactive exhibits and learn about the company and their brand's origin.
Horace Austin Park features a lake, walking path, playground and gazebo, all located just outside downtown Austin.
East Side Lake Park's playground is a popular stop for families out for a walk.
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Seasonal events and the annual Paint The Town Pink Campaign
In the summer, residents can attend the annual 4th of July Freedom Fest at Bandshell Community Park and enjoy live music performances, food trucks and local vendors. The event is hosted by the Austin Enhancement Group and offers a range of activities, from the FreedomFest 5K to a car show, petting zoo and a culminating fireworks finale. In January, festivities for the annual Paint the Town Pink Campaign begin at East Side Lake with the Plunging for Pink event. This two-month-long campaign is led by the community and is dedicated to raising money for cancer research in partnership with the Cancer Center at the local Hormel Institute. This fundraiser has been a tradition since 2011 and has raised over $3 million. “There are many great events throughout the year,” says Bartholomew, who has over 7 years of real estate experience in the area. “Paint the Town Pink brings community members and local businesses together for a good cause.”
Local grocers, boutiques and eateries on Main Street
Most residents shop on the north side of Austin, off U.S. Route 218. Here, there’s a collection of name-brand grocery stores like Walmart Supercenter or Hy-Vee as well as big-box retailers like Runnings, Hobby Lobby and Marshalls. Local boutiques like Sweet Reads, ideal for some candy or a new book, and Twice Is Nice, for gifts and home goods, line Main Street. When dining in the area, folks can grab a meal from a fast-food chain or a family-owned eatery in downtown Austin. Notable restaurants include Steve's Pizza, which has served Italian cuisine within the community for over 46 years.
HyVee is a popular big box grocer serving Austin residents.
Twice is Nice offers three floors of consignment treasures.
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High marks at Austin Public Schools
Families in Austin are zoned for the Austin Public School District, which earns a B-minus from the review site, Niche. It serves over 5,000 students and is ranked the fourth-best district out of 375 in Minnesota for diversity. There are four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Most students attend Austin Senior High School, which also earns a B-minus grade and has a rigorous curriculum with 11 AP courses to choose from. Private options like Pacelli Catholic School are also available. For those interested in pursuing higher education, Riverland Community College, awards associate degrees in over 100 subjects on this city's west side.
Austin High School was constructed in 1869.
Riverland Community College offers students over 100 fields of study.
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Nearby healthcare and access to U.S. I-90
U.S. Interstate 90 runs horizontally through the city, connecting residents to U.S. Route 218 and Oakland Avenue for trips to and from downtown Austin. The Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit, or SMART bus, provides public routes throughout the area. For trips farther out of the city, the Rochester International Airport is 34 miles away and while Austin Medical Center offers healthcare on the northside along 1st Drive.
Crime
According to FBI data, the Austin Police Department’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime decreased by 12% in 2023, while property crime fell by 18%.
Licensed since 2022, I strive to help my clients through the ever changing real estate market. Whether you are buying or selling, I always have your best interests in mind. Because I stay in tune with the local market, I can help provide insight about all aspects of our community. Prior to beginning my real estate career, I gained years of experience in the plumbing industry; this experience has given me knowledge and skills working with large and small projects in existing houses, as well as in the construction of new homes and apartments. I believe in a calm, no nonsense approach to real estate in order to provide my clients with the best possible service. As part of the Gillard Realty Group, we are equipped with 30+ years of real estate experience. We are ready to offer our support and services whether you are looking to buy, sell, or have questions about the local market. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
