$229,311Average Value$134Average Price per Sq Ft79Homes For Sale
Hometown-feel in SPAMTOWN USA
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%.
Written By
Christian Slater
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Video By
Matt Pangman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hyounsoo Lathrop,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Austin, MN sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Austin, MN over the last 12 months is $196,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 3 bath home offering convenient main floor living and exceptional craftsmanship throughout. The main level features 9 foot ceilings, custom trim work, Andersen windows, and rich cherry hardwood floors. Enjoy an open concept layout with abundant natural light, highlighted by a stunning kitchen with vaulted ceilings, a large center island, and seamless flow into the living room,
Discover the perfect blend of architectural heritage and modern updates in this stunning 4-bedroom home on a premier Austin avenue. Meticulously maintained, the property features newer siding, windows, and a lush corner lot with a dedicated irrigation system. The interior preserves the best of its era with beautiful hardwoods and arched transitions, while the lower level reveals a spectacular
Nestled on a sprawling full acre, this cherished property has been meticulously maintained for 27 years and is now ready to welcome its next chapter. Located in a lovely neighborhood, this home offers the perfect foundation for comfortable living, featuring the highly sought-after convenience of a main-floor bedroom and full bath alongside a spacious, light-filled kitchen designed for gathering.
Step into this 2 story home offering functionality, and affordability all in one. Featuring a spaciousliving room and an eat-in kitchen. Located on a quiet corner lot in Austin. Enjoy the outdoors in yourlarge fenced-in yard or patio. Great opportunity for any buyer looking for a place to call home!
Welcome Home!! This home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with lots of space to move around in! Main floor has a roomy eat in kitchen , a separate formal dining room, large living room with fireplace, enclosed front porch and a powder room. Upper level has 3 bedrooms and a large full bathroom. 3/4 bath in the basement with tons of storage room. Outside we have a corner lot with an insulated and
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath A-frame home, designed for comfort and functionality. The open-concept layout features a spacious family room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a warm fireplace, creating a bright and inviting space for relaxing or entertaining. The refreshed kitchen includes new countertops, updated lighting, and durable LVP flooring that flows seamlessly
Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 3 bath home offering convenient main floor living and exceptional craftsmanship throughout. The main level features 9 foot ceilings, custom trim work, Andersen windows, and rich cherry hardwood floors. Enjoy an open concept layout with abundant natural light, highlighted by a stunning kitchen with vaulted ceilings, a large center island, and seamless flow into the living room,
Completely updated for modern living, this home blends classic character with thoughtful improvements throughout. Recent upgrades include refreshed kitchen finishes with new flooring, backsplash, lighting, and hardware, along with updated bathrooms featuring new vanities, toilets, and a tiled shower with plumbing corrected to meet code. Fresh paint, new lighting, and refinished upper-level
Welcome to this spacious 4 BR, 3BA home in a peaceful Austin neighborhood near Southgate Elementary and neighborhood parks, set on a beautiful lot of over half an acre. The open and inviting main level begins with a bright living room anchored by a striking two-sided gas fireplace that flows seamlessly into a welcoming family room filled with natural light. A connected dining area provides an
High Point Land Company is pleased to offer this Premier mixed-use offering the ideal blend of income-producing farmland, premier hunting habitat, and a stream flowing into a dedicated 4 acre pond for recreational water access. This diverse parcel features productive tillable acres currently suited for row crop production, providing consistent annual income and strong long-term investment
High Point Land Company is pleased to offer this 132+/- acres of Mower County farmland located in section 32 of Dexter Township just 10 miles East of Austin, MN. This farm is in the heart of some on the best farmland in Minnesota and is as nice as they come with a strong CPI of 86.1 on 131.7+/- tillable acres. The farm is well tiled, very productive and has excellent access off the north side
High Point Land Company is pleased to offer this 38+ /- acres of Mower County farmland located in section 14 Austin Township just 2 miles South of Austin, MN. This farm is in the heart of some on the best farmland in Minnesota and is as nice as they come with a strong CPI of 86.3 on 36.5 +/- tillable acres. The farm is pattern tiled, productive and has excellent access off a paved road on the
High Point Land Company is pleased to offer this Premier mixed-use riverfront property offering the ideal blend of income-producing farmland, premier hunting habitat, and recreational water access. This diverse parcel features productive tillable acres currently suited for row crop production, providing consistent annual income and strong long-term investment fundamentals. The balance of the
MAIN LEVEL LIVING OPPORTUNITY AT THE KEYSTONE TOWNHOMES! This home offers a main level bedroom, with its own on-suite bathroom and walk in closet. The main level also offers an open floorplan with the kitchen, dining and living room all connected. There is a gas fireplace that is shared with the main level living room and den. Off of the dining room area is the deck that overlooks the greenspace
Discover Mill on Main, downtown Austins premier apartment community. After the overwhelming success of Mill on Main I, Mill on Main II was created to meet the high demand for modern style, comfort, and unbeatable amenities. With fitness facilities, rooftop patios, game rooms, secure storage, and underground parking, Mill on Main offers everything you need to elevate your everyday living right in
When you are looking for a quiet, secure, building with unique layouts and historic architecture, Lincoln Apartments is the place you should choose to call home.Rent includes the heat, water, garbage, a/c unit, and the tenant will pay their own electric costs. The heat is hot water. All units are cable and high speed internet ready. Garages are available for extra rent per month. One off
A great place to live! Webster Apartments offers a rich historical exterior appearance yet offers all the conveniences of a fully updated and modern interior. When you are looking for a safe, extremely quiet apartment building, then Webster Apartments is the place for you to call home. Each apartment unit is different from the next. No cookie cutter designs here. Almost every unit has a balcony
Flats on 21 is strategically located on the outskirts of Austin, MN, providing residents with an ideal setting to fully experience the charm of the area. Situated just east of Highway 281 and north of I-90, our residents enjoy easy access to local conveniences, dining spots, nightlife, downtown Austin, and various outdoor activities.Rest assured, daily necessities are within reach, with grocery
** Fill out our FREE application now and take the first step towards securing your dream home! ***Unit pricing based on availability. Contact our Leasing Team today to learn more. Restrictions Apply.*Welcome Home. Experience the convenience of location at the Northern Place Apartments. These spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartments are the perfect place to call
Well-maintained 7-unit building at 304 1st Ave NW in Austin, MN. The property is located in a convenient residential neighborhood close to downtown Austin, parks, and local shopping.Apartment Features• Heat and water included• Air conditioning• Laundry facilities in building• Private locked storage unit in basementAdditional details:• Dedicated building parking
For Rent1+ Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 1060sqft1 Stall garageRent $1250Deposit $2000Renter pays for all utilities, garbage, lawn and snow.Washer and dryer in unit.Pet policy Deposit $300 and $50 per month per animal.Available March 1st 2026
First months rent and deposit (equal to 1 months rent) due at signing. Tenants pay all utilities, garbage and must do their own lawn care and snow removal. Must provide proof of renter's insurance. Qualifications - 3 times monthly income to rent. No Pets. No Evictions or Felonies. Background and credit check required ($45 Per Applicant no refund). Rent to be paid by ACH/auto draft. Do not click
Welcome home to this newly renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath house featuring a versatile bonus room—perfect for a home office, playroom, or additional living space. This home offers a warm, cozy feel with updated finishes throughout. Enjoy the outdoors with a spacious yard and a private deck, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. A double-stall garage provides plenty of parking and storage. A perfect
Recently renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, located in the Northwest part of Austin. This house comes with a single-car garage, a large fully fenced in backyard, original hardwood floors, new carpet, and 2 screened-in 3-season porches.Walking distance to Wescott Field & The Packer Dome. Just minutes away from shopping, Mayo Clinic, Hormel, and all the newest restaurants in
FOR SALE $539,900 OR FOR RENT $3,200/month plus utilities: Discover the charm of this 6 bedroom 3 bathroom Craftsman home on the 3.55 acres, priced at $539,900. Features include an attached extra large 2 stall garage and the detached 30x40 shop with installed lift. Bonus, two additional lots for future development or sale. Ideally located near the Cedar River, one of the area's top
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