Settled in the northern woods of Minnesota, Bemidji attracts buyers with its lakefront lifestyle and its wood-chopping heritage. Rumored to be the birthplace of Paul Bunyan — the giant lumberjack of American folklore — Bemidji embraces this symbol as its own and the city even has an oversized statue of the man and his blue ox at the entrance of their Tourist Information Center. “Our community is surrounded by natural beauty,” says Vanessa Osborn, Realtor with Lake-N-Woods Realty — referring specifically to the 300 lakes that are found within a 20-mile radius. “There is nothing like waking up at the lake to the clean, crisp smell of water and trees.” Established in 1888, Bemidji was first occupied by the Dakota people and its name is derived from the Ojibwe word meaning ‘lake with crossing waters,’ referring to the overlap between the Mississippi River and the Bemidji Lake. The lumber industry began early, with the first local mill opening around 1893, and lasted through the 1920s. Today, Bemidji is home to more than 15,000 residents and its top employers include Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and Bemidji State University. “These institutions provide excellent services, help keep new folks coming to town and add so much to our vibrant community,” adds Osborn. Notable amenities here include the Bemidji Curling Club, which contributes to the city’s recognition as the Curling Capital of the U.S. Community events like the annual Dragon Boat Festival bring locals together through camaraderie and lake-centric activities. With small-town lore, new housing options and year-round recreation, Bemidji takes pride in being the first city established along the Mississippi.
Minnesota's folklore legend Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox welcome visitors to downtown Bemidji.
Bemidji resides on the shores of Lake Bemidji, which offers ample boating and fishing opportunities.
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Affordable land, new construction and shoreline condos
Homes in Bemidji are attractive for their affordable pricing and variety of styles. "The market up north is quite healthy and vibrant,” says Osborn, who is a northern Minnesota native with over 6 years of real estate experience selling in the area. “It's an excellent time to consider putting your house or property on the market.” The housing options here include everything from quarter-acre lots to two-story New Traditional designs, as well as multi-family condo units and some duplexes too. With a median sales price of $285,000, homes cost about $135,000 less than the national median. For example, prices can vary range from as low as $200,000 for a two-bedroom condo to upwards of $1 million for a waterfront estate with private access to Lake Bemidji. New construction is happening on the city’s south side, with luxury condos available on Lake Bemidji's shores, and new single-family homes starting in the mid $300,000s can be found in neighborhoods like Mountain View Meadows.
Elegant waterfront estates surround the shores of Lake Bemidji.
New construction homes with modern designs are prevalent in Bemidji's southern residential developments.
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Olympic curling and paths along the Paul Bunyan State Trail
Bemidji has 18 parks with 13 miles of trails and 250 acres of greenery to explore. Bemidji experiences all four seasons and residents are accustomed to hot summers and freezing winters with an average of 45 inches of snowfall per year. In the winter months, the city also maintains four outdoor ice-skating rinks. Bemidji City Park is centrally located and features a skate park, an outdoor ice hockey rink and four baseball fields. The Bemidji Curling Club is also located here and offers curling lessons and team competitions throughout the year. The facility is also the practice space of Olympic curlers and has been a staple within the community since 1935. Paul Bunyan Park is located along the shore of Bemidji and features a playground, a picnic pavilion, a fishing pier and a canoe launch. There’s an 18-foot sculpture of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox here too that's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lake Bemidji State Park, to the north, has sandy beaches for sunbathing and a marina for motorized boats, or come winter this spot is also ideal for ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Cyclists can access the Paul Bunyan State Trail from here, which spans 115 miles and is the longest paved rail trail in the country. Bemidji Town and Country Club has a championship 18-hole golf course and the North Shore Grille, a restaurant, for dining between rounds.
Paul Bunyan Park features an expansive playground with scenic views of Lake Bemidji.
The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs through Bemidji, spanning 115 miles in northern Minnesota.
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The annual Dragon Boat Festival
In the summer, residents can attend the annual Dragon Boat Festival at Paul Bunyan Park. This four-day event is hosted at the end of July along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Visitors enjoy live music performances, a 5k fun run, food vendors and the highly anticipated dragon boat races. The race includes a variety of decorative canoes with dragon heads and tails, that team's paddle to the finish line. The event has been a tradition within the community for over 18 years.
Bemidji's annual Dragon Boat Festival is held on the southern shores of Lake Bemidji.
Visitors can congregate at Paul Bunyan Park to partake in Bemidji's annual Dragon Boat Festival every July.
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Education at Bemidji Public Schools
Bemidji is zoned for Bemidji Public Schools, which earns an overall B-plus rating from the review site Niche. The district serves over 4,000 students and is ranked in the top 30 out of 400 for best places to teach in Minnesota. There are six elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Most students attend Bemidji Senior High School, which also earns a B-plus rating and is also known for its award-winning curling club. The club has hosted several curling competitions, securing over 50 state and national titles. Those interested in pursuing higher education degrees can look to Bemidji State University, which is known for its indigenous studies program and is ranked 24th out of 100 for the top universities in the Midwest region by U.S. News and World Report.
Most students attend Bemidji Senior High School, which is ranked above average with a 'B+' rating on Niche.
Bemidji State University is ranked in the top 25 universities in the Midwest.
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Local grocers and bites along Great River Road
Most residents shop along Great River Road, which provides access to commercial hubs like the Westridge Shopping Center, the Paul Bunyan Mall and downtown Bemidji. There’s a mix of grocery stores here too, like a Walmart Supercenter and Lueken's Village Foods; and big-box retailers like Menards and The Home Depot are also found along Great River Road. Downtown includes a variety of boutiques like Yellow Umbrella, which offers a curated collection of clothing, and Morell’s Chippewa Trading Post, for beaded butterflies and other handmade Ojibwe artisanal crafts. Dining options here range from fast-food chains to locally owned eateries sprinkled throughout the city. Notable restaurants include the family-owned Fozzie's Smokin Bar BQ, which has served smoked Wagyu beef within the community for over a decade.
Lueken's Village Foods is a local grocery option for Bemidji residents.
Yellow Umbrella is one of many charming boutiques that line Bemidji's historic downtown.
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Nearby healthcare and trips on the Jefferson Lines
Great River Road runs through downtown Bemidji and connects residents to U.S. Routes 2 and 71. Public bus routes are provided by the Jefferson Lines bus system, which operates along Great River Road., or when traveling farther, the Bemidji Regional Airport is located off Moberg Drive. For healthcare, the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center is on the north side of the community.
Crime
According to the Bemidji Police Department, the city’s violent and property crime rates remain well above national figures. Violent crime decreased slightly in 2023, while property crimes rose by 65%, according to FBI statistics.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bemidji, MN sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Bemidji, MN over the last 12 months is $284,100, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious Starter Home with Room for All Your Toys – In the Heart of Bemidji!Calling all first-time homebuyers looking for space, functionality, and fun! This charming 2-bedroom, 3-bath home offers a flexible layout, with an additional finished room that could easily serve as a third bedroom with the addition of an egress window. From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the oversized
Tucked away in a private forested setting surrounded by towering pine trees, this stunning two-story home offers comfort, style and flexibility. The peaceful natural surroundings create a sense of retreat, while the well-designed interior and exterior provide everything you need for modern living.Highlights include: open concept floor plan with modern kitchen and cozy living room, main floor
This is a great twin home in a very private location in the sought-after Irvingboro location. This property has direct access to the paved trail system making it idea for walking and biking. The home features 2+ bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full lower-level walkout and private backyard. This quality-built property has steel and brick siding, large windows and an insulated poured concrete basement,
Immaculate newer construction (2016) located in the Wheatfield Neighborhood. This 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath is a 1,759 sq feet, 9-foot vaulted ceilings home with an owner's suite with private bath and walk in closet. Great location and welcoming neighborhood! Sunset every night on the back patio. Sunrise every morning on the front porch. Frequent visits from whitetail deer and other wildlife.
Newer home on the lagoon with access to Lake Bemidji! This spacious one-level living home features a primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and full bathroom, 2 more bedrooms and another full bath, tongue and groove vaulted ceilings, modern kitchen with hard surface countertops and center island, a butler's pantry, a beautiful wall of windows facing the lagoon, a patio off the living room
One-Level Living with Spacious Amenities!Discover this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, offering comfort and convenience all on one level. The heart of the home features a large kitchen with abundant cupboard and countertop space, a pantry for extra storage, and a seamless flow into the oversized living room—perfect for entertaining or relaxing.The primary suite is a true retreat,
FOR FUTURE 2 BDRM OPENINGS. THESE RENT FOR $654/$699. MARKET RENTS. LAUNDRY FACILITIES AVAILABLE ONSITE. ALL UTILITIES PAID. NO PETS! AIR CONDITIONING IN ALL UNITS AND OFF STREET PARKING. LIMITED ACCESS ENTRY WITH SECURITY CAMERAS. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT 721 15TH STREET NW BEMIDJI. IF INTERESTED PLEASE FILL OUT AN APPLICATION TO GET ON OUR WAITING LIST. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR APPLICATIONS.
Stony Ridge Studios is a small apartment community of two buildings and 52 units located on Norton Avenue in Bemidji, MN. Only 1 mile from BSU and central to both uptown and downtown, this property offers efficiency, convenience, and a quiet atmosphere. Bonus, the buildings are cat-friendly!
An inspired life awaits at Timber Ridge Apartments. The interiors are cozy, the leisure areas are welcoming, and every day feels pleasant inside our Bemidji apartments. But wait until you see our charming location, which places us right off US Highways 2 and 71. You'll find yourself in a commuter's paradise, a quick drive away from Bemidji Theatre, Bemidji Regional Airport, and Bemidji State
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