Byron is a bedroom community with diverse housing options
Byron’s proximity to Rochester draws in commuters who want access to a slower pace of life and a highly ranked school district. “We’re just a really cute, nice bedroom community just 8 miles west of Rochester,” says Kelly Domaille, Realtor and associate broker with Domaille Real Estate. The city also offers a variety of housing options and community events, like Byron Good Neighbors Day.
Townhouses, older homes and new construction are available in Byron
Sidewalks line most of the roads in Byron, where homes typically have manicured lawns shaded by oak trees. Ranch-style houses and split levels from the mid-20th century are typical, as are new traditional homes that often have Craftsman and colonial influences. “I think that the diversity in housing is really good here,” Domaille says. Prices generally range from $170,000 to $350,000 for older, smaller properties. Larger ones can cost $350,000 to $980,000, depending on age and location. Many of the most expensive properties are in the Somerby community. Townhouses are also available and usually range from $230,000 to $580,000, depending on location.
Byron is eligible for some of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development programs, including the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. “People can get into homes with zero down here,” Domaille says.
Highly rated schools draw people to Byron
Domaille cites Byron Public School District as one of the city’s main attractions for homebuyers. “That is a big draw for families, and that’s why I moved here,” she says. Byron Primary School teaches kindergarten through second grade and receives a B from Niche, while the A-minus-rated Byron Intermediate School serves third through fifth graders. Byron Middle School earns a B-plus. At Byron Senior High School, which scores a B, the Career Fields & Pathways program includes health and human services, arts, communications and information systems classes.
U.S. Route 14 leads to Rochester
Most residents rely on cars to get around. US Route 14 connects Byron to Rochester, and Rochester Public Transit also manages a bus route between the two cities. The closest emergency room is at the Saint Mary’s campus of the Mayo Clinic, about a 10-mile drive. While Rochester International Airport is only about 15 miles away, many people will drive 75 miles to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
Residents enjoy locally owned restaurants, with major retailers nearby
Many of the restaurants in Byron are independently owned. Wildwood is a sports bar and grill with a bowling alley and dishes ranging from nachos to lettuce wraps. The Compadres serves Mexican food, with popular menu items like asada tacos and the California burrito. People order burgers, wraps and other American fare at the Bear’s Den. “There are some really nice local options, but being a 10-minute drive to Rochester means you can always find what you’re looking for,” Domaille says. While residents must make that trip for major retailers like Target, Walmart and Home Depot, there is a Fareway in Byron.
Oxbow Park, Somerby Gold Club and city parks offer outdoor recreation
Oxbow Park, just north of Byron, is one of the main recreation destinations in the area, featuring 8 miles of trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. The park also includes a natural playscape, several campsites and Zollman Zoo, which has over 40 species of Minnesota native animals, such as otters and bobcats. Old Towne Park, one of several smaller parks in the city, has a playground and a baseball field. Somerby Golf Club has a private course designed by John Fought and Tom Lehman. It also features a Junior Olympic-sized pool, fitness room, and tennis and racquetball courts. Many of the club’s members live in Somerby homes. “There are also people who live outside the Somerby community, even in Rochester, who are members and commute in,” Domaille says. She also mentions two other social organizations that people can join, the Byron Snow Bears snowmobile club and Team R.E.D., a running club for people of all paces. “People can join and have a built-in community right away,” she says.
Byron Good Neighbor Days brings the community together
Residents come together for the Byron Good Neighbor Days, a weekend-long celebration every summer. Programming includes free live music, games, garage sales and a parade. One of the main events is the Medallion Hunt, a scavenger hunt that spans the city. Local businesses set up vendor booths, and the weekend ends with a fireworks show. Brrr Fest is a weekend of winter-themed festivities every December, including petting reindeer, pictures with Santa and a tree lighting ceremony.