Situated north of the Mississippi River, Cottage Grove is known for its dairy farming and strawberry fields near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. The city attracts Twin City commuters with its suburban feel, an acclaimed school district and a 15-minute drive to and from St. Paul. Cottage Grove's history dates back to the early 19th century when settlers were drawn to the area for its verdant soil along the Mississippi River, resulting in a rich farming and grain milling economy. Officially established as a city in 1974, railroad and manufacturing developments led to continued growth well into the early 2000s. Today, the city has over 40,000 residents and Fortune 500 companies like 3M, Renewal by Andersen and Up North Plastics, provide jobs to many in the area. Shopping centers and downtown entertainment options are also plentiful and surround the residential areas north of U.S. Route 10, while a few industrial pockets are separated to the south. “Cottage Grove has restaurants, shops and a great school system,” says Jessica Fisher, Realtor with Re/Max Professionals. “And its proximity to the Twin Cities Metro is desirable for commuters.” Despite its continued growth, the city takes pride in its traditions and maintains a community-oriented feel through local events like the annual Strawberry Fest.
The mighty Mississippi River borders the west side of Cottage Grove.
Up North Plastics is a large company in Cottage Grove where many residents work.
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Strong market with pockets of new construction
Many move to Cottage Grove for the area's A-rated school district and ample housing options. “The housing market in Cottage Grove is strong,” says Fisher, who has over 6 years of experience selling in the area. “It has a great variety of housing for every phase of life. We have several new developments being built, so those who want to build their own home find our community appealing.” With a median sales price of $400,000, homes here are generally more affordable than the average property in the Minneapolis Metro Area. Prices range from as low as $150,000 for a one-bedroom townhouse to upwards of $1 million for a five-bedroom newly constructed Traditional. Cottage Grove's northside offers most of the housing opportunities in the city, with these developments often centered around neighborhood parks. New construction options are found in subdivisions like Woodward Ponds, a townhouse community; or in Calarosa which is primarily Craftsman and one-level villa houses. Homes along the Mississippi River do not sell for the million-dollar premiums like some other waterside communities, instead, houses sell between $400,000 and $825,000.
New traditional townhomes in a variety of styles are popping up in Cottage Grove.
Traditional homes with craftsman influences make up a majority of the homes in Cottage Grove.
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Education at SoWashCo Schools
Cottage Grove's families are zoned for South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools), and serves over 18,000 students, making it the sixth-largest district in Minnesota. Earning an overall A-minus rating from the review site Niche, students within the SoWashCo district may attend one of 16 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, or two non-traditional high schools. The district also features early learning programs for children up to five years old. SoWashCo’s high schools offer AP courses, and most students attend Park High School, which earns a B-minus from Niche and offers an IB program for students to enroll. Private options like Hope Christian Academy and Pine Harbor Christian Academy are also available nearby.
Cottage Grove students can begin their education at Hillside Elementary.
Cottage Grove Middle School is conveniently located in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.
Park High School in Cottage Grove offers AP courses and an IB program.
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Seasonal activities and Cottage Grove Regional Park
Cottage Grove has 38 neighborhood parks totaling 1,500 acres of city-owned green spaces to enjoy. The city experiences all four seasons, with mild summers and cold winters, which average 48 inches of snow per year. Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park spans over 500 acres and is equipped for year-round outdoor recreation. It has a kayak launch and a fishing pier that is popular during the warmer months, and trails for snowmobiles and cross-country skiing come winter. Kingston Park has soccer fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts where athletes can train and compete. The Cottage Grove Ice Arena hosts winter sports year-round and offers open skate times for the public. The arena also hosts figure skating exhibitions and hockey games in partnership with SoWashCo Schools. The city also maintains eight outdoor ice rinks complete with warming houses where skaters can take breaks from the chilling temperatures between games. The public River Oaks Golf Course has an 18-hole layout with 57 sand bunkers and three ponds. It offers seasonal package deals and individual weekday passes for a fee.
River Oaks Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course located south of Cottage Grove.
The Cottage Grove Ice Arena hosts hockey games of all levels throughout the year.
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The annual Strawberry Fest
In June, the city hosts the annual Strawberry Fest at Kingston Park. This four-day event celebrates Cottage Grove’s origins as an agricultural community filled with strawberry fields. The event features live music, food trucks, a parade and a fireworks display. “There’s a bean bag tossing tournament, a car show, a doggie dash, a pet show, a pie-eating contest and a top chef contest, so a lot of people bring in their recipes – and, of course, it has to include strawberries,” says Julie Prior Miller, the Cottage Grove marketing and communications specialist. “Last year, we had estimates of about 20,000 to 25,000 people.” It has been, and continues to be, a long-standing tradition for over 40 years.
Shopping hubs along Voyageur Highway
Most residents shop along Voyageur Highway, also known as U.S. Route 10, for everyday essentials. This hub features big box stores like Target, as well as grocery stores like Cub Foods. Local eateries and fast-food dining options are centralized and easily accessible. North of the city, the shopping area along 80th Street offers additional chain restaurants and a Hy-Vee grocery store.
Cub Foods is a popular grocery destination for those who live on the south side of Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove has a large shopping center off the 80th St exit that features, a HyVee.
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Traversing the Twin Cities on Route 10
U.S. Route 10 cuts diagonally across Cottage Grove, connecting residents to neighboring areas like Hastings and the Twin Cities. The Metro Transit bus provides public rides from the Cottage Grove Park & Ride Station along Point Douglas Road. When traveling further outside the community, the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is 17 miles away. For healthcare, the Compcare Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine facility is located along 80th Street, while United Hospital is 10 miles south in neighboring Hastings.
Crime and contamination clean-up
On average, Cottage Grove experiences lower crime rates than St. Paul. In 2023, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees Cottage Grove, reported 30 violent crimes per 100,000 people. In recent years, some residents have experienced issues with groundwater contamination from neighboring industrial companies. A new water treatment plant to combat the release of PFAS, or “forever chemicals," is being constructed near Cottage Grove and is expected to be completed in 2025.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Cottage Grove, MN sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Cottage Grove, MN over the last 12 months is $400,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning custom-built former model by Stonegate Builders, now available! Built in 2019 and not occupied until 2021, this lightly lived in premium main floor owner’s suite walkout home has all the options and upgrades model homes are known for. Soaring vaults, walls of windows, 8' tall doors, sunroom, gorgeous built-ins and refined architectural details further define this showstopper. Crafted
Back on MARKET_Below Market Financing: Conventional 4.875%/4.9249 APR closing by April 29 with seller preferred lender. FHA/VA available please ask. All on one level and an Extra Deep Garage tandem garage!! The garage is great for extra storage, an oversized truck, boat, or classic car or toy storage- you decide! The home's one- level living design emphasizes both comfort and practicality, with
**Ask how you can receive up to $20,000 in closing costs when using D.R. Horton’s preferred lender!** Introducing Northwick Valley, D.R. Horton's executive style return to Cottage Grove. Located in the Eastridge High School attendance area, this HOA free community is nestled just steps from Glacial Valley Park featuring access to walking trails, athletic facilities, a playground and much more.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom home in Cottage Grove, featuring brand-new siding and roof plus a fully refreshed interior. Inside, you’ll find newly refinished hardwood floors, a completely renovated kitchen and bathroom, and bright, inviting living spaces ready for you to move right in. The property sits on a spacious corner lot with a fully fenced yard—perfect for outdoor
This beautifully updated home offers numerous recent upgrades and thoughtful features throughout. The interior has been tastefully updated, complemented by brand-new siding, windows, and a patio door installed in 2023, along with a new garagedoor the same year. The backyard is designed for both durability and enjoyment, featuring cement retaining walls, low-maintenance vinyl fencing, an
Step inside this beautifully refreshed home, where thoughtful updates and modern touches create a warm and inviting atmosphere from top to bottom.The kitchen is a true highlight, featuring freshly painted cabinets with new hardware, a charming wallpaper backsplash, updated trim, and a new ceiling fan/light fixture. Fresh paint on the walls and ceiling, along with replaced outlets, complete
Stunning custom-built former model by Stonegate Builders, now available! Built in 2019 and not occupied until 2021, this lightly lived in premium main floor owner’s suite walkout home has all the options and upgrades model homes are known for. Soaring vaults, walls of windows, 8' tall doors, sunroom, gorgeous built-ins and refined architectural details further define this showstopper. Crafted
Welcome home to this beautifully upgraded, nearly new construction home in Cottage Grove, offering the benefits of new construction without the wait. Thoughtfully designed with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, this home features a stunning open-concept main level with a front den perfect for working from home or a flexible bonus space. The main level is highlighted by flowing LVP flooring, a
Experience main-level living with the Willow, part of our Hans Hagen Villa Collection. As with our other villas, all of your lawn care and snow removal will be taken care of! If you enjoy covered outdoor space, this floorplan features an extended roof in the back of the home, designed to offer the perfect covered outdoor space for a future patio.
Welcome to the Bryant II, a new home plan available at Ravine Crossing in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. This attractive raised ranch single-family floor plan featuring vaulted main level ceilings, finished lower level and 3-car garage. The main level opens immediately to the expansive kitchen with a deep peninsula seating four comfortably, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, tiled
**Ask how you can receive a 4.99% Conventional or Government 30 yr fixed rate mortgage PLUS up to $5,000 in closing costs on this home!** Introducing Northwick Valley, D.R. Horton's executive style return to Cottage Grove. Located in the Eastridge High School attendance area, this HOA free community is nestled just steps from Glacial Valley Park featuring access to walking trails, athletic
We’re thrilled to show you around the Aspen, a 2–3-bedroom floorplan with a den, 2–3 bathrooms, 2,344 square feet, and charming design features throughout! Discover all the details today, then contact our team for your personal appointment.
Ask how you can receive a 4.99% Conventional or Government 30 yr fixed rate mortgage PLUS up to $5,000 in closing costs on this home! Come see why Hinton Woods is such a desirable place to call home! This beautiful END-UNIT home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & laundry upstairs including a primary suite with walk-in closet. The finished lower-level flex room is perfect for guests, home office,
Ask how you can receive a 4.99% Conventional or Government 30 yr fixed rate mortgage PLUS up to $5,000 in closing costs on this home! Come see why Hinton Woods is such a desirable place to call home! This beautiful END-UNIT home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & laundry upstairs including a primary suite with walk-in closet. The finished lower-level flex room is perfect for guests, home office,
** Ask how you can receive a 4.99% Conventional or Government 30 yr fixed rate mortgage PLUS up to $5,000 in closing costs on this home!** Introducing Northwick Valley, D.R. Horton's executive style return to Cottage Grove. Located in the Eastridge High School attendance area, this HOA free community is nestled just steps from Glacial Valley Park featuring access to walking trails, athletic
Welcome to The Aurilla, where local charm meets sophistication. Brand new and ready to redefine the way you see upscale living, our pet-friendly apartments in Cottage Grove, MN. Discover our collection of stylish one, two, or three-bedroom apartments and embrace the numerous amenities and impeccable services that come attached to our premium community.
This charming open concept home is modern and feels like new. Featuring 4 bedrooms and laundry on the upper level, a private primary suite with ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet, large kitchen with granite center island with walk-in pantry, gas fireplace, a flex space prefect for formal dining or an office, and a 3 car garage. This home is perfect for entertaining with a fully fenced yard and
ReNew at the Grove is the perfect place to call home in Cottage Grove, where you're minutes from quality schools, close to grocery shopping at Cub Foods and Aldi, surrounded by local retail along Highway 61, and ideally positioned near major employers including 3M in Woodbury, HealthPartners, and the growing business corridor in the East Metro area. Your new home features spacious 1, 2, and 3-bed
Nicely updated four bed two bath home, hardwood floors, new carpet, new appliances, large entry way, fenced yard, washer and dryer in unit, walking distance to restaurants and parks. Two car attached garage, twelve month lease preferred. First month and deposit due at move in.
Grove80 Apartments offers studio, alcove, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments to fit your lifestyle needs. All of our apartments feature the latest, unparalleled features and amenities that deliver an exceptional living experience in Cottage Grove, MN. Escape from the daily grind to your own spacious and pet-friendly home designed with open concept floor plans to provide privacy, comfort, and
Cottages of Cottage Grove is conveniently located near shopping, restaurants and local amenities, yet is tucked away with a wonderful neighborhood feel. Our homes feature private entrances, central air conditioning, ample closet space and garage parking. We would love to show you our community! Please reach out to Management, we are more than happy to answer any questions and
The Groves is an affordable apartment community offering 3 bedroom units in Cottage Grove, MN. Features include central a/c, washer and dryer included, playground, dishwasher and each unit has an attached shared garage. Located off Highway 61 and 80th Street, two blocks from the Cottage Grove Library, an elementary school, and just minutes from a variety of restaurants and other entertainment.
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2748.95. That covers your base rent, $2699.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Smart Home with video doorbell $40 and
Beautiful Townhome for Rent 7382 Timber Crest Dr S, Cottage Grove, MNCharming and well-maintained 3-level townhome located in a quiet and desirable neighborhood in Cottage Grove. This spacious home offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 1,484 square feet of living space, providing a comfortable and functional layout for everyday living. The main level features a bright
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