Constructed in 1940 as part of Roosevelt's New Deal, the Hutchinson Post Office still stands today on Main Street. Inside is a mural of the Hutchinson Family Singers; the group, known for harmonizing about social justice issues throughout the 19th century, is also credited with founding the city of Hutchinson, Minnesota. Populations have climbed steadily over the past 100 years, and today, the city is home to nearly 15,000 people, making it the most populous area for miles around. There's a reliable supply of jobs thanks to local manufacturers like 3M, which employs over 1,000 people, and recreational opportunities along Crow River. "I would say for a town of its size, it's very picturesque," says Dean Sabacky of Re/Max Results, speaking to the city's various bridges and natural rock dam. "One notable thing about the area is its landscape." Sabacky also confirms that Hutchinson families tend to stick around for generations. "It's always been a very prosperous town," he says.
Still operating 85 years later, the Hutchinson Post Office was constructed as a part of Roosevelt's New Deal.
3M has a large manufacturing presence in Hutchinson, employing over 1,000 people.
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Historic homes and new construction to the south
The city has a mix of historic homes and new construction. Late 19th-century Victorian cottages and early 20th-century bungalows branch off from the Main Street business district, and mature trees tower above relatively compact lots. It's also common to find modest, mid-century options with attached garages. "There's been a lot of new developments on the edge town over the last few years," says Sabacy, and HOA fees vary depending on the community. The average price for a single-family home in Hutchinson is around $315,000, significantly less than the national median.
Classic ranch-style homes are common in the older neighborhoods of Hutchinson.
New construction homes are prevalent in southern Hutchinson as development continues to expand.
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Hutchinson Public Schools, community education and Ridgewater College degrees
Hutchinson Public Schools earns an overall B-plus from Niche and serves nearly 3,000 students. There are three elementary options, one middle school and one high school. Hutchinson's Parks, Recreation and Community Education Department (PRCE) provides programming that includes dog obedience workshops, snowshoe exploration classes, as well as a coding club and author meet-and-greets at the city's public library. Ridgewater College, a community college, has a campus located in Hutchinson.
Hutchinson Public School District ranks above average and enrolls nearly 3,000 students.
Ridgewater College in Hutchinson is a community and technical institution with nearly 100 areas of study.
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Year-round recreation: sculpture strolls, fishing at Otter Lake and skating at Burich Arena
The city prides itself on its public art: murals decorate downtown businesses, and the Public Arts Commission (PAC) curates an ever-changing "Sculpture Stroll" in parks around town. Protected wildlife areas surrounding Hutchinson and Otter Lake make for a busy summer season. "Minnesota, they call it 'The Land of 10,000 Lakes,' but it's actually around 13,000. It's printed on our license plate. There's certainly a lot in the Hutchinson area," says Sabacy. Boaters can launch from the ramp in Roberts Park, and fishermen try their luck at catching largemouth bass, channel catfish and more. The Aquatic Center has a lazy river and zip line, and parents lounge beneath poolside umbrellas. In the wintertime, when temperatures can reach single-digit and sub-zero, an outdoor skating rink opens near Park Elementary. Snowboarders head to the Sliding Hill in Kiwanis Park. The PRCE rents out snowshoes, and Burich Arena has open skating hours.
A number of beautiful murals decorate historic buildings in downtown Hutchinson.
Roberts Park in Hutchinson has a fun playground, multiple baseball fields, and scenic views of Otter Lake.
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3M employment, Twin City commutes and decreasing crime rates
According to Sabacy, some Hutchinson residents commute to the Twin Cities for work. The reverse is also true. "There are some people coming from the metro to work at 3M…They pull from 22 different communities. It's a huge deal," he says. The facility, which first opened in the 1940s, employs hundreds of engineers, safety managers and production operators. Hutchinson Health Hospital, also a major employer, anchors the community. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is about 60 miles from Hutchinson via Minnesota. According to FBI data, overall crime rates have plummeted in Hutchinson over the past few years. Property crimes, specifically, have seen a dramatic decrease, although violent crimes have increased.
Main Street small businesses and big box retail
Businesses are spaced out around the city, but the majority are concentrated along Main Street. "It's got all the major things for shopping," says Sabacy, adding, "There's a huge Menards, a Target and a Walmart…And there's a lot of options for dining." Downtown, "A lot of the buildings have been restored on the exterior," says Sabacy. Colorful murals decorate the side of Ace Hardware, Quilt Haven, The Paint Factory and more. The movie theater on Washington Avenue has an old-fashioned marquee, and farther south, families will find a small children's museum in Hutchinson Mall. On Saturday and Wednesday mornings throughout the summer, local farmers sell fresh produce at the downtown farmers market.
Downtown Hutchinson is full of historic buildings that are home to quaint boutiques, restaurants, and office.
The State Theatre in downtown Hutchinson preserves the vintage movie-going experience.
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Year-round events at Library Square Park and McLeod County Fair
Hutchinson has an active festival calendar. In September, dozens of vendors set up booths in Library Square Park for the Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival. The event, which has been a tradition in town for half a century, attracts upwards of 12,000 visitors each year; it's planned in partnership with The Taste of Hutchinson food festival down the street. Library Square Park also hosts an outdoor concert series during the summertime, and Masonic West River Park welcomes touring bands for the Rirversong Music Festival in July. Hutchinson is also home to the McLeod County Fair—which usually entails fried food, demolition derbies and spinning rides—and other annual events in the city include "Light up Hutch" in December, a Fourth of July parade down Main Street, and the Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run & Classic Car Show in October.
Hutchinson's Library Square Park hosts a number of fun, family-friendly events throughout the year.
Hutchinson is home to the McLeod County Fair, hosting the annual get-together every August.
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Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Karels
Video By
Daniel Quattro
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Hutchinson by the Numbers
16,330
Population
36
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$275,000
Median Single Family Price$280,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft$162
Months Of Supply2
Demographics and Finance
Median Household Income$64K
Lower than National Average$71K
% Owners70%
Higher than National Average63%
College Graduates24%
Lower than National Average34%
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Hutchinson, MN
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Hutchinson Park Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 Hutchinson West Elementary School
B+
Niche
#3 Cornerstone
#4 Extended School Year
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Hutchinson Middle School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#2 Hutchinson Middle School Area Learning Center
C
Niche
1
GreatSchools
#3 Cornerstone
#4 Extended School Year
Best Public High Schools
#1 Hutchinson Senior High School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#2 Crow River Area Learning Center
1
GreatSchools
#3 Cornerstone
#4 Hutchinson Night Alt Learning Center
Best Private Schools
#1 Maplewood Academy
A-
Niche
#2 Immanuel Lutheran School
#3 Northwoods Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School
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