Le Center has low prices and events in the middle of Le Sueur County
Le Center is the seat of Le Sueur County and is located, fittingly, right at the county’s midpoint. However, the city of roughly 2,500 is smaller than others in the county, like Le Sueur or Montgomery. “It’s a nice little community,” says John Clay, a Realtor with Associated Realty who has worked in the area for nearly 40 years. “It’s standalone. There are some jobs there, but a lot of people also commute to Mankato or the Twin Cities. It’s far enough away, but it’s kind of in between the bigger cities.” Homebuyers look to Le Center for its relatively lower prices, community events and commuting access.
Early 20th century homes downtown and newer builds on the outskirts
Tall trees shade the sidewalks of Le Center’s residential streets. The core blocks of the city have back alleys for detached garages, while newer areas often have them attached. National-style cottages and ranch-style houses from the early 20th century make up much of the market in the downtown area and can sell from $170,000 to $250,000. Newer ranch-style builds and New Traditional homes are located on the outskirts, generally selling between $250,000 and $350,000. “They are building a few newer houses,” Clay says. “Lots are less expensive, so you can get things a little cheaper.” Le Center's median sale price is around $270,000. St. Peter, closer to Mankato, has a median of $290,000; New Prague, closer to the Twin Cities, has a median of around $360,000.
Education in the Tri-City United Public Schools district
Le Center is part of the Tri-City United Public Schools district, which receives a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Tri-City United Le Center Elementary and Middle School serves prekindergarten through eighth grade and receives a C-plus rating. Students then head 12 miles to Montgomery for Tri-City United High. The B-graded school has concurrent enrollment opportunities with colleges like the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University.
City parks include Ray Plut Park's ballfield, playground and pool
The city maintains several parks, but the most expansive is Ray Plut Park. The area features a playground and a gazebo, plus the community swimming pool. Ray Plut Field, home to Le Center’s amateur baseball team and other organized sports, is also located in the park. Ron Gernscheid Memorial Park on the north side of town also has a playground and a ballpark, while the Le Center school’s property offers sports facilities for the community.
Businesses focused around the Le Sueur County Government Center
The Le Sueur County Government Center is the focal point of downtown Le Center, with businesses radiating out from the plaza. Markets, hardware stores and flower shops line Park Avenue and Minnesota Street, and El Tacazo Mexican Delights is a downtown staple. A popular spot before baseball games at Ray Plut Field, Home Plate serves diner-style breakfasts and patty melts. Radermacher’s Fresh Market is the community’s grocery store.
Le Sueur County events including the county fair
As the county seat, Le Center hosts many of Le Sueur County’s events. These include the annual county fair, held each August at the fairgrounds adjacent to Ray Plut Park. The event is free for attendees and features live music, amusement rides and a demolition derby. Holiday festivities include the Le Sueur County St. Patrick’s Celebration, which includes a parade through the city.
Commutes to larger cities like Mankato, Faribault and the Twin Cities
While the TRUE Transit system operates demand-response transportation in the Le Center area, most residents drive. Mankato and Faribault are each roughly 25 miles away, while the Twin Cities area is a 60-mile trek. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport offers the nearest commercial flights. The closest hospital is the Ridgeview Le Sueur Medical Center, 13 miles away. Le Center’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
