Curving along the Minnesota River, the community of Riverfront Park is the beating heart of Mankato. Named for the park to its north, this neighborhood offers nature views and outdoor fun while encompassing the township's shopping and dining district. “The draw is what it offers with outdoor entertainment and shopping,” says Angie VanEman, a co-owner of American Way Realty and lifelong Mankato resident. “It’s a great community. There's a lot to do for people who like to be outside; we have a lot of trails. We are also close to two rivers which makes us kind of unique.” Residents here enjoy outdoor recreation and a main street packed with shops and restaurants. “It does have that old Americana feel. People love to come down here and just stroll Riverfront, check out the shops, stop into different places and kind of make a day of it,” says Shawn Neitzel, co-owner of Mom and Pop's, a popular local ice cream store.
The Riverfront Park neighborhood lies adjacent to downtown Mankato.
A warm and hip vibe await visitors of The Coffee Hag in downtown Mankato.
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Riverfront views and neighborhood strolls
Spanning 16 blocks along the river, this walkable community feels like a classic American neighborhood, with residences beginning just behind the row of businesses that front Riverfront Drive. The streetscape transforms quickly from sidewalks and commercial signs to a variety of oaks, elms and birches, offering shady sidewalk strolls. Most homes don’t have garages or driveways; but there is ample room for street parking. Arts and Crafts, Four Squares and bungalows are most common, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $250,000.
Most homes in the Riverfront Park neighborhood originate from the early to mid-20th century.
Charming craftsman-style homes are common in the Riverfront Park neighborhood.
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Riverfront Park
The community’s namesake, Riverfront Park, cradles the Minnesota River and offers waterfront views and a canoe launch, though a bit of industry separates it from the commercial and residential areas. There's also a playground and hiking and biking trails, including a connection to the North Minnesota River Trail. Located in the park is the Vetter Stone Amphitheater, hosting live music performances from June through September.
Many artistic installations lie within Riverfront Park.
The Minnesota River offers many types of recreation to residents of Riverfront Park.
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A lively downtown
North Riverfront Drive brims with storefronts and restaurants, most occupying one or two story buildings, many with decorative awnings. Vintage style streetlights dot the walkways, and parallel parking space is set aside in front of businesses. “We call that area Old Town Mankato,” says VanEman of the district offering everything from role-playing board games at The Dork Den to cakes, coffee and cream -- ice cream, that is. “It has a ton of cute little shops. It really adds a vibrancy and a walkability to our neighborhood.” Coffee Hag is an artsy hangout in a rustic red brick building that serves espresso alongside a vegetarian menu. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, this café also doubles as a music venue, hosting regular live performances. Just a few blocks down is Mom and Pop's. Aptly named, this family-owned ice cream store is housed in a remodeled building dating back to 1856. “We work with well over 100 different flavors,” says Neitzel. “We have everything from your standard mint chip all the way to exotic flavors like lemon meringue.” For groceries, there's a Hy-Vee Grocery Store on South Riverfront Drive, just across the street from the Mankato Place Mall.
Riverfront Drive is lined with quaint shops and boutiques.
The Riverfront Park neighborhood is adorned with sculptures welcoming visitor and residents.
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The Mankato Public School District
The Mankato Public School District serves the residents of Riverfront Park. Students can begin their education at Franklin Elementary School, which ranks No. 1 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Blue Earth County and scores an A on Niche. Students can continue their education at Prairie Winds Middle School and Mankato East Senior High School, both of which received a B-plus on Niche. Mankato East Senior High offers both Advanced Placement classes and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Within walking distance of the community is Bethany Lutheran College, located on Luther Drive.
Franklin Elementary School is the #1 Niche standout elementary school in Minnesota.
Prairie Winds Middle School ranks second best public middle school in Blue Earth County.
Mankato East Senior High School ranks second best public high school in Blue Earth County.
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Getting around Riverfront Park
This highly walkable and bikeable community connects directly to the Mankato City Center via North Riverfront Drive and North Second Street. Though public transportation is limited, bus services are available through the Mankato Transit System. There is a bus stop on North Broad Street within the neighborhood as well as several bus stops along North Fourth Street just outside the neighborhood. Cyclists can utilize the bike lanes running along North Broad Street, or take the scenic route along the curving Minnesota River and through Riverfront Park. For longer-distance travel, the Mankato Regional Airport is located about 7 miles northeast of Riverfront Park, though it's served by one airline. A broader selection of flights and destinations can be found in Minneapolis-St. Paul, about 70 miles away.
Riverfront Park residents have quick access to highways 60 and 169.
Mankato Transit offers bus service along major routes in Riverfront Park.
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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3 bedroom 1 bathroom main floor duplex apartment for rent in central Mankato. Washer and dryer included in basement (not shared). Must have a minimum 640 credit score. Must make 3x rent in monthly income. No smoking, no pets. Owner pays for Water, sewer and garbage. Tenants pay for gas and electric. Must pass background and credit check.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erik Jensen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
580
Median Age
31
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$34,499
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,004
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.1%
College Graduates
17.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.2%
% Population in Labor Force
78.5%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
6°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
43''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
80/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
