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The Prairie

The Prairie

Neighborhood in Mankato, Minnesota

Blue Earth County 56001

$194,370 Average Value
$140 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Suburban living just outside Old Town Mankato

Shaped like a triangle pointing to Old Town Mankato, The Prairie offers downtown proximity with the spacious lawns and quiet streets of a suburban-rural neighborhood. Bordered on its three sides by the Minnesota River to the west, U.S. Route 14 to the north, and the main drag of North Riverfront Drive to the east, the community is connected to all the essentials of Mankato. Residents also enjoy access to highly graded schools and the popular Riverfront Park, with its views of the sparkling Minnesota River and lively events.

The Prairie in Mankato offers downtown proximity with spacious lawns and quiet streets.
The Prairie in Mankato offers downtown proximity with spacious lawns and quiet streets.
The Prairie has a cost of living score of 86.7, which is a great place to live.
The Prairie has a cost of living score of 86.7, which is a great place to live.
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Calm residential streets

The Prairie consists largely of two gridded subdivisions, one in the north and one in the south, connected by Third Avenue. Both are a mix of industrial, commercial and residential buildings, adding an urban flavor to an otherwise suburban feel. Homes are spaced apart on properties typically bigger than downtown's compact squares. Red brick colonials, ranch-style homes, New Traditional houses and cottages dot the broad streets. Prices range from $100,000 to $230,000. The Jefferson Quarry, a bordering limestone quarry known for producing loud explosions in the past, ceased operations in 2017. Now, the neighborhood’s greatest noise concern comes from passing freight trains, which cross several streets and may disrupt traffic.

The median home sold price in The Prairie is $305,000.
The median home sold price in The Prairie is $305,000.
The average home value in The Prairie, Mankato, is $295,740.
The average home value in The Prairie, Mankato, is $295,740.
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The Mankato Public School District

The Mankato Public School District serves residents of The Prairie. Franklin Elementary School, which Niche gives an A and calls the best public elementary school in Blue Earth County. They can continue their education at B-rated Prairie Winds Middle School and Mankato East High School, which has a B-plus. The high school offers after-school programs such as Planetarium Production Club, VEX Robotics and Link Crew Leaders.

Franklin Elementary has 33 full-time teachers and one full-time school counselor.
Franklin Elementary has 33 full-time teachers and one full-time school counselor.
Mankato East Senior High School is ranked 59th within Minnesota.
Mankato East Senior High School is ranked 59th within Minnesota.
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Columbia Park and River Front Park

Within the northern subdivision is Columbia Park, a small community spot with playground equipment and picnic tables under a pavilion. To the south, Riverfront Park offers river views and a canoe launch. Kids can hit the playground, while hikers can trek along several trails, including a connection to the North Minnesota River Trail. Within the park, the Vetter Stone Amphitheater hosts live music all summer. At the center of The Prairie is Mankato Makerspace, an adult-education space serving community artists through classes and mentorships. Makerspace offers courses in metalwork, woodwork, jewelry, leather, ceramic, textiles and printmaking.

River Front Park offers hiking, biking, and a connection to the North Minnesota River.
River Front Park offers hiking, biking, and a connection to the North Minnesota River.
Columbia Park has a fun and exciting playground for kids.
Columbia Park has a fun and exciting playground for kids.
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Shopping and dining in The Prairie and beyond

Located on North Riverfront Drive, Pappageorge Restaurant & Bar is a neighborhood mainstay featuring surf and turf along with a variety of craft cocktails such as the LaLa, a secret-recipe tropical version of a classic Long Island iced tea. For dessert, nearby Mom and Pop’s is a locally owned ice cream shop in a remodeled building from the mid-1800s. Along with 32 rotating flavors, Mom and Pop’s offers a range of other tasty treats. “We do frozen lemonades and frozen hot chocolate. Our cookies are really popular, too,” says Shawn Neitzel, co-owner of Mom and Pop’s. This spot also offers dairy-free and gluten-free gelatos and sorbets made in-house. Just south of the neighborhood, Lakota Made LLC is a natural goods store specializing in beauty products, clothing, accessories and art. For groceries, there’s a Hy-Vee on South Riverfront Drive.

Number 4 Steakhouse offers a casual bistro & bar featuring elevated American food.
Number 4 Steakhouse offers a casual bistro & bar featuring elevated American food.
HyVee grocery store offers everything you need in one place in The Prairie.
HyVee grocery store offers everything you need in one place in The Prairie.
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RibFest at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater

Vetter Stone Amphitheater offers more than music to kick off the summer season. “We do RibFest there in August,” says Shannon Beal, a Realtor at Jason Beal Real Estate. “It’s a cook-off contest of sorts.” Dubbed Mankato’s tastiest music festival, RibFest features several “ribbers” competing for the titles of Best Ribs, Best Pulled-Pork, and KEYC News 12's People's Choice.

Locals drive to get around

Most people get around by car, as public transportation is limited. The Mankato Transit System does have two bus stops along Lime Street just outside the neighborhood. Although there are no bike lanes, cyclists can take the scenic route into Old Town via the Minnesota River Trail, which curves along the waterfront. The Mankato Regional Airport, about 6.5 miles northeast of Riverfront Park, is home to one airline. More flight options can be found in Minneapolis-St. Paul, about 78 miles away.

Mankato Transit System has two bus stops along Lime Street just outside the neighborhood.
Mankato Transit System has two bus stops along Lime Street just outside the neighborhood.
Cyclists can take the scenic route into Old Town via the River Trail in The Prairie.
Cyclists can take the scenic route into Old Town via the River Trail in The Prairie.
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Stephanie Davison
Written By
Stephanie Davison
Carlos Medina-Santiago
Photography Contributed By
Carlos Medina-Santiago
Jacob Branchaud
Video By
Jacob Branchaud

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Zachary Romsdahl, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Prairie US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$245,000
Median Single Family Price
$245,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$140
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Months of Supply
1.70
Median List Price
$237,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
64%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
186
Median Year Built
1941
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,371
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Zachary Romsdahl, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
639
Median Age
36
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$76,562
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,132

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.7%
Advanced Degrees
6.8%
% Population in Labor Force
81.6%
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

Bikeable

Bike Score®

53 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

36 / 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.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Prairie