Montevideo’s rural charm attracts families, retirees and past residents
Montevideo is a Minnesota city surrounded by farms, prairies and crop fields. The rural center offers a peaceful, quiet life that attracts people from the traffic and noise of larger areas. "It's a friendly and family oriented community," says Bruce Vien, a Realtor co-owner of Kuhlmann Real Estate, Inc. "Many residents are born and raised in Montevideo, go away for college and work experience and then come back for that small-town feeling to raise a family." He says people move to the city because of its relaxed atmosphere, events, outdoor spaces and diverse community.
An outdoorsy area close to woods, lakes and rivers
Montevideo is at the convergence of the Minnesota and Chippewa rivers, which bring opportunities for recreation close to home. "There are lots of walking trails, hiking trails and spots on the rivers for canoeing and fishing," Vien says. "It's a true outdoorsy area with all the woods, the lakes, the fishing and the hunting." Lagoon Park and Wildwood Park are along the Chippewa River, where residents often camp, kayak and cast a line. La Qui Parle State Park Wildlife Management Area has over 33,000 acres of land, lakes and rivers and is a short drive northwest of Montevideo. The state park allows hunting, trapping and fishing, with birds, deer, rabbits and foxes being the most hunted species. Windom Park has a baseball diamond, a playground and a public pool with a waterslide and shallow splash pads. There are also courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball and pickleball.
A stable population rotates through the area’s housing
Home styles are on the older side, as there is limited demand for new housing. "The population is stable with an almost even number of people leaving and coming in," Vien says. "There are some apartments, though. When downsizers move into the apartments, it opens the single-family homes for a new round of people." Victorian cottages, Cape Cods and bungalows range from $70,000 to $160,000, although some needing repairs have sold for less. Ranch-style homes, split-levels and Colonial Revivals from decades ago are the area's more modern styles, selling between $170,000 and $400,000.
Celebrations for local and international history
Fiesta Days is an annual celebration that honors a unique bond with Montevideo's sister city, Montevideo, Uruguay. The celebration has parades, community meals, dance performances and the Fiesta Royalty Coronation. As the county seat of Chippewa County, Montevideo also hosts the county fair.
Chippewa County Historical Society runs the Chippewa City Historic Park, a small-scale replica city and historical museum with 23 buildings. Visitors can tour through a trading post, barn, church, barber, post office and bank, among other old town buildings. Authentic and often donated artifacts include old cars, a firetruck and kitchen appliances.
Schools encourage modern technology in classrooms
Children attend four schools from kindergarten through graduation, beginning at Ramsey Elementary School and then Sanford Elementary School, both rated B-minus by Niche. Montevideo Middle School is rated B, and Montevideo High School earns a B-plus. The district provides each student with an electronic device to use in school and at home. Each classroom has a high level of technology, and usage is encouraged.
Restaurants and shops reflect the city’s diversity
Dairy Freeze is a local ice cream shop that has been open since 1948. Patrons order at an outdoor walk-up counter and enjoy their malts, cones, corn dogs and onion rings at picnic tables under the awning. North 1st Street has local stores and restaurants, including a pizza shop, a café, a brewery and convenience stores. Vien says that the Hispanic population is growing in the area, resulting in many locally owned Latin restaurants and shops. Runnings, Walmart, furniture stores and auto centers are east on Minnesota State Highway 7.
Hours from the nearest major city
The rural area is far from any major cities, with Minneapolis being the nearest at 140 miles away. Regional airports are north in Morris and south in Marshall, and Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport is 130 miles east. Montevideo Hospital and Clinic is a significant employer, as are manufacturers and construction companies.
The area around the Minnesota River is at high risk of flooding. The susceptible areas are undeveloped, and homes are not at risk. Flooding is less significant around the Chippewa River.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
