Recreational lakes and farmland surround the Montrose community
Fields, lakes and farmland surround Montrose, about 45 miles west of Minneapolis. Like many outer-ring suburbs, the small city attracts buyers who want to escape the hurry-scurry pace of the metro area. “You’re out in farm country that way,” says Joel Friday, a Realtor with Keller Williams Classic Realty who’s been licensed in Minnesota for 20 years. “If you’re looking to commute to the west metro of the Twin Cities, that would be a nice town to settle in because you’ll find less expensive homes.” Some residents might also commute to Buffalo, where they’ll find the nearest hospital and several recreational lakes.
Ranch-style and New Traditional homes with small shaded yards
Many centrally located homes occupy lots measuring up to a third of an acre, with yards shaded by oak and maple trees. Paved sidewalks border the main thoroughfares and a few residential streets. Most houses in this area date to the 1980s, but some townhouses and single-family homes were built within the last 10 years. Fields and forests take over the landscape on the rural outskirts. Townhouses sell for $250,000 to $300,000, while New Traditional and ranch-style builds cost $250,000 to $400,000. The median price for a single-family home in Minneapolis is $350,000, whereas the median price in Montrose is about $325,000, so those willing to commute will find slightly less expensive housing. Attached garages help protect vehicles from the hail and ice storms that are common in this region.
Neighborhood parks, disc golf and hunting at Malardi Lake
Veterans Park is a centrally located gathering spot with sports courts, shaded picnic areas and a playground. Skaters practice on the ramps, stairs and rails at Lent Park. The city water tower looms over the horseshoe pits and picnic tables at Lions Park, a key location for community events. The 12 holes at the White Tail Disc Golf Course zigzag through forested areas and water traps. Anglers cast lines in nearby lakes like Waverly, Pulaski, Buffalo and Malardi. “There are a number of good lakes in the area if you like to fish,” Friday says. The Malardi Lake Wildlife Management Association is also a good spot to hunt pheasant and waterfowl, and birdwatchers scan the marsh for trumpeter swans in spring.
Hands-on learning at Montrose Elementary School of Innovation
Students engage in interactive learning in a STEAM-focused environment at Montrose Elementary School of Innovation, which receives a B from Niche. Students at Montrose Elementary begin each day with time dedicated to individual projects or teacher-selected challenges, and a specialist teaches classes dedicated to things like coding, Google apps and graphic design. Buffalo Community Middle School, rated B-plus, and Buffalo High School, rated B, are both about 10 miles away.
Commuting on Route 12 and state Highway 25
Commuters to Minneapolis have a 45-mile drive via U.S. Route 12, which carves a west-to-east path through the city. Flights are available from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, also about 45 miles away. Minnesota state Highway 25 leads the 10 miles to Buffalo, where residents find retail and restaurant options, as well as medical services at Buffalo Hospital. Montrose shares a chamber of commerce with Waverly, 3 miles away on Route 12. Trailblazer Transit buses provide residents with on-demand service.
Restaurants and bars on Nelson Boulevard and Buffalo Avenue
Most of the city’s commerce is concentrated around Nelson Boulevard and Buffalo Avenue. Gorton’s 12/12 Meats specializes in fresh sausage and smoked meats, and Casey’s General Store is a regional chain known for its takeout pizza. Jacque B’s has a roadhouse atmosphere with darts, pool tables and an extensive pub grub menu. A cheeky slogan — “We’ve Raised the Bar on Ugly” — sets the tone for Ugly Bar, a casual hangout with a fenced patio. Most residents head to Cub, Coborn's Marketplace or Walmart Supercenter in Buffalo when it’s time for groceries. “For shopping, people either head up to Buffalo or toward the west metro, because there’s nothing in the other direction,” Friday says.
Locals gather for Celebrate Montrose at Lions Park
Celebrate Montrose is an organization that hosts community events throughout the year, namely the three-day Celebrate Montrose festival, held in August. Most of the action is concentrated around Lions Park and the community center, but the fun spills throughout the city with a parade, live music, food trucks, a craft market and root beer floats. Neighbors gather for axe-throwing contests and pumpkin giveaways during the Montrose Fall Festival, typically held in September.
