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Northfield

Northfield

Located in Rice County

$394,273 Average Value
$197 Average Price per Sq Ft
50 Homes For Sale

History and education combine in this small suburban city

“Cows, Colleges, and Community” is the slogan of Northfield, which Money.com named one of the best places to live in 2024. Founded as an agricultural center along the Cannon River in 1855, crop fields still circle the locale of 21,000 people. Manufacturing, healthcare and education industries now support the city, where various amenities have caught the eye of those looking for small-town living in the North Star State. “Northfield is a diverse, small and warm community,” says Ruthie Gilbertson, a native and Realtor with eXp Realty. “People have discovered that we have great schools, two colleges and are 44 miles from Minneapolis.”

Northfield has a welcoming slogan:
Northfield has a welcoming slogan: " Cows, Colleges, and Contentment".
Northfield has quaint downtown shops and restaurants located on Division Street.
Northfield has quaint downtown shops and restaurants located on Division Street.
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Northfield Public School District partners with local colleges

Carleton College has served the community since the mid-19th century alongside St. Olaf College, which is known for its award-winning music programs. "They’re a huge part of our community,” Gilbertson says. “The whole vibrancy of the city is a reflection of the two.” The college’s art museums and theater departments add to Northfield's established art scene, underscored by Northfield Arts Guild and the murals and galleries that fill the downtown district.

Northfield Public School District enrolls students across the city and maintains an A rating on Niche. The district is also home to the Community Education Department, which shares resources for programs centered on adult learning, early childhood education and care for people with disabilities.

Northfield Senior High School is ranked 41st amongst Minnesota schools.
Northfield Senior High School is ranked 41st amongst Minnesota schools.
Northfield is home to the prestigious Carleton College.
Northfield is home to the prestigious Carleton College.
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From historic downtown homes to newly built subdivisions

Northfield’s median home price is slightly below the national median value. “We have a lot of early 1900s homes and a few from the 1800s,” Gilbertson says. “Our downtown and surrounding areas are older, and they’ve done a great job not overdeveloping it.” Architecture varies in this portion of the city, from American Foursquares to bungalows and Victorian styles. Fanning out are mid-to-late 20th-century suburbs dominated by ranch and Cape Cod styles. Homebuyers will also find remodeled properties throughout the city and a handful of newly built subdivisions near its outskirts.

Northfield has historic housing options near downtown and the college campus.
Northfield has historic housing options near downtown and the college campus.
Northfield has contemporary home styles on the east side.
Northfield has contemporary home styles on the east side.
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Cowling Arboretum is a Northfield hot spot

“Cowling Arboretum is massive… it’s Northfield’s Central Park,” Gilbertson says. Managed by Carleton College, the arboretum stretches hundreds of acres, where hiking trails teeming with local wildlife transform into cross-country skiing routes during cold winters. Thirty-five city parks offer space for residents to recreate on and off the waterfront during hot, muggy summers. The East River Trail connects several green spaces and winds through the city's southern half. Avid golfers can become Northfield Golf Club members and play on the club's private 18-hole course.

Northfield has an arboretum on the Carleton College campus.
Northfield has an arboretum on the Carleton College campus.
Northfield has a members only golf club with a driving range.
Northfield has a members only golf club with a driving range.
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Defeat of Jesse James Days brings in folks from across the region

On September 7, 1876, the James-Younger Gang came to town with its sights set on the First National Bank of Northfield. Locals quickly armed themselves and successfully halted the robbery, chasing Jesse James and fellow outlaws out of the city. Northfield celebrates its win over the notorious criminal during Defeat of Jesse James Days, held the weekend after Labor Day. “It’s a Northfield holiday,” Gilbertson says. “We took his gang down and celebrate each year.” Hundreds of thousands attend the event, which features live reenactments of the standoff, a carnival and other activities.

Shop and dine locally along Division Street

Locally owned restaurants and shops fill the city’s downtown district. Most reside within longstanding brick-clad storefronts lining Division Street, where outdoor dining, clothing racks and boutique goods dot the sidewalk. However, locals enjoy a wide range of cuisine across the city, as many eateries sit back from State Route 3 alongside big-box retailers and supermarkets.

Northfield has many small shops on Division Street.
Northfield has many small shops on Division Street.
Goodbye Blue Monday Coffee House has craft coffees and is a great place to study in Northfield.
Goodbye Blue Monday Coffee House has craft coffees and is a great place to study in Northfield.
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Commuting to Minneapolis

Northfield is slowly becoming a hub for Minneapolis workers. “It’s a great commuter town,” Gilbertson says. State Route 3 is the main thoroughfare and connects those making daily trips to the City of Lakes, 44 miles north. Commuters looking to avoid inner city traffic can hop on the Metro transit system's Orange Line at 98th Street Station in Bloomington for a 25-minute ride into downtown.

Northfield's crime statistics and flooding concerns

According to the Northfield Police Department, the city experienced its lowest overall crime rate in five years in 2023. Federal Emergency Management Agency data shows that properties and roadways near Cannon River are susceptible to flooding after heavy rainfall. The city is currently raising funds for flood walls and other safety infrastructure after two notable floods in 2010 and 2016.

Matthew Simmons
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Colleen Carey
Video By
Colleen Carey

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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

Parks in this Area

Northfield Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$369,900
Median Sale Price
$360,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$372,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$280,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
223
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$197

Area Facts

Number of Homes
4,921
Number of Homes for Sale
50
Median Year Built
1982
Months of Supply
2.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,805
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,184
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,291
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
908
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 1
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    1726 Sunset Dr, Northfield, MN 55057

    $369,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,168 Sq Ft
    • 1726 Sunset Dr
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to your new home! This is a sought after desirable end unit with main floor bedroom. All on one level living! This home has 2-bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1 half bath. This property is truly modern and filled with charm. The loft area could be an additional bedroom if desired. Huge upper storage room could be a perfect exercise room as well. The patio has an extendable awning, and the

    Sonja Freeland Edina Realty, Inc.

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  • Sunday, Mar 1
    Open Sun 1PM - 4PM

    600 Kraewood Dr, Northfield, MN 55057

    $839,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,103 Sq Ft
    • 600 Kraewood Dr

    Welcome to Kraewood! This lovely, wooded development is surrounded by mid-century homes! Johnson Reiland has embarked on a quest to re-define the Mid-Century Modern home. Proven "age in place" features such as a wheelchair friendly design, coupled with unique asymmetrical roof lines and interior vaults make for one very unique and very custom home. 10-foot ceilings with 8-foot doors, in floor

    David Berglund Summit Realty LLC

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  • Sunday, Mar 1
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    1802 Van Buren Ct, Northfield, MN 55057

    $465,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,065 Sq Ft
    • 1802 Van Buren Ct

    Welcome home to this beautiful, charming home! This home offers an open floor plan, all living on one level, 5 bedrooms, a second kitchen in the lower level, a beautifully fully fenced yard with an above ground pool (Pool can be removed), natural light, stunning woodwork, and so much more. Come see today!

    Halle E. Walgrave RE/MAX Advantage Plus

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Northfield Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
21,235
Median Age
32
Population Density
70 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$74,518
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$105,023

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.3%
College Graduates
51.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
8°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
33''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

58 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

41 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Northfield