$395,115Average Value$199Average Price per Sq Ft55Homes 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: " Cows, Colleges, and Contentment".
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 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 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 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.
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.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Video By
Colleen Carey
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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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On average, homes in Northfield, MN sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Northfield, MN over the last 12 months is $355,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home! Three bedroom townhome is in great location, close to schools, parks and convenient for commuting. Spaciousliving room has vaulted ceilings, skylights & sun room at one end. There's a bathroom on each level, balcony on the upper level andplenty of storage throughout. Third bedroom is in the lower level and could easily be used as a family room if needed. Check it
Country Living with Modern Upgrades on Nearly 4 Acres! Experience the perfect blend of peaceful country living and modern comfort in this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home set on just under 4 private acres. With extensive upgrades inside and out, this move-in-ready property offers space, efficiency, and thoughtful improvements throughout. The professionally landscaped yard creates a
Stunning design, timeless craftsmanship, and ideal location. Discover the Past, Present, and Future incorporated within an energy efficient, custom home in the Kraewood development, within the heart of the established west side neighborhood midway between downtown, Way Park, St. Olaf College, parks, trails, and schools. Explore main floor living in the Bronte design with three bedrooms, an open
Rare Opportunity to Live Backing to 7.5 Acre HEYWOOD PARK in Beautiful Northfield! This fabulous 2 Story Home is only available due to seller downsizing. Upon entering the home buyers will immediately be impressed by 2 story sun filled foyer & 9 Foot Ceilings on the Main Level. Just off the entry, the Main Floor Office with glass French Doors offers privacy plus lots of storage with the built in
Position your business for success with this exceptional opportunity in the heart of Northfield. This expansive parcel—just over one acre in size—is zoned Highway Commercial (C2), offering outstanding flexibility for a wide range of retail, service, office, or mixed-use development concepts. Whether you envision a professional office building, retail center, restaurant, or service-based
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Welcome to 2209 Greenfield Drive West. Beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 3 bath townhome with a 2 car garage, ideally located near schools, parks, shopping, and miles of walking and biking paths. The main level features a bright, open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area filled with natural light perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen shines with a center island, tile
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home nestled in a quiet, highly desirable east-side neighborhood. With a blend of smart design, thoughtful upgrades, and lush outdoor living, this property is a rare find offering comfort, efficiency, and timeless charm. The extended cedar-covered front porch adds a warm welcome. Enjoy a maintenance-free exterior with James Hardie cement siding, a new
This beautiful rambler offers one floor living amenities and situated within walking distance to parks, schools and historic downtown Northfield. Enjoy the amazing four-season porch with abundance of natural light. Recent updates include painting of several rooms on the main level and refinishing of the hardwood floors, newer siding and roof and a new concrete driveway. Listing agent is related
Gorgeous River views from this condo located on the 4th floor in the Crossing Condominiums. 2 bedroom, 2 bath including a primary suite with large walk in closet and a separate step in shower. Beautiful kitchen with center island. The 2nd bedroom can set up as an office. Relax on the balcony with views of historic downtown Northfield and scenic views of the Cannon River. Downtown Northfield is
Wonderful wooded lot on excellent tar road, located in Northfield Schools, easy access to metro area, easy to build on and ready to pull permits, nice slope for lookout or walkout basement, out building allowed, open to all builders or you can ask about home package pricing, call for details. Come see this great lot!!
Prop includes PID 0225125002.Nestled on serene 64 wooded acres this one-level living haven offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities.Entering the home you are greeted by vaulted ceilings that enhances the open and airy feel.Relax by the cozy fireplace, surrounded by large windows that frame the breathtaking woods. Upgrades galore in this 3 bed 3 bath include 2 fireplaces, walk
This well-maintained end-unit townhome offers easy, low-maintenance living with the convenience of true one-level functionality. The open, spacious layout is designed for both comfort and everyday ease. The main level features a sun-filled living room with a cozy fireplace, flowing seamlessly into the dining area and a generously sized kitchen with abundant cabinetry and an oversized
Wonderful wooded lot on excellent tar road, located in Northfield Schools, easy access to metro area, easy to build on and ready to pull permits, nice slope for lookout or walkout basement, out building allowed, open to all builders or you can ask about home package pricing, call for details. Come see this great lot!!
Wonderful wooded lot on excellent tar road, located in Northfield Schools, easy access to metro area, easy to build on and ready to pull permits, nice slope for lookout or walkout basement, out building allowed, open to all builders or you can ask about home package pricing, call for details. Come see this great lot!!
Discover life at Maple Trails Apartment Homes. Imagine a lifestyle of comfort and convenience. Blending design and location, our apartments harmonize with the beauty of the natural environment while offering all the conveniences of premier retail centers. You will immediately fall in love with the spacious floor plans that accommodate expansive living room and bedroom furniture, as well as the
Live where others vacation at Viking Terrace, a pristine, professionally managed community in one of the state's most sought-after areas. Now offering a 1056 sq. ft. home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms-perfect for enjoying the Florida lifestyle. Call today to schedule your tour and discover available promotions before they're gone! Staged using AI
Discover life at Hidden Valley Apartment Homes. Conveniently located within walking distance of premiere retail centers you will love all the conveniences of city living while being comfortably nestled in the scenic neighborhoods of southern Northfield. Hidden Valley Apartment Homes is located over 18 acres of landscaped grounds and developed parklands that feature walking trails, nature pond and
Viking Terrace, a professionally managed, well-maintained manufactured home community, currently has a 1056 sq. ft. home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for sale. Take advantage of this offer now and live in one of the state's most attractive areas. Call and schedule a viewing of this home and ask about our current promotions!
The apartments at Timberfield feature open concept living rooms, kitchens and dining areas with 1 and 2 bedrooms. A community room, fitness room, elevator, and on-site laundry facilities make Timberfield Apartments an enjoyable and comfortable place to call home. Please contact us for more information!
5th Street Lofts offers a modern and connected living experience in the heart of downtown Northfield, MN. Built as of June 1, 2021, the property features contemporary design throughout, and each apartment includes stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, softened water, high-speed Wi-Fi, and modern touches that elevate everyday living. Residents enjoy access to multiple
We offer both virtual and in-person tours at Kraewood Flats, and you can preview the community anytime through our tour video. As a current special, residents who sign a lease and move in by March 15th, 2026, will receive one free month of garage parking. Each apartment features high vaulted ceilings that create an open, bright atmosphere, along with an extra storage closet for seasonal
Welcome to Northfield Estates! Located in the heart of the historic Northfield, MN, this community is where you want to be! Sitting along the bank of the Cannon River, there is more than enough opportunities to explore! Gather at Bridge Square for an outdoor concert, meet friends at the local breweries, or enjoy family fun at one of the 30 city parks around the town! Just minutes away from
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