$395,617Average Value$198Average Price per Sq Ft59Homes 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 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Northfield, MN over the last 12 months is $366,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move right into this well-maintained 3-bedroom townhouse featuring an open living and dining area that flows into a bright sunroom with skylights and easy access to the backyard. Beautiful flooring runs throughout the main level, which also includes an updated kitchen and remodeled half bath. The lower-level features a huge bedroom that could easily be used as a family room and has a recently
Looking for a little more room to breathe without giving up convenience? This charming home sits on 2.42 acres just minutes from Northfield, offering a peaceful country setting with plenty of space to enjoy. Inside, you’ll find two spacious bedrooms, an updated tiled bathroom, fresh paint, new carpet throughout, a heated front porch, and a welcoming eat-in kitchen with a separate dining room. A
Location, location, location ! This home has been a home of warmth, kind hospitality, and seems to exude a welcoming feeling as you take the first step inward. From the top of Creek Lane, this walkout rambler has one of the best panoramic pond views in Northfield ! With the open concept, the chef of the day won't be missing out on much while visiting with the dinner guests ! Easy cooking happens
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
Welcome to this meticulously maintained home! This one level home was custom built in 2023 and features tons of upgrades. Main floor has an open floor plan, spacious mud/laundry room, kitchen with butler’s pantry, 3+ season porch and primary suite with private bath and walk in closet. Fully finished lower level has tons of entertaining space with full bar, family room and recreation area, 2
Some homes check boxes.This one gives you space to forget the boxes exist.It starts at the end of the drive. Things get quiet. The lot opens up. You are not looking into someone else’s backyard. You have space around you, and it feels different right away.Inside, the layout just works. The main living area is open without feeling exposed. Large windows pull in natural light and keep
Welcome to this beautifully maintained and extensively updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home nestled in a quiet Northfield neighborhood. Designed for convenient main-level living, this home offers all essential living spaces on one level, along with the ease of maintenance-free living—thanks to an HOA that covers snow removal and lawn care. Recent updates include fresh paint and new carpeting
Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 3-bath detached townhome offers a peaceful setting backing to a scenic natural area filled with mature trees, abundant birdlife, and occasional visits from white-tailed deer.Thoughtfully designed and filled with natural light, the home showcases quality finishes throughout. The kitchen features custom maple
Beautifully finished new construction home built by Rick Cashin Construction Inc. is now available, Thiswalk out rambler features main level living with an open floor plan, Anderson windows fill the space withnatural light. Living area and informal dining open to the kitchen that has an abundance of customcabinets. The oversized quartz center island is great for dining and
Beautiful 4 bedroom home just minutes from downtown Northfield situated on 2.52 acres!Home features stainless appliances, great outdoor living spaces and a second kitchen in lower level. Amust see!
Discover Haven 189, an extraordinary 189-acre country estate nestled in pristine wildlife habitat, overlooking a breathtaking 40-acre pond. This private retreat blends luxury living, lodge-style entertaining, and unparalleled outdoor adventure, offering a lifestyle that is both hunter-friendly and adventurous. The property is rich with wildlife, including whitetail deer, turkeys, waterfowl, and
Welcome to this exceptional 123 +/- acre income producing farm in Rice County. Located West of Northfield, this property offers everything from productive tillable soil, rolling hunting terrain, and long-term investment potential. The farm maintains 78 +/- acres of pattern tiled tillable ground with an average Crop Production Index rating of 79. The land showcases a large grove of walnut trees,
Welcome to this spacious rambler set on a beautiful 6.41-acre property, offering the perfect combination of peaceful country living and modern conveniences. Boasting 2,628 finished square feet, this home features 4 bedrooms and 21⁄2 baths, providing ample space for family and guests. The highlight of the home is the expansive primary suite, featuring French doors that open to a cozy hearth room
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A beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath home offering a spacious and comfortable layout throughout. The highlight of the property is the oversized Primary Bedroom, complete with an amazing walk-in closet that provides exceptional storage and convenience. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, engineered wood flooring, and marble floors, creating a stylish and durable space for
Enjoy the perfect blend of country living and convenience in this beautifully updated and thoughtfully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home on 1 private acre, just minutes from Northfield via all paved roads. Tucked away at the end of a shaded cul-de-sac, this property offers peace, privacy, and picturesque views of nature, abundant wildlife, and star-filled skies.Inside, you'll find a remodeled
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
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 by July 31st 2026, will receive One month rent free with signed 12 month lease or 1 free assigned underground garage parking for first lease term. Each apartment features high vaulted ceilings that create an
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
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!
Discover life at Woodridge Apartment Homes. Surrounded by beautiful greenscape and a natural wooded setting, you will experience a comfortable lifestyle located in a neighborhood tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's the lifestyle you've been looking for. Enjoy the comfortable living only minutes from new eateries and premiere retail centers. Coming home will be the best
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
Utilities Included! Historic four bedroom house near downtown Northfield for rent July 1st, 2026. Hardwood floors, laundry, two bathrooms, porch, central air, new furnace and windows. Heat, air, electricity, water & sewer and internet included in rent. Storage shed for bikes. Off-street parking for two cars but no garage. On site caretaker does snow removal and mowing. No smoking or animals
Property Id: 2463412READY to rent on August 1st in Northfield! Fresh paint everywhere, each room has a color splash wall but the rest are white, new kitchen countertop and backsplash, sink and faucets! New windows in the living room and kitchen, and fresh landscaping.1 bed 1 bath apartment on a beautiful wooded lot available.Fresh paint, modern stove and refrigerator. New
Great for students, a growing family or even retirees.Safe and quiet community close to great nearby schools.Move-in ready 3 bed/2 bath unit.Screen-enclosed deck off of kitchen.Walkout lower level to patio.Stainless steel appliancesMaster bedroom has large walk-in closet.Home provides ample storage space.1 small pet under 40 lbs welcome.Includes an attached 2
Property Information:Bright, comfortable, and full of charm, this well-kept 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is located in a quiet Northfield neighborhood justminutes from downtown, St. Olaf College, and Carleton College. A standout feature is the beautiful four-season sunroom — theperfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee, unwind with a book, or soak in the changing Minnesota seasons
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