Small-town city in northwest Minneapolis
In 1852, an American explorer named Pierre Bottineau stepped out from a dense forest and into a clearing in central Minnesota and immediately declared, “This is paradise!” Osseo was later incorporated as a city in 1875 and has since grown into a community of just over 2,600 people. Conveniently located along U.S. Route 169, Osseo is desirable for its distinguished school district, proximity to urban amenities and community-oriented atmosphere. “Osseo has a quaint small-town vibe — Residents enjoy easy access to major highways and shopping in neighboring Maple Grove,” says Patrick Morgan, a seasoned Realtor with Morgan Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Realty. Locals are less than 10 miles from Maple Grove and the renowned Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. And there are plenty of amenities right in their own backyard, including the centralized Boerboom Veterans Park – which hosts movies and live music nights in the summer, an outdoor ice rink in the winter and a community orchard adorned with fresh seasonal fruits and produce. And with immediate thoroughfare access, day trips into downtown Minneapolis are accessible within 18 miles of a 25-minute drive.
Minimal traditionals and multi-family townhouses
The real estate market in Osseo is competitive due to a limited inventory of around 600 homes and the variety of options at entry-level pricing. “Osseo and Maple Grove are extra competitive compared to other neighboring cities — The great school district and the proximity to shopping and restaurants make this location extra desirable,” says long-time local Ryan Fischer, Realtor with The PRO Team - RE/MAX Results. The majority of homes were constructed in the 1950s, featuring minimal traditional styles common of the era, like Cape Cods and ramblers. Home styles range from minimal traditionals and Prairie styles to New Traditionals and multi-family townhouses. With a median sales price of around $300,000, Single family homes range from the low $100,000s to upwards of the low $500,000s for a five-bedroom New Traditional. Multi-family townhouses range from the low $200,000s to upwards of $300,000.
High-marks at Osseo Area Schools
Families with school-aged children are served by the Osseo Area School District. Students in Osseo can attend schools like Elm Creek Elementary, Osseo Middle and Osseo Senior High School, which have earned ratings of B-minus, B and B-plus from the educational review site, Niche. Elm Creek Elementary School offers a Talented and Gifted (TAG) program that provides a more rigorous curriculum to meet students’ academic rate and level of learning. Osseo Middle School offers a variety of after-school activities from Band and Chorus to Drama and Student Leadership Council. Osseo Senior High School offers a rigorous curriculum with 13 AP courses to choose from for the opportunity to earn college credit. Osseo High also features a Health Science magnet program for students interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. Private options like The Blake School and Breck School are also available within a 20-minute drive towards Minneapolis.
Quick grabs and local eateries along Central Avenue
Osseo might not have big-box retailers within its borders, but Central Avenue offers a variety of local eateries and grocers like Dean's Super Market for quick grabs within the community. Residents in Osseo are 4 miles from Maple Grove Crossing, which features name-brand grocers like Cub Foods and Lunds & Byerlys. Department stores like World Market, Designer Shoe Warehouse and DICK'S Sporting Goods are available at the well-known Shoppes at Arbor Lakes nearby. “Maple Grove is really the shopping destination for people in Osseo,” says Minnesota native and Realtor Jon Perkins, who has been representing buyers and sellers in the area for 15 years. “It’s second only to the Mall of America in terms of retail square footage, and there are some great restaurants there, too." When dining in the area, locals can start their day with a coffee from Annabelle House, known for its unique latte iterations and community-oriented environment. For an authentic Greek meal, head to Olympia Cafe and Gyros, which has been serving the Osseo community since 1985. And make sure to check out Duffy's Bar & Grill for a relaxed dining experience, daily specials and their signature Duffy’s wings.
Summer bounty produce at the Osseo Community Orchard
Some residents are within walking distance of Boerboom Veterans Park, situated across from City Hall. Boerboom acts as a memorial for residents who have served in the military during wartime. Visitors can dine outdoors on the picnic tables or attend the annual Music & Movies in the Park in the summertime. Sipe Park features a jungle-gym with swings and a baseball field perfect for pick-up games when the weather permits. In the summer, Osseo residents are encouraged to pick ripe produce at the Osseo Community Orchard located at the intersection of 2nd Street SE and 8th Avenue SE. The Orchard was planted in 2017 as a way to bring community members together, offering different species of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees, as well as blueberry, red currant and jostaberry bushes. Nature lovers can take advantage of Elm Creek Park Reserve nearby, offering 4,900 acres and the Eastman Nature Center for wildlife exhibits and tours. Visitors can swim in the pond during the warmer months and hike or snowshoe along the trails during the winter. Neighbors can enjoy outdoor ice skating at Osseo Ice Arena when the weather permits. Golfers can fine-tune the perfect swing at Optimal Performance Golf, which features an indoor range and golf simulators for year-round putting.
The annual Music & Movies in the Park
In June, Osseo residents gather at Boerboom Veterans Park for the annual Music & Movies in the Park (MMIP) hosted by the City of Osseo. Neighbors can enjoy live music performances beginning at 7:00 p.m. and evening movies beginning at dusk. The event is hosted weekly on Tuesdays and a variety of local bands and movies are scheduled throughout the summer. Locals are encouraged to bring their towels or folding chairs as seating is not guaranteed.
Nearby healthcare and easy access to U.S. Route 169
Residents in Osseo rely on Central Avenue for easy access to major highways like State Road 610 and U.S. Route 169. When seeking public transportation, locals can grab a seat on the Metro Transit bus at the neighboring Maple Grove Transit Station, which operates into downtown Minneapolis. Those interested in traveling further outside the community are 30 miles from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. For healthcare, residents are 3 miles from PrairieCare Hospital in Brooklyn Park.
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Photography Contributed By
Sienna Lee
