$312,997Average Value$163Average Price per Sq Ft56Homes For Sale
Peaceful living and small-town charm in Steele County
Named after the Dakota word for ‘Straight River,’ Owatonna offers a scenic lifestyle with urban convenience just 65 miles southwest of the Twin Cities. “It’s the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences,” says Jen Fielding, Realtor with Home Discovery Group. “I love how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors here, whether it's biking the trails, exploring Kaplan’s Woods, or just strolling through the historic downtown.” Owatonna was first occupied by the Dakota people who used the land for hunting. English settlers followed and it was later established as a city in 1865. The completion of U.S. Interstate 35 resulted in a surge of new residents. Today, the city is home to more than 26,000 residents. Steele County has the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in Minnesota and top employers, like Viracon, a glass fabricator, and Federated Insurance contribute to Owatonna’s focus in both manufacturing and insurance. Despite its continued growth, amenities like the Village of Yesteryear and the annual Steele County Free Fair preserve local history and maintain a larger sense of community. “Plus, with its convenient location near the Twin Cities and Rochester, you get the best of both worlds—peaceful living with big-city access when you need it,” adds Fielding.
Owatonna was established as a city in 1865.
Federated Mutual Insurance Company is a major employer in the Owatonna area.
1/2
Competitive market, empty lots and expansive estates
Homes in Owatonna are attractive for their entry-level pricing and range of housing options that appeal to many buyers. With a median sales price of around $280,000, homes cost $140,000 less than the average property in the U.S. “The Owatonna market has experienced a 5.5% increase in median home sale prices over the past year,” says Fielding, with over a decade of real estate experience in the area. “It remains somewhat competitive, with homes typically selling for about 1% below list price.” Home prices range from as low as $100,000 for a three-bedroom manufactured home to upwards of $1 million for a six-bedroom new traditional estate with expansive acreage. Homes on the east side tend to have larger lots with more acreage, while homes to the west along the interstate are more modest. Empty lots start around $40,000 for one acre, while newly constructed single-family homes go for around $400,000 and continue to develop in new subdivisions on the outskirts of the city.
Ranch and two story homes co-mingle in most Owatonna neighborhoods.
Many of the newer ranch style homes offer three car garages in Owatonna.
1/2
City parks and the Village of Yesteryear
Owatonna has 37 parks, 17 trails and more than 867 acres to explore year-round. Owatonna experiences all four seasons, from humid summers to winters, with an average of 44 inches of snowfall yearly. Kaplan’s Woods is in the southwest corner. It spans over 200 acres and offers views of Lake Kohlmier. It’s popular no matter the weather, with summer activities like swimming, fishing and sunbathing and winter activities like ice skating and cross-country skiing. On the east side, Mineral Springs Park offers a playground, a disc golf course and access to the 2-mile Buxton Trail along Maple Creek. Morehouse Park is another option, with a jungle gym, picnic pavilion, walking trails and a fishing pond. For a contemplative time, the Village of Yesteryear is on the south side. It’s home to 19 historical structures, including the original 19th century town hall, preserved by the Steele County Historical Society. The State School Orphanage Museum is off State Avenue, offering guided tours to honor the legacy of more than 10,000 orphans. It was one of the largest state-run orphanages in the U.S.
The original Owatonna Town Hall can be found in the Village of Yesteryear.
Kaplan Woods Park spans over 200 acres and offers several trails.
1/2
The annual Steele County Free Fair
In August, residents can attend the annual Steele County Free Fair. It’s hosted in Owatonna at the fairgrounds off Elm Avenue. This week-long event is free to attend and features live music performances, carnival rides and food vendors to enjoy. The fair is highly anticipated and attracts over 100,000 attendees every year. It is considered the largest county fair in Minnesota.
High marks at Owatonna Public Schools
Families in Owatonna are zoned for the Owatonna Public School District, which earns an overall B rating from the educational review site Niche. It serves around 5,000 students and is ranked 14th out of 321 for athletics in Minnesota. The district has four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Most students attend Owatonna Senior High School, which earns a B-plus rating and is recognized as one of the top 100 public schools in Minnesota. Private options like Owatonna Christian School and St. Mary's School are also available. Those interested in pursuing higher education degrees can look to Riverland Community College, which awards associate and bachelor’s degrees in over 100 subjects.
Owatonna High School has earned an overall grade of B+ from Niche.com.
Riverland Community College has been serving students for over 80 years.
1/2
Local grocers, boutiques and eateries in Downtown Owatonna
Most residents shop on the westside along I-35. There’s a mix of name-brand grocers like Walmart Supercenter or Aldi and big-box retailers like Target and Lowe’s Home Improvement along the thoroughfare. Local boutiques, like Hidden Rose and Urban Loft, offer a curated selection of clothing and vintage wares. Dining options vary from fast-food chains to family-owned eateries in Downtown Owatonna. Notable mentions include Torey's Restaurant & Bar, which serves all-American fare and has served the community for over 15 years.
Walmart is a major retailer in the Owatonna area.
Aldi provides Owatonna residents with plenty of healthy choices.
1/2
Nearby healthcare and access to U.S. I-35
I-35 runs vertically on the city's west side, connecting residents to U.S. Route 14 and Hoffman Drive for trips into downtown. The Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit (SMART) bus provides public rides throughout the city. Farther trips are accommodated by the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, which has a flight school and is fully serviced by the city. For healthcare, the Owatonna Hospital is located in the northwest corner of the community.
Crime
According to the Owatonna Police Department, the city’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime decreased slightly in 2023, while property crimes lowered by 12%, based on FBI statistics.
Written By
Christian Slater
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Clay,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Owatonna, MN sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Owatonna, MN over the last 12 months is $285,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Location! Location! Location! This one story, 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, corner lot gem is located in a desirable neighborhood by Buxton Trail, Mineral Springs Park and Creek, and Brooktree Golf Course. This spacious home offers many coveted features you won’t want to miss both inside and out! Inside you’ll find a fantastic open floorplan with vaulted living room ceilings, two skylights, a gas
Welcome home to this charming rambler full of warmth and character, perfectly nestled in a highly desirable SE neighborhood. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the inviting atmosphere that makes this house truly special. The focal point fireplace anchors the main living space, creating the perfect setting for cozy evenings, gatherings with friends, or simply relaxing at the end of the
Incredibly well kept 1-owner patio home! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath patio home offers 1 level living (no steps!) with an open floor plan. Excellent finishes throughout with a large over sized heated and finished 2+ stall garage that provides incredible storage. Enjoy the back patio for perfect views of the morning sun overlooking a private pond, and front porch for relaxing views of the sunsets.
Rare 5 Bedroom Ranch with Heated Garage + Bonus Entertainment Space + Major Updates!Hard-to-find 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom ranch-style home featuring a 2-stall heated garage with floor drain and an additional insulated, heated & air-conditioned entertainment bar room behind the garage — ideal for a man cave, hobby space, home business, gym, or entertaining retreat. Buy with confidence knowing
Take a look at this adorable home in the heart of Owatonna. Enjoy cooking in the large eat-in kitchen and then relax in the warm and cozy living room. 2 bedrooms on the main along with a full bath, a 1/2 bath and laundry!! The 3rd bedroom is on the upper level. Enjoy time outside on the large patio, tinker in the oversized 2 car garage and have peace of mind for kids and pets with the fully
Bring your VISION and realize the VALUE! Here is a property that has plenty of potential - with a bedroom and full bath on the main floor, along with the home’s living room and kitchen. Laundry has also been brought up to the main level for convenience. Upper level living space includes 3 more bedrooms and a 3⁄4 bath. The home’s covered front porch can be a cozy place to relax. And in 2022, the
Experience the serenity and space of true country living on this beautiful seven-acre retreat just minutes from town. Bathed in natural light, the thoughtfully appointed home offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that blends seamlessly with its scenic surroundings. The property is well-equipped for hobby farming or rural living, featuring a wooded pasture (sheep may remain if desired), a 17x11
This classic Victorian charmer has so much to offer! Large updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and hand-scraped hardwood floors. Separate dining room, huge living room, and main floor laundry/den round out the main level. Gorgeous wood staircase leads to three large bedrooms upstairs with newly remodeled bathroom. Extra deep one stall garage with access to fenced in private backyard
Location! Location! Location! This one story, 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, corner lot gem is located in a desirable neighborhood by Buxton Trail, Mineral Springs Park and Creek, and Brooktree Golf Course. This spacious home offers many coveted features you won’t want to miss both inside and out! Inside you’ll find a fantastic open floorplan with vaulted living room ceilings, two skylights, a gas
Beautiful development in Owatonna. Majestic Oaks offers a great variety of over-sized lots offers homeowners ample area to create their own beauty. Here you will be able to enjoy the feel of country living with the comforts of an inviting residential neighborhood. Open to all builders! Curb and gutter assessments paid.
Rebecca Hermanson-HillBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Advantage Real Estate
Thinking about building...This subdivision is a super place to live. Northeast edge of town offering quick access to I-35, walking path, and schools. Beautiful neighborhood. Perfect opportunity for daylight windows! Come view today!!
Looking for a home that truly fits your lifestyle? We can build your dream home - ranch, split-level, two-story, or patio style-in one of our beautiful developments. Or, step right into this move-in-ready patio home, designed for low maintenance and single level living. Why this house? Highlights include: Association with less limitations, trusted brand windows, Premium brand countertops, lawn
Nancy SlettenBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Advantage Real Estate
Great opportunity to build that new home you've been dreaming about with all street assessments PAID.Experience Custom Quality Construction with Welker Custom Homes. Attention to detail. Use your plan or check out one of ours. We will design from your ideas also.Several lots to choose from, pick yours now while still available. It's a great day to "Find Your Heart A Home!" or we will
Sandra McConn HallaBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Advantage Real Estate
Discover the potential in this generous 4 bed, 2 bath residence. Boasting ample living space, this home features a functional layout. It highlights a large fenced in yard with a back porch to enjoy those warm summer nights. All this & priced to be affordable. Call before its gone!
Coopers Court Apartments in Owatonna, Minnesota, boasts newly renovated units with spacious walk-in closets in select units, private balconies or patios, on-site laundry, a large dining area and stainless steels appliances including a dishwasher.
The Apartments at West Lake Meadows feature open concept living areas with studio, one and two-bedroom Apartments. An outdoor pool with a sundeck, dishwashers, stacked washer/dryer and many more amenities are found in each apartment. Each building offers a community room, fitness room, elevator and library for tenant use. Property features a clubhouse with a conference room and lobby. Community
South Pointe Apartments opened their doors on August 1, 2018 in Owatonna, MN! It's a 37 unit, market rate property. Phase II opened July 2020 with another 28 units!It's conveniently located close to daycares, shopping, convenience store, great restaurants, hospital, parks and Steele County Fairgrounds.South Pointe offers individually controlled heat and air conditioning, fitness center,
Find Your Perfect Home at the Cedar View Apartments – Modern Living with Exceptional Comfort!Welcome to Cedar View Apartments, where contemporary design meets everyday convenience in Owatonna. Whether you're looking for a spacious studio, 1, 2, or 3-bedroom home, our modern apartments are designed to elevate your lifestyle.Each Apartment Features:- Pet friendly & smoke free -
South Pointe II Apartments is a 28 unit, market rate property. Its conveniently located close to daycare, shopping, Hy-Vee store, great restaurants, hospital, parks and Steele County Fairgrounds.South Pointe offers individually controlled heat and air conditioning, fitness center, in-home washer/dryers, stainless steel appliances and flat top stoves in every apartment. South Pointe I Apartments
The Pearl in Owatonna, consists of 22-one bedroom units, 9-one bedroom with den, and 12-two bedroom/two bath units.All 43 units have 9 foot ceilings and the 4th floor units have popular vaulted ceilings.Each unit has a private balcony or patio, individually controlled heat and air conditioning, private washer and dryer, high speed internet, and stainless steel appliances.The building
111 Vine Apartments is located at 111 East Vine Street Owatonna, MN and is managed by INH Property Management Inc., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. 111 Vine Apartments offers Studio to 2 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 617 to 1027 sq.ft. Amenities include Air Conditioner, BBQ/Picnic Area, Cable Ready, Carpeting, Ceiling Fan and more. This rental
This new development marks the exciting beginning of a critical revitalization of Owatonna’s riverway. ASCEND has an attractive combination of luxury apartments on the upper levels and main-floor retail and commercial space. The site sits adjacent to the east bank of the Straight River on Vine Street with multimodal connections to the Downtown District. Mineral Springs Brewery and Olmsted Medical
Park Plaza is designed for today's tenants wanting modern construction and amenities, easy access to a variety of jobs, services, a nature reserve, entertainment and no maintenance. Maximum space has been dedicated to your independent unit. Outdoor grills and picnic area available to all tenants.Relax and enjoy your favorite meal time on your patio.Make the most of having a washer & dryer
This meticulously well-kept property is located blocks away from beautiful downtown Owatonna and across from Jaycee Park. Chambers Avenue Apartments offers spacious updated two-bedroom apartments. There is on site coin operated laundry and private entrances to each unit. 6-month, and 1-year leases are available. Rent special!!! Sign a 13-month lease and receive one month free plus a
The Pointe @ Merchant Square welcomes you to a modern feel home with the ease of maintenance free apartment living. We offer 6 month, 9 month, 12 month, 15 month and 18 month lease terms to best fit your housing needs. The Pointe @ Merchant Square consists of 1 and 2 bedroom open floorplan units with a spacious kitchen including stainless steel appliances and large living area with hardwood style
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
