Late in February, usually around the time when snow banks line Rochester's city streets and going outside requires multiple layers, Peace Plaza is illuminated for the Social-ICE festival. There's a glowing "ice curtain" popular for photo ops and themed drinks at city bars. Downtown events like this are at least in part sponsored by the Mayo Clinic. Founded in the late 19th century, the hospital and research center has continued to expand throughout Southeast Minnesota and beyond, employing more than 40,000 in Rochester alone. Century 21's Andrew Atwood says that, in his experience, most of the people he meets with have ties to Mayo. "As a Real Estate Agent, it's a 50-50 shot that at least one of your two clients works [in the hospital]." Skywalks connect campuses and just below, coffee and bagel shops serve up early breakfasts to doctors and students in scrubs. Although the city's central downtown is mainly made up of business centers and hotels, those hoping to live close to the action will find condominium communities and even the occasional single-family home dating back to the early 20th century, back when the Mayo Clinic was still in its infancy.
Rochester's central downtown boasts business centers and cozy restaurants.
The Mayo Clinic is central to Rochester, employing over 40,000 residents.
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Summertime concerts in Mayo Park and Yoga in Central Park
Mayo Park is sandwiched between the Zumbro River and Rochester's Civic Center, which also serves as Eagle Brook Church's home base. On summer Sundays, downtown residents walk to the park with their lawn chairs and blankets in tow to listen to live bands, part of the city's free Riverside Music Series. A pedestrian bridge connects Mayo Park to Mayo Memorial Park across the water, where visitors will find paved walking trails and sculptures like "A Perfect Canoe," part of a larger public art initiative in the city. A few blocks north, Central Park became a community gathering space in the late 19th century. Today, visitors lay down yoga mats near the fountain for "Fresh Air Fitness" classes between May and September, and the onsite Heritage House museum offers lessons on Rochester history.
Mayo Park in downtown Rochester hosts free summer concerts along the scenic Zumbro River.
Central Park in downtown Rochester is a peaceful green space and community events.
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Condominium communities with city and river views
Established in 1969, Downtown Rochester's Center Plaza Condos sit just above Hotel Indigo and Crave Restaurant. Prospective buyers will find one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging from around $200,000 to $550,000, and views look out onto the Zumbro River and city lights. Single-family homes within Downtown Rochester's borders are limited, concentrated in the northwest corner of the neighborhood near 3rd and 4th Streets. American Four Squares, modest cottages and bungalows built roughly between 1900 and 1920 hover between $200,000 and $400,000 depending on size and condition; some are split into multiple units. Lot sizes are relatively compact, and driveway space is often shared between homeowners.
American Four Squares and bungalows dot the northwest corner of downtown.
Homes near downtown Rochester offer a blend of history and urban living.
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'Elivs Pancakes' and top-rated Thai food
Along with Crave, which serves Tuna Poke and Lobster Mac & Cheese below Center Plaza Condos, other popular downtown restaurants include Chester's, known for its outdoor patio and weekend jazz nights, and Benedict's, where the so-called "Elvis" pancakes come topped with peanut butter, banana and bacon. ThaiPop, ranked among the best Thai restaurants in Minnesota, has a leafy interior and a long list of signature cocktails. Shop organic at the People's Food Co-op on 1st Avenue, or do a pantry refresh at International Spices & Grocery on Center Street. The Galleria at University Square includes stores like Talbots and Chico's, and Peace Plaza is home to boutique chocolate shops, art galleries and clothiers. It's illuminated by a towering Christmas Tree during the holiday season, and Santa makes his debut appearance during the "Here Comes Santa Claus" festival in November. The fire department rescues him from City Hall's roof, and he's delivered safely for meet-and-greets onto the plaza below.
Thai Pop serves a spicy chicken red curry that bring authentic thai flavors.
People's Food Co-op in downtown Rochester offers organic groceries and locally sourced products.
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Thursdays Downtown in Peace Plaza and a county fair in July
Once home to Vaudeville acts in the 1920s, the Historic Chateau Theatre now welcomes stage musicals, poetry nights and touring bands in Downtown Rochester. Exhibits at the Rochester Art Center feature a diverse array of contemporary multi-media artists, and guides from the center lead free public art walking tours in Peace Plaza. Atwood also recommends stopping by Thursdays Downtown, a weekly arts and entertainment festival in the plaza. At the end of July, Rochesterians can walk, bike or bus down Broadway to the Olmsted Country Fair, an old-fashioned carnival complete with horticulture exhibits and fried dough covered in powdered sugar. Nearby, shop for fresh produce at the Rochester Farmers Market, open Saturday mornings throughout the summer.
There are a lot of outdoor seating in Peace Plaza to admire the Historic buildings.
The Historic Chateau Theatre hosts musicals, poetry nights, and concerts.
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80 languages represented in Rochester Public Schools
Kids with Downtown Rochester addresses are districted for public schools like Riverside Central Elementary and Willow Creek Middle School, both of which earn C-plus grades on the educational review site, Niche. Mayo High School, referred to colloquially as "Mayo," receives an A-minus. Some students pursue mentorships within the larger Rochester community, and P-TECH Nursing and Information Technology pathways partner students with the Mayo Clinic and IBM. Within Rochester's public school system, students speak a combined total of 80 languages, and multilingual learning services are offered throughout grade levels. Downtown Rochester is also home to the University of Minnesota's Rochester Campus, which is known for specializing in healthcare.
Mayo Senior High achieves 65% proficiency in reading.
Willow Creek Middle serves 956 students in grades 6-8.
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Downtown buildings connected by subway and skyway
"Downtown everything is run by Mayo," says Atwood, adding, "There's so much interconnectivity. It seems that every building can access another building via subway or skyway." In other words, pedestrians don't have to worry about facing sub-zero weather in the winter. According to the Realtor, there's also a shuttle service that operates between Mayo Clinic's St. Mary's campus and downtown buildings, and "80% of the riders" on Rochester Public Transit are Mayo Clinic Employees. "It's a nice drive into the Twin Cities, about an hour and a half away," notes Hanan Absah of Coldwell Banker. Cars can take U.S. Highway 52, and Minneapolis and Saint Paul are also accessible via plane through Rochester's small international airport.
Atwood notes 80% of Rochester Public Transit riders work at the Mayo Clinic.
The Skyways in Downtown Rochester help locals navigate around the city easier during winter.
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Discover urban living at its finest with this stunning, fully remodeled condo in the heart of downtown Rochester, Minnesota. This brand-new, top-to-bottom renovation spares no detail, featuring custom red oak trim and doors that add warmth and elegance throughout. The kitchen and bathrooms dazzle with sleek granite countertops, complemented by new cabinetry, modern fixtures, and top-of-the-line
Enjoy the heart of downtown living atop one of Rochester's most popular restaurants and only boutique hotel. This amazing 1+ bedroom 2 bath condo overlooks Broadway and Historic 3rd Street; filled with dining and entertainment. Conveniently connected to Mayo Clinic, restaurants and shopping via the expansive skyway and walking subway system. Large, ample windows throughout offer spectacular city
Civic Square Apartments is located at 101 Civic Center Drive NE Rochester, MN. Civic Square Apartments offers 1 to 2 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 470 to 977 sq.ft. Amenities include Availability 24 Hours, Courtyard, Dishwasher, Elevator, Fitness Center and more. This rental community is pet friendly, welcoming both cats and dogs. For more details, contact our office at or use the
Welcome home to the Maven on Broadway! Our one and two bedroom apartments in Rochester, Minnesota offer the perfect blend of upscale features and urban luxury. Take in jaw-dropping views of downtown Rochester from your private patio or balcony, and appreciate luxe features like hardwood floors and high ceilings that make your new apartment home stand out from the rest. Superior amenities,
Now is your chance to be a part of the next wave of modern Rochester living. Metropolitan Market Place offers an upscale urban residence, perfect for Mayo Clinic Health Professionals, Minnesota Rochester students or faculty members, or anyone who wants to take advantage of Rochester’s contemporary housing.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,291
Median Age
47
Population under 18
10.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
34.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$27,321
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,324
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94%
College Graduates
50.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
32.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
8°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
82/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
94/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
