A historic neighborhood with long-standing ties to the Mayo Clinic
After Sunday morning services at neighborhood churches like the First Presbyterian or Trinity Lutheran, families chat outside before heading to brunch at Canadian Honkers or the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Park playground. Historic Southwest, a neighborhood sandwiched between Downtown Rochester and the Mayo Clinic’s St. Mary’s Campus, is made up of single-family homes, a few condominium complexes and church towers. It also encompasses a network of streets called “Pill Hill,” where 100-year-old homes are known for housing the hospital’s top-performing doctors. “The neighborhood itself is very historic,” says Century 21’s Andrew Atwood, whose family has long-standing ties to the real estate businesses. “Originally, it was home to doctors and what-not, hence the name ‘Pill Hill.’ And the majority of the people, around 80%, still have a connection to Mayo. If you’re not working at Mayo, why do you need the proximity?” he adds. As new construction continues to go up, Atwood says there’s a general push to maintain the area’s historic character, one dominated by century-old limestone rather than vinyl siding.
Historic Southwest blends old-world charm with modern conveniences.
Residents enjoy walking to Downtown Rochester and nearby parks.
1/2
Varied housing: condominium units and million-dollar homes with tennis courts
Housing options in Historic Southwest vary dramatically, ranging from condominiums to large-scale single-family properties. Two-bedroom units, for instance, can hover between $80,000 to $350,000, although the lower end of the price range often indicates a need for intensive repairs. Most single-family homes date back to the first half of the 20th century or the early 1950s, and Four Squares, Tudor-inspired cottages and ranch-styles are dominant. Prices for these moderately-sized homes hover between $250,000 and $600,000, but recently remodeled houses in the western portion of the neighborhood — near “Pill Hill” — start around $750,000 and can easily surpass $1, or even $2 million. A few come with backyard tennis courts, and driveway basketball hoops sit outside multi-car garages. When the weather drops below freezing, some will flood their backyards to create skating rinks. The streets are wide and lined with decades-old trees planted during the early days of the Mayo Clinic.
A mix of historic homes and condominiums line the streets of Pill Hill.
Pill Hill's century-old homes add charm to the Southwest neighborhood.
1/2
A new water park and skating on the track in the winter
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, which honors the Minnesotans who fought in the Civil War and beyond, is a major draw in Historic Southwest. The surrounding park, which lies at the neighborhood’s southeastern corner, has castle-like wooden towers in the “Field of Fun” playground, and there are spiraling slides and lap lanes in the brand-new water park, according to Atwood. The city has budgeted upwards of $20 million for improvements, and more additions to the pool area are planned in the coming years. According to the licensed real estate broker, Soldiers Field outdoor track is turned into an ice rink when temperatures dip below freezing, and residents can rent skates to lace up in the warming house next door. South Fork Zumbro River intersects a public-use 18-hole golf course, which also has casual outdoor dining options. Found next to its namesake hospital in the northwest corner of the neighborhood, St. Mary’s Park is defined by its historic water tower, which serves as a backdrop for summertime picnics.
There is a track at Soldiers Field Memorial Park to get some exercise in.
The Historic Southwest neighborhood is close to Downtown Rochester.
1/2
Fried fish specials and a famous coconut cake at Canadian Honker
With the exception of churches, hotels and Rochester Public School’s administrative headquarters, Historic Southwest is almost entirely residential. Housed within Centerstone Plaza Hotel is Twigs Tavern & Grille, known for its extensive gluten-free menu and all-day waffle selection. Brothers Bar & Grill sits just outside the neighborhood across Broadway Avenue. Jumbo shrimp platters come at a discounted rate on “Fish Fry Fridays,” and there’s often live music on weekend nights. During the summer months, Taco Jed opens up its outdoor patio, and Rice N Spice sells imported grocery items from India next door. Hospital patients and employees stop in for the “world-famous” coconut cake at Canadian Honker, a 2nd Street staple since the mid-1980s, and long-time employee Sam Wilschek says returning customers greet her by name, and sometimes even with a hug. There are dozens of retailers — everything from JCPenny to Sephora — in the Apache Mall, found just off Highway 14, and nearby shopping centers are home to grocery stores like ALDI, Hy-Vee and Trader Joe’s.
Twigs Tavern and Grill has plenty of gluten-free options that are delicious.
HyVee offers delicious meals in their deli department.
1/2
Thursdays Downtown and the Olmsted County Fair in the summers
According to Hanan Absah, a Real Estate Sales Agent with Coldwell Banker, locals can look forward to an event called “Thursdays Downtown” in the summertime. “There is a festival with lots of food and local bands,” she says, adding, “You can buy stuff from vendors outside, and it’s nice just walking around. It starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 6 or 7 p.m., so it’s a whole day.” Other summertime events include the Olmsted County Fair in July, a tradition that dates all the way back to the 1860s. Farmers proudly display their animals in onsite barns, and fair-goers walk around with cheese curds and lemonades before riding on the Ferris wheel. A popular event venue in Historic Southwest, the five-story Plummer House also offers tours on Wednesdays throughout the summer months.
CTECH pathways and mentorship opportunities at the Mayo Clinic
Students living within Historic Southwest can attend schools within Rochester’s Public System. Pre-kindergarteners start at Folwell Elementary, which receives an A-minus grade from the educational review site, Niche, and where students audition for the “Folwell Follies” talent show in the winter. In Grade 6, kids move on to Willow Creek Middle School, which has a C-plus grade, before attending the A-minus-rated Mayo High. At Mayo, possible career pathways include everything from Agriculture to Health Science, and upperclassmen can sign up for the community mentorship program. The Mayo Clinic offers research-based mentorship opportunities to a select few.
Mayo Senior High achieves 65% proficiency in reading.
Folwell Elementary maintains a 16:1 student-teacher ratio.
1/2
Walk to downtown Rochester or day-trip to the Twin Cities
From Historic Southwest, Downtown Rochester, Peace Plaza and the Galleria at University Square Shopping Mall are less than a mile away. Many residents opt to travel on foot up 2nd Avenue, but there’s also a public bus system that runs along 2nd Street. Shuttles transport hospital patients, visitors and employees between Mayo Clinic buildings, and there are several park-and-ride lots throughout the city. Rochester International Airport, from which planes fly direct to Minneapolis and Chicago, is less than 10 miles – about 15 minutes — south. There are more opportunities in the Twin Cities, about 85 miles north along U.S. Highway 52. Nearly 2 feet of snow can accumulate some winters, and drivers keep an eye out for plows, black ice and downtown parking restrictions.
Highway 52 is a convenient way to get around the Rochester area.
Historic Southwest is home to charming architecture and top doctors.
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
Charming ranch style home located in a sought after neighborhood just minutes from the Mayo Clinic campus and downtown! This 4-bedroom, 2-bathmic blends timeless character with everyday comfort. Elegant archways, nice hardwood floors, and a neutral color palette create a welcoming, move-in ready interior. The main level features a bright living room with a large window, a cozy fireplace, and
IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY AVAILABLE! Rare Opportunity to Own this Private Sophisticated Top 5th Floor Corner Condo unit in 5 Oaks Condominiums! Centrally located in the heart of downtown Rochester, just a hop-skip & a jump away from the World Famous Mayo Clinic complex & a short walk to downtown, restaurants, all the shopping & the Organic grocery store too! If you don't like park & rides or riding a
Well, cared for two bedroom two bath condominium within six blocks of either Mayo campus and downtown. Condo offers downtown views and many amenities to enjoy! Wonderful kitchen with three walls of cabinets plus built-ins in dining area, ample drawers and book cabinets in den/library area. Two very nice patios, one screened in. Two underground and cooled. Great spots near storage area.
A Fresh Start with a View - Steps from the Heart of Rochester! Welcome to elevated living at Rochester Towers - where style, convenience and location come together in this bright and open 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo perched on the 8th floor. Imagine coming home to sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline, glowing sunsets and in the winter, your own private snow globe, all from the comfort of
"Right Around the Corner, Near Everywhere You Want to Be" Set in the heart of the historic and trendy Southwest District of "Pill Hill", Hillside Apartments has grand hotel charm with modern amenities and features. Each of the uniques floor plans has it's own character with hardwood floors, crown moldings, original wood surfaces and built in cabinetry. This architecturally stunning building
Welcome to 5th on 5th:5th on 5th offers a variety of floor plans including private entrance street level walkouts and penthouse suites with private terrace. Floor plans include Studio, 1 Bedroom, & 1 Bedroom + Den. Utilities included in rent are heat, water, sewer, refuse and internet. Residents pay for electricity, and optional phone or cable.Management
Uptown Court:Located just off 2nd ST, seconds away from Mayo Clinic, minutes from St. Mary's.1 Bedroom, 1Bath apartments at Uptown Court Apartments.Controlled access buildings. Card operated laundry room, optional storage available, off street parking.2nd Street Villas:Located right on 2nd ST, seconds away from Mayo Clinic, minutes from St. Mary's.Studio and 1
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Peter Dokken,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,168
Median Age
39
Population under 18
20%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$77,168
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$127,560
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.8%
College Graduates
70.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
47.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
8°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
59/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 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.
