$559,556Average Value$232Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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On average, homes in Historic Southwest, Rochester sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic Southwest, Rochester over the last 12 months is $484,000, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming home in desirable Historic Southwest neighborhood! This classic 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is just a few blocks away from Mayo Clinic and downtown. The inviting main floor features beautiful hardwood floors, built-ins & original woodwork with an updated kitchen including stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. There is walk-out deck access leading to a fully fenced-in backyard
Very rare opportunity to find a property in Historic Pill Hill that has just had the interior & exterior beautifully & vastly remodeled, carefully restored & updated throughout! Very charming Mediterranean Revival Style 3-story home designed by renowned Architect Harold Crawford in Pill Hill, on the National & Rochester Historic Registers. Walk to Downtown, Mayo Clinic Campus & Folwell School,
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
Unit #406 at High Point offers a prime location between Rochester’s Mayo Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital, with dining, shopping, and entertainment just minutes away! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo is bathed in natural light and boasts serene southern views. Featuring ample storage, in-unit laundry, and two private balconies, the home effortlessly extends your living space outdoors, ideal
Set in The Ponds of Highland Hills, this home combines serenity with unbeatable access. Step into this nearly-new two-story home where style meets function in every corner. Designed with today’s home owners in mind, the layout flows effortlessly; an expansive Great Room opens to a chef-inspired kitchen and sunlit dining nook, while a versatile flex room adapts to your lifestyle. The mudroom,
Rare find,2022 built home in Historic Old Southwest Rochester. Walk to Downtown, Folwell School & Mayo Clinic Campus. 2 Story home with wonderful floor plan & quality finishes throughout. Landscaped walkout lot with deck, patio & private fenced yard. Wood floors, neutral decor, quartz counter tops. Main floor features: Open floor plan living room with gas fireplace & cabinetry, dining room ,
Find the ultimate home sanctuary in Rochester, MN. First & Banks offers spacious studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments with sophisticated finishes and all-inclusive access to intentional on-site amenities. The property also features premium two-story walk-out units and seventh-floor penthouse units with upgraded finishes.The pet-friendly community is located three blocks from the Mayo
"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
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