With a growing population of just over 19,000 residents, Sartell is considered St. Cloud’s most populous suburb. Founded along the shores of the Mississippi River, the city was initially named “The Third Rapids” after the third set of whitewater rapids encountered by French fur traders in the 19th century. The development of lumber and papermills brought a new era to the city, leading to its new name, Sartell, after a prominent family of settlers. Today, Sartell straddles the line between Benton and Stearns Counties, divided in two by the great Mississippi. Waterfront homes, parks and community events connect each side, creating a unified community just 6 miles north of St. Cloud.
The winding Mississippi River meanders through the city of Sartell.
Homes along Riverside Avenue in Sartell have sit directly on the shores of the Mississippi River.
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Modern homes with new traditional styles
Most homes in Sartell were built between the middle of the 20th century and the early 2000s, contrasting nearby St. Cloud’s inventory of historic properties. After the Verso Paper paper mill closed in the 1990s, the waterfront opened up for more housing. Over time, modern construction increased throughout the city. Though new traditional architecture is common, styles vary from ranch-style homes to townhomes and even log cabins along the river. With similar property taxes in Stearns and Benton Counties, residents will likely consider alternative factors when deciding on a location. The median home price is $325,000, higher than St. Cloud but below the national median of around $400,000. Homebuyers will also find land for sale closer to the riverfront and along the city’s outskirts.
As Sartell continues to expand, new construction and modern homes have become prevalent.
Classic ranch-style homes can be found in older neighborhoods in Sartell.
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School districts divide between Benton & Stearns counties
Sartell’s school districts are divided between Benton and Stearns counties, meaning students east and west of the river attend separate schools. Some Stearns County students attend the Sartell-St. Stephen School District, which earns an A on Niche. Those farther south attend the St. Cloud Public School District, which earns a B minus. Benton County students attend Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools, a B-rated district serving the greater Sartell and Sauk Rapids areas.
The Sartell-St. Stephen School District earns an outstanding 'A' grade on Niche.
Sartell students living in Benton County can attend the Sauk Rapids-Rice Public School District.
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Year-round recreation on the Mississippi River
With four distinct seasons and the Mississippi River's whitewater rapids, it’s no surprise that year-round recreation is part of Sartell’s culture. Residents head to Rotary Park to launch canoes and kayaks or cast a line from the park’s fishing pier. Just south of the Sartell Dam, Watab Creek Park overlooks the Old Sartell Bridge. Parkgoers often stop into the Riverboat Depot for beer and burgers on the patio.
From ice skating and hockey at Scheels Athletic Complex to fitness facilities at the Sartell Community Center, the city also offers options for indoor activities during the wintertime. There are also two golf courses on the west banks of the river: Blackberry Ridge and Pine Ridge. Both offer family-friendly leagues, lessons and memberships.
Sartell residents can head to Rotary Park for ample fishing opportunities along the Mississippi River.
Residents of Sartell can enjoy an indoor walking track, pickleball courts, and other activities at the community center.
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Celebrating Sartell on Riverside Avenue
City-wide events often take place at local parks and recreational facilities, including the Country Lights Festival at the Sartell Community Center and the Sartell Farmer’s Market at Scheels Athletic Complex. Held year-round, the market offers fresh produce grown within a 40-mile radius of the city. At summer’s end, residents gather along Riverside Avenue for Sartell Summerfest. The longstanding tradition honors the city's anniversary with a parade, street dancing and carnival activities for kids.
Walk through an amazing 33 acre wonderland at the Country Lights Festival in Sartell.
The Scheels Athletic Complex hosts the Sartell Farmers Market.
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Heading to St. Cloud for downtown shopping
Since Sartell doesn’t have a traditional downtown area, many residents head to downtown St. Cloud instead. The walkable strip is about 6 miles south and offers ample small businesses and restaurants. Others head to St. Cloud’s Division Street for retailers and grocers like Target, Barnes & Noble, Lunds & Byerlys and Best Buy. But between lattes at Second Street Coffee House and hockey games at Blue Line Sports Bar & Grill, Sartell residents have a few local spots closer to home. Coborn’s Grocery Store overlooks the Mississippi River, while Walmart Supercenter, Sam’s Club and various chain eateries flank the Route 15 corridor just south of the city.
Cozy eateries and quaint boutiques are tucked into charming storefronts in downtown St. Cloud.
Sartell's Blue Line Sports Bar & Grill serves up classic American bar fare in a sports-centric atmosphere.
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From papermills to manufacturers
Once a haven for lumber and paper companies, Sartell is now home to a handful of manufacturers and information technology centers. Financial services like Capital One and Cetera are also among the city’s top employers.
Commuters can take Riverside Avenue or the slightly more congested Route 15 to reach St. Cloud. The nearby city is home to both St. Cloud VA Medical Center and CentraCare—St. Cloud Hospital. Residents head to St. Cloud Regional Airport for domestic flights to Phoenix, Arizona, and Punta Gorda, Florida. But most fly commercially from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, about 75 miles south on Interstate 94.
Sartell’s crime statistics align with St. Cloud
According to FBI crime data and the Sartell Police Department, the city's property crime rate is above the national average, while the violent crime rate is far below. Overall, crime rates in Sartell have increased by 12 percent since 2015, similar to nearby St. Cloud.
Marty Czech has been a licensed agent since 2003. He has achieved SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) and PSA Pricing Strategy Advisor) designations from the National Association of Realtors. He has been a member of the St Cloud Area Association of Realtors Board of Directors since 2010, serving as it’s president in 2015. His passion for new construction has lead him to join the Central Minnesota Builders Association and to serve on 3 committees with the association as well as to join the Builders Association of Minnesota where he is currently serving on it’s Board of Directors.
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.
