Settled between Clear and Loon lakes, Waseca is known for its waterfront lifestyle on the southern outskirts of Minneapolis. “Waseca has a charming small-town feel that makes it a wonderful place to call home,” says Brittany Krueger, Realtor with Edina Realty. “With a strong community, great schools, bike trails and lakes, it offers something for everyone.” Established as a city in 1881, Waseca was initially occupied by the Dakota people, who valued the land for its abundant crop production. The city even borrows its name from the Dakota word for 'rich in provisions.' Today, Waseca is home to over 9,000 residents and has transitioned from an agricultural hub to a community supported by the manufacturing and healthcare industries. Top employers, like the Mayo Clinic Health System and Cinch Connectivity Solutions, an electronics manufacturer, contribute heavily to the workforce. Restaurants like the family-owned Boat House Grill & Bar and events like the annual 4th of July Waseca Lakefest help Waseca maintain its know-your-neighbor environment. Adding to its appeal, Waseca also touts a B-rated school district and proximity to southeast Minnesota, just 70 miles from the Twin Cities.
Many different types of homes can be found throughout Waseca.
Waseca City Hall serves residents for any of their general needs.
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Ranch-styles, new builds and expansive acreage
Low-cost housing options, quaint styles and expansive acreage attract residents to Waseca. “The real estate market in Waseca is strong,” says Krueger, who has over four years of real estate experience selling in the area. “It’s healthier than most of the local markets, and there’s a lot of competition when great homes are listed.” Most of the housing stock is comprised of single-story ranch-styles. However, options range from multi-family condo units to twin-styles, split-levels and two-story traditional designs. With a median sales price of $230,000, homes cost around $170,000 less than the national median. Prices can go from as low as $180,000 for a two-bedroom condo to $240,000 for a three-bedroom split-level. Larger properties, like a five-bedroom, two-story new traditional on multiple acres, can go for upwards of $450,000. Newly constructed homes continue to be developed in subdivisions like Pondview, with prices starting in the mid $300,000s.
Cape Cod style and Ranch style homes can be found throughout the Central part of Waseca.
Split level homes are also an option for house styles in Waseca.
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City parks and gatherings at Clear Lake Park
Waseca maintains 15 parks and over 200 acres of green spaces. Locals are accustomed to all four seasons, from humid summers to freezing winters, with an annual average of 47 inches of snowfall. Clear Lake Park is a primary gathering space and is home to a playground and sports facilities for beach volleyball, tennis, basketball and baseball. It also provides scenic views of Clear Lake and hosts a summer concert series at the Clear Lake Park Bandshell. Northeast Park is another option, with a mulched jungle gym, picnic pavilion and seasonal Waseca Water Park, which is open from June through August. Loon Lake Park is situated on the west side and has a picnic pavilion and waterfront views of Loon Lake. The Waseca Lakeside Club, to the north, has a private 18-hole championship golf course, a driving range and an outdoor swimming pool that members can enjoy throughout the year.
Clear Lake Park has a large playground, an amphitheater and sport courts.
Northeast Park has a large playground, sports fields, and a waterpark.
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The annual Waseca Lakefest at Clear Lake Park
In July, residents can attend the annual Waseca Lakefest at Clear Lake Park hosted by Discover Waseca Tourism. Held over the Fourth of July, this celebration features live music performances, local food trucks and a fireworks display at dusk over Clear Lake. There’s a range of family-friendly activities from a 5k fun run to a patriotic boat parade.
Education at Waseca Public School District
Families in Waseca are zoned for the Waseca Public School District, which earns a B rating from Niche. It serves over 1,700 students and features one elementary school, one intermediate school, one junior high school and one high school. Most students attend Waseca Senior High School, which also earns a B rating from Niche and offers students a choice of 6 AP courses. Private schooling options like Sacred Heart School are also available here. For those interested in pursuing higher education, Riverland Community College, located in nearby Owatonna, awards associate degrees in over 42 fields.
Waseca Senior High School has a large campus and is situated near the middle school.
Waseca intermediate school shares sports fields with the high school.
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Local grocers, boutiques and eateries in downtown Waseca
Most residents shop on the north side of Waseca along Highway 13. Here, there’s a collection of retailers like a Walmart Supercenter, Dollar Tree and a Bomgaars department store. Locally owned shops like Past & Present Antiques & Gifts or Zinnias Boutique are located downtown. When dining in the area, folks can choose from a mix of fast-food chains or family-owned eateries in downtown Waseca. Notable restaurants include the Boat House Grill & Bar, which serves seafood entrees alongside scenic views of Clear Lake. It’s a community staple and has served the community since 1908.
Zinnias boutique is a local shop located along state Street.
Johnny beans is a coffee shop and café with lots of seating.
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Traversing Waseca and access to U.S. I-35
Highway 13 runs vertically through the heart of this city, connecting residents to U.S. Route 14 and U.S. Interstate 35 for trips into the Twin Cities. Public rides are provided by the Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit system or the SMART bus, which also operates along Highway 13. When traveling farther, the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is 70 miles away. For healthcare, the Mayo Clinic Health System is located in downtown Waseca.
Crime
According to FBI data, the Waseca Police Department’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime increased by 7% in 2023, while property crime rose by 20%.
Licensed since 2022, I strive to help my clients through the ever changing real estate market. Whether you are buying or selling, I always have your best interests in mind. Because I stay in tune with the local market, I can help provide insight about all aspects of our community. Prior to beginning my real estate career, I gained years of experience in the plumbing industry; this experience has given me knowledge and skills working with large and small projects in existing houses, as well as in the construction of new homes and apartments. I believe in a calm, no nonsense approach to real estate in order to provide my clients with the best possible service. As part of the Gillard Realty Group, we are equipped with 30+ years of real estate experience. We are ready to offer our support and services whether you are looking to buy, sell, or have questions about the local market. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
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.
