$260,518Average Value$134Average Price per Sq Ft66Homes For Sale
Willmar's access to the lakes and regional commercial amenities
Surrounded by lakes and prairies, Willmar is a quiet town in central Minnesota. While people come to the region for the lakeside and winter recreation, Willmar is also a commercial and educational hub for the rest of Kandiyohi County. “It’s a smaller community with pretty much everything you need,” says resident and real estate agent Jason Dowdey with Weichert Realtors. “You don’t need to go to a metropolitan area—it’s got all your basic needs from shopping to schools.” About 21,000 strong, Dowdey emphasizes that Willmar is still growing, drawing more people who want to be closer to daily amenities without sacrificing access to the lakes. Employment opportunities like the manufacturing facilities in Willmar Industrial Park and Jennie-O Turkey Store’s headquarters on the western side of the city support the area’s growing population.
Northern Willmar has a number of lakes noted for fishing and recreation.
Willmar's large industrial park is home to notable manufacturing like Land O'Lakes and Jennie-O.
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Diverse dining and grocery options throughout downtown Willmar
Downtown Willmar features most of the city’s local restaurants, mainly along Benson and Litchfield avenues. The dining selection here is pretty diverse, offering a mix of American, Mexican and Somali restaurants and small, locally owned grocery stores. “The community’s known as being a bit of a melting pot,” Dowdey says. “There’s a lot of different ethnicities.” Supermarkets and big box stores branch off 1st Street, which cuts down the city's center and offers popular chains like Target and Walmart.
Downtown Willmar is home to many different kinds of restaurants.
Target is one of many big-box shopping options in Willmar.
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Lake access and accessible playground equipment at Robbins Island Regional Park
Willmar cozies up to three lakes on its northern side — Willmar Lake, Foot Lake and Swan Lake. Robbins Island Regional Park sits right between Foot Lake and Willmar Lake, nestled along the shoreline and offering beaching, fishing and boating opportunities. As the city’s largest park, people can also come here to play on the disc golf course or soccer fields. The Destination Playground is the space’s newest addition, providing over 19,000 square feet of accessible playground equipment designed to look like castles and barns. Willmar also has two golf courses — Eagle Creek Golf Club is on the northern side of the city and Valley Golf Course is on the western side. Starting in Willmar, the Glacial Lakes State Trail is a 22-mile, paved, rail-to-trail pathway where people can walk, bike and ride horses through the region. In the winter, the trail is also popular for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Willmar's Destination Playground offers over 19,000 square feet of fun playground equipment and activities.
Valley Golf lies within the city of Willmar and offers nine holes of challenging fairways and greens.
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Winter weather and recreation in Wilmar
In the winter months, Willmar can get significant snowfall. However, Dowdey assures that this doesn’t deter people from getting outside and that plenty of people come to the region for winter recreation, from ice fishing to snowmobiling. The city sends out plows to clear and salt the roads during storms. Dowdey also emphasizes that certain sides of the city might experience the winter months differently. “If you’re from Willmar North, you get more woods,” Dowdey says. "But if you go south, it’s more prairie. It’s more protected from the winds in Willmar North.”
Whether in an ice house or on a boat, Willmar's lakes attract anglers year-round.
With flat prairie land surrounding most of Willmar, snowmobiling is a favorite area pastime.
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Free concerts throughout the summer and the annual county fair
Robbins Island Regional Park hosts many of the city’s annual events, like Rockin’ Robbins, the free concert series on Tuesday evenings throughout the summers. The concerts include an opener and a headliner each night, and people can also explore the local craft market, food trucks and kids’ activities. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, the park lights up with over 800,000 lights for Celebrate the Light of the World. As the county seat, Willmar also hosts the Kandiyohi County Fair every August, where people come for carnival rides and games, live music, tractor pulls and livestock exhibits.
Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar hosts annual events like the Rockin' Robbins concert series.
The Celebrate the Light of the World experience is held at Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar.
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New Traditional, split-level and ranch-style homes in Willmar
Willmar’s median housing price is about $240,000. Most homes across the city are split-level and ranch-style houses, including some along Foot Lake that offer private beaches and water access. At the city's edges, developments feature new traditional homes built in the past 20 years. While property crime has been steadily decreasing in Willmar since 2020, violent crime has continually increased over the past 10 years.
Classic ranch-style homes can be found in older neighborhoods in Willmar.
New traditional homes are a popular house in new construction developments in Willmar.
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Ridgewater College's many technical and higher education programs
Willmar Public School District 347 earns a B from Niche and ranks as the state's 8th most diverse school district. The district reports that Somali, Spanish, Karen and English are the top languages students and their families speak at home. On the northern side of the city, Ridgewater College is a regional community and technical college serving over 5,500 students. It offers over 100 programs, including cosmetology, manufacturing, engineering, agriculture, veterinary sciences and education.
The public school district in Willmar earns an overall B grade from Niche and has a diverse student body.
Ridgewater College is Willmar's community and technical college with over 100 areas of study available.
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Driving and snowmobiling throughout Willmar
With limited public transit service provided by Centtral Community Transit system, Willmar residents generally need their own car to get around the city, though some enjoy getting around by snowmobile in the winter. Freight trains continue to come through town, serving the manufacturing and industrial businesses based here. While 1st Street connects residents and visitors with the city’s shopping, it becomes U.S. Route 71 as it goes north, linking Willmar with the rest of the region’s towns and lakes. When flying, residents will have to head to a bigger city. The closest metropolitan area is Saint Cloud, 62 miles away.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Karels
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Dowdey,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Willmar, MN sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Willmar, MN over the last 12 months is $248,250, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo located on the upper level of the desirable Phoenix on 5th 55+ community in the heart of Willmar. This east-facing unit offers abundant morning sunlight and features numerous updates including kitchen improvements, flooring, paint, lighting, and bathroom upgrades with two walk-in showers for added convenience and accessibility. Enjoy the bright sunroom,
Don’t let the square footage fool you — this home offers far more living space than it appears at first glance! Thoughtfully laid out and full of character, this charming turn-of-the-century style home blends timeless appeal with functional everyday living.The main floor welcomes you with a quaint kitchen offering ample cabinetry and workspace, flowing naturally into a cozy breakfast nook —
This well-maintained side-by-side twin home offers comfortable, easy living with a thoughtfully designed floor plan and additional square footage thanks to the spacious four-season porch/sunroom. This versatile space can also serve as a family room and features a cozy gas fireplace along with a walkout to a private patio. Entering from the attached garage, you'll appreciate the convenience of the
Classic two-story home full of timeless character and architectural charm! This property features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with over 2,100 finished square feet of living space. Original hardwood floors, leaded glass windows, and stunning oak woodwork showcase craftsmanship you simply don't find in newer homes. The main level offers a spacious living room and formal dining room highlighted by a
Prime development opportunity on the west side of Willmar! This 20+ acre property offers outstanding visibility and accessibility near Hwy 12 and County Road 5 with easy access in and out of town. Located within the city limits, the property has access to city water, sewer, and utilities, making it ideal for future commercial development. With multiple access points on and off the property, this
Welcome to this stunning lakefront home located on the peaceful bay of 173 acre Point Lake, offering 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 3,700finished square feet of beautifully updated living space. Situated on a 1.65-acre lot, this one-of-a-kind property showcases an open-concept design with soaring vaulted wood ceilings, exposed beams, and expansive windows that fill the home with natural light
Split-Level Home with Tuck-Under Garage on a Quiet Cul-de-Sac tucked away in the corner of Willmar. This charming split-level home sits on a spacious lot in a shaded setting with endless possibilities. Located on a low-traffic cul-de-sac, it offers peace and privacy while still being close to amenities. The main floor features a bright living room, a large kitchen with adjoining dining area, and
Well-maintained 55+ condo located at Phoenix on 5th in the heart of Willmar. This upper-level 2 bed, 2 bath unit features an update kitchen, flooring paint, bathroom vanities, lighting, and more. Enjoy the bright sunroom, in-unit storage room, and garage stall located within the building. The building offers an elevator, community room for entertaining, and a guest suite available for just $10
Well-maintained duplex with recent exterior updates. Fully rented with reliable tenants who would love to stay, offering immediate investment income.The main floor unit features two bedrooms, a comfortable living room, and a functional kitchen. The upper unit also includes two bedrooms, a spacious living area, and its own kitchen.The property offers additional off-street parking, along
Welcome to your own private retreat! Nestled on just under 2 acres of beautifully wooded land, this inviting 4-bedroom, 2-bath split-level home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and seclusion. Surrounded by mature trees, the setting provides a peaceful, tucked-away feel while still being conveniently located.Inside, the main level features fresh new carpet. The functional
Foursquare-Style Classic American Farmhouse architectural style situated on just over eleven acres adjacent to Kings Lake. Staggering and sprawling square footage, outbuildings and land. The main floor space over the garage has been used as a bedroom to accomplish an all one level living function while the second level boasts a large primary with two more bedrooms and the third level that hosts
Enjoy comfortable, low-maintenance living in this well-designed 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offering 1,312 square feet of convenient main-level living. Located in a 55+ community, this property is ideal for those looking for ease, accessibility, and a simplified lifestyle. The home features an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, creating a bright and spacious feel throughout the main living
New Apartments NOW OPEN, Individual Central Air and Heat, Beautiful, Safe and Brand New!!!The apartments at The Preserve on 24th feature open concept living rooms, kitchen and dining areas with 1 and 2 bedrooms. An outdoor pool, community room, fitness room, elevator, and on-site laundry facilities make The Preserve on 24th an enjoyable and comfortable place to call home.Call Now!
Move-in ready and fully furnished — just bring your bags! This spacious 5-bedroom, 2-bath home offers over 2,500 finished square feet on a quiet street in Willmar. Recently updated throughout, the home features newer hardwood flooring, brand-new basement flooring, granite countertops, tiled living spaces, and modern finishes that make it feel fresh and comfortable. The main level includes
Find Your Perfect Home at Edgeview Apartments – Modern Living with Exceptional Comfort!Welcome to Edgeview Apartments, where contemporary design meets everyday convenience in Willmar. Whether you're looking for a spacious 1, 2, or 3 bedroom home, our modern apartments are designed to elevate your lifestyle.Each Apartment Features:- Pet friendly & smoke free- Sleek
Find Your Perfect Home at Lakeland Apartment – Modern Living with Exceptional Comfort!Welcome to Lakeland Apartment, where contemporary design meets everyday convenience in Willmar. Whether you're looking for a spacious 1, 2, or 3 bedroom home, our modern apartments are designed to elevate your lifestyle.Each Apartment Features:- Pet friendly & smoke free - Sleek
Block 25 Lofts delivers unmatched style, convenience, and sophistication. A wide range of studios, one and two bedroom apartments designed for an exceptional living experience.With arguably the most enviable location in Willmar, this property is within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Everything at Block 25 has been carefully considered to provide an
At Suite Liv'n, we make renting feel welcoming, flexible, and stress-free!We offer low-cost deposit alternatives, flexible rent payment options, and guarantor solutions through Cosign, making it easier to move in without financial hurdles. Our communities are pet-friendly at all properties, so your whole household is welcome. Even if credit challenges stand in the way, we provide
55+ Modern Senior Living with Exceptional Comfort! Welcome to Westview Village, a 55+ community where contemporary design meets everyday convenience in Willmar. Whether you're looking for a spacious studio, 1, or 2 bedroom home, our modern apartments are designed to elevate your lifestyle.Apartment Features- Smoke free - Private patio- Ground level unitsCommunity
Join us at Cardinal Manor of Willmar, MN. This property is funded through a Rural Development housing program offering Rental Assistance to those in need of affordable housing. We give preference to low-income households. However, we are currently able to rent to households at any income level. In addition, we have Rental Assistance available which allows income based rent to households
55 plus living at it's best! Our 40 unit building offers large 1 & 2 bedroom units. Entertain friends and family in the large community room or enjoy the tranquil quiet in the outdoor gazebo. Whatever your hearts desire, you will find at Sterling Manor Apartments. *Heat, water, garbage, and sewer included in rent!*
At Somerset, each apartment at includes updated flooring, cabinetry, countertops and appliances as well as heat and Wi-Fi utilities included. In addition to these great in-home features, we also offer a clubhouse including a party room, and a fitness center. Our friendly, professional management team will provide you with superior service. So what are you waiting for? Schedule a personal tour at
Our beautiful property is located on the northwest side of Willmar. We are just a couple minutes’ walk from beautiful Foot Lake. We also have numerous parks close by and our own park on site.Valleyside is a great place to have fun or just relax and watch the wildlife coming and going from the area ponds. Income Restrictions Apply. Call us today to make Valleyside your new
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