Having been named one of the “Best Small Cities in America,” St. Cloud may no longer be a hidden gem, but the community continues to thrive for both locals and visitors. The city is known as a college-town, but you’ll also find thriving businesses, great amenities, and plenty of outdoor spaces. What many residents appreciate is the lower cost of living compared to some of the larger cities in the state and across the nation. That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice any fun as the city offers great restaurants, a historic downtown, and a growing arts and culture scene.
As for what to do specifically, there are plenty of options to keep you busy in every season. Many people appreciate the city’s diverse dining options. You can enjoy authentic Japanese, Mexican, Indian, breweries and more. For those interested in educational experiences, the Camp Ripley Environmental Center provides an opportunity to learn about the local environment and history through daily activities. Alternatively, there’s Gallery St. Germain which features work by Minnesota artists. As for outdoor spaces, you won’t have to go far. The Mississippi River, Sauk River Regional Park, and much more are found within the city limits.
What’s great about the St. Cloud real estate market is how affordable it is. The median home value is just $186,644. Finding a spacious home shouldn’t be an issue in the area, as single family homes account for 54% of the available inventory. As for the number of bedrooms, 52.4% of the housing has 3 or more bedrooms. 47% of the homes were built between 1970 and 1999, so some may need minor home improvement updates. However, there are still quite a few modern homes with 16.9% of available units having been built since 2000.