Smaller towns in Southern MN? (Minneapolis, Mankato: apartment, rental, unemployment rate)

[weerheimj]

My husband and I are interested in moving to a smaller town in Southern/SouthWestern Minnesota. This will happen in about a year, but i'm trying to do some homework. Does anybody know anything about New Ulm, Willmar, Albert Lea? Are there any other smaller towns we should be looking at? Right now we are pretty interested in Albert Lea, but would love to hear some feedback! I'm pretty new to this so i'm really sorry if something like this has already been posted!

Thank you for any advice you may offer!

[golfgal]

Albert Lea is nice, easy drive to Minneapolis. New Ulm is also a lovely town when a lot of character. Willmar is growing, looks more suburban then small townish. I lived in Willmar for a year. The schools are good however, the town has some pretty major racial issues so that would be a consideration.

I would look into Marshall. It is a nice town, very stable economy, lots of amenities for a town it's size. It has several major employers that most smaller towns don't have and they are ALWAYS looking for employees. I think last I heard was that the unemployment rate was .5% or something like that. We recently moved from Marshall and I would go back there in a heartbeat!

Waseca is another town I like. I have only driven through there but I is a lovely town.

[tommythom]

I'll agree with the previous post about Willmar being a nice little "suburban" town. If you want to have all the conveniences of a big city, Willmar has them.
But I will disagree about Marshall. Not much to do and at least an 60-90 minute drive to any kind of shopping. You're kinda stuck out in the middle of nowhere. And the "big companies" you talk about are not anything you want to be a part of.

[pepe1]

I would suggest Clear Lake, Iowa. It's in the geographic vicinity you speak of. I think it's a great little town...If you visit, make sure you actually tour the town of Clear Lake - not the hap hazard development off the interstate (that development right off the interstate is a horrible representation of the town).

[lukeache]

My fiance is from Faribault and I know Southern Minnesota quite well. I would think twice before moving to any of the towns mentioned. The problem with Southern Minnesota generally speaking is that, it is overall very backwards, religious, ignorant and hick. Also, towns like Owatonna, Faribault and Waseca have fast growing Hispanic populations and there is racial tension between Whites and Hispanics in those towns, If I had to choose a town, I would probably live in Faribault, but it is a town with no culture, and absolutely nothing to do! If you dont mind living around tons of ignorant, narrow-minded and uneducated people, then Faribault or Owatonna are the best choices IMO

[Minnehahapolitan]

I would actually steer you towards a place like Mankato. It is the hub of the area more than a small town, IMO. It is close to the cities, has a large state university, very nice topography (not flat), a good downtown.

[Isaysos]

I would seriously check Marshall out. It is a town that is always growing, has many large employers and a very nice four year university. And yes, there are other employers than Schwans. Marshall is doing amazing things with its downtown. If you go down there, it dosent seem like you are in a small town of 14,000. They have a huge new highschool and they are working on getting more shopping in town. They also have many nice new housing developments and golf courses in the "suburbs" if thats what your looking for. It is one of the few places in SW minnesota that does not have a "hick" feel to it. At least in my opinion.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by tommythom

I'll agree with the previous post about Willmar being a nice little "suburban" town. If you want to have all the conveniences of a big city, Willmar has them.
But I will disagree about Marshall. Not much to do and at least an 60-90 minute drive to any kind of shopping. You're kinda stuck out in the middle of nowhere. And the "big companies" you talk about are not anything you want to be a part of.

What is wrong with Schwans, US Bank, Hy Vee, Southwest Minnesota State University and all the rest in Marshall? When have you even been to Marshall. It is a great town if you want smaller town living.

[mmm19562001]

I would like to move to Ortonville however I can't find any web site or phone listing for apartment rental there. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Isaysos]

Here you go
http://www.ortonville.net/ (broken link) (City web site)