What is 20 feet tall, rhymes with "hiking," and hails from New York? None other than the large statue welcoming you to Alexandria. His name is "Big Ole," and residents of Alexandria are equally as proud of him as they are their Nordic heritage. He was commissioned for New York's World Fair, but he's a Midwesterner all the way. You'll find lots of souvenirs celebrating Big Ole, including t-shirts, postcards, and replica statues.
Alexandria boasts a population of 11,070 (as of 2010) and is nestled within Douglas County in western Minnesota. With over 16 square miles of land and nearly one square mile of water, Alexandria is certainly a very appealing place to live. One might think that Minnesota would be pretty flat, but there are some gently rolling hills, and Alexandria sits at an altitude of just over 1,400 feet above sea level.
Moving to Alexandria
Relocating to Alexandria is a very exciting prospect. As one of the fastest growing small cities in the state of Minnesota, the secret is out that this small town offers a lot of urban appeal. There are many things to take into consideration when considering a move to Alexandria, namely, do you like relaxing on your weekends? What's that, you say? You do? Then I'm sure you'll fit in just great in Alexandria. After all, residents of this Midwest town are drawn to the outdoors during each of the splendid four seasons, finding beauty, peace and relaxation year-round, from the first snowfall to an idyllic mid-summer day.
There are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your move. The time of year will really make a difference in finding available apts for rent in Alexandria. Winter is far less popular a time to move because winter months can be quite cold in Minnesota. Therefore, the amount of vacancies (and therefore options) you will have to select from will be limited. Summertime offers more variety in dwelling options; however, the demand for one and two bedroom apartments for rent in Alexandria is higher in the late spring and summertime than in the winter. Not to mention, it is the middle of tourist season, so short-term leases will be more challenging to find. Give yourself some time and flexibility to find the place that is right for you, and then be sure to act quickly.
Another thing to consider as you search for rental housing is how important amenities are to you. Many apartment complexes and rental condos in Alexandria offer perks that are included with the price of rent. These range from pools and grilling patios to business centers, clubhouses, walking trails and fitness centers. While these perks sound nice, consider whether or not you will actually use them, because units that offer a wide scope of perks are typically more expensive. Finally, the closer you are to the water and lakeshore, the more expensive your dwelling will be. Conversely, living a little further from the water will reduce your monthly expenses but will require a walk, if not a drive, to the water.
Neighborhoods in Alexandria
Alexandria is a pretty bustling town for its size, but it isn't divided up into neighborhoods. The main thoroughfares through the town include Minnesota State Highways 27 and 29, as well as County Road 82. There are a few attractions on Broadway Street between 4th and 8th Avenue, so for convenience you may want to look for home rentals near there. Additionally, the town is set up like a grid. Cedar St runs north and south on the western side of town, and Nikomis runs north and south on the eastern side of town. So to find property on the main grid, you'll want to look between those streets and 3rd Avenue to the north and 15th Avenue to the south. If you're looking for a place in the more rural parts of Alexandria, your best bet will be to look along the southern portion of Highway 29 and County Road 46. That area also provides quick access to Interstate 94 and a couple smaller lakes, including Lake Burgan and Chandler Field.
Living in Alexandria
There are several attractions right in Alexandria that make it an ideal place to live and also a popular tourist destination in the summer months. For outdoor enthusiasts, venture to Central Lakes Trail, which is a paved path for walking, biking and running. Folks enjoy this trail at all temperatures, but with a few more smiles and a few less layers between June and August. Additionally, residents of Alexandria spend much of their time on (or in!) the lakes. Go fishing, swimming, water skiing, tubing or canoeing on Lake Miltona or Lake Le Homme Dieu. Alexandria is also proud of its cultural attractions, including a Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum, Kensington Runestone Museum and the Douglas County Historical Society. Public transportation in Alexandria is provided and operated by Rainbow Bus. Prices are dependent on the distance traveled, but all trips begin at $2.00. Additionally, there are plenty of sidewalks that are safe for pedestrian transportation.
For an urban getaway, it's only just over 100 miles to Fargo, North Dakota, 120 miles to St. Paul and Minneapolis (Twin Cities), Minnesota, and just over 200 miles to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Each of those cities have major cultural attractions, including museums, music, and theater for a day trip or a weekend getaway. While the excursion will be fun, it's very likely that you'll be excited to return home and to the resort-like feel of Alexandria.
