You may or may not shop at Sears, but if you live in Stewartville, you had better not badmouth the department store chain (in public, anyway). Richard Warren Sears, founder of the venerable Sears Roebuck Co. was born here back in 1863. His boyhood home, which is located on Main Street, is now a museum that is open to the public.
At last census count, Stewartville was home to just shy of 6,000 residents. Located in Olmsted County, Stewartville is about 15 minutes south of Rochester, MN, and its approximately 212,000 residents with abundant job opportunities.
Moving to Stewartville
While Stewartville is a relatively small town, its neighbor to the north (Rochester) is Minnesota's third-largest city. The major employer there is the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, which employs 30,000-plus people and draws patients and visitors from around the globe. Keep in mind that when you are looking for housing for rent in Stewartville, you will be competing with medical residents, nurses, doctors, and patients looking to live outside of Rochester proper to save a few bucks on their rental apartment or house.
Fortunately, there is a healthy stock of houses and apartments for rent in Stewartville. You should be able to find something without too much trouble. If you want to have a shot at the most sought-after property rentals, try to time your search for the summer or winter (the off-season for new medical residents). If you are in the market for an upscale single-family home for rent, you shouldn't face too much competition from starving medical students.
Another thing to keep in mind before you search for apartments or houses is that the winters here get cold, icy, and snowy. Keep that in mind and check the forecast before you travel to town to look for a rental apt or house. You wouldn't want to make the trip for nothing!
Once you find the ideal rental, expect to be asked to supply first and last month's rent, security and pet deposit (if you have one and your rental allows one), credit history, references, and proof of employment. Your landlord or leasing agent may not ask for all of them, but it's better to be prepared so you can jump when you find the ideal pad.
Stewartville Neighborhoods
Stewartville offers housing options to fit all ages, styles, and incomes. There are plenty of apartment communities, as well as neighborhoods featuring detached single-family homes and townhomes. Whether you are a single in a roommate situation, a single empty-nester, a childfree couple, or a large family, you will find housing that meets your needs in Stewartville. Here are a few places to consider during your house hunt.
Cottages of Stewartville . The word cottage evokes warm, fuzzy, pleasant images. Hopefully that is what you will experience in this apartment community on Maple Street. Featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhome-style units, you will enjoy a central location and free gas heat, water, and sewer services. Considering how cold the winters get, free heat is huge! Bonus: you will be minutes from to Perkins Restaurant to grab a late-night dinner or snack and Tarsilia's Cottage Coffee for your early-morning caffeine fix.
Ralex Stewartville Apartments. Conveniently located between 1st Street and 15th Ave., this well-maintained apartment community features non-smoking one- and two- bedroom units. While you can't bring along your furry friends (pets are not allowed) you can count on free water, trash pickup, a detached garage, and A/C. There's also an on-site laundry so you can skip the crowded Broadway Laundromat across town in Rochester. Hungry? When you live here you're in the delivery zone for Pizza Ranch and it's just a quick hop to Sammy's Family Restaurant, a brunch hot spot.
Georgetown Meadows . This newer community of well-appointed single-family homes is steeped in history. The neighborhood was named in honor of George Beach, the patriarch of a multi-generational Stewartville farming family. Streets in the Georgetown Meadows neighborhood are named after other Beach family members -- Timothy Street, John Street, Robert Street, and so on. If you are looking for a secure home, perhaps on a private cul-de-sac, be sure to make Georgetown Meadows part of your house hunt. This community is convenient to Fareway Grocery and Meadow Park.
Living in Stewartville
Southern Minnesota's weather pattern is one of extremes. Expect to experience long, frigid winters and hot, humid summers. If you live in a house or apartment without a pool, good news: The city of Stewartville operates a well-maintained municipal swimming pool that's open to the public. You'll be able to cool off while visiting friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. It's tricked out with three waterslides (one for tots and two 30-footers) and a diving board to delight the young and young at heart. There's also plenty of shade for those who shun the sun.
As the weather cools, Stewartville's Fall Festival heats up. This September tradition, sponsored by the Morning Lions Club, is a highlight for residents and visitors alike. Fun, food, music, a parade, bounce houses -- what more could one ask for in a festival?
Stewartville is a community where neighbors watch out for one another. The Heartland Express is a tangible example of this philanthropic spirit. This low-cost transport service helps those in need travel to and from home and doctor visits, pool visits, shopping, and more for a nominal fee. Contact Stewartville City Hall for details.
Stewartville also prides itself in honoring its older citizens. The Stewartville Center for Active Adults serves residents 55 and older. This is a spot for fun and fellowship for the older generation.
Younger folks look to the city's extensive parks system for their recreational needs. The crown jewel, so to speak, is the 188-acre Bear Cave Park. Here, you'll find trails, grills, soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, softball, an archery range, frisbee golf, and more. Other parks have their own followings. Meadow Park is popular for volleyball and skateboarding. Florence Park has a hockey rink and ice skating. Brin Park has a basketball court and softball fields. Kiddie Park has (predictably) a jungle gym for kids aged 2 to 5, a sand box, and porta potties.
Whether you are a professional, student, retiree, or single, you will find your niche in Stewartville and love living here!