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Looking for a new city to call home? You’ll love living in Otsego, Minnesota. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why people choose to live in Otsego over other neighboring cities. Keep reading for the top ten reasons!
Surrounded by two rivers and the rolling hillside, the city of Otsego has a population of just under 14,000 people. One of the reasons it’s a popular city to call home is its proximity to major roadways and recreation opportunities. Otsego is right off of U.S. Highway 101, which gives residents convenient access to U.S. Highway 169 and U.S. Highway 10. To head into the Twin Cities Metro or the St. Cloud area, simply head south on 101 to Rogers where you be able to easily access I-94.
Residents of Otsego can rest easy knowing their children are getting a great education. The city resides within Independent School District 728, providing residents with many options when choosing the right school for their children. Otsego itself has two elementary schools; Otsego Elementary and Prarie View Elementary and Middle School.
When it comes to things to do, Otsego is perfectly situated for easy access to many parks, trails, and water activities. The neighboring Mississippi river is great for those who like to spend time on the water fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. If you’d rather spend your day biking or hiking, you’ll definitely love any of the 14 parks and 24 miles of trails available in Otsego! Families will enjoy the splash pad at Prairie Park, picnic grills at Kittredge Crossing Park, and attending the annual Otsego Prarie Festival. Rather spend the day on the golf course? You’ll have your pick of a wide range of golf course in the surrounding area.
A newly remodeled Target lies in the heart of Otsego, providing residents with a one-stop-shop for everything from household goods and groceries to clothing and electronics. Both Rogers and Albertville are just a short drive from Otsego and offer a variety of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The well-know Albertville Premium Outlets is home to many popular brands like Nike, The North Face, and Michael Kors. Rogers also offers many options for shopping such as Cabela’s, Dock 86, and several antique stores.
Located in the heart of the city is Rockwoods and Pour Wine Bar and Bistro, both of which are excellent selections for date nights and special occasions. Other dining options in Otsego include Cowboy Jacks, Denny’s, and many fast food restaurants. Neighboring Elk River also has many accessible restaurants like Hajime Sushi and Daddy-O’s Cafe, a 1950’s style diner. With just a short drive to Rogers, you’ll find more options including Maynard’s and Clive’s Roadhouse.
The cost of living in larger nearby cities is considerably higher than in Otsego. For example, the average price of a 3,362 square feet two-story home in Maple Grove was $534,000 in 2018. In comparison, the average price of a 2,509 square feet two-story home in Otesgo was $384,000 in 2018. That’s a difference of 853 square feet and $150,000!
Living in Otsego means more affordable prices without sacrificing space or luxury. Our Kittredge Townhomes start in the $230,000 for 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. These townhomes also start at 2,100 square feet, making them perfect for families of any size!
Building a home in Otsego means more affordable options when it comes to purchasing lots and land. Though prices are lower, homeowners get more bang for their buck compared to other cities. Take for instance the townhomes at Kittredge Crossings and the single-family homes at Wildflower Meadows. Available in a variety of floor plans and with many features, these homes offer ample liveable space, privacy, and beautiful views of the nearby river and landscape. That in addition to Otsego’s centralized location makes them perfect for families of all sizes.
Taxes are also lower in Otsego than neighboring cities. Here’s how Otsego compares to cities in the surrounding counties.
City | County | Assessed Home Value | Avg. Tax Rate | Avg. Property Taxes |
Otsego | Wright | $250,000 | 1.160% | $2,900 |
Elk River | Sherburne | $250,000 | 1.218% | $3,045 |
Rogers/Maple Grove | Hennepin | $250,000 | 1.345% | $3,363 |
Though there are nearly 14,000 residents in Otsego, the unemployment rate is at 3.1%. This low unemployment rate is a great indication of the overall health of the city. With local businesses employing many of the city’s residents and an ample amount of opportunities in other nearby cities, it’s safe to say the small community of Otsego is thriving.
When it comes down to healthy living, Otsego is part of one of the highest ranked healthiest counties in Minnesota. Wright County ranks #6 for health outcomes, #10 for health factors, and #38 for healthy behaviors in all of Minnesota. Residents of Otsego favor making healthy choices including not smoking, living an active lifestyle, and maintaining a healthy weight.
To learn more about living in Otsego get in touch with our team. We’d love to show you our available homes and homesites!