Living in Folwell Neighborhood
Folwell neighborhood is centrally located in Rochester, Minnesota and classified as a desirable neighborhood for its location to ideal amenities. It is considered a historic, well-established suburban neighborhood that emerged with the establishment of Mayo Clinic’s Saint Mary’s Hospital. Like many downtown neighborhoods, over the past century, Folwell evolved and became more densely populated. Nowadays, the neighborhood is bordered by 2nd Street and Saint Mary’s Hospital on the north, Pill Hill neighborhood on the east, Historic Southwest neighborhood on the south and Baihly Heights and Foxcroft neighborhoods on the west. Additionally, Folwell is easily accessible to Highway 52/Highway 63 with neighborhood on and off ramps. Despite being centrally located, many portions of the neighborhood are quiet and secluded.
Best Real Estate Review of Rochester, Minnesota’s Folwell Neighborhood
Folwell’s neighborhood is composed of numerous historical, single family homes. To the west of Saint Mary’s Hospital (within walking distance and across Hwy 52/Hwy 63), the homes are modest in size at 1,000-2,500 sq ft, primarily built in 1918 to 1940’s and situated on conservative city lots. Homes range from traditional American foursquare and craftsman designs to tudor and fairytale designs. On the inside, these homes are known for their hardwood floors, customized woodwork and unique architectural features. Many homes are 2-3 bedrooms and 1-2 baths, with or without a finished basement, 0-2 car garage and a wealth of historic charm. Additionally, many homes have been modernized and some are ready for a facelift. On the exterior, these homes are complete with brick, wood, vinyl or metal finishes, peaked roofs, fencing between houses, sidewalks, mature trees and landscape. Lastly, homes from 1970 and up until the early 2000s were developed throughout the neighborhood as space allowed. In turn, newer homes are often tucked into a group of older homes. In general, these homes are split levels, 2 stories and ranches and are 2,500-3,500 sq. ft. in size.
Next, in addition to single family homes, Folwell has a small variety of shared homes, townhomes, condos and apartments. While many properties are owner-occupied; many are rented out (long-term and short-term rentals). Some rentals in this vicinity are on the high end ($6,000+/month) and others are at a more affordable price ($700+/month). Within Rochester and Folwell, short-term and long-term housing is very important for traveling patients that require daily medical treatments for months on end and transient medical students and/or staff.
Overall, due to its close proximity to Saint Mary’s Hospital, Folwell attracts medical professionals, medical students, nurses, retired citizens, families and longer-term patients of Mayo Clinic. Current (2022) single-family home prices for Folwell vary from $350,000 to over $600,000 and are appreciating with current market trends.
Best Amenities, Businesses & Parks in Rochester, Minnesota’s Folwell Neighborhood
Businesses
Folwell is primarily a residential neighborhood, but it is also the home to the world famous Saint Mary’s Hospital (Mayo Clinic). Saint Mary’s is located at the northeastern part of Folwell and consists of 1,200+ patient beds, 10 intensive care units, 1 children’s hospital and neonatal intensive care unit, a gamma knife surgical center, a level 1 trauma center, and so much more. In addition to the hospital, the historic Folwell Elementary School resides in the neighborhood.
Parks
Within Folwell, there are no community parks; however, there are parks associated with Mayo Clinic’s Saint Mary’s Hospital and Folwell Elementary. In fact, St. Mary’s Park is located on the east side of Mayo Clinic’s Saint Mary’s Hospital. This park has outdoor seating, manicured greenspace and landscape. It offers a tranquil place within the hustle and bustle of the city. Next, Folwell Elementary has an expansive school playground with swings, slides and other playground equipment and basketball hoops.
Outside of Folwell, to the northwest is the Cascade Park recreation area. This developing area contains a swimming beach, a natural play area with play equipment and is connected to the city’s popular bicycle/walking paths. Future development plans include an outdoor amphitheater for smaller musical performances, events and food trucks.
For more information on Rochester area parks & trails, check out these links: Rochester Parks & Facilities: City Park Amenities
Best Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do Near Rochester, Minnesota’s Folwell Neighborhood
Just outside of Folwell are numerous essential and entertaining businesses within steps of the neighborhood. To the north and across 2nd street from Saint Mary’s Hospital is Sweet House Bakery, Canadian Honker Restaurant, Caribou Coffee, Salad Brothers Cafe & Deli, AP’s Griddle and Saints on 2nd. For overnight accommodations, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, EVEN Hotel, Staybridge Suites and Courtyard by Marriott are also across the street from the hospital. For nighttime entertainment, The Boulder Tap House-Rochester and Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon are a short walk from the neighborhood.
To the northwest of Saint Mary’s Hospital and across Hwy 52/Hwy 63, you will find numerous brick and mortar retail stores like Tyrol Ski & Sport store, Shades of Green gift shop, NerdinOut comic book store and Kwik Trip (a midwestern favorite convenience store). For dining and entertainment, Cafe Aqui is now open inside Sargent’s on 2nd floral and landscaping center. For night-time entertainment and alcoholic beverages, Thesis Beer Project (Brewery) and Beetles Bar & Grill is in this area. Next, numerous salons and day spas call this uptown area home: Lasata Salon, Ageless Esthetics Med Spa and Renewal Laser. Lastly, don’t forget about your dog; take him/her to Central Bark USA for doggy daycare while you work!
Then, to the south of Folwell are more residences, but also Rochester’s Apache Mall can be found. The Apache Mall is made up of anchor stores like Scheels (Outdoors Store), JCPenney, Macy’s and Barnes & Noble and is a bikeable distance from the Folwell.
Other Popular Businesses Just Outside of Folwell:
Rochester Country Club (West of Folwell) – Member only country club 18-hole golf course.
Plummer House (South to Southwest of Folwell) – The former home of Dr. Plummer (Mayo Clinic doctor) is now a historical site and wedding venue. The beautiful gardens, landscaping and charming home design make this an ideal location for family photos and engagement pictures.
Essence Skin Clinic (North of Folwell) – Renowned medi-spa.
Rocco Altobelli Salons & Day Spas (North of Folwell) – Premier hair and beauty salon.
Best Schools In Rochester, Minnesota’s Folwell Neighborhood
Folwell children are assigned to Rochester Public School District’s historic Folwell Elementary School (K-5th Grades with 340 students), Willow Creek Middle School (6th-8th Grades with 1,100 students) and Mayo High School (9th-12th Grades with 1,750 students).
Additional Information: Mayo Clinic Area Brochure