Living in Historic SW

The Historic Southwest neighborhood is a charming residential and commercial business area that is located steps from the downtown district of Rochester, Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic buildings. The neighborhood is bordered by 2nd Street and the downtown neighborhood on the north, Broadway Avenue on the east, Highway 14 on the south and the prestigious Pill Hill neighborhood on the west. This mature neighborhood is an optimal location for anyone wanting to live, work and play all in the same geographical location.  In fact, there is little reason to leave the Historic Southwest neighborhood since there are dining options, stores, community events, parks, paved trails and more, already here. 

Best Real Estate Review of Rochester, Minnesota’s Historic Southwest Neighborhood

The residential areas of the Historic Southwest neighborhood are composed of a variety of housing units that include single family houses, multi-family houses, apartments and condominiums.  First, the single family houses were built on the north and central parts of the neighborhood and date back to the early 1900’s.  These homes are nestled next to one-another with mature trees and perennials.  Generally, they are 2-stories, with a porch, finished/unfinished basement and a detached garage.  In terms of size, these houses range from a modest 1,500 sq. ft. house with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths to upwards of 3,500 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms and 3-4 baths.  No matter the size, they all tend to breathe historic charm and character with crown molding, original hardwood flooring, woodwork and classic finishes throughout.  As years have progressed, many of these homes have updated kitchens, baths, basements and/or mechanicals; however, many still have room to improve.  

Then, on the southern part of the Historic Southwest neighborhood, single family houses date back to the 1930s and the 1950s.  These single family homes are often 1 level ramblers or 2 stories with cozy kitchens, 2-4 bedrooms, 2-3 baths and detached garages.  

Next, the Historic Southwest’s multi-family houses are usually the historic homes that are converted into duplexes, tri-plexes or even quad-plexes. In terms of apartment buildings and condos present; some are dated and some have been developed in the last couple of decades.  As a whole, these rental properties are important assets to Mayo Clinic, Rochester’s workforce, the patient population and college students.  In fact, the University of Minnesota-Rochester campus is located in the downtown district and a number of the newer apartment buildings on the northeast side of Historic Southwest are ideally designed for students of the university.

Overall, this Historic Southwest neighborhood attracts those individuals interested in historic homes and/or being in close proximity to downtown Rochester or Mayo Clinic.  Currently (2022), single family homes in the Historic Southwest neighborhood range from $275,000 to $700,000+ and are appropriately appreciating with market value.  

Best Amenities, Parks & Businesses Rochester, Minnesota’s Historic Southwest Neighborhood

-Amenities

Location!  First, for Mayo Clinic employees, Historic Southwest is a walkable neighborhood that is centrally located within blocks of downtown Mayo Clinic buildings (North) and Saint Mary’s Hospital (Northwest).  Second, the Historic Southwest is within walking distance to downtown’s entertainment district that includes Thursdays Downtown at the Peace Place, premiere restaurants and bars, shopping and more.

-Parks

Within the Historic Southwest neighborhood is Soldiers Field.  This expansive outdoor recreation area is open to the public and is the host-site for many area events that include Rochesterfest, Pride-Fest and more.  Within Soldiers Field there are a wealth of things to see, do and learn from. First, on the north end, there are monuments that honor our nation’s history that include Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and Freedom Shrine.  Then, to the far west is the prized Field of Fun playground that is composed of wooden playground equipment.  (This playground is known by the locals as the “wooden castle park” or “wooden park.”)  Next, in the middle and throughout Soldiers Field is the football field, track, basketball courts, picnic spots, art sculptures and open green space. Then, to the east is the Roy Sutherland Playground with a notably tall slide and other playground equipment.  Next, just a bit more south is where the Zumbro River enters into Soldiers Field and continues to flow throughout Soldiers Field Golf Course 18 hole golf course.  Additionally, on the south end is the community’s Soldiers Field Swimming Pool with a waterslide and lap pool. Lastly, walking and biking trails connect to paved city trails and walkways to allow bikers, runners and walkers to enjoy moving throughout the area. 

Future Plans:  As of the summer of 2022, the Soldiers Field area is in the planning stages of a much needed equipment and infrastructure update/remodel.  This exciting and evolving plan could mean newly added pickleball courts, curling courts (indoor and/or outdoor), a modern aquatic center and so much more.

For more information on Rochester area parks & trails, check out these links:  Rochester Parks & Facilities: City Park Amenities and Rochester Parks & Trail System Map

-Businesses

Within the boundaries of the Historic Southwest neighborhood, there are two restaurants:  Twigs Tavern & Grill and Townies Grill’d Philly Subs and More.  For many locals, Twigs Tavern & Grill (located in the Centerstone Plaza Hotel) is known for their date-night signature meal that includes the customer grilling their steak on a hot stone at their table.  Alternatively, Townies Grill’d Philly Subs and More (located at Soldiers Field Golf Course’s clubhouse) is the perfect place for fast-food premium burgers, subs and sides.  

Next, for quick groceries and/or gas needs, Sinclaire (Convenience Store) is located on the north side of the Soldiers Field.  

Also, within the Historic Southwest neighborhood is Rochester Public Schools (Headquarters).  This building is essential to the community for enrollment and school board meetings. 

Lastly, for religious offerings, Historic Southwest has ample places of worship within the neighborhood:  First Presbyterian Church, Zumbro Lutheran Church ELCA, Trinity Lutheran Church  and Christ United Methodist Church. 

Best Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do Near Rochester, Minnesota’s Historic Southwest Neighborhood

Just outside of the Historic Southwest neighborhood there are a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities within walking distance. First, to the north-northwest part of the neighborhood is the People’s Food Coop(grocery & dining),  Bleu Duck Kitchen and Pasquales Neighborhood Pizzeria.  Then, further north (about 4 blocks), is the downtown district with dining and/or bar options at Half Barrel, The Tap House, Terza,  Thai Pop,  Mango Thai, Hefe Rojo, Crave and Newt’s (downtown). This downtown area is also where the Peace Plaza is located and community events and entertainment frequently occur (i.e. Thursdays Downtown  and Social Ice). Then, to the east of the Historic Southwest neighborhood are dining options at Brothers Bar & Grill, Corona’s Tacos, Snappy Stop and Taco Jed.  Next, to the south of the neighborhood is the Crossroads Shopping Center. This area has Newt’s (South), Outback Steakhouse and Chick-Fil-A.  Area retail stores include Andy’s Liquor and the nearby Hy-Vee (Grocery Store).  Further southwest is Rochester’s Apache Mall with anchor stores that include Scheels (Outdoors Store), JCPenney, Macy’s and Barnes & Noble.  

Best Schools in Rochester, Minnesota’s Historic Southwest Neighborhood

Historic Southwest 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).

Private School:  Rainbow School is a christian-based preschool (ages 3-5 years) located inside Zumbro Lutheran Church ELCA.