Life along the Minnesota State University Mankato campus
Though Mankato is home to the second-largest university in the state, it’s easy to forget in many of the city’s neighborhoods. In University Park, however, the campus energy spills over as college students stream back and forth from classes throughout the day along Stadium Road and Monks Avenue, two streets at the edges of University Park. Minnesota State University’s Mankato campus started as Mankato Normal School in 1868, so the University Park neighborhood borders an educational hub that’s served the city for over 150 years. “They have science, engineering, technology — that’s very big there, a lot of sports medicine, a very big business college, as well as a dental hygiene and dental assistant program. There’s a wide variety,” says Donna Killion of Edina Realty, a Realtor with several sales throughout the Mankato area. With apartments making up over 85% of the neighborhood, University Park tends to cater to college students, but there are also single-family and mobile home communities for homebuyers to choose from.
Rentals in College Town and mobile homes in University Park MHC
University Park is divided into subdivisions and apartment complexes. Rental cottages in the College Town community cater to undergraduate students, while Rosa Place features apartments for all ages. Mobile homes in the University Park Mobile Home Community can be rented or purchased, and their sale prices range from $70,000 to $150,000. The architecture of single-family homes throughout University Park varies from ranch-style to Craftsman, and most properties were built in the early to mid-2000s. Houses typically range from $260,000 to $365,000, though there are a few outliers with more than 3,500 square feet that cost between $600,000 and $640,000.
A row of Townhomes in the University Park neighborhood of Mankato, MN.
The University Park neighborhood also has several manufactured home parks in the area.
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Sidewalks to Weggy’s on Campus and rides to River Hills Mall
University Park is half a mile from the restaurants in and around the MSU campus. Whether looking to grab some lamb at Shawarmania Mediterranean Grill or dine on breakfast classics at Weggy’s on Campus, locals have options. For grocery shopping, there are no major retailers within walking distance. Some of the closest options include the Aldi on Madison Avenue and Walmart on U.S. Highway 22, both of which are about 3 miles away — just south of the River Hills Mall.
Shawarmania Mediterranean Grill is in the University Park area for residents.
There's also easy access to a Target at the River Hills Mall close by to University Park.
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Walkable access to Rosa Parks Elementary and MSU
Mankato Area Public Schools serves the area, and students can start their education right in the neighborhood at Rosa Parks Elementary, a school receiving a B grade from Niche. From here, students can head to two B-plus-graded schools, Prairie Winds Middle and Mankato East High. The high school has a 93% graduation rate and offers after-school activities like VEX Robotics and Planetarium Production Club. For postsecondary school, MSU is right next door. The campus enrolls about 14,000 students annually and includes the only four-year aviation program in the state.
At Rosa Parks Elementary, 54% of students are proficient in math and 46% in reading.
The MSU Mankato campus is close by to the University Park neighborhood.
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Playing baseball with friends or watching the bison at Minneopa
The Community Athletic Fields area sits just behind Rosa Parks Elementary, giving the neighborhood access to baseball diamonds, softball fields and a paved trail. For trips to the playground or to cast a line, Lion’s Park is just across Stadium Road to the north. To feel more immersed in nature, Minneopa State Park is less than 10 miles away and remains a top destination for hikes rich with wildlife along the Minnesota River. “I like where you can go to see the bison. You can drive through or walk the trails,” Killion says. Bison wander over 300 acres of green space in the park, and people come from all across the Mankato area to watch them from different paths and overlooks.
You will see many games being played at Community Athletic Fields.
Lions Park playground has several structures.
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Added traffic throughout Mankato with school in session
Sidewalks run along roads like Oak Marsh Drive and the bus stops at MSU, but University Park is a mainly car-dependent community overall. Major employers like Mayo Clinic Health Systems are less than 3 miles away, as is Old Town Mankato. That said, traffic can get a little heavier during the fall and spring semesters. “You do notice a difference, especially in the morning commute. You’ll notice the difference because sometimes, everyone is coming into town at once for school. It might make the commute five to 10 minutes longer,” Killion says. For trips outside Mankato, St. Peter is 15 miles away. “When it’s beautiful weather, it’s a nice drive to St. Peter,” says Bridget Yokiel of Realty Executives Associates, a local agent and lifelong Mankato resident.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erik Jensen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lions Park
Community Athletic Fields
Minneopa State Park
Picnic Area
River
Hiking
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
University Park
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University Park, Mankato sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in University Park, Mankato over the last 12 months is $299,870, down 26% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Woodridge. A Picturesque single-family development opportunity nestled in Mankato Hilltop, amidst beautiful trees. The site provides a perfect blend of convenience and privacy, making it an ideal location. Seven spacious building sites offer ample room for customization and expansion, allowing you to design and craft dream homes. While in the heart of Mankato, only moments from the
New Construction Row House located next to Rosa Parks elementary school. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, full laundry, oversized garage with a large storage room, large living room with fireplace and access to a 20 ft. balcony.LVP flooring throughout. Over head fans and lights in vaulted great room and bedroom.
Newer construction duplex.Rent includes gas, water, sewer, trash, lawn care and snow removal.Open living room/ kitchen area with wood laminate floors.Large bathroom with a 5ft. vanity and linen closet.1 stall garage with additional storage.Double wide driveway.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erik Jensen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,503
Median Age
26
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$57,463
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,549
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.8%
% Population in Labor Force
79.4%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
6°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
43''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
39/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
13/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
