What is it like living in Baxter?
Want to find Baxter homes for sale? Baxter is a small town of around 8,000 residents located in Crow Wing County in Central Minnesota. It offers a unique blend of small-town living and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities. Baxter also features a variety of real estate options. These include single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.
The town is known for having a friendly, tight-knit community atmosphere. It also provides key amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and schools. Baxter’s peaceful, suburban environment, combined with its convenient access to the larger city of Brainerd, makes it an attractive place to live for those seeking a balance of nature and modern conveniences.
Economy
The economy in Baxter, Minnesota, is strong and diverse, characterized by a mix of retail, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. The city benefits from its proximity to the Brainerd Lakes area, which attracts tourists year-round, bolstering the local economy through hospitality and recreational businesses. Additionally, the presence of manufacturing industries contributes to employment opportunities and economic stability. Overall, Baxter’s economy is well-balanced, leveraging its natural attractions and strategic location to foster growth and sustainability. Jobs in Baxter are expected to grow by 20.10% over the next ten years, while the median household income is around $64,635.
Culture and Annual Events
Baxter, Minnesota, and its surrounding areas offer a rich cultural experience with local events and attractions in nearby Brainerd. For example, the Lakes Area Music Festival, which showcases world-class classical music performances during the summer. Additionally, the Crow Wing County Fair, held annually in Brainerd, provides a fun experience for all ages. It features agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, and local food vendors. For those interested in history and local folklore, Paul Bunyan Land in Brainerd is a must-visit, featuring family-friendly amusement rides, a petting zoo, and the iconic talking Paul Bunyan statue. These events highlight the area’s appreciation for arts, culture, and community traditions.
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Baxter’s proximity to lakes and natural areas provides residents with many opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. Additionally, the town’s central location within Minnesota makes it an ideal base for exploring the state’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
If you’re seeking a home in Baxter, Minnesota, where small-town charm meets natural beauty, look no further than the expertise of Dan Schueller and Diane Pogatchnik, Baxter real estate experts. With their deep knowledge of the local market and a genuine passion for the community, they are the perfect guides to help you find your dream home in this idyllic setting.
Call Baxter real estate experts Dan Schueller and Diane Pogatchnik today to get started buying a home and discover why Baxter is a truly special place to call home.
To Discuss Your Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!
Baxter Homes For Sale – Buying a Home in Baxter, MN
Want to learn more about life in Baxter, Minnesota, before moving there? This charming town in the middle of Central Minnesota’s lake country offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle. Before you start hunting for Baxter homes for sale, it’s important to understand what life in Baxter is really like.
This guide will provide valuable insights into the town’s location, climate, schools, recreation opportunities, economy, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Baxter is a growing suburban city in central Minnesota, offering a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.
- The area boasts numerous lakes and recreation opportunities, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Baxter has a strong local economy with a diverse mix of retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
- The city experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters typical of the Upper Midwest.
- Baxter’s proximity to larger cities like Brainerd and easy access to major highways make it an ideal location for both work and leisure.
Where is Baxter?
Baxter is located in Crow Wing County in central Minnesota, approximately 130 miles northwest of Minneapolis. It is adjacent to the city of Brainerd, forming part of the Brainerd-Baxter urban area. This location provides residents with a perfect balance of small-town living and access to larger city amenities.
What is the climate like in Baxter?
Baxter experiences a typical continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 80°F. Winters are cold and snowy, with January lows often dropping below 0°F. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, offering beautiful transitions between summer and winter.
The area receives an average of 28 inches of rain and 46 inches of snow annually. Baxter’s nice weather provides plenty of opportunities for both summer and winter outdoor activities.
What are the closest lakes to Baxter?
Baxter is situated in the heart of Minnesota’s lake country, with numerous bodies of water in close proximity. Some of the closest and most popular lakes include:
- Gull Lake: Located just north of Baxter, Gull Lake is one of the largest and most popular lakes in the area, offering excellent fishing, boating, and recreational opportunities.
- Whipple Lake: This small lake is located within Baxter city limits, providing easy access for fishing and kayaking.
- White Sand Lake: Situated to the east of Baxter, this lake is known for its clear waters and sandy beaches.
- North Long Lake: Located northwest of Baxter, this lake is popular for fishing and water sports.
- Sylvan Lake: Just east of Baxter, Sylvan Lake offers a quieter, more secluded lake experience.
These lakes, along with many others in the surrounding area, contribute to the region’s reputation as a prime destination for water-based recreation and lakeside living.
What are some outdoor recreation activities in Baxter?
Baxter’s natural surroundings provide a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Some popular activities include:
- Fishing: The numerous lakes in and around Baxter offer excellent fishing opportunities for various species, including walleye, northern pike, and bass.
- Hiking and Biking: The Paul Bunyan State Trail, which runs through Baxter, provides over 120 miles of paved trail for hiking, biking, and in-line skating.
- Camping: Several campgrounds in the area, including Crow Wing State Park, offer camping facilities for those looking to spend more time in nature.
- Golfing: Baxter and the surrounding area have several golf courses, including Cragun’s Legacy Courses and Madden’s on Gull Lake.
- Water Sports: The lakes around Baxter are perfect for swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding during the warmer months.
- Winter Sports: When the snow falls, residents can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing on trails and frozen lakes.
- Hunting: The surrounding forests and wetlands provide opportunities for hunting various game species during designated seasons.
These diverse outdoor activities make Baxter an ideal location for those who love to spend time in nature and maintain an active lifestyle.
What are some annual events and things to do in Baxter?
While Baxter itself is a relatively small city, it benefits from its proximity to Brainerd and the surrounding area, which hosts numerous events throughout the year. Some popular annual events and attractions include:
- Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza: Held on nearby Gull Lake, this is the world’s largest charitable ice fishing contest, attracting thousands of participants each January.
- Lakes Jam: A multi-day music festival held in June featuring country and rock artists.
- Crow Wing County Fair: Held in nearby Brainerd in early August, this fair offers traditional county fair attractions, including rides, exhibits, and food vendors.
- Baxter Night to Unite: A community event held in August that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
- Paul Bunyan Land: An amusement park located just east of Baxter, featuring rides, attractions, and a 26-foot-tall talking Paul Bunyan statue.
- Northland Arboretum: Located on the border of Baxter and Brainerd, this 500-acre preserve offers hiking trails, gardens, and educational programs throughout the year.
- Shopping: The Westgate Mall and surrounding retail areas in Baxter provide ample shopping opportunities for residents and visitors.
These events and attractions, combined with the natural beauty of the area, ensure that there’s always something to do in and around Baxter, regardless of the season.
What is the economy in Baxter?
Baxter’s economy is diverse and robust, benefiting from its location within the Brainerd-Baxter urban area. Healthcare is a key economic driver, with the nearby Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd providing numerous jobs.
The manufacturing sector also plays a role, with several companies operating in the area. Tourism also thrives in Baxter thanks to the region’s lakes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The summer months in particular see a large amount of tourists.
Baxter also has a strong small business community, with many locally-owned shops, restaurants, and service providers. This diverse economic base ensures stability and offers job opportunities across multiple sectors, making Baxter an attractive place to live and work. The job growth rate is 20.10% over the next ten years, while the median household income is around $64,635.
What is transportation like in Baxter?
Transportation in and around Baxter is primarily car-dependent, but the city does offer some alternatives:
- Roads: Baxter is served by several major highways, including Highway 371 and Highway 210, providing easy access to other parts of Minnesota.
- Public Transportation: The Brainerd & Crow Wing Public Transit provides bus service in Baxter and the surrounding area, though routes may be limited.
- Airports: The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, located about 7 miles northeast of Baxter, offers daily flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
- Biking: The Paul Bunyan State Trail and other local bike paths provide alternatives for non-motorized transportation within the city.
- Taxi and Ride-sharing: Several taxi companies and ride-sharing services operate in the Baxter-Brainerd area.
While having a personal vehicle is recommended for convenience, the city’s layout and available transportation options make it possible to get around without one if necessary.
Where is the nearest hospital?
The nearest full-service hospital to Baxter is Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center, which is located in neighboring Brainerd approximately 3 miles east of Baxter. This 162-bed hospital provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, cancer treatment, and specialized care units.
In addition to the hospital, there are a couple of clinics and medical offices located within Baxter itself, offering primary care, specialty services, and urgent care. These include Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Baxter Clinic and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center-Baxter Clinic.
The proximity of these healthcare facilities ensures that Baxter residents have ready access to both routine and emergency medical care, contributing to the overall quality of life in the community.
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By working with experienced professionals like Diane Pogatchnik, you can confidently buy a house in Central Minnesota.
With their extensive experience in Central Minnesota, Dan Schueller and Diane Pogatchnik are the ideal partners to help you find Baxter homes for sale.
Their Nisswa real estate agency at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Exclusive has a proven track record of success. They offer personalized service tailored to your specific needs and goals, ensuring you find the best place to call home.
Don’t leave your dream of finding Baxter homes for sale to chance. Call Dan Schueller and Diane Pogatchnik today at (218) 656-6469 for a free consultation and expert guidance throughout your home-buying journey. They can help you explore the available Baxter homes for sale and discover why Central Minnesota is a truly special place to call home.
To Discuss Your Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baxter
Baxter has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with a close-knit community feel. The city is home to a diverse population, with various community events and activities that foster connections among residents. Families appreciate the area’s strong sense of community, which is reflected in local gatherings and support for schools and local businesses.
Baxter is served by the Brainerd Public Schools district, which offers quality education from elementary through high school. The district is known for its commitment to academic excellence and provides various extracurricular activities. The schools emphasize community involvement and student engagement, making it an attractive option for families.
Baxter offers a wide range of recreational activities, thanks to its proximity to numerous lakes and parks. Residents enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and biking on the Paul Bunyan State Trail. Additionally, winter sports like snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular during the colder months.
The cost of living in Baxter is generally lower than in larger urban areas, making it an appealing option for home buyers. The prices of homes for sale in Baxter are reasonable, and residents benefit from lower property taxes compared to many other regions in Minnesota. This affordability allows families to enjoy a higher quality of life while still accessing essential amenities and services.
Baxter has a diverse economy with opportunities in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Major employers include local healthcare facilities and retail establishments along Highway 371. The city’s growth has attracted new businesses and developments, contributing to a stable job market that supports both residents and newcomers looking for employment opportunities.
