Considering Moving to Windom (Mankato, Worthington: cliquey, apartments, for rent)

[JohnnyFriday]

I have read just about as much as is posted online regarding the town of Windom mn. I was curious if anyone is familliar with it and what local shopping they had aside from Hyvee. The citys income looked slightly abysmal and the housing prices doubled from 2000 to 2007.(stats havent been updated since the housing crash). Also, the local cable provider didnt seem to be nearly as up to date as what Im used to(20mg cable internet with amazing digitial cable options and decent HD selection) Windom is about 2 hours north of where I currently live, would the winter weather really be that much worse that id need a 4x4? Any other information would be helpful. Btw id be making 45k my first year there, and 55-60k the second. Im hoping that this would be sufficient to live comfortably. Is it going to be Cliquey? Any input would be appreciated.

[Clifford63]

http://www.city-data.com/city/Windom-Minnesota.html

Been through there, but can't say much about the place. Very small town that does not have much going on. Flatter than Storm Lake area of IA. Not many trees in that part of the state. If you get a blizzard on the plains, it can make getting around dangerous if you do not have 4x4. Then again, why would you go anywhere in a blizzard. Guessing you could get by just fine without 4x4.

In small towns like this, any internet and cable is good. Sounds like 45K is a very good living based on what city data says. My gut would say this is true. It is often super cheap to live in these small towns.

I Would not expext much for shopping. Worthington or Sioux Falls would be better. SF has a lot of stuff now. Worthington, not so much. Shopko and Pamida type of town.

[GraniteStater]

The meteorologist Jeremy Nelson on KSHB TV in Kansas City was originally from Windom, MN.
It is a typical small town in the agricultural Midwest. I can't remember anything to extraordinary about it.

[jmgg]

I've been going to Windom once a month or more for the last 30 years for business. I think the town is real nice. Very friendly people. It's the county seat. The downtown area is actually a town square set up. Many small home owned shops. It's not as flat as earlier posted. In fact, there's a small river that runs through the heart of town and it actually has lots of hills in the town. If you're 2 hours south of here (obviously getting close to the I-80 corridor) it will be a little colder than where you're at. However, the terrain really won't be all that much different, thus the weather won't be drastically different. This is deep into farm country. The winds aren't as extreme as you'll see in South Dakota or other areas much more wide open.

One of the nicest towns in SW Minnesota.

[KregAXN]

Was down there once to pick up our Basset Hound. I was younger at the time but to me it was just the average small MN town.

And I agree with jmgg, farm country it is!!

[joemont]

What we thought was going to be a 3-5 year stay in Windom has turned into 15 years...my wife and I have been very satisfied with the community. We don't drive a 4x4 but get around fine in the winter weather here. Good schools and plenty of activities for our three children. We do have two grocery stores and Pamida...but do most of our larger shopping in Mankato or Sioux Falls. Friendly community that has a lot to offer.

[JohnnyFriday]

I appreciate all of your input thus far. I wont know the outcome of the job for a few weeks yet, Are there apartments for rent in the area? If so how much would a 1 bedroom range in price? BTW anyone who has posted has been given +reputation.

[mmccutch]

Joemont, I also have an offer to relocate for work to Windom. My wife and I have two young boys who would be coming out after the school year. Could you elaborate more on your experience (schools, daily living, etc.) in Windom with your family and possible any feelings about the surrounding communities (Bingham Lake and Mountain Lake).
Thank you