Looking to buy a house in Henderson, St. Peter, Mankato - Rural preferred.. If you recommend another location elaborate (Eden Prairie: attorney)

[being1]

Hi,
I work in Eden Prairie, need to leave my current residence in the cities, and I can only get approved for $130k in mortgage.

I want the biggest bang for the $, I am willing to commute an hour to work.

I am hoping to get something which feels rural, has good privacy which is afforded by acreage or some natural buffer.

Ideally, something that is 0.5 acres or larger (as long as there is privacy)

Ideally, something by woods, hillside, river, public land as a buffer/for privacy is good. Yet, within 10-15 min drive from St Peter or Mankato.

I am considering areas around St Peter, Mankato, Kasota .. I can make the commute to St Peter in about 45 mins, and to mankato in an hour (in the summer), and the home prices are more affordable than the cities.


I am after something not within a city limit, i want something rural... so i could raise some chickens.


Does anyone here know someone who is interested in selling a house in this area?
I am pre-approved and am a serious buyer. We can hire a local attorney to help instead of a Realtor, this will save time and $, especially the seller.



Are there other places you'd recommend I consider? if so, why? The commute to Le Center, or New Prague, or Lake crystal or Garden City takes more time, either due to additional distance or smaller/slower highways. I am biased towards Mankato/St Peter since I lived there for some years in the past. I have friends in Mankato. I love the topography, and availability of a food coop.


Thanks