For Those in the Know, Richfield is Ideal for Buying a Home

Houses sell fast in Richfield because for a lot of reasons, including that people who have lived in Richfield tend to want to stay there. For others, however, Richfield remains a hidden gem. Most people know that Richfield in convenient— there are more easy ways in an out of the city than most places—but there is still the perception that Richfield is the poor cousin of Minneapolis. Despite it’s lack of hipness, Richfield is among the better run suburbs, with a slightly urban feel, good shopping opportunities, lots of superior parks and well-run schools. The city is know for planning for the long term, working to attract a diverse population

There’s a style of home in the Twin Cities that real estate agents call, "the Richfield house." Solidly built, these one-story houses have a front door opening on a living room with three bedrooms and a bath off a hallway, a finished basement with a rec. room and a backyard is designed for grills and get-togethers. These homes have similar floor plans but each have unique touches. In the last couple of years, many sellers of these homes have been upgrading, refinishing the hardwood floors, updating kitchens and redoing the lower levels so that the homes are comfortable, modern and attractive.

The prices in Richfield remain moderate and there are down-payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. In short, it’s one of the best areas in the Twin Cities to buy a home. Here are five of those homes.

House No. 1: 6615 Lake Shore Dr. S. #700

Listed by: Coldwell Banker Burnet

Price: $65,000 Taxes: $877  Association fee: $469

Description: High rise senior condo (55+); two bedrooms, one bath and 966 finished square feet. This is a great condo in Richfield’s most popular senior high rise building  with a dining room, an efficient kitchen, a good sized living room and a balcony overlooking gardens and the Woodlake Nature Center across the street. The master bedroom includes a large walk-in closet and has windows on two sides. Use the second bedroom as a den or office.  Association fee includes heat and shared areas including a party room, workshop, library, salon, exercise room, patio, gardens, a secured and assigned underground parking space. A guest suite and shuttle is available for a small fee.

House No. 2: 1020 66th St. W. #4

Listed by: Coldwell Banker Burnet

Price: $69,900 Taxes: $1,675  Association fee: $252

Description: Manor/village condo; two bedrooms, one bath and 1,062 finished square feet. For the buyer with some skills, this is an incredible opportunity. With a little updating, this place could be a gem. Add your own touches, chose your own colors to your own taste. The home is spacious with a good floor plan, an in-unit laundry and a wood burning fireplace in the living room. There’s a formal dining room as well as an eat-in kitchen. The balcony sits tree-top level. There’s natural woodwork, a walk-in closet and a garage. Association fees include snow removal and lawn care and water and sewer. Dogs and cats are welcome.

House No. 3: 7239 Sheridan Ave. S.

Listed by: Coldwell Banker Burnet

Price: $177,500 Taxes: $2,631  

Description: One story single family home; three bedrooms, two baths and 1,277 finished square feet. This completely renovated home on Richfield’s west side, has a new roof and gutters a new air conditioning and fresh paint.  The hardwood floors have been refinished and reflect the sun through the new windows. There a breezeway between the garage and the home, and a mudroom for sloppy winter days.  In the warmer weather, enjoy morning coffee on the porch looking out on the fenced yard. The bath and kitchen sport Travertine and subway tile and the lower level family room is new as well. This is a attractive and cozy home,  located near shopping and restaurants, walking distance from Adams Hill Park, near the Galleria and Southdale.

House No. 4: 7024 Harriet Ave.

Listed by: Bayshore Realty

Price: $189,500 Taxes: $3,152  

Description: One and one-half story single family home; four bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 finished square feet. This newly remodeled home has beautiful hardwood floors, new appliances, new carpet, updated electric and mechanicals. There are two large bedrooms on the upper level and two on the main level. The lower level family room has egress windows, perfect for cozy evenings with friends or family. There’s also a two-car garage with a screened area that’s easy to convert for an additional vehicle. The home is located three blocks east of the Wood Lake Nature Center.

House No. 5: 7245 Columbus Ave. S.

Listed by: Edina Realty

Price: $199,900 Taxes: $2,745  

Description: One and one-half story single family home; five bedrooms, three baths and 2,828 finished square feet. This large home is almost a two story in the back, with skylights, a two-story stone wood burning fireplace in the main floor family room,  natural woodwork, and a bathroom on all three levels. There’s space for an office on the main level, a game room and amusement room on the lower level and a two-car garage.  Located in the heart of Richfield situated on a tree-shaded corner lot.