Stillwater · Downsizing
Downsizing in Stillwater Without the Rush
Moving to a smaller home in Minnesota, with a plan that times your sale and your next purchase and never rushes you.
Downsizing in Stillwater
You may love Stillwater and no longer need a large house with many stairs. I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty.
What should I think about when downsizing in Stillwater? Stillwater's homes range widely in age, from historic homes in neighborhoods such as South Hill to newer ones. The right fit depends on the layout you want, how many stairs you are willing to climb, and whether you want an association to handle the lawn and snow.
Comparing your options
- The floor plan comes first. We confirm whether the bedroom and laundry are on the main level, if that matters to you.
- Association dues cover different things. Lawn, snow, exterior, and insurance vary from one community to another.
- The reserves tell you a lot. A well-funded association is less likely to bill owners for a surprise repair.
- Downtown living has its own rules. Parking downtown is managed with permits and time limits, so we check how parking works for each home.
Staying close to what you use
Many people who downsize want to stay near the places they already use. The Stillwater Public Library is at 224 Third Street North, Lakeview Hospital is at 927 Churchill Street West, and Lowell Park sits on the river downtown. We can show you which homes sit closest to them. Metro Transit Route 294 also stops downtown at Water and Myrtle Streets.
If you want time outdoors, Lily Lake Park has pickleball courts and a winter skating rink, and the city's trails range from wood-chip paths to paved routes for walking and biking.
Your current home
If you are selling an older home, buyers will ask about its roof, foundation, wiring, and past updates, so we gather that history early. If it sits near the St. Croix River or Lily Lake, we check the flood zone before buyers do. We price your home against recent sales in its own neighborhood and show you what you would keep after the sale.
Our downsizing page explains the full plan. You can also see what your Stillwater home is worth, how we handle selling in Stillwater, and more about the city on our Stillwater page. If you are open to a nearby city, our Woodbury page is worth a look.
You can send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do association homes in Stillwater include lawn and snow care?
Many associations handle them, but it varies. We confirm what the dues cover for each community.
How do I compare association dues?
You look at what they cover, the reserves, and the rules. We review the documents with you before you offer.
How do I find out what my Stillwater home is worth?
We compare your home with recent sales in its own neighborhood and adjust for age, condition, and updates. You can request a value report on our home value page.
Thinking about less house?
Should I sell, or should I stay? Ten questions, about two minutes.
Stillwater
What downsizing looks like in Stillwater
Stillwater sits on the St. Croix River in Washington County, with a historic downtown, the 1931 Lift Bridge, and a nearly five-mile river loop trail.
Stillwater is a river city we know well, close to Lake Elmo, Oakdale, and Woodbury, and its older homes take a careful look before you buy.
- The homes
- Historic homes in older neighborhoods such as South Hill. Exterior changes in a designated historic district may need city review.
- Schools people ask about
- Stillwater Area Public Schools (District 834) serves Stillwater and 17 other communities. Confirm the assigned school for any address.
- Getting around
- Metro Transit Route 294 runs between downtown St. Paul and Stillwater, with a park-and-ride at the St. Croix Valley Rec Center.
- Nearby
- The St. Croix River, the 1931 Lift Bridge, and a nearly five-mile bicycle and pedestrian loop trail into Wisconsin.
- The trade-off
- Downtown sits in a historic district on the river, so parking is managed with permits and time limits, and some exterior projects need design review.
The method
How we do it in Stillwater
Downsizing: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Lesley The Realtor?