Wright County · MN
Homes For Sale in Clearwater, MN
Clearwater sits at a remarkable geographic crossroads — nestled along the Mississippi River in Wright County, directly at the confluence of I-94 and Highway 24, this small community of around 1,500 residents offers something increasingly hard to find: genuine small-town tranquility with effortless regional access. If you're drawn to quiet streets, open space, and a pace of life that doesn't feel rushed, but still need to be within driving distance of St. Cloud, the Twin Cities, or both, Clearwater is worth a serious look.
The town is part of the St. Cloud Area School District 742, connecting families to a large, well-resourced district despite Clearwater's small size. The Mississippi River defines the community's landscape and outdoor identity — and with I-94 running directly through town, St. Cloud is just 20 minutes northwest and the Twin Cities metro is about 50 minutes southeast. For remote workers, retirees, commuters willing to trade a slightly longer drive for significantly more space and peace, and buyers priced out of closer-in markets, Clearwater offers a compelling equation.
Schools & Education
Clearwater students attend St. Cloud Area School District 742, one of Minnesota's largest and most resourced districts. The district's Clearview Elementary School — located directly in Clearwater on Highway 24 — serves the community's youngest students and is part of the district's commitment to bringing quality early education close to every community it serves. Middle and high school students travel to St. Cloud, where they have access to the full range of District 742 programming including college-prep coursework, athletics, arts, and career technical education.
The College of St. Benedict and St. John's University in nearby Collegeville and Saint Joseph are both accessible within 20 minutes for families thinking about higher education. St. Cloud State University and St. Cloud Technical College are equally within reach.
Economy & Jobs
Clearwater's economy is primarily driven by its residents' connection to the broader regional employment base. The city's position at the I-94/Highway 24 interchange has historically supported travel-related businesses — fuel stops, restaurants, and logistics operations that benefit from the highway intersection. Several small businesses and agricultural operations are part of the local fabric as well.
For residents who work in St. Cloud, the 20-minute commute via I-94 is genuinely easy. For those with metro connections, a 50-minute drive puts you in the heart of the Twin Cities employment market — a corridor that opens Clearwater to a much broader range of buyers than its small size might suggest. Remote and hybrid workers find the combination of space, affordability, and internet access attractive.
Neighborhoods & Lifestyle
Clearwater is defined by its relationship with the Mississippi River and the open Minnesota landscape that surrounds it. The community is quiet, unhurried, and genuinely neighborly — the kind of place where people wave when they pass and know most faces in town. For families, retirees, or anyone seeking a reset from busier suburban environments, that quality of life is the whole point.
Outdoor recreation is exceptional here. The Mississippi River provides fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities practically from your backyard. Wright County's broader trail network and the region's lake country are close at hand. The agricultural landscape surrounding Clearwater means genuine open space — something that's disappearing quickly in closer-in communities. For buyers who want to look out their window and see sky, Clearwater delivers that.
Real Estate Market
Clearwater's real estate market is one of the most affordable in Kurt's service area, with single-family homes available in the $180,000–$280,000 range — an entry point that's become rare this close to a regional metro. Lot sizes tend to be generous, properties often include garages and outbuildings, and the slower pace of development means homes frequently offer more land than you'd expect at the price.
For buyers being priced out of Sartell or Sauk Rapids, or for anyone who's willing to trade a slightly longer commute for significantly more space, Clearwater represents genuine opportunity. The community's I-94 access makes it more connected than its small size suggests, and as remote work continues to reshape where people choose to live, small communities with highway access and natural amenity are increasingly in demand.
Available Listings in Clearwater
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Clearwater is one of those communities I love introducing to buyers who haven't considered it yet. Once you see what your dollar can do here, it's hard to unsee. Let's take a look.