Quality of Life

Austin, Minnesota, is about more than just one landmark or one famous product. What makes Austin SOMEPLACE SPECIAL is the people and the community spirit that runs deep. As you read about the place we call home, remember, behind every building, behind every service provided, behind every business there are caring people who want the highest quality of life for their families, friends and neighbors.

Located a stone’s throw away from the Iowa-Minnesota border, Austin is the only Minnesota city outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area with a Fortune 500 company. Austin is home to Hormel Foods Corporation, manufacturer of the world renowned SPAM^® family of products and a myriad of other value-added food products. The company’s corporate offices, flagship manufacturing plant, research and development division and new SPAM^® museum are all located here.

Austin, the county seat of Mower County, is currently home to more than 23,000 residents. The existence of a Fortune 500 company has brought many services and amenities unusual for a community the size of Austin.

The Austin Medical Center is a part of the worldfamous Mayo Health Systems.

Austin also has a highly regarded educational system, from preschool through Riverland Community College. The community is home to more than a dozen preschools and childcare centers. Austin High School, home of the Packers, is one of the most unique and impressive high school facilities in the state. Its newly-renovated, multi-use athletic complex, Wescott Field, is state of the art.

Fine arts enthusiasts may enjoy theatrical performances, symphony performances, and band and chorale performances, as well as many art exhibits. The Paramount Theatre is home to the Austin Area Commission for the Arts, a group dedicated to the preservation of that historic landmark and the fostering of the arts.

Austin’s religious community is represented by nearly every denomination. Church offerings range from the traditional to the more contemporary services.

Austin is conveniently located at the junction of U.S. Hwy. 218 and Interstate 90, about 100 miles south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and 45 miles southwest of the City of Rochester.

	EDUCATION Austin offers diverse educational opportunities for people of all ages. Citizens have placed a high priority on quality education as well as providing well-rounded educational choices. We have excellent public and parochial schools and a first-class community college system.
	HEALTH Austin area residents have access to the best healthcare in the world. Austin Medical Center – Mayo Health System offers a wide range of healthcare services and facilities in Austin and surrounding communities, and works collaboratively with Mayo Clinic to provide the best healthcare possible.
	RETAIL COMMUNITY The Austin retail community represents a unique mix of small town stores and big city shopping opportunities. From Austin’s historic downtown, to the Oak Park Mall, to a number of national and regional grocery and discount stores, residents will satisfy most every need or craving without leaving the city limits.
	BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Many know Austin is the home of Hormel Foods Corporation and its famous SPAM^® family of products, but many other quality businesses and industries also have roots in the area. Weyerhauser, quality Pork Processors, Austin Packaging Company, Akkerman Inc, IBI Data, Cooperative Response Center, Smyth Companies and McFarland Truck Lines all call Austin home.
	SPORTS & RECREATION Family and recreational activities have always played an important part of Austin residents’ lives. Sprinkled throughout Austin’s neighborhoods are 27 community parks, providing year-round outdoor activities. Other facilities include a city-owned aquatic center, two ice arenas, a first-class YMCA, historic baseball and football fields, one of the state’s finest softball complexes, many golf courses and the 279-acre Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.
	RESIDENTIAL Looking for something old and charming, or new and innovative, then Austin’s the place for you. Blessed with wellestablished, tree-lined neighborhoods and many new developments, Austin has housing opportunities for individuals with varying tastes and pocketbooks.
	GOVERNMENT Austin’s government entities provide a variety of quality services to residents. Well-trained police and fire departments, first-rate street and parks departments, an excellent library system and a publicly-owned utility system serve a variety of residents’ needs.
	ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Austin abounds with a variety of artistic talent, historic landmarks, art galleries and an interactive museum… all waiting to be discovered.