"Politicians gazed, astounded, / When, at first our bell resounded: / Freight trains are coming, tell these foxes, / With our votes and ballot boxes." These words in "Get off the Track," a pro-emancipation exhortation, were sung in 1844 by the Hutchinson Family Singers, who are said to have founded the town.
The legacy left by the Hutchinson brothers is a good one. Their songs are still worth listening to, as well. Their town was founded under 13 "Articles of Agreement" that designated acreage for parks and educational purposes as well as a site for the Humanities Church, and also stipulated equal rights for women. Ahead of the times, you say? Hutchinson is still a pretty little town with a park system predated only by New York's Central Park. The Crow River runs through it, and two lakes are contained within its 9 square mile territory. About 14,000 people call it home.
The things that were important to Hutchinson in its beginnings are important to it still -- top notch schools, parks and recreational areas, a low crime rate, adherence to core community values, and high employment
"Politicians gazed, astounded, / When, at first our bell resounded: / Freight trains are coming, tell these foxes, / With our votes and ballot boxes." These words in "Get off the Track," a pro-emancipation exhortation, were sung in 1844 by the Hutchinson Family Singers, who are said to have founded the town.
The legacy left by the Hutchinson brothers is a good one. Their songs are still worth listening to, as well. Their town was founded under 13 "Articles of Agreement" that designated acreage for parks and educational purposes as well as a site for the Humanities Church, and also stipulated equal rights for women. Ahead of the times, you say? Hutchinson is still a pretty little town with a park system predated only by New York's Central Park. The Crow River runs through it, and two lakes are contained within its 9 square mile territory. About 14,000 people call it home.
The things that were important to Hutchinson in its beginnings are important to it still -- top notch schools, parks and recreational areas, a low crime rate, adherence to core community values, and high employment. Hutchinson calls itself "Minnesota's Hometown," and city leaders confirm that the local vision is to continue to be "involved, progressive and innovative."
If you are thinking about moving to Hutchinson, you will be welcome, but you might have to do a little advance planning -- the vacancy rate is quite low in its two neighborhoods, and demand for housing is high. You'd best be prepared with employment verification, a list of references, and deposit funds in hand, so that when you see a rental home you like, you can act!
For a small town, Hutchinson has it's very own neighborhoods. Check out the list below to see what there is to discover in the city.
Biscay Neighborhood: Biscay is filled with medium to larger homes on landscaped lots. It is more than 95% owner occupied, with only a few 3 bedroom apartments in scattered buildings. Your chance of finding a house to rent in this area are slim, but if you do, you'll enjoy the quiet, relaxing lifestyle. This is a neighborly community, and residents walk, bike in pleasant weather, and enjoy their parks.
City Center: Downtown is dotted with some large old brick homes, apartment complexes and some townhomes. Some places in the city center area will have pet friendly apartments, and this would be the place to look for a studio apartment in Hutchinson as well. Commute time here is, on average, 15 minutes or less, but you will want a car for getting about. The system of bikes and trails serves well for recreational purposes, but Minnesota winters can be brutal enough for drivers -- you don't want to be out on foot any more than necessary!
Minnesota culture is strong here. That means good home cooking, among other things. Zellas is a local favorite for meals with fresh ingredients and unusual twists -- like Japanese steamed buns stuffed with spiced pork belly, or sherried mushroom brie flatbread topped with melted mozzarella. Now that's a twist on everyday pizza! There's also McCormick's Family Restaurant where you can get all the Central Minnesota favorites; and you can meet your friends for a great lunch or a pleasant evening at Lamplighter Bar & Grill.
Getting outside is a Minnesota passion, so be sure you have comfortable hiking boots and running shoes for the summer, and layers of warm clothing for the winter. You'll need both. If you don't fish, canoe, or kayak, you might want to learn. Several golf courses will beckon you when the weather is decent.
When you need a dose of "big city," the Twin Cities are just an hour or so east of Hutchinson.
