Mankato, with its nearby Mount Kato ski area, was recently listed by Realtor.com as the largest of 14 “sleeper ski towns” across the country where you can still afford a home.

Recognizing that most skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts generally can’t afford the $1 million to $3 million price tag for homes in a ski resort community such as Steamboat Springs or Aspen, the article tracks down “off-the-radar communities where home prices are still reasonable.” 

In reviewing criteria, the report said sense of community played a big part when putting together its list.

“It’s more about the friendly neighbors who want to know each other, the kind of place where the library has free film festivals and people actually come out to be around each other,” the article stated.

Representing the Midwest, Mankato may not have the towering mountains, but Mount Kato offers 19 trails and a snow tubing park just on the outskirts of a community of 44,488.

“It’s also home to Minnesota State University Mankato, adding even more spunk to this Midwestern ski haven. Mankato’s historic downtown straddles the Minnesota River and has tons of charm with lots of restaurants, bars, and cultural establishments,” the review stated.

Rather than millions, the median cost to own a home in Mankato is $289,450.