Morning walks to Albert Lea City Beach, quick dips in Fountain Lake, and tree-lined streets are a big part of why people love living in the East Side / St. Theodore Area of Albert Lea. Tucked just about 450 feet from the sand, this beautifully updated 1916 Craftsman single-family home blends over 2,100 square feet of warm, character-filled living space—think preserved millwork, a custom knotty alder kitchen, five flexible bedrooms including a private upper retreat, and two fully remodeled baths—with modern comforts like new windows, LVP flooring, and mini-split air conditioning. Help-U-Sell Help-U-Sell Heritage Real Estate of Steele County Inc. is a full-service local real estate office proudly serving buyers throughout Albert Lea and the surrounding area, and if you’re thinking of selling in the East Side / St. Theodore Area or anywhere nearby, ask us how much you could save.
About 711 Clausen Avenue, Albert Lea
Welcome to this beautifully updated 1916 Craftsman located approximately 450 feet from Albert Lea City Beach on Fountain Lake. Offering 2,112 finished square feet, this spacious home features five bedrooms, two fully remodeled bathrooms, and preserved original millwork. The custom kitchen includes knotty alder cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and ample workspace. A private staircase leads to an upstairs bedroom that could also serve as a home office or guest retreat. Recent improvements include 24 new windows, new exterior and garage doors, a new garage door opener, LVP flooring, carpet, updated lighting and receptacles, mini-split air conditioning, and an inspected boiler system. Outside, enjoy refreshed two-tone paint, a graded and landscaped yard, and a new backyard gazebo—all just moments from the beach and waterfront recreation.Please know we are waiting on a part so the new mini split will be installed shortly after the part arrives on the 25th.
Property Highlights — 711 Clausen Avenue, Albert Lea
| Bedrooms | 5 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Square Feet | 2,112 |
| Year Built | 1916 |
| Style | Single Family |
About the East Side / St. Theodore Area, Albert Lea Area
Nestled just east of downtown Albert Lea, the East Side / St. Theodore area wraps around the north shore of Fountain Lake with a quiet, established neighborhood feel. Residents enjoy small-town convenience with tree-lined streets and walkable access to schools, parks, and churches, while still being about a 90-minute drive south of the Twin Cities via I-35. It’s a pocket of town where people tend to know their neighbors, and daily life moves at a relaxed, lake-town pace.
Schools & Education — This area is served by Albert Lea Area Schools (ISD 241), with Hawthorne Elementary School just a few minutes away for younger students. Most older students attend Albert Lea High School on Tiger Lane, which serves grades 9–12 and is roughly a 5–7 minute drive across town. Southwest Middle School on W Front Street handles grades 6–8 and is also an easy commute from this neighborhood. Families also appreciate nearby faith-based options such as St. Theodore Catholic School, which offers elementary grades within walking distance for many homes on the east side.
Parks & Recreation — Living on this side of town puts you close to some of Albert Lea’s best outdoor spaces, especially along Fountain Lake. Just across the water, Fountain Lake Park and the paved Blazing Star Trail offer walking and biking routes with lake views and connections toward Myre-Big Island State Park. Nearby Edgewater Park on the north side of town is a short drive away and features a public boat launch, disc golf, and picnic areas. In the neighborhood itself, smaller green spaces and church grounds provide room for kids to play, while the lakefront draws walkers, runners, and anglers in every season.
Shopping & Dining — Everyday errands are straightforward here, with Hy-Vee on Blake Avenue and Walmart Supercenter off E Main Street both just a few minutes’ drive away. Downtown Albert Lea, about five minutes from the neighborhood, offers local favorites like B&B Café, The Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro, and 112 on Broadway, along with small shops and services. For a quick bite or groceries on the go, E Main Street has additional options, including fast-casual restaurants, pharmacies, and convenience stores. Larger retail choices in Austin or Owatonna are reachable via I-90 or I-35 when you need a broader selection.
Commute & Transportation — The East Side / St. Theodore area sits conveniently between I-35 and I-90, giving residents straightforward access to regional job centers. It’s typically about 5 minutes to reach I-35 via E Main Street, then roughly 25–30 minutes north to Owatonna or south to the Iowa border. Austin is about a 25-minute drive west on I-90, making commuting there realistic for many residents. For air travel, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is usually around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes away, depending on traffic, using I-35 north.
Community & Lifestyle — This part of Albert Lea has an established, lived-in character, with a mix of long-time residents, young families, and downsizers who value being close to the lake and downtown. There is no overarching HOA, so the feel is more traditional neighborhood than planned subdivision, with individual homes showing personal touches and mature landscaping. St. Theodore Catholic Church, nearby congregations, and local schools act as informal gathering hubs, especially around holidays, festivals, and school events. Summer brings people outdoors to walk along the lake, attend events in downtown Albert Lea, and enjoy community happenings like parades and concerts in the park, reinforcing the small-town, neighborly atmosphere that defines daily life here.
Why Help-U-Sell Heritage Real Estate of Steele County Inc.?
Help-U-Sell Heritage Real Estate of Steele County Inc. is a full-service real estate office that charges a set flat fee instead of the traditional 6% commission. You get everything — professional photography, MLS listing, showings, open houses, contract negotiation, and closing coordination — but you keep more of your hard-earned equity. The only difference between us and a traditional agent is the price you pay, not the service you receive.
*Savings calculated based on a 6% commission. Commissions are negotiable and not established by law. Results may vary. Fees may vary for land, commercial or luxury properties. Additional fees may apply.
Listing information is provided for general informational purposes and is subject to change without notice. All data including price, status, and property details should be independently verified with your real estate agent or the listing office before making any decisions. Listing data sourced from the MLS as of October 1, 2026.
