Todd County sits in central Minnesota and balances rural surroundings with several small towns, providing a mixed yet relaxed lifestyle. Founded in 1855 and named after John E. Todd, a pioneer settler, its economy has roots in logging, farming, and in recent decades outdoor recreation thanks to its many lakes and forested areas. The county seat is Long Prairie, and other notable towns include Staples, Clarissa, Hewitt. The geography features farmland, lake country and woodlands, so housing includes older family homes in town, lake-cabins, and newer single-family houses on larger lots. The area is mostly rural with pockets of small-town vitality, not a heavy suburban zone. Nearest major city: about 100 miles northwest of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul), so accessible but clearly outside metro dynamics. Existing homes often sell in a wide band, with many in the $190,000–$300,000 range, though well-updated houses or lake-adjacent homes can exceed $350,000+. New builds may average around $300–$350 per sq ft, depending on site conditions, lot size, finishes and whether utilities must be extended. Todd County appeals to people wanting natural settings, affordable living, and a slower pace while still being within a 2-hour radius of a large metro.