Owatonna features the National Farmer's Bank, a prairie-style masterpiece designed by architect Louis Sullivan in 1908, complete with gold leaf arches and stained glass windows. This architectural landmark anchors a downtown filled with historic buildings and local businesses. Located along Interstate 35 about an hour south of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Owatonna combines small-town atmosphere with easy access to metropolitan amenities.

The city's rental landscape includes apartment communities and single-family homes near the Straight River and Kaplan's Woods Parkway. The Brooktree Golf Course area features rental properties with golf course views. One-bedroom apartments rent for $1,138 on average, making Owatonna an attractive option for those employed at local companies like Federated Insurance and Viracon.

The intersection of Interstate 35 and U.S. Highways 14 and 218 provides convenient transportation access throughout the region. Beyond work, residents explore the State School Museum, the Steele County Historical Society's Village of Yesteryear, and walking trails along the Straight River. The annual Steele County Free Fair brings thousands of visitors to experience Minnesota's largest county fair.