Broker (ND: 6464)
27 years experience
McLean County, North Dakota represents a unique real estate landscape shaped by the region's agricultural heritage and energy sector development. Located in the central part of the state, this rural county encompasses communities like Washburn, the county seat, along with smaller towns such as Turtle Lake, Max, and Riverdale. The market here operates quite differently from urban centers, with property transactions often involving larger acreages and specialized agricultural or industrial uses.
What makes McLean County particularly interesting from a real estate perspective is its position along the Missouri River and its proximity to energy infrastructure. The county has experienced fluctuations in property values and development activity that correlate closely with North Dakota's oil boom and agricultural commodity cycles. With only 3 total actively licensed agents serving the entire county, this represents one of the most concentrated real estate professional networks in the state, where each agent plays a crucial role in facilitating property transactions across vast geographic areas.
Washburn serves as the primary real estate hub for McLean County, offering the most diverse inventory ranging from historic homes near the courthouse square to newer developments on the town's outskirts. The Washburn market benefits from its role as the county seat and its location along Highway 83, making it attractive for both residential buyers seeking small-town amenities and commercial investors looking at retail or service-based opportunities. Riverdale, meanwhile, has carved out a niche as a recreational property market due to its proximity to Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River system.
The northern communities of Turtle Lake and Max represent more specialized agricultural real estate markets, where transactions typically involve farm operations, grain storage facilities, or rural residential properties on larger lots. These areas have seen interesting development patterns as younger agricultural professionals seek modern homes while maintaining connections to farming operations. The geographic spread of these markets across McLean County creates distinct micro-markets, each with its own pricing dynamics and buyer preferences.
McLean County's real estate market operates with remarkable efficiency despite its sparse population density, largely due to the tight-knit network of professionals who understand both local conditions and regional trends. The fact that all 3 actively licensed agents maintain email communication reflects the modern approach these professionals take to serving clients across the county's 2,110 square miles. This digital connectivity becomes essential when coordinating property showings, managing listings, or communicating with out-of-state buyers interested in agricultural or recreational properties.
Seasonal variations play a significant role in McLean County real estate activity, with spring and summer months typically seeing increased activity as agricultural buyers assess land conditions and recreational property purchasers take advantage of favorable weather for property inspections. The market also responds to energy sector developments, particularly projects related to transmission lines, wind energy installations, or pipeline infrastructure that can impact both property values and land use patterns throughout the county.
For businesses operating in agricultural services, energy development, or recreational industries, having direct access to McLean County's real estate professionals provides invaluable market intelligence and partnership opportunities. These agents possess deep knowledge of available commercial properties, upcoming developments, and landowner relationships that can be crucial for businesses seeking to establish operations or expand their presence in central North Dakota. Their email accessibility ensures rapid communication for time-sensitive opportunities or market inquiries.
Investment firms, agricultural corporations, and service providers can leverage relationships with McLean County agents to identify emerging opportunities before they reach broader market awareness. Given the limited number of active professionals in the area, each agent typically maintains extensive networks and comprehensive knowledge of property ownership patterns, making them essential contacts for any business strategy involving McLean County real estate assets or development opportunities.
As of 2/17/2026, Michael Matteson has 1 property for sale in Garrison and surrounding areas.
$95,000
Listed 2026-01-15
Michael Matteson currently has no rental properties available in Garrison and surrounding areas. Check back later.