When Brandon and Meredith Semel moved to Ortonville from the East Coast, they didn’t plan on staying long—especially after their first taste of a Minnesota winter. However, as they became more immersed in the community, their plans quickly changed.
“We love the community of Ortonville and the slower, less rushed pace of life."
Drawn to the area by their careers in the tall grass prairie ecosystem, Brandon and Meredith both found fulfilling jobs in western Minnesota. Brandon accepted a position as a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, while Meredith became a biology professor at the University of Minnesota – Morris.
While they miss their families on the East Coast, they’ve found a new sense of family in the Ortonville community, which has been especially meaningful with two young daughters in tow.
“There are lots of other young families who have become our family. Even though we don’t have any blood relatives nearby, we’ve been ‘adopted’ by several families, and it’s truly wonderful. Our kids even have honorary grandparents in town.”
Beyond the people, there are many other aspects of Ortonville that the Semels love. They’re active in their church, enjoy meals at Lingoberry’s and Lakewood Supper Club, and their “hands-down” favorite outing is to the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge—Meredith describes it as a “slice of paradise.”
For those considering a move to the area, Brandon and Meredith say some of the most enticing aspects of living in western Minnesota include affordable housing, a welcoming community, excellent public schools, and stunning natural scenery.