Best Places to Live in Minnesota: Home to abundant forests, cascading waterfalls, meandering rivers, and shimmering lakes, Minnesota is a stunning state with plenty of natural beauty to boast of. It is also known as ‘the land of 10,000 lakes’ and offers a host of outdoor recreational activities for those who love an active lifestyle.
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The state also has thriving arts, culture, and nightlife scenes that add to its desirability. Couple that with a robust economy and many highly-rated schools.
Whether you’re looking for bustling city life or a tranquil small-town vibe, you can find it here.
Planning to move to the North Star State?
Let’s help you narrow down your choices with our list of the best places to live in Minnesota.
Dive in!
Eden Prairie #1
Perched on top of hills and bluffs overlooking the Minnesota River, this suburb has plenty of unique offerings. The area is home to a family-friendly community and offers an array of recreational activities.
From engaging in lakeside activities, and picnicking in one of its numerous beautiful parks to hiking on over 170 miles of multi-use trails and shopping at the Eden Prairie Shopping Center, there is something here for everyone.
What’s more?
There are several highly-rated schools in the city.
Its proximity to downtown Minneapolis enables easy access to a variety of dining and shopping options. The median rent here is around $1,685 which is higher than the national average.
But the high median household income makes up for it. It also has plenty of businesses and a low crime rate which makes it a great place for families and young professionals alike.
Chanhassen #2
Looking for a tranquil suburban vibe?
Head to Chanhassen.
Close to Minneapolis, it features many highly-rated schools, quality healthcare, and housing facilities. The place abounds with options for outdoor recreation.
There are almost 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Lake Ann, and several stunning beaches here.
If you’re an artsy person, you can enjoy impressive performances at the popular Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.
There are also numerous restaurants and shops here. Buying a home is expensive but you can get rental options for around $1,514.
Lakeville #3
Looking to enjoy a bustling cosmopolitan vibe?
Lakeville may be a perfect choice.
It is considered one of the most educated cities in the state and offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and picnicking amongst others.
There are numerous lakes, parks, and trails here with some of the most notable attractions being Lake Marion and the Applewood Orchard.
You’ll also find multiple excellent restaurants, several movie theatres, and other entertainment options, perfect for a lively evening out.
What’s more?
The city is home to plenty of excellent schools and has a high median household income.
The housing market is competitive here with prices higher than the national average. Looking to rent? The median house rent here is around $1,690.
Woodbury #4
Looking to be a part of a close-knit community?
Head to Woodbury.
Just southeast of St. Paul, this suburb is considered one of the best areas in the state to raise a family.
With its 3,000 acres of parkland, around 100 miles of trails, the beautiful Mississippi River, and numerous shimmering lakes, there is no dearth of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here.
It features plenty of shopping, and dining options and offers easy access to St. Paul’s lively nightlife scene.
It also hosts the Woodbury Days bash with parades, carnivals, and live music in Ojibway Park. Couple that with excellent public and private schools and a low crime rate.
The average rent for a studio apartment here is around $1,719 which is more than the national average. But if that isn’t a concern, go for it.
Victoria #5
This fascinating quaint small town is about 25 miles from Minneapolis.
From fishing and swimming at Nine Lakes to exploring Carver Park Reserve and golfing at Deer Run Golf Club, there’s no dearth of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here.
Its proximity to Minneapolis offers easy access to plenty of job opportunities.
What’s more?
The downtown area has many impressive restaurants and hosts many numerous exciting events that bring the community together.
Couple that with many top-rated schools, a variety of affordable housing options, and a low crime rate.
While housing prices are higher than the national average, the median rent is affordable at around $1,465.
Edina #6
This affluent suburb southwest of Minneapolis has a lively entertainment scene.
It is home to plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping centers such as Southdale, Galleria Edina, and 50th & France.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the suburb offers easy access to many beautiful lakes and parks. Lake Cornelia is the largest lake here.
What’s more?
Organisations such as Dairy Queen, Orange Julius, and Regis Corporation call this place home adding to its promising job market scene. Couple that with numerous excellent schools.
Housing options are expensive here but you can find rental options for around $1,725.
Plymouth #7
Located 15 miles west of Downtown Minneapolis, Plymouth boasts a variety of unique offerings.
It is home to many parks and several beautiful lakes such as Medicine Lake, Gleason Lake, and Parker Lake that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
What’s more?
The city offers a variety of shopping and dining options and features many great schools.
It also has low crime and unemployment rates.
You can find rental options here at around $1,562 which is quite affordable compared to numerous other places on the list.
St. Paul #8
Perched on the Mississippi River, Minnesota’s capital city is one of the famous ‘Twin Cities’. The city has a vibrant entertainment scene.
There are numerous world-class museums, fascinating historic sites, and performing arts centers here.
It also hosts an annual St. Paul Winter Carnival that draws thousands of visitors.
Love some outdoor adventure?
It is also home to the popular sports arena Xcel Energy Center and more than 160 parks, offering an array of outdoor recreational activities.
You’ll also find plenty of excellent restaurants and bars, perfect for a fun night out.
Couple this with many A-rated schools and affordable housing options. The median home rent is around $1,413. With so much to offer, it is one of the best places to live in Minnesota.
Rochester #9
Set on rolling bluffs land, Rochester exudes a tranquil vibe. With plenty of parks, walking trails, and stunning lakes, the city offers many opportunities for outdoor adventure.
It is also known for being home to the Mayo Clinic, a major employer in the city.
What’s more?
It has a vibrant downtown district with a host of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Couple that with a lively arts and culture scene. There are also numerous college campuses and many excellent schools here.
Enjoying all these offerings won’t break the bank since housing is affordable here. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city for around $1,100.
So, pick the one that ticks off all the boxes on your checklist and get ready to call this incredible state home.
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FAQs:-
Q. Is Minnesota a good place to move?
With its lush natural beauty, lively entertainment scene, low unemployment rate, and excellent educational opportunities, Minnesota is a great place to move to.
Q. Is Minnesota expensive to live in?
The average cost of living in Minnesota is slightly lower than the national average.
Q. What are the pros and cons of living in Minnesota?
The pros of living in Minnesota include lots of recreational activities, low unemployment rates, and excellent educational opportunities. Some of the cons are high taxes, harsh winters, and transportation issues.