In the event you’re planning on shifting to Minnesota, add these cities to your record.
Typically known as the Land of 10,000 lakes (there are literally 14,380 lakes whole), Minnesota is an enormous, lush state filled with prairies, forests, hills, and loads of water. In reality, 6% of Minnesota is roofed by water, greater than every other state.
Located between Wisconsin and the Dakotas, Minnesota’s glacier-carved panorama offers wonders at each flip, from giant rivers and waterfalls to lakeside bluffs. The geography is ideal for all kinds of outside actions year-round. Mountaineering, biking, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and fishing are particularly standard amongst locals. The terrain can also be nice for agriculture – the state is among the many high crop and livestock producers within the nation.
As a consequence of its flat topography, Minnesota’s local weather is very variable, usually seeing heat, humid summers and chilly, snowy winters. Nonetheless, the nearer you get to Lake Superior, the milder it usually will get. Within the winter, although, Lake Superior can push temperatures down alongside its coasts.
So, which cities within the North Star State are the very best? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the very best locations to reside in Minnesota, rating them on qualities comparable to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The very best locations to reside in Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Duluth, MN
Richfield, MN
Moorhead, MN
Roseville, MN
Saint Cloud, MN
Saint Louis Park, MN
Golden Valley, MN
Crystal, MN
1. Minneapolis, MN
Inhabitants:425,115Median Sale Value:$380,000Median Lease Value:$1,500Average Commute Time:22.5 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.9%
Minneapolis tops our record as the very best place to reside in Minnesota. Comparatively inexpensive housing prices, quick access to pure recreation, and ample facilities helped the town earn high marks. Folks have taken benefit of this, too, with its inhabitants having fun with regular development.
Located alongside the Mississippi River, Minneapolis is commonly known as the “Twin Cities” with neighboring Saint Paul. The realm was traditionally dwelling to the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, and right this moment is thought for its pure magnificence, industrial historical past, and culinary delights. 55 museums, dozens of enormous parks, and a number of schools dot the panorama.
Minneapolis’ navigability could also be its highest quality. It’s probably the most bikeable metropolis within the nation, and has a strong public transportation community. A lot of the town’s navigability might be attributed to its flat terrain and interconnected parks and trails. There are additionally 16 miles of protected bikeways and greenways, probably the most well-known of which is alongside the Nice River Street and over the historic Stone Arch Bridge. The long-lasting Skyway system even permits for walkability throughout the chilly winter months.
Parks and pure magnificence are one other enormous boon – the town was designed with them in thoughts. At the moment, this implies regardless of the place you reside in Minneapolis, you’re by no means six blocks from open inexperienced house. A lot of the Mississippi River is flanked by related greenways and parks, too. Saint Anthony Falls and Minnehaha Falls are among the many hottest spots.
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2. Saint Paul, MN
Inhabitants:303,820Median Sale Value:$295,000Median Lease Value:$1,500Average Commute Time:22.3 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.5%
The capital of Minnesota, Saint Paul takes the second spot on our record. The slower-paced twin metropolis is positioned simply east of Minneapolis and has a colonial historical past relationship again to 1858 – additional in case you rely French settlements. This historical past is mirrored in its streets, buildings, and parks, particularly Summit Avenue, the Cathedral of Saint Paul, and Rice Park, which is older than Central Park.
Together with a wealthy historical past, St. Paul additionally boasts a extra inexpensive value of dwelling than Minneapolis: Home costs are $85,000 decrease, whereas lease costs are equal. And also you don’t have to surrender entry to facilities, downtown hotspots, or quiet, residential neighborhoods, both. Como Park and Saint Anthony Park are two standard neighborhoods in northwest St. Paul with quick access to transit and trails.
Just like Minneapolis, St. Paul is chock filled with pedestrian paths, parks, and riverfront views. In reality, St. Paul has an excellent longer Mississippi Riverfront than its twin, coming in at 26 miles. Most of that’s lined with greenways and parks, with Harriet Island, Crosby Farm, and Lilydale Regional Parks among the many highlights. Historic Fort Snelling is simply throughout the river, too.
Commuting into Minneapolis is simple by way of the Inexperienced Line, or by bike alongside certainly one of dozens of trails. Driving could take a bit throughout rush hour, although.
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3. Duluth, MN
Inhabitants:87,680Median Sale Value:$310,000Median Lease Value:$1,145Average Commute Time:17.1 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.3%
Among the many coldest and snowiest cities within the nation, Duluth is available in because the third-best place to reside in Minnesota. Identified for its business and pure magnificence, there’s rather a lot to like in regards to the metropolis. A really inexpensive value of dwelling, thriving economic system, and plethora of facilities helped give Duluth excessive marks.
Duluth’s identification has lengthy been intertwined with the area’s ample pure sources. Logging, farming, and mining have all formed the realm’s panorama and economic system, and Duluth’s transport port on Lake Superior gave it entry to each the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This abundance helped the town change into among the many richest on this planet on the flip of the twentieth century. G
Large lake-bound cargo ships often known as Lakers are nonetheless an everyday sight within the metropolis. Be sure that to catch them passing underneath the Aerial Carry Bridge. Another highlights of the town embody visiting the Duluth Farmers Market and the town’s historic downtown, grabbing a chew to eat within the Canal Park District, and buying at Lincoln Park.
Duluth has really been seeing a renaissance these days, as individuals contemplate shifting to the Nice Lakes and Rust Belt areas to flee the worst of local weather change. Duluth particularly is commonly known as a local weather haven as a consequence of clear air and cooling winds from Lake Superior, decreasing the chance of wildfires and excessive warmth. Minnesota can also be usually water-secure and has little risk of earthquakes. Nonetheless, whereas these components may help shield towards components like drought and infrastructure injury, nowhere is immune from local weather dangers.
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4. Richfield, MN
Inhabitants:36,445Median Sale Value:$371,000Median Lease Value:$1,295Average Commute Time:23.2 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.6%
A suburb of Minneapolis simply south of the town. Richfield has sturdy agricultural roots and grew rapidly as Minneapolis expanded post-WWII. As such, many houses within the space have been constructed within the Nineteen Fifties. At the moment, Richfield is a quiet haven within the middle of a metropolis identified for its nice location, small-town appeal, and native facilities. Town’s value of dwelling is similar to Minneapolis however costlier than locations like Saint Paul and Crystal.
Richfield is conveniently positioned subsequent to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Worldwide Airport and the Mall of America®, however there’s lots extra to see as nicely. For instance, Southdale Middle and Southtown are standard hotspots filled with eating places and buying, whereas the Richfield Ice Area is nice for hockey observe. Tous Les Jours and Andale Taqueria are two nice eating places within the space. And in case you’re on the job hunt, Greatest Purchase’s international headquarters are within the middle of city.
Importantly, aircraft noises are fairly fixed throughout the day all through the town. Insulating your own home and including soundproofing could assist scale back the annoyance.
Unsurprisingly, parks are ample, too. A number of the most beloved spots within the space embody Fort Snelling State Park, Mound Springs Park, and Wooden Lake. Plus, you’re not removed from the famend Chain of Lakes Regional Park and its 16 miles of pedestrian and bike trails. As with all Twin Cities suburbs, biking is a breeze each into downtown and all all through the area.
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5. Moorhead, MN
Inhabitants:45,202Median Sale Value:$247,000Median Lease Value:$1,090Average Commute Time:17.2 minutesUnemployment Fee:2.7%
Situated on the border of North Dakota in northwest Minnesota, Moorhead is available in at quantity 5 on our record. A city rooted in agriculture, Moorhead is thought for its small-town really feel, suburban houses, and quiet residential streets. Moorhead might be nice for these in search of an inexpensive place to reside subsequent to a bigger metropolis – it’s throughout the Fargo, ND metropolitan space. Minnesota State College additionally has a campus within the metropolis, offering a youthful, college-town vibe.
Facilities in Moorhead are pretty restricted, however there are nonetheless loads of spots to get along with mates. For instance, quite a few parks and greenways are located alongside the winding Purple River, together with Gooseberry Mound Park, Lindenwood Park, and the River Hall trails. And simply throughout the river in Fargo are loads of bars and eating places, like Bismarck Tavern, Rick’s Bar, and Sidestreet Grille & Pub.
Importantly, Moorhead is located within the historic Purple River Valley, which is the flattest, driest area in Minnesota. As such, it’s additionally extra liable to wildfires and flooding. It’s arduous to beat the large open prairie views and plush riverbanks, although.
Because of the area’s flat terrain, climate situations can change quickly. Thunderstorms are frequent in the summertime, whereas snow storms can happen within the winter. Freezing air from Canada can even make winters exceptionally chilly. In the event you’re planning on shifting to the realm, be ready for all 4 seasons, and get your snow tires prepared.
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6. Roseville, MN
Inhabitants:35,451Median Sale Value:$378,000Median Lease Value:$1,310Average Commute Time:20.5 minutesUnemployment Fee:2.6%
Simply north of Minneapolis, Roseville is a historic metropolis filled with greenery and neighborhood spirit. Just like most Twin Cities suburbs, Roseville grew rapidly following WWII and right this moment is thought for its navigability and huge parks. Residing in Roseville means you’re near every little thing, however far sufficient away to take pleasure in your quiet neighborhood. Rosedale Middle is the center of the city and has every little thing you want.
Nonetheless, choices for nightlife, visiting locally-owned retailers, or hanging with a buddy at a espresso store or bar are restricted; most shops and eating places are chains. There are nonetheless highlights, although. Supply Comics & Video games and Gamezenter present enjoyable tabletop gaming occasions for individuals of all ages, whereas Hoggsbreath and Lisbeth’s Cafe & Restaurant serve hearty and worldwide delicacies. Most individuals nonetheless head into Minneapolis or St. Paul for a enjoyable day trip, although.
With practically 700 acres of parks and 37.6 miles of biking and working trails, it’s enjoyable to get round with no automobile in Roseville. Even so, public transportation into the Twin Cities is restricted, and most residents personal vehicles. A number of the hottest parks within the metropolis embody Central Park, the Harriet Alexander Nature Middle, and Reservoir Woods Park. The Muriel Sahlin Arboretum throughout from the character middle is a superb place to chill out, too.
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7. Saint Cloud, MN
Inhabitants:71,013Median Sale Value:$285,000Median Lease Value:$880Average Commute Time:20.3 minutesUnemployment Fee:5.2%
The hub of central Minnesota, Saint Cloud is a small faculty city identified for its granite quarries, historic downtown, and verdant parks. Pure magnificence is without doubt one of the main promoting factors within the metropolis, in addition to St. Cloud College. Town sits on the Mississippi and is surrounded by flat open plains, groves of bushes, and wooded streams. Wonderful affordability and a rising economic system are different main pluses.
For a small faculty metropolis, there’s lots to do on the town. The numerous blocks that make up Downtown St. Cloud comprise greater than 45 eating places, together with the Olde Brick Home and Jules’ Bistro, together with greater than 60 retailers, like Fitzharris and Books Revisited. And within the century-old Jones & Lengthy Facades constructing, Granite Metropolis Comics and Video games makes for a enjoyable night time out. In the event you want extra choices, you’re simply over an hour from the Twin Cities.
Parks and inexperienced areas are all over the place, too. Probably the most well-known ones are Munsinger Gardens and Heritage Park, that are nice for picnics and leisurely strolls. Nonetheless, winters might be fairly chilly, making it troublesome to expertise the outside for a number of months a yr. Fortunately, the town takes benefit of those colder months by turning some public spades into ice skating rinks. Lake George is probably the most well-known, however ten different parks do the identical.
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8. Saint Louis Park, MN
Inhabitants:49,697Median Sale Value:$395,000Median Lease Value:$1,605Average Commute Time:20.5 minutesUnemployment Fee:1.8%
Simply west of Minneapolis, Saint Louis Park is the eighth metropolis on our record of the very best locations to reside in Minnesota. St. Louis Park is filled with character, public artwork, and quiet residential streets. It additionally manages to be extra inexpensive than surrounding suburbs with out sacrificing comfort or facilities. Freeway 100 runs proper to close by suburbs, and Interstate 394 to the north goes to downtown Minneapolis. Vast trails and huge open areas crisscross the town, too.
Remarkably, 11.5% of St. Louis Park is dedicated to parks and trails, with 52 whole parks in simply the town correct. The Westwood Hills Nature Middle and Meadowbrook Park are the biggest parks, whereas Bass Lake has a brief path meandering by way of prairies and savannah. And longer trails just like the Cedar Lake Regional Path let you bike to close by Hopkins or Downtown Minneapolis with out an excessive amount of bother. Many occasions are held at metropolis parks, too.
St. Louis Park doesn’t have a correct downtown, however The Outlets at West Finish have practically every little thing you’ll want. Costco, Residence Depot, enterprise places of work, and extra are all there. Native eating places on the town embody Brito’s Burritos and Ariana Kabob & Gyro.
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9. Golden Valley, MN
Inhabitants:21,211Median Sale Value:$447,000Median Lease Value:$1,430Average Commute Time:20.7 minutesUnemployment Fee:1.5%
An upscale Twin Cities suburb, Golden Valley is ninth on our record. Big parks, open streets, and nice, inexperienced forests adorn the town’s structure. Outstanding comfort is a promoting level as nicely, with quick access to downtown Minneapolis and every little thing else you want. Nonetheless, the price of dwelling is larger than most surrounding cities, which is why it’s decrease on the record.
Lat14 Asian Eatery and Nong’s Thai are beloved eating places within the space, with many extra a brief drive away. Most eating places are positioned in strip malls, however don’t let that take away from their scrumptious menus.
Parks make up greater than 15% of the town’s footprint, totaling over 1,000 acres so that you can discover. Theodore Wirth Park, the Brookview Park and Neighborhood Middle, and Basic Mills Nature Protect are nice locations to discover. After all, there are additionally dozens of lakes to marvel at anyplace you flip.
Like most different cities within the space, strolling and biking trails are ample. The Luce Line Path is 63 miles lengthy and stretches from Cosmos, MN by way of Golden Valley alongside a former railroad monitor. The Nice Northern Greenway and Crystal Lake Regional Path are different nice (however shorter) trails. Many paths enable horses, and you’ll even journey a snowmobile on parts of path additional outdoors the metropolitan space.
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10. Crystal, MN
Inhabitants:21,906Median Sale Value:$310,000Median Lease Value:$1,265Average Commute Time:22.4 minutesUnemployment Fee:2.8%
Crystal, positioned simply north of Golden Valley, rounds out our record of the very best locations to reside in Minnesota. Adjoining to New Residence and Robbinsdale, Crystal is thought for its quiet suburban streets, handy retailers, and pretty inexpensive houses. Loads of leisure facilities, just like the Crystal Cove Aquatic Middle and Crystal Neighborhood Middle (CCC), additionally dot the gridded streets. Town doesn’t have a most important throughway, however the redeveloped Crystal Purchasing Middle features as the middle of city.
Commuting into the Twin Cities will seemingly take some time, sadly; public transportation is restricted and just one freeway companies the realm.
On the plus facet, parks are all over the place in Crystal. Bassett Creek Park and Crystal Mac Wildlife Space are nice spots to hold with mates. Additional out, Eagle Lake, Clifton E. French, and Fish Lake Regional Parks are excellent for all of your outside recreation wants, with choices for fishing, boating, and rather more. Elm Creek Park Protect and actually a whole bunch extra parks are inside an hour of the town, too.
Restaurant choices are a bit restricted within the space, and most are chains. Nonetheless, Milton’s and Large Louie’s Bar and Grill are locally-owned hotspots with good, hearty meals.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to reside. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or larger have been thought-about for our Minnesota record. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here.
Information legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
