10 Best Places to Live in Minnesota
In this article, I have collected 10 best places to live in Minnesota. I hope you like it!
Key Takeaways
- Minneapolis offers a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and abundant green spaces, making it ideal for both professionals and creatives. Its affordable housing, diverse communities, and cultural amenities complement its job market and Fortune 500 companies to make it an attractive region.
- Saint Paul combines rich history, cultural landmarks, and a thriving culinary scene with extensive parks, creating a city that balances community charm and active living.
- Rochester stands out for its healthcare excellence with the Mayo Clinic, family-friendly parks, and top-rated schools, making it perfect for families and professionals alike.
- Duluth lures in nature lovers with breathtaking vistas of Lake Superior and bustling arts communities. It offers a treasure trove of employment prospects in medicine, schooling, and aviation.
- Bloomington blends urban amenities like the Mall of America with natural beauty, excellent schools, and recreational facilities, promoting a well-rounded lifestyle.
- Upscale shopping, high-quality schools, and luxurious neighborhoods make Edina a wonderful place to live, complemented by a strong sense of community fostered through local events.
Whether you love big cities, small towns, or something in between, Minnesota has both amazing communities and truly breathtaking natural beauty. The state has one of the best quality of life in the nation.
Minneapolis and St. Paul retain their small town friendliness, yet provide the best urban amenities and cultural landmarks. Home to major health care and educational institutions, smaller cities like Rochester and Duluth offer both lucrative careers and stunning landscapes.
For a more suburban life, communities like Eden Prairie or Woodbury provide top-notch education and family-oriented communities. Whether it’s a commitment to outdoor recreation opportunities, nationally ranked healthcare, or a vibrant local business scene, each place has its own special appeal.
Whether you want the excitement of a big city or the quiet of the suburbs, Minnesota has the place to fit your lifestyle. From bustling urban nodes to quaint, rural towns, here are the best places to live in Minnesota.
1. Minneapolis
Minneapolis is a star with its strong arts scene. The Guthrie Theater and the Walker Art Center lure creative spirits from afar with their productions and installations. Explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a perfect spot to unwind under the open sky. Be sure to visit the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture!
Foodies will rejoice in the city’s wildly eclectic food scene. Sample everything from traditional Somali fare to Midwest staples like hot dish that highlight the lively, multicultural community. For outdoor enthusiasts, extensive parks and green spaces provide year-round activities, whether it’s biking around the Chain of Lakes or enjoying a summer farmers market.
The city has a booming job market, with Fortune 500 companies such as Target and General Mills based there. We’ve got a bit of an issue with the rents rising in some neighborhoods, but they’re still very family-friendly, quiet, nice neighborhoods that are convenient to downtown.
With 90% of residents willing to recommend it, Minneapolis proves to be a very well-rounded option.
2. Saint Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota’s capital, is a beautiful city, with a deep, rich tapestry of art and history. The Minnesota History Center and the Cathedral of Saint Paul highlight the city’s extensive past. These surviving landmarks and museums really bring the past to life.
Home to 300,000 people over 50 square miles, and as the second largest city to the Twin Cities, Saint Paul is full of stuff to see and do. Established neighborhoods such as Highland Park and the West Side add depth and color.
Highland Park is known for its safety, with the crime rate 13.1% below the national average. The West Side rejoices in diversity, with over a quarter of its residents being Hispanic or Latino.
Foodies will fall in love with Saint Paul’s dining scene, brimming with independent restaurants dishing up the taste of the region. For those who love the outdoors, the city’s 55 parks and 90 miles of paved and natural surface trails provide unlimited recreational opportunities no matter the season.
3. Rochester
Rochester is especially characterized by its outstanding healthcare, centered around the Mayo Clinic, a world-class institution for medical innovation and research. The healthcare magnet Living here gives you access to some of the best healthcare in the world—all without ever leaving your city.
The city is known for having a rich cultural scene that is accessible to all. Explore beautiful art galleries, theaters, and year-round vibrant community events such as Thursdays Downtown! More than 100 parks, including Silver Lake Park, make for ample opportunities for hiking, picnicking and family fun.
Families are served by first-class public schools and institutions of higher education, such as Rochester Community and Technical College. Housing is varied, with everything from affordable housing under $300,000 to palatial, luxury homes in Foxcroft.
With a cost of living 7.5% under the national average, it’s an affordable place with quality of life to spare. Neighborhoods such as Kutzky Park highlight the area’s historic architecture, and the low crime rate combined with community outreach initiatives help nurture a feeling of safety.
Paired with its booming economy, Rochester has a proven track record of providing an unparalleled quality of life.
4. Duluth
Duluth boasts the natural beauty of Lake Superior’s shores, as well as a four-season outdoor paradise. The lake’s vast shoreline offers hiking, kayaking, and fishing, while the city’s 200 miles of trails are perfect for biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Each season brings its own allure, with brilliant fall colors and a winter wonderland spellbinding visitors.
Home to the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, Canal Park, Duluth’s bustling waterfront district, is a hub for residents and travelers alike. It’s booming with outdoor activities including the Lakewalk, unique shops, and restaurants. Community-building events like the Tall Ships Festival make this beautiful city’s friendly, warm welcoming atmosphere even more palpable.
Culturally, Duluth is vibrant with the Museum of Art, Renegade Theater, Duluth Playhouse, and immersive festivals such as the Homegrown Music Festival. The job market is equally diverse, with opportunities in healthcare at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospital, along with education and aviation.
Affordable living and a strong sense of community make it even more alluring.
5. Bloomington
After that, Bloomington marries cosmopolitan culture with gorgeous natural beauty for a uniquely rewarding quality of life. It’s ideal for anyone looking to embrace a suburban lifestyle without giving up today’s amenities. Although you won’t find grand lakes or vast farmland in this city, the relatively large lots give residents plenty of room to spread out and enjoy their privacy.
One of the biggest draws, literally, is the Mall of America, one of the largest and most complete shopping centers in the U.S., located only minutes away. World-class footwear and apparel shops, local food favorites, and seasonal festivals and music events are all literally steps away.
It’s just a stone’s throw from work to home!
Families are drawn to Bloomington’s robust public school system, which consistently ranks high in academic achievement and offers a variety of extracurricular activities. The community is further enriched by abundant parks and recreational facilities, promoting an active lifestyle.
Regardless of the time of year, we’re able to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables year-round—even in the winter months.
With rental prices for a decent home averaging at least $2,000 a month, it’s a smart option that sounds wonderful.
6. Edina
Edina stands out for its upscale shopping, including Southdale Center, the first enclosed mall in the U.S., plus smaller boutiques offering unique finds. The city features luxurious homes in styles like Colonials, Tudors, and contemporary designs, set on well-kept streets near Braemar Golf Course and scenic parks like Pamela Park.
Known for its peaceful neighborhoods and a median home price of $616,750, Edina boasts a high standard of living. Adjoining families enjoy the community’s top-rated schools with abundant extracurriculars, giving students of all ages a leg up.
Community events and amenities like tennis courts and skating rinks forge deep social connections. Dining shines here as well, with gems such as Mr. Paul’s Supper Club dishing out steak and seafood with a sassy Cajun twist.
Edina’s diverse population appreciates being close to Minneapolis, just 7.2 miles from MSP Airport, which makes Edina a commuter’s dream. Its extensive amenities and eclectic, welcoming population make for an incredible quality of life.
7. Maple Grove
Maple Grove really shines when it comes to their numerous parks and recreational areas. It’s a perfect place for young families and nature lovers to settle down! Nearby Elm Creek Park Reserve, with its 4,900 acres, provides a wealth of trails and picnic areas, and even hosts a winter recreation area.
Central Park is full of local character any time of year. In winter, there’s a skating loop, while summer splash pads provide hours of fun.
Tommy’s fast growing retail scene has added a lot of convenience for shoppers. The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes features more than 65 retailers and numerous restaurants. From casual cafes to fine dining, you’ll find a unique and delicious experience around every corner.
A lively community spirit is cultivated by events such as Maple Grove Days and the Farmers Market, as well as unifying amenities that call residents to connect. Parents are drawn by the truly exceptional schools, with ISD 279’s Maple Grove Senior High regularly ranked among the best nationally.
8. Burnsville
Burnsville’s most impressive aspect is its recreation amenities. With more than 1,800 acres of parks and nature reserves and 42 miles of trails, recreational opportunities are plentiful. In the summer, nearby Crystal Lake draws locals for swimming, fishing and boating.
In contrast, Buck Hill is an epicenter for skiing and snowboarding once the long snowy Minnesota winters set in. Sports lovers can take advantage of the city’s extensive and beautiful network of fields and sports facilities, including an extensive parks system.
Another feature of Burnsville’s appeal is its housing market, as the city offers affordable housing stock for renters and buyers alike. Whether you want a quaint studio or a large house to raise your family in, the range fits all price points. Recent redevelopment efforts—including the “Heart of the City”—only enhance its beauty and appeal.
Burnsville’s booming economy offers a varied range of job opportunities, anchored by businesses like Fairview Health Services and retail centers such as Burnsville Center Mall. Neighborhoods formed through community events, coupled with a long history as a township since 1855, help maintain strong ties between neighbors.
9. Eagan
Eagan’s mix of suburban calm and close proximity to the hustle of the Twin Cities makes it ideal for commuters. Residents do not live next to a busy highway. At the same time, they remain very close to major job centers such as Thomson Reuters and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
This combination of accessibility and beauty is hard to find. Outdoor lovers will appreciate Eagan’s 56 parks, most notably Lebanon Hills Regional Park, featuring miles of trails, picnic areas and glacial lakes. Because these spaces are great for families and foster recreation, they lead to a lifestyle centered around wellness.
Regular gatherings such as the Eagan Market Fest every Thursday from May–October help build relationships in the community. Another top emphasis on the list is education, with quality schools making sure children succeed in school and life. Families prosper in a strong economy, supported by dependable infrastructure and community assets such as the Open Door Food Shelf.
We put a premium on safety, with more than 90% of residents reporting that they feel safe in their communities.
10. Plymouth
Plymouth offers that small-town community feel while enjoying access to big-city amenities. It’s no wonder this beautiful township is a top destination for families. With a population of about 80,000, it’s a first-ring suburb in Hennepin County that offers the best of suburban and urban lifestyles.
Indeed, Consumer Affairs recently ranked Plymouth as #7 on its list of the best places to live in the Midwest. This accomplishment makes Plymouth the first city in Minnesota to ever crack the top 25!
Outdoor lovers will appreciate access to a plethora of recreational options, including lakes and parks that are ideal for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The robust economy, fueled by Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, produces abundant job prospects which makes it all the more attractive.
Plymouth scores well on education, taking 6th place in the Midwest, and the best in the Minnesota city. With a full calendar of community events that introduce neighbors to one another and the local culture, it’s hard not to find your place here.
Tools including the AreaVibes Livability Score only underscore the high quality of life in Plymouth, making it a smart decision for any relocation.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the fast-paced energy of a city or the quiet tranquility of a suburb, Minnesota really does have it all. Minneapolis and Saint Paul have a rich and lively culture that will leave you wanting more. Then there’s Duluth, whose picturesque beauty and artsy atmosphere welcomes you with open arms. Parents would appreciate the quality of Plymouth’s highly ranked school system and residents wanting walkability and amenities may prefer Edina or Bloomington. Maple Grove and Eagan’s combination of urban appeal and suburban feel, and Rochester’s economic opportunities from the Mayo Clinic and other factors, leave them poised to break through.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor recreation, professional opportunities, or a supportive community, Minnesota offers it all in spades. Enjoy the journey, discover these wonderful communities, and find one that’s home to you. Minnesota’s unique combination of natural beauty and economic opportunity is hard to beat, and it’s one of the best states to put down roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best city for young professionals in Minnesota?
Minneapolis is a perfect fit for young professionals. It has a booming job market, a culturally rich, diverse culinary scene, and an abundance of things to do. The city is overflowing with a spirit of innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional development.
Where can I find the most affordable housing in Minnesota?
Rochester has a reputation for low-cost housing. It pairs affordable living with high-quality amenities, such as some of the best healthcare in the country, and family-friendly communities.
Which Minnesota city is best for outdoor enthusiasts?
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Duluth is truly a dream come true. Nestled on the north shore of Lake Superior, it’s home to amazing hiking, biking and jaw-dropping natural beauty. The city is home to a passionate community that works to keep the city beautiful and natural.
What is the safest city to live in Minnesota?
Plymouth is almost always ranked as the safest city in Minnesota. With low crime rates, top-notch schools, and plenty of family-friendly amenities, it’s no surprise that it’s consistently ranked one of the best places for raising a family.
Where can I find the best schools in Minnesota?
Edina has been consistently known for its top-rated school district. Families flock to this city for its top-notch schools, close-knit community feel, and proximity to the Twin Cities.
Which Minnesota city has the best arts and culture scene?
Saint Paul is in particular known for its arts and culture. It’s home to vibrant arts communities, museums, theaters, and historic landmarks. The city’s array of year-round festivals, which continue to win over the community, are another positive force.
What is the best family-friendly suburb in Minnesota?
With a variety of activities and schools, Maple Grove is a popular pick for families. It has plenty of parks, great schools and lots of family activities. Beyond its beautiful architecture, its growing community lends a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
