Best places to live in Minnesota

Written by:
Stacker
April 16, 2024
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Best places to live in Minnesota

An ideal town or neighborhood looks different for everyone.

Those who can't get enough of the outdoors may prioritize proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches, while parents are looking for places with top-ranked schools for their children. Culture lovers might want to live in a city with museums and art walks, whereas sports fans look for professional or college sports teams nearby.

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Minnesota using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums.

Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

CORRECTION: A previously published version of this piece, in some cases, incorrectly listed private schools as public schools.

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#30. Tangletown, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 2,208
- Population: 4,887
- Median household income: $144,826
- Median home value: $567,514 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,509 (20% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#29. West Seventh, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 2,179
- Population: data not available
- Median household income: data not available
- Median home value: data not available (data not available own)
- Median rent: data not available (data not available rent)
- Top public schools:
- Top private schools:

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#28. Summit-University, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 2,157
- Population: data not available
- Median household income: data not available
- Median home value: data not available (data not available own)
- Median rent: data not available (data not available rent)
- Top public schools:
- Top private schools:

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#27. Lowry Hill East, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 2,143
- Population: 8,592
- Median household income: $70,955
- Median home value: $358,092 (11% own)
- Median rent: $1,513 (89% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#26. Bryn - Mawr, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 2,072
- Population: 5,588
- Median household income: $135,284
- Median home value: $512,034 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,692 (9% rent)
- Top public schools: North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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#25. Armatage, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 2,068
- Population: 6,380
- Median household income: $133,803
- Median home value: $431,832 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,661 (16% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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#24. Loring Park, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 2,058
- Population: 9,479
- Median household income: $60,417
- Median home value: $264,770 (23% own)
- Median rent: $1,261 (77% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#23. North Loop, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,953
- Population: 7,349
- Median household income: $113,668
- Median home value: $466,472 (28% own)
- Median rent: $2,008 (72% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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Stuart Monk // Shutterstock

#22. Regina, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,818
- Population: 2,132
- Median household income: $114,203
- Median home value: $304,605 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,679 (11% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#21. Fulton, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,812
- Population: 8,362
- Median household income: $166,650
- Median home value: $585,643 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,749 (10% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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#20. Union Park, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,797
- Population: 17,627
- Median household income: $84,328
- Median home value: $379,774 (46% own)
- Median rent: $1,252 (54% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Math & Science Academy (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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#19. East Harriet, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,765
- Population: 3,149
- Median household income: $125,482
- Median home value: $513,949 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,420 (35% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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imtmphoto // Shutterstock

#18. Hamline-Midway, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,699
- Population: 11,858
- Median household income: $70,363
- Median home value: $261,341 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,110 (40% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Math & Science Academy (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)

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#17. Northfield, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,682
- Population: 20,518
- Median household income: $83,125
- Median home value: $286,900 (70% own)
- Median rent: $955 (30% rent)
- Top public schools: Spring Creek Elementary (grade A), Bridgewater Elementary School (grade A), Prairie Creek Community School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Shattuck-St. Mary's School (grade A+), Bethlehem Academy (grade B+), All Saints Catholic School (grade unavailable)

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FamVeld // Shutterstock

#16. Highland, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,670
- Population: 25,922
- Median household income: $96,713
- Median home value: $400,567 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,380 (51% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Math & Science Academy (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+)

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Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#15. Northern Township, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,658
- Population: 3,676
- Median household income: $95,234
- Median home value: $261,300 (87% own)
- Median rent: $891 (13% rent)
- Top public schools: Lincoln Elementary School (grade A minus), Bemidji Senior High School (grade A minus), Treknorth High School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: St. Philip's School (grade unavailable), Heartland Christian Academy (grade unavailable), St. Mark's Lutheran School (grade unavailable)

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#14. Victoria, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,635
- Population: 10,681
- Median household income: $179,515
- Median home value: $534,700 (91% own)
- Median rent: $2,588 (9% rent)
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), Cologne Academy (grade A), Minnetonka Middle School West (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Holy Family Catholic High School (grade A)

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Josep Suria // Shutterstock

#13. Lowry Hill, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,570
- Population: 4,057
- Median household income: $130,199
- Median home value: $644,498 (42% own)
- Median rent: $1,781 (58% rent)
- Top public schools: North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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#12. Como, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,569
- Population: 17,394
- Median household income: $93,802
- Median home value: $285,422 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,110 (31% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Great River School (grade A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)

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Stuart Monk // Shutterstock

#11. Downtown East, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,539
- Population: 3,835
- Median household income: $153,484
- Median home value: $525,442 (51% own)
- Median rent: $3,048 (49% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+)

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NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock

#10. Northrop, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,531
- Population: 4,671
- Median household income: $116,071
- Median home value: $352,093 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,181 (16% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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RossHelen // Shutterstock

#9. Minnehaha, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,504
- Population: 4,014
- Median household income: $102,514
- Median home value: $290,706 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,587 (20% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock

#8. Cooper, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,091
- Population: 3,560
- Median household income: $116,330
- Median home value: $343,978 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,383 (17% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Central Senior High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+), Minnehaha Academy (grade A+)

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Jacek Chabraszewski // Shutterstock

#7. South Uptown, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,063
- Population: 6,504
- Median household income: $77,602
- Median home value: $364,941 (27% own)
- Median rent: $1,366 (73% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#6. Summit Hill, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 1,042
- Population: 7,499
- Median household income: $102,699
- Median home value: $501,061 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,240 (48% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Math & Science Academy (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)

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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#5. Downtown West, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 969
- Population: 8,678
- Median household income: $88,676
- Median home value: $348,850 (21% own)
- Median rent: $1,727 (79% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#4. St. Anthony Park, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 954
- Population: 8,605
- Median household income: $83,364
- Median home value: $356,305 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,419 (53% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Central Senior High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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#3. Lynnhurst, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 853
- Population: 6,743
- Median household income: $203,345
- Median home value: $696,654 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (8% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

#2. King Field, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 591
- Population: 7,596
- Median household income: $96,738
- Median home value: $368,701 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,399 (34% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)

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#1. Macalester-Groveland, Minnesota

- Overall Rank: 221
- Population: 19,098
- Median household income: $112,742
- Median home value: $456,538 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,333 (28% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Math & Science Academy (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)

This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 42 states.

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