Best places to raise a family in Minnesota
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April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Minnesota
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family 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. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Rosemount
- Population: 24,292
- Median home value: $279,000 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $104,743
- Top public schools: Rosemount Senior High School (A), Shannon Park Elementary School (A), School of Environmental Studies (A)
- Top private schools: First Baptist School (B+), St. Joseph Catholic School (unavailable), Shannon Park KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2925 132nd St W, Rosemount ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $279,000 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,218 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $104,743
- Top public schools: Rosemount Senior High School (A), Shannon Park Elementary School (A), School of Environmental Studies (A)
- Top private schools: First Baptist School (B+), St. Joseph Catholic School (unavailable), Shannon Park KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2925 132nd St W, Rosemount ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#24. St. Michael
- Population: 17,586
- Median home value: $270,600 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,078 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $114,015
- Top public schools: Big Woods Elementary School (A), St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West (A), St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East (A)
- Top private schools: St. Michael Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1469 Janett Ave NE, Saint Michael ($975,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $270,600 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,078 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $114,015
- Top public schools: Big Woods Elementary School (A), St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West (A), St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East (A)
- Top private schools: St. Michael Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1469 Janett Ave NE, Saint Michael ($975,000, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Baytown Township
- Population: 1,940
- Median home value: $581,100 (97% own)
- Median rent: $2,250 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $160,179
- Top public schools: St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper School (A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle School (A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower School (A)
- Pictured: 4870 Normandy Ct N, Stillwater ($599,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $581,100 (97% own)
- Median rent: $2,250 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $160,179
- Top public schools: St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper School (A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle School (A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower School (A)
- Pictured: 4870 Normandy Ct N, Stillwater ($599,900, 3 bedrooms)
#22. Mendota Heights
- Population: 11,289
- Median home value: $392,600 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,127 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $121,214
- Top public schools: Somerset Elementary School (A), Henry Sibley High School (A-), Mendota Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saint Thomas Academy (A+), Visitation School (A+), Brightmont Academy - Mendota Heights Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1871 Orchard Heights Ln, Mendota Heights ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $392,600 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,127 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $121,214
- Top public schools: Somerset Elementary School (A), Henry Sibley High School (A-), Mendota Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saint Thomas Academy (A+), Visitation School (A+), Brightmont Academy - Mendota Heights Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1871 Orchard Heights Ln, Mendota Heights ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
#21. North Oaks
- Population: 5,177
- Median home value: $633,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $2,614 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $178,816
- Top public schools: Mounds View Senior High School (A+), Turtle Lake Elementary School (A), Chippewa Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Shoreview KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 93 Rapp Farm Pl, North Oaks ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $633,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $2,614 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $178,816
- Top public schools: Mounds View Senior High School (A+), Turtle Lake Elementary School (A), Chippewa Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Shoreview KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 93 Rapp Farm Pl, North Oaks ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Lakeville
- Population: 63,915
- Median home value: $311,100 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,360 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $110,212
- Top public schools: East Lake Elementary School (A), Rosemount Senior High School (A), Lakeville South High School (A)
- Top private schools: All Saints Catholic School (unavailable), Christian Heritage Academy (unavailable), Dodd Blvd Lakeville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9952 Crescent Ln, Lakeville ($1.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $311,100 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,360 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $110,212
- Top public schools: East Lake Elementary School (A), Rosemount Senior High School (A), Lakeville South High School (A)
- Top private schools: All Saints Catholic School (unavailable), Christian Heritage Academy (unavailable), Dodd Blvd Lakeville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9952 Crescent Ln, Lakeville ($1.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#19. Lauderdale
- Population: 2,514
- Median home value: $206,100 (47% own)
- Median rent: $988 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $53,684
- Top public schools: Roseville Area Senior High School (A-), Parkview Center School (A-), Brimhall Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 1830 Lake St, Roseville ($259,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $206,100 (47% own)
- Median rent: $988 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $53,684
- Top public schools: Roseville Area Senior High School (A-), Parkview Center School (A-), Brimhall Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 1830 Lake St, Roseville ($259,900, 3 bedrooms)
#18. Mahtomedi
- Population: 8,164
- Median home value: $338,600 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,216 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $105,958
- Top public schools: Mahtomedi Senior High School (A), Mahtomedi Middle School (A), O.H. Anderson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: Arcwood Rd, Mahtomedi ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $338,600 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,216 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $105,958
- Top public schools: Mahtomedi Senior High School (A), Mahtomedi Middle School (A), O.H. Anderson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: Arcwood Rd, Mahtomedi ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#17. Tonka Bay
- Population: 1,570
- Median home value: $661,400 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,667 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $133,000
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka West Middle School (A+), Minnewashta Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 140 Gideons Point Rd, Excelsior ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $661,400 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,667 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $133,000
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka West Middle School (A+), Minnewashta Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 140 Gideons Point Rd, Excelsior ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Eagan
- Population: 66,379
- Median home value: $288,200 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,201 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $90,515
- Top public schools: Eagan Senior High School (A+), Eastview Senior High School (A+), Glacier Hills School - Arts/Science (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity School at River Ridge (A+), Faithful Shepherd Catholic School (unavailable), Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3602 Sunwood Trl, Eagan ($850,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $288,200 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,201 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $90,515
- Top public schools: Eagan Senior High School (A+), Eastview Senior High School (A+), Glacier Hills School - Arts/Science (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity School at River Ridge (A+), Faithful Shepherd Catholic School (unavailable), Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3602 Sunwood Trl, Eagan ($850,000, 5 bedrooms)
#15. Woodbury
- Population: 69,906
- Median home value: $323,000 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,525 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $108,539
- Top public schools: Math & Science Academy (A+), Woodbury Senior High School (A+), East Ridge High School (A+)
- Top private schools: New Life Academy (A), St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School (unavailable), Woodview Terrace Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7844 Glen Crst, Woodbury ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $323,000 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,525 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $108,539
- Top public schools: Math & Science Academy (A+), Woodbury Senior High School (A+), East Ridge High School (A+)
- Top private schools: New Life Academy (A), St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School (unavailable), Woodview Terrace Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7844 Glen Crst, Woodbury ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#14. Falcon Heights
- Population: 5,571
- Median home value: $293,400 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,062 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $75,660
- Top public schools: Roseville Area Senior High School (A-), Falcon Heights Elementary School (A-), Parkview Center School (A-)
- Pictured: 1477 Hoyt Ave W, Falcon Heights ($400,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $293,400 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,062 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $75,660
- Top public schools: Roseville Area Senior High School (A-), Falcon Heights Elementary School (A-), Parkview Center School (A-)
- Pictured: 1477 Hoyt Ave W, Falcon Heights ($400,000, 3 bedrooms)
#13. Excelsior
- Population: 2,434
- Median home value: $617,100 (39% own)
- Median rent: $949 (61% rent)
- Median household income: $70,000
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka West Middle School (A+), Excelsior Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John the Baptist Catholic Montessori School (A)
- Pictured: 27640 Island View Rd, Excelsior ($3.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $617,100 (39% own)
- Median rent: $949 (61% rent)
- Median household income: $70,000
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka West Middle School (A+), Excelsior Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John the Baptist Catholic Montessori School (A)
- Pictured: 27640 Island View Rd, Excelsior ($3.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#12. Arden Hills
- Population: 10,293
- Median home value: $292,900 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,558 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $91,250
- Top public schools: Mounds View Senior High School (A+), Irondale Senior High School (A), Chippewa Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Arden Hills KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1518 Dawn Cir, Arden Hills ($450,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $292,900 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,558 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $91,250
- Top public schools: Mounds View Senior High School (A+), Irondale Senior High School (A), Chippewa Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Arden Hills KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1518 Dawn Cir, Arden Hills ($450,000, 4 bedrooms)
#11. Victoria
- Population: 9,383
- Median home value: $427,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,285 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $152,137
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka West Middle School (A+), Minnewashta Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Family Catholic High School (A)
- Pictured: 6480 Hawks Pointe Ln, Victoria ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $427,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,285 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $152,137
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka West Middle School (A+), Minnewashta Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Family Catholic High School (A)
- Pictured: 6480 Hawks Pointe Ln, Victoria ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Minnetonka
- Population: 53,025
- Median home value: $347,900 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,428 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $95,630
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Wayzata High School (A+), Scenic Heights Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Notre Dame Academy (unavailable), Step By Step Montessori Schools of Wayzata (unavailable), Academy of Whole Learning (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16110 Crosby Cove Rd, Wayzata ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $347,900 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,428 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $95,630
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Wayzata High School (A+), Scenic Heights Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Notre Dame Academy (unavailable), Step By Step Montessori Schools of Wayzata (unavailable), Academy of Whole Learning (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16110 Crosby Cove Rd, Wayzata ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#9. Dellwood
- Population: 1,298
- Median home value: $616,300 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,125 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $193,000
- Top public schools: Mahtomedi Senior High School (A), Mahtomedi Middle School (A), O.H. Anderson Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 43 Evergreen Rd, Saint Paul ($689,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $616,300 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,125 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $193,000
- Top public schools: Mahtomedi Senior High School (A), Mahtomedi Middle School (A), O.H. Anderson Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 43 Evergreen Rd, Saint Paul ($689,900, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Plymouth
- Population: 78,134
- Median home value: $351,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,355 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $105,958
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (A+), Plymouth Creek Elementary School (A+), Kimberly Lane Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Providence Academy (A+), Fourth Baptist Christian School (A), West Lutheran High School (A-)
- Pictured: 18530 County Road 6, Plymouth ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $351,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,355 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $105,958
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (A+), Plymouth Creek Elementary School (A+), Kimberly Lane Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Providence Academy (A+), Fourth Baptist Christian School (A), West Lutheran High School (A-)
- Pictured: 18530 County Road 6, Plymouth ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#7. Medina
- Population: 6,380
- Median home value: $606,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $148,110
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (A+), Orono Senior High School (A+), Wayzata Central Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Name of Jesus School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 191 Primrose Ln, Medina ($3.4 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $606,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $148,110
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (A+), Orono Senior High School (A+), Wayzata Central Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Name of Jesus School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 191 Primrose Ln, Medina ($3.4 million, 7 bedrooms)
#6. Edina
- Population: 51,746
- Median home value: $476,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,404 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $104,244
- Top public schools: Edina Senior High School (A+), Eden Prairie Senior High School (A+), Creek Valley Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Calvin Christian School - Edina (unavailable), Step By Step Montessori Schools of Edina (unavailable), Golden Years Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5012 Oak Bend Ln, Edina ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $476,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,404 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $104,244
- Top public schools: Edina Senior High School (A+), Eden Prairie Senior High School (A+), Creek Valley Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Calvin Christian School - Edina (unavailable), Step By Step Montessori Schools of Edina (unavailable), Golden Years Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5012 Oak Bend Ln, Edina ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#5. Shoreview
- Population: 26,791
- Median home value: $275,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,214 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $92,826
- Top public schools: Mounds View Senior High School (A+), Turtle Lake Elementary School (A), Irondale Senior High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Odilia Parish School (unavailable), Oak Hill Montessori School (unavailable), Lexington Avenue KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4445 Harbor Place Dr, Shoreview ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $275,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,214 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $92,826
- Top public schools: Mounds View Senior High School (A+), Turtle Lake Elementary School (A), Irondale Senior High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Odilia Parish School (unavailable), Oak Hill Montessori School (unavailable), Lexington Avenue KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4445 Harbor Place Dr, Shoreview ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#4. Chanhassen
- Population: 25,657
- Median home value: $381,300 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,378 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $124,125
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka West Middle School (A+), Minnewashta Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Hubert Catholic School (A-), Chapel Hill Academy (unavailable), Children of Tomorrow (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8675 Chanhassen Hills Dr N, Chanhassen ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $381,300 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,378 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $124,125
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka West Middle School (A+), Minnewashta Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Hubert Catholic School (A-), Chapel Hill Academy (unavailable), Children of Tomorrow (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8675 Chanhassen Hills Dr N, Chanhassen ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
#3. Eden Prairie
- Population: 64,179
- Median home value: $368,100 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,402 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $111,981
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Eden Prairie Senior High School (A+), Scenic Heights Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (A+), Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy - Eden Prairie (unavailable), Eden Prairie Montessori Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18125 Overland Trl, Eden Prairie ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $368,100 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,402 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $111,981
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Eden Prairie Senior High School (A+), Scenic Heights Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (A+), Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy - Eden Prairie (unavailable), Eden Prairie Montessori Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18125 Overland Trl, Eden Prairie ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#2. Deephaven
- Population: 3,879
- Median home value: $570,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,219 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $139,531
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka East Middle School (A+), Groveland Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Therese Catholic School of Deephaven (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3665 Northome Rd, Wayzata ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $570,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,219 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $139,531
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Minnetonka East Middle School (A+), Groveland Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Therese Catholic School of Deephaven (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3665 Northome Rd, Wayzata ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#1. Shorewood
- Population: 7,867
- Median home value: $485,300 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,639 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $139,956
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Wayzata High School (A+), Minnetonka East Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Savior Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 20820 Radisson Rd, Excelsior ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $485,300 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,639 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $139,956
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (A+), Wayzata High School (A+), Minnetonka East Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Savior Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 20820 Radisson Rd, Excelsior ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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