Cities may have the nightlife, but the convenience and affordability of the suburbs are becoming hot as the millennial generation moves into its homebuying phase. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic shook up workplace norms and superheated the housing market, folks have been flocking away from major urban centers.
In Colorado, for instance, lesser-known suburbs outside of Denver such as Boulder have become magnets for young parents, ranking among the biggest destinations for out-of-state millennials who chose to move in 2023. And companies are taking note of the trend as well: Many are establishing satellite offices and new headquarters in less urban areas.
Stacker compiled a list of the best suburbs to live in Minnesota using data from Niche's 2024 Best Places to Live. Niche ranks places to live based on an array of factors, including the cost of living, educational level of residents, housing costs, and quality of schools.
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1 / 30#30. Wayzata, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,301
- Population: 4,365
- Median household income: $118,456
- Median home value: $935,500 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,523 (40% rent)
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Orono Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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2 / 30#29. Mounds View, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,259
- Population: 13,100
- Median household income: $89,358
- Median home value: $273,300 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,174 (33% 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: Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+), Minnehaha Academy (grade A+)
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3 / 30#28. Orono, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,221
- Population: 8,223
- Median household income: $173,209
- Median home value: $874,500 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,638 (8% rent)
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), Orono Senior High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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4 / 30#27. Stillwater, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,220
- Population: 19,316
- Median household income: $107,986
- Median home value: $382,900 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,449 (23% rent)
- Top public schools: Math & Science Academy (grade A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower School (grade A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), New Life Academy (grade A), Liberty Classical Academy (grade A)
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5 / 30#26. Dellwood, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,137
- Population: 1,228
- Median household income: $216,000
- Median home value: $729,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,333 (4% rent)
- Top public schools: St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower School (grade A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle School (grade A), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Liberty Classical Academy (grade A), Hill-Murray School (grade A minus)
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6 / 30#25. Maple Grove, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,079
- Population: 70,110
- Median household income: $127,001
- Median home value: $379,800 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,768 (16% rent)
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Kimberly Lane Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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7 / 30#24. Rosemount, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,060
- Population: 25,993
- Median household income: $127,252
- Median home value: $378,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,521 (13% 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: Cretin-Derham Hall (grade A+), Academy of Holy Angels (grade A+), Saint Thomas Academy (grade A)
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8 / 30#23. Lakeville, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,057
- Population: 70,696
- Median household income: $129,069
- Median home value: $395,900 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,623 (13% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Cherry View Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Academy of Holy Angels (grade A+), Saint Thomas Academy (grade A), Visitation School (grade A)
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9 / 30#22. North Oaks, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 1,013
- Population: 5,193
- Median household income: $235,714
- Median home value: $714,600 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,112 (16% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Mounds View High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Cretin-Derham Hall (grade A+), Al-Amal School (grade A+)
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10 / 30#21. Lake Elmo, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 960
- Population: 11,861
- Median household income: $158,269
- Median home value: $546,700 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,189 (8% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Math & Science Academy (grade A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Cretin-Derham Hall (grade A+)
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11 / 30#20. New Brighton, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 952
- Population: 23,141
- Median household income: $84,707
- Median home value: $333,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,245 (37% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (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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12 / 30#19. Deephaven, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 927
- Population: 3,852
- Median household income: $164,149
- Median home value: $791,700 (88% own)
- Median rent: $2,121 (12% rent)
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Minnetonka Middle School East (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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13 / 30#18. Roseville, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 815
- Population: 36,066
- Median household income: $87,702
- Median home value: $318,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,250 (31% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Mounds View 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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14 / 30#17. Golden Valley, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 772
- Population: 22,142
- Median household income: $110,026
- Median home value: $381,400 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,589 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: North Woods Elementary 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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15 / 30#16. Chanhassen, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 757
- Population: 25,868
- Median household income: $131,633
- Median home value: $488,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,706 (13% rent)
- Top public schools: Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Excelsior Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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16 / 30#15. Woodbury, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 667
- Population: 75,549
- Median household income: $125,097
- Median home value: $409,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,767 (20% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Math & Science Academy (grade A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Cretin-Derham Hall (grade A+)
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17 / 30#14. Shorewood, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 647
- Population: 7,722
- Median household income: $163,525
- Median home value: $643,300 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,707 (6% rent)
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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18 / 30#13. St. Anthony, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 630
- Population: 9,332
- Median household income: $91,955
- Median home value: $350,300 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,297 (40% 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+), The Blake School (grade A+)
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19 / 30#12. St. Louis Park, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 590
- Population: 49,500
- Median household income: $94,263
- Median home value: $357,900 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,504 (41% 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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20 / 30#11. Eagan, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 490
- Population: 68,262
- Median household income: $104,101
- Median home value: $362,200 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,490 (30% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eastview Senior High School (grade A+), Math & Science Academy (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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21 / 30#10. Arden Hills, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 484
- Population: 9,805
- Median household income: $121,978
- Median home value: $394,600 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,891 (14% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Mounds View High 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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22 / 30#9. Minnetonka, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 363
- Population: 53,529
- Median household income: $114,867
- Median home value: $430,800 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,673 (28% rent)
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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23 / 30#8. Plymouth, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 316
- Population: 79,918
- Median household income: $130,131
- Median home value: $447,600 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,625 (25% rent)
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Orono Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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24 / 30#7. Edina, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 298
- Population: 53,037
- Median household income: $125,506
- Median home value: $601,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,700 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Eden Prairie Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Edina Senior High 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 / 30#6. Shoreview, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 276
- Population: 26,846
- Median household income: $106,153
- Median home value: $349,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,404 (17% rent)
- Top public schools: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), St. Croix Preparatory Academy Upper School (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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26 / 30#5. Mendota Heights, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 224
- Population: 11,642
- Median household income: $129,800
- Median home value: $477,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,268 (18% 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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27 / 30#4. Medina, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 203
- Population: 6,746
- Median household income: $202,153
- Median home value: $679,900 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,211 (8% rent)
- Top public schools: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Orono Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
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28 / 30#3. Eden Prairie, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 91
- Population: 63,623
- Median household income: $129,345
- Median home value: $442,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,731 (24% rent)
- Top public schools: Eden Prairie Senior High School (grade A+), Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods 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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29 / 30#2. Lauderdale, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 87
- Population: 2,454
- Median household income: $73,931
- Median home value: $274,700 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,288 (48% 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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30 / 30#1. Falcon Heights, Minnesota
- Overall Rank: 86
- Population: 5,232
- Median household income: $87,750
- Median home value: $351,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,162 (39% 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+)
This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 40 states.
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