Minnesota is a beautiful state with a rich history, thriving economy, and scenic natural beauty. If you’re looking for the best places to live in Minnesota, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll explore 15 must-visit cities that offer a high quality of life, excellent schools, ample job opportunities, and plenty of recreational activities.
Eden Prairie
Located in Hennepin County, Eden Prairie is one of the best places to live in Minnesota. With a population of over 64,000 people, this vibrant city boasts excellent schools, world-class healthcare facilities, and a robust economy. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Supervalu, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, and Starkey Hearing Technologies. Residents enjoy easy access to numerous parks, lakes, and trails, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Key highlights:
- Excellent schools, including Eden Prairie High School
- Robust economy with many job opportunities
- Plenty of parks, lakes, and trails for outdoor recreation
Edina
Located just southwest of Minneapolis, Edina is another great city to consider if you’re looking for the best places to live in Minnesota. With a population of over 52,000 people, Edina boasts a strong economy, top-rated schools, and a low crime rate. The city is known for its upscale shopping and dining options, as well as its excellent parks and recreational facilities.
Key highlights:
- Strong economy with many job opportunities
- Top-rated schools, including Edina High School
- Upscale shopping and dining options
- Excellent parks and recreational facilities
Woodbury
Located in Washington County, Woodbury is a fast-growing city that offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and ample job opportunities. With a population of over 70,000 people, this vibrant city is home to several major employers, including Target, 3M, and Hartford Life. Residents enjoy easy access to numerous parks, lakes, and trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Key highlights:
- Fast-growing city with a high quality of life
- Excellent schools, including East Ridge High School
- Strong economy with many job opportunities
- Plenty of parks, lakes, and trails for outdoor recreation
Plymouth
Located just west of Minneapolis, Plymouth is another great city to consider if you’re looking for the best places to live in Minnesota. With a population of over 79,000 people, this thriving community boasts a strong economy, top-rated schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities. The city is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and trails, as well as its excellent shopping and dining options.
Key highlights:
- Strong economy with many job opportunities
- Top-rated schools, including Wayzata High School
- Beautiful parks, lakes, and trails for outdoor recreation
- Excellent shopping and dining options
Victoria
Located in Carver County, Victoria is a small but growing city that offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor recreation. With a population of just over 9,000 people, this charming community is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and trails, as well as its family-friendly atmosphere.
Key highlights:
- Growing city with a high quality of life
- Excellent schools, including Holy Family Catholic High School
- Plenty of parks, lakes, and trails for outdoor recreation
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Lakeville
Located in Dakota County, Lakeville is a thriving city that offers a high quality of life, top-rated schools, and ample recreational opportunities. With a population of over 67,000 people, this vibrant community is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and trails, as well as its excellent shopping and dining options.
Key highlights:
- Strong economy with many job opportunities
- Top-rated schools, including Lakeville North High School
- Beautiful parks, lakes, and trails for outdoor recreation
- Excellent shopping and dining options
Dellwood
Located in Washington County, Dellwood is a small but affluent city that offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities. With a population of just over 1,000 people, this charming community is known for its beautiful homes, pristine lakes, and lush natural landscapes.
Key highlights:
- Affluent city with a high quality of life
- Excellent schools, including Mahtomedi High School
- Plenty of recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing on White Bear Lake
Chanhassen
Located in Carver County, Chanhassen is a picturesque city that offers a high quality of life, top-rated schools, and plenty of outdoor recreation. With a population of over 25,000 people, this vibrant community is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and trails, as well as its thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to several theaters, including the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, which is one of the largest dinner theaters in the country.
Key highlights:
- Top-rated schools, including Chanhassen High School
- Plenty of parks, lakes, and trails for outdoor recreation
- Thriving arts and culture scene, including the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Falcon Heights
Located in Ramsey County, Falcon Heights is a small but vibrant city that offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities. With a population of just over 5,500 people, this charming community is known for its beautiful parks and trails, as well as its annual summer festival, the Minnesota State Fair.
Key highlights:
- Excellent schools, including Roseville Area High School
- Plenty of parks and trails for outdoor recreation
- Home to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Deephaven
Located in Hennepin County, Deephaven is a small but affluent city that offers a high quality of life, top-rated schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities. With a population of just over 3,600 people, this picturesque community is known for its beautiful homes, scenic parks, and pristine lakes.
Key highlights:
- Affluent city with a high quality of life
- Top-rated schools, including Minnetonka High School
- Plenty of recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing on Lake Minnetonka
Minnetonka
Located in Hennepin County, Minnetonka is a growing city that offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and a strong economy. With a population of over 54,000 people, this vibrant community is known for its beautiful parks and lakes, as well as its thriving business community.
Key highlights:
- Strong economy with many job opportunities
- Excellent schools, including Minnetonka High School
- Beautiful parks and lakes for outdoor recreation
Shoreview
Located in Ramsey County, Shoreview is a picturesque city that offers a high quality of life, top-rated schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities. With a population of over 26,000 people, this charming community is known for its beautiful parks and lakes, as well as its excellent shopping and dining options.
Key highlights:
- Top-rated schools, including Mounds View High School
- Plenty of parks and lakes for outdoor recreation
- Excellent shopping and dining options
Laconia
Waconia, which used to be Minnesota’s best-kept secret, has now become one of the most desirable places to live in the state. Referred to as a hidden gem, it is located just thirty minutes away from the Twin Cities and boasts of lakes, parks, and other exciting destinations.
Beside the pristine Lake Waconia, which is among the largest and cleanest in the region, the town is recognized as “Tree City USA” by the NADF due to its abundance of trees.
Moreover, Waconia’s thriving economy is supported by industrial parks, top-ranked schools, and exceptional healthcare facilities. Taken together, these factors make Waconia an ideal place to call home.
Key highlights:
- Excellent schools, including Centennial High School
- Plenty of parks and trails for outdoor recreation
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Mendota Heights
Located in Dakota County, Mendota Heights is a small but affluent city that offers a high quality of life, top-rated schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities. With a population of just over 11,000 people, this picturesque community is known for its beautiful homes, scenic parks, and excellent golf courses.
Key highlights:
- Affluent city with a high quality of life
- Top-rated schools, including Henry Sibley High School
- Plenty of recreational opportunities, including golfing at the Mendakota Country Club
Arden Hills
Located in Ramsey County, Arden Hills is a small but growing city that offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and plenty of recreational opportunities. With a population of just over 10,000 people, this charming community is known for its beautiful parks and lakes, as well as its family-friendly atmosphere.
Key highlights:
- Excellent schools, including Mounds View High School
- Plenty of parks and lakes for outdoor recreation
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Conclusion
Minnesota offers a wide range of cities and towns that are ideal for living, working, and playing. The 15 cities we’ve explored in this article offer a high quality of life, excellent schools, ample job opportunities, and plenty of recreational activities. Whether you’re looking for a picturesque city with scenic parks and lakes or a vibrant community with a strong economy, Minnesota has something to offer.
