Minnesota, aptly dubbed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is a pleasant place to live and explore. It is abounding in breathtaking scenery, natural beauty, and vistas. Situated next to Lake Superior in the Upper Midwest, this region offers many opportunities for exploration, ranging from the bustling Twin Cities metropolitan area to smaller villages and best cities to live in minnesota, picturesque natural areas.
Most people in the state reside in or near Minneapolis and St. Paul, which control most of its economic, cultural, and political activities. Some suburbs are quiet and serene, but downtown and its other vital areas are livelier, offering a vibrant nightlife, arts, and cultural scene.
Numerous top communities in Minnesota have excellent living and educational standards; the abundance of surrounding natural beauty is a benefit.
best cities in minnesota
1. Eden Prairie
The nearby community of Eden Prairie, frequently listed among Minnesota’s most incredible places to live, is far less exclusive but no less wealthy. Locals enjoy a wide variety of food and retail opportunities, and because it was planned as a mixed-income city model, it is accessible to everyone.
Located on undulating hills and bluffs with a view of the Minnesota River, the outlying neighborhood is aptly called, given its idyllic grasslands, lakes, and forests. The little city is a popular destination for families, but its excellent public schools and secure streets make it a terrific place to raise a family.
It should not be surprising that Eden Prairie is in such high demand, given its abundance of job options and proximity to downtown Minneapolis’s attractions, stores, and performances.
2. Maple Grove
One more of Minneapolis’ most sought-after communities to raise a family is located just up Interstate 494 from Minnetonka. There’s always something fresh to see and do in Maple Grove, a major shopping, cultural, and medical hub northwest of the metro area.
One of the Twin Cities’ fastest-growing areas is The Grove, which has a sparse suburban atmosphere and large commercial malls. Its many lovely parks, lakes, and woodlands make it a charming location, and its excellent transportation connections make it easy to get around the city.
Apart from the abundance of employment opportunities offered by its three primary industries, MG is commended for its excellent public education system, secure roads, and breathtaking landscape.
3. St. Cloud
Surrounded by bright blue lakes and lush forests, St. Cloud, situated on the Mississippi River, is home to the largest population in the state’s central portion. Despite having few tourist attractions, the compact city boasts a bustling yet relaxed atmosphere thanks to a sizable student population.
Despite its small-town atmosphere, St. Cloud offers all the facilities and opportunities expected of a much larger city. Huge manufacturing, financial, and retail corporations, as well as the state university and its excellent healthcare system, employ a large number of individuals in this area.
Although some parts of town might get rough and raucous at night, the city boasts a flourishing arts, entertainment, and nightlife scene thanks to its many colleges. The surrounding natural and picturesque woods and waterways also provide outstanding opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
4. Chanhassen
The serene and picturesque Chanhassen is located on the southwest edge of Minneapolis and is characterized by a blend of agricultural and residential surroundings. Given the excellent housing, health care, and educational opportunities it provides, it is understandable why the suburb is among the greatest areas to reside in the state.
Located next to the very charming Eden Prairie, its expansive grounds include eleven shimmering lakes and more than fifty-five miles of paths and trails that link its many parks and stunning green areas. There are plenty of lush streets to live on in between, fantastic beaches, boating at Lake Ann, and gorgeous strolls in the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
5. Mankato
About a 1.5-hour drive southwest of the sprawling metropolis, Mankato is one of the biggest Minnesotan cities outside the Twin Cities region. Situated next to the meandering Minnesota River, this community has all the amenities one might desire for a city its size.
Its ancient old downtown, with its lovely brick buildings now housing vibrant taverns, businesses, and restaurants, is readily navigable on foot. The city is home to many reasonably priced lofts and apartments, and its diverse population and abundance of employment options further contribute to its appeal as a location to live.
Mankato is well regarded for its many outdoor activities, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cultural scene. Notable employers include the school district, state university, and health care system.
6. St. Paul
Despite being frequently disregarded in favor of its larger twin city, Minneapolis, the state capital of Minnesota, St. Paul is unquestionably one of the most significant locations to live. Situated on tall bluffs with a view of a Mississippi River bend, this place offers many historical sites, cultural icons, and entertainment options for exploring.
Because it is part of the Midwest’s third-largest metropolis, it genuinely has something to offer everyone, regardless of age or interest. Stunning parks and riverbank walks encircle the river, home to top-notch museums and performing arts venues.
St. Paul is a fantastic city to settle down because of its many attractions, amenities, and entertainment opportunities. It’s also surprisingly reasonable for a state capital.
7. Plymouth
Plymouth is a small suburban city located directly west of Minneapolis, sandwiched between Maple Grove and Minnetonka. Many families relocate here because of the reasonably priced housing and low crime rates, while the excellent outdoor activities draw visitors in.
It has a warm and inviting community vibe with great housing options and schools nearby. Money Magazine once ranked it as the best city in the country to live in. While Medicine Lake, with its mirrored surface, offers excellent boating, fishing, and swimming, all the large parks provide ample space for people to run around and play.
Many locals commute to work because other cities and the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area’s core is only a short drive away, and they spend their weekends and evenings taking advantage of the area’s attractions and services.
8. Minneapolis
Minneapolis is a part of the third-largest metropolitan area in the Midwest, behind only Chicago and Detroit, together with its neighbor St. Paul. Despite its enormous size, its center is filled with beautiful parks, lakes, and riverfront regions with sparkling waterfalls.
Mill City, divided by the Mississippi River, is well-known for its thriving music, art, and cultural scenes and its long history as a significant commercial hub. In addition to visiting museums, galleries, and performance spaces, guests can take in the spectacle of watching one of the four professional sports teams in the area or exploring the massive Mall of America.
Minneapolis is a fantastic destination to live and visit because of its architectural and artistic treasures, excellent restaurants, and breathtaking landscapes. With so many different neighborhoods and a cosmopolitan populace, there is always something new and intriguing to explore in each district.
9. Rochester
Rochester, the third-biggest city in the state after Minneapolis and St. Paul, is located in Minnesota’s southeast and is encircled by lush fields, woods, and gently undulating hills. Known for being the birthplace of the world-famous Mayo Clinic, it welcomes millions of visitors from outside the area every year for medical care, diagnostics, and other examinations.
With clinics, hotels, and restaurants spanning most of downtown, the vast medical center is the largest employer in the Gopher State, aside from the state government. Due to the high volume of visitors, it has a considerably larger city’s infrastructure and services, including countless restaurants and retail establishments to accommodate every visitor.
Although the clinic is the center of much of the town’s activity, people can also enjoy leisure activities in the charming local theaters and parks. You can fish, climb, ski, and hunt nearby if you venture a little further.
10. Edina
Once a tiny farming and milling hamlet in the 1860s, Edina has grown into one of Minneapolis’ most sought-after neighborhoods. About twenty minutes drive south of the city center, it offers its citizens a selection of excellent homes, schools, and medical facilities.
The first suburb and its numerous neighborhoods, formerly nearly exclusively situated around Minnehaha Creek, have since expanded to a broader area. Southdale, Galleria Edina, and 50th & France are some of the major commercial centers located among its residential streets, parks, and lakes. However, because of its excellent standard of living, costs have been rising significantly in recent years.
