Best Places to Live in Minnesota

Stillwater, known as the “Birthplace of Minnesota,” is one of the popular cities in Minnesota, and it attracts both visitors and new residents. Each year, over 2 million people visit for its historic downtown and St. Croix River views. As a result, outdoor recreation plays a big role, from riverboat tours to kayaking. In addition, events like the Lumberjack Days Festival bring log rolling and axe throwing to the spotlight. With around 20,000 residents, Stillwater offers a peaceful lifestyle, while still sitting just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities.

Maple Grove is one of the fastest-developed suburbs in the northwest Twin Cities, with most housing built after 1995. As a result, the city is designed around wide arterial roads and master-planned neighborhoods, which keeps traffic predictable and streets quiet. More than 60% of residents commute within the northwest metro, so cross-city travel is limited. Daily life centers on short drives rather than walkability, and most errands are completed within a 5–10 mile radius. Maple Grove prioritizes efficiency and space, making it a modern suburb compared to older Twin Cities communities.

Eden Prairie is one of the Twin Cities’ most polished corporate suburbs, and homes sit just 10–15 minutes from major office campuses. As a result, work commutes stay short. The city centers on Eden Prairie Center, so shopping and daily errands are easy. At the same time, residents spend weekends at Purgatory Creek Park or Staring Lake Park. In addition, dining is refined but low-key, with local favorites like Redstone American Grill and Wildfire. Overall, Eden Prairie suits professionals who want privacy, green space, and convenience without urban noise.

Plymouth is a well-established western Twin Cities suburb, and it offers a strong mix of comfort and opportunity. It is home to employers like Medtronic, Graco, and TCF Financial, so professional careers are common. At the same time, the city maintains a calm suburban pace. With around 80,000 residents, it features more than 1,700 acres of parkland, including Medicine Lake. In addition, strong schools, organized neighborhoods, and median home prices near $475,000 make Plymouth a stable long-term choice for families and professionals.

Woodbury is known as one of the east metro’s most convenient suburbs, and it is designed for modern living. The city centers on Woodbury Lakes, so shopping, dining, and services stay within 10 minutes. At the same time, direct access to I-94 keeps downtown St. Paul about 15 minutes away. Families spend time at Ojibway Park and Colby Lake Park, while dining clusters along Tamarack Road. Overall, newer homes, organized layouts, and low congestion make Woodbury one of the best places to live in Minnesota for families.

Rochester is globally recognized as the home of the Mayo Clinic, and it is the city’s largest employer. As a result, healthcare professionals from around the world move here. With a population near 120,000, the economy is largely healthcare-driven, which leads to stable jobs and median household incomes above $84,000. At the same time, the city is clean and well organized, and it is easy to navigate. In addition, quiet neighborhoods and trail systems along the Zumbro River support a calm, well-managed lifestyle.

Mankato is called "The Heart of Southern Minnesota," and offers a moderate climate with mild winters and comfortable summers. With average winter temps between 15°F and 20°F, it’s cold enough for winter activities but not too harsh. Summers stay in the 70s and 80s, perfect for outdoor fun. It's the best place to live in Minnesota for buyers who want a balance of all four seasons without extreme weather. Additionally, it's also a perfect place to live an affordable life with one of the lowest rents ($1,400) and median home prices ($300,000) in the state.

Minneapolis is Minnesota’s largest city, with about 430,000 residents, and it serves as the state’s main economic hub. It is anchored by major employers like Target, U.S. Bank, Medtronic, and General Mills, which support careers in finance, healthcare, and tech, with average salaries around $65,000–$70,000. At the same time, the city is known as the “City of Lakes,” offering more than 20 lakes and 180 parks. As a result, an extensive urban bike trail network connects daily life with easy access to outdoor recreation.

St. Paul serves as Minnesota’s government center, and it supports more than 35,000 public-sector jobs. As a result, state offices, courts, and agencies shape daily life. With around 311,000 residents, the city follows a steady weekday rhythm tied to legislative work. At the same time, its pre-automobile street layout creates compact neighborhoods and defined districts. St. Paul consistently ranks among the best city to live in Minnesota for long-term livability. Overall, St. Paul suits residents who value job stability, simple routines, and civic structure over nightlife.

Marshall functions as the cultural and service hub for southwest Minnesota, even though it has just 13,500 residents. The city centers on Southwest Minnesota State University, so downtown feels active with cafés, bookstores, and student life along Main Street. At the same time, daily errands stay simple, since shopping, clinics, and schools are within a five-minute drive. Dining focuses on long-standing local spots like The Hitching Post and Varsity Pub. Overall, Marshall appeals to those who value affordability, walkable routines, and a slower pace tied to education and agriculture.