Best suburbs in Minneapolis
The GI Bill of Rights, Ike’s interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.
Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.
A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.
What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.
Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Minneapolis. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.
Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Minneapolis.
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imtmphoto // Shutterstock
#25. Corcoran, Minnesota
– Population: 6,549
– Median home value: $482,600
– Median rental price: $2,219
– Top schools nearby: Wayzata High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Greenwood Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Breck School (grade A+), Providence Academy (grade A), Benilde-St. Margaret’s School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#24. Burnsville, Minnesota
– Population: 64,075
– Median home value: $315,700
– Median rental price: $1,443
– Top schools nearby: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eastview Senior High School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
Josep Suria // Shutterstock
#23. Laketown Township, Minnesota
– Population: 2,114
– Median home value: $477,400
– Median rental price: $867
– Top schools nearby: Cologne Academy (grade A), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Eagle Ridge Academy (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), Holy Family Catholic High School (grade A), Southwest Christian High School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
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#22. Prior Lake, Minnesota
– Population: 27,608
– Median home value: $400,500
– Median rental price: $1,447
– Top schools nearby: Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Eagle Ridge Academy (grade A), International Spanish Language Academy (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Southwest Christian High School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B
RossHelen // Shutterstock
#21. Carver, Minnesota
– Population: 5,656
– Median home value: $389,800
– Median rental price: $1,369
– Top schools nearby: Cologne Academy (grade A), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Eagle Ridge Academy (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), Holy Family Catholic High School (grade A), Southwest Christian High School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
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#20. Hopkins, Minnesota
– Population: 18,752
– Median home value: $320,200
– Median rental price: $1,284
– Top schools nearby: North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: C+
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#19. Savage, Minnesota
– Population: 32,441
– Median home value: $377,600
– Median rental price: $1,595
– Top schools nearby: Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A), Eagle Ridge Academy (grade A), International Spanish Language Academy (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#18. Apple Valley, Minnesota
– Population: 55,594
– Median home value: $333,300
– Median rental price: $1,607
– Top schools nearby: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Eastview Senior High School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Cretin-Derham Hall (grade A+), Academy of Holy Angels (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#17. Wayzata, Minnesota
– Population: 4,365
– Median home value: $935,500
– Median rental price: $1,523
– Top schools nearby: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Orono Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: C
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#16. Mounds View, Minnesota
– Population: 13,100
– Median home value: $273,300
– Median rental price: $1,174
– Top schools nearby: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Great River School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+), Minnehaha Academy (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
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#15. Orono, Minnesota
– Population: 8,223
– Median home value: $874,500
– Median rental price: $1,638
– Top schools nearby: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), Orono Senior High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: C+
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
Akarawut // Shutterstock
#14. Maple Grove, Minnesota
– Population: 70,110
– Median home value: $379,800
– Median rental price: $1,768
– Top schools nearby: Wayzata High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Kimberly Lane Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock
#13. Lakeville, Minnesota
– Population: 70,696
– Median home value: $395,900
– Median rental price: $1,623
– Top schools nearby: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Cherry View Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Academy of Holy Angels (grade A+), Saint Thomas Academy (grade A), Visitation School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
Ground Picture // Shutterstock
#12. New Brighton, Minnesota
– Population: 23,141
– Median home value: $333,300
– Median rental price: $1,245
– Top schools nearby: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
Stuart Monk // Shutterstock
#11. Deephaven, Minnesota
– Population: 3,852
– Median home value: $791,700
– Median rental price: $2,121
– Top schools nearby: Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Minnetonka Middle School East (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: C+
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
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#10. Golden Valley, Minnesota
– Population: 22,142
– Median home value: $381,400
– Median rental price: $1,589
– Top schools nearby: North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
Laura Beach // Shutterstock
#9. Chanhassen, Minnesota
– Population: 25,868
– Median home value: $488,000
– Median rental price: $1,706
– Top schools nearby: Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+), Excelsior Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#8. Shorewood, Minnesota
– Population: 7,722
– Median home value: $643,300
– Median rental price: $1,707
– Top schools nearby: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A // Shutterstock
#7. St. Anthony, Minnesota
– Population: 9,332
– Median home value: $350,300
– Median rental price: $1,297
– Top schools nearby: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Great River School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock
#6. St. Louis Park, Minnesota
– Population: 49,500
– Median home value: $357,900
– Median rental price: $1,504
– Top schools nearby: North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Meadow Ridge Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
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Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock
#5. Minnetonka, Minnesota
– Population: 53,529
– Median home value: $430,800
– Median rental price: $1,673
– Top schools nearby: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Minnetonka Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#4. Edina, Minnesota
– Population: 53,037
– Median home value: $601,700
– Median rental price: $1,700
– Top schools nearby: Eden Prairie Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+), Edina Senior High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: C+
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
F8 studio // Shutterstock
#3. Medina, Minnesota
– Population: 6,746
– Median home value: $679,900
– Median rental price: $1,211
– Top schools nearby: Wayzata High School (grade A+), Orono Senior High School (grade A+), North Woods Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The International School of Minnesota (grade A+), The Blake School (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B+
FamVeld // Shutterstock
#2. Lauderdale, Minnesota
– Population: 2,454
– Median home value: $274,700
– Median rental price: $1,288
– Top schools nearby: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Great River School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A // Shutterstock
#1. Falcon Heights, Minnesota
– Population: 5,232
– Median home value: $351,500
– Median rental price: $1,162
– Top schools nearby: Nova Classical Academy Upper School (grade A+), Nova Classical Academy Lower School (grade A), Great River School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (grade A+), Mounds Park Academy (grade A+), Breck School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: A−
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.
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By Stacker
