Minnesota

Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, Minnesota’s 11,842 lakes rack up more shoreline that all of the states of California, Florida and Hawaii combined.

With so many bodies of water to explore, it’s no surprise that the state is packed with boat and fishing enthusiasts, with the highest ratio of boat owners in the country. But what about those to keep their feet on dry land?

Minnesota’s “Twin Cities” – the capital Saint Paul and neighbouring Minneapolis – are ideal destinations for visitors looking for a little retail therapy, and those in search of more unique products will find them at the state’s many flea, vintage and country markets.

If you’re looking for a fun flea this week, here are of the best flea markets in Minnesota:

1. Mercado Central

Mercado Central

One of Minneapolis’s busiest markets, the Mercado Central is open from 6am every day, with more than 35 vendors and services to visit.

Opened in 1999, the Mercado Central might have more permanent merchants than a traditional flea, but shoppers can still find an excellent range of new and used goods, delicious food vendors and a wide range of services, such as an on-site hairdresser and an estate agent.

If you are looking for a unique gift, Mercado Central has merchants selling clothes, toys, jewellery, flowers and more, alongside artisan food and everyday groceries. Source: mimercadocentral.com

2. Wright County Swappers Meet

Wright County Swappers Meet

Opened in 1970, the Wright County Swappers Meet is the largest outdoor market in Minnesota. Open every Saturday from April to October, and Sundays between June and August, the huge flea market has an average of 300 merchants each weekend, with everything from clothing to tools, arts and crafts, garden supplies, live pets, antiques, jewellery, electrical items and more.

Holiday weekend are particularly popular at the Wright County Swappers Meet, with live entertainment, performers and even pony rides for children.

There’s free parking and no fee to browse, making this a great budget day out for all the family. Hungry shoppers can also tuck into breakfast and lunch at the Snack Shack, or browse the selection of food and drinks stalls throughout the market. Source: wrightcountyswappersmeet.com

3. Wadena Flea & Craft Market

Wadena Flea & Craft Market

Wadena County’s seasonal flea market, the Wadena Flea & Craft Market is an ideal trip for summer treasure hunters.

Open on weekends between May and October, the market has both indoor and outdoor vendors, for all-weather shopping. With four buildings full of antiques, furniture, collectibles, recycled and upcycled goods and gifts, you can spend hours hunting through the stalls for unique items and rare finds.

It might be a couple of hours drive from the “Twin Cities” but the Wadena Flea & Craft Market is worth the trip for the unique buys and bargain prices.

wadenafleamarket.com

4. Junk Bonanza

Junk Bonanza

The name says it all – Junk Bonanza is one of Minnesota’s best flea markets to discover one person’s junk can easily be another person’s treasure.

With events throughout America, the Minnesota Junk Bonanza markets itself as the place for antiquers, junkers and flea market lovers.

Starting as a monthly flea market before moving to an annual extravaganza, the Junk Bonanza has a strict no reproductions rule, meaning shoppers are guaranteed to find authentic antiques, collectibles and vintage items.

The flea also features guest appearances from industry experts, as well as workshops and giveaways. Source: junkbonanza.com

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5. St. Cloud Indoor Flea Market

St. Cloud Indoor Flea Market

Located in St. Cloud, this small flea market is open from Tuesday to Saturday year-round, with a great selection of new and used items.

Held inside an unmissable red barn, the St. Cloud Indoor Flea Market has more than 100 vendors, with everything from baby products to office supplies.

Pick up a real bargain at the 89¢ Store or search for antiques and rare vintage finds. There are also stalls selling books, clothing, hand crocheted goods, furniture, seasonal décor, kitchen appliances and more.

Open from 10am, this is one of Minnesota’s best off-the-beaten-track fleas for unique buys.

http://www.stcloudfleamarket.com

6. Wabasha Discount Flea Market

Wabasha Discount Flea Market

If you’re looking for second-hand or discounted new furniture, the Wabasha Flea Market is Minnesota’s best stop for bargain home and décor goods.

Open Thursday to Sunday from 9am, this large furniture-focused flea has a wide selection of nearly-new modern pieces, including bedroom furniture, as well as a huge range of home décor, florals, sewing supplies, stationary, health and beauty products and gift items.

The Wabasha Flea is also a great stop for arts and crafts lovers, with a dedicated sewing section. Shoppers can pick up quilting and sewing supplies, with everything from needles to yarn, thread, craft and scrapbooking items. www.wabashadiscount.com

7. Trader’s Market Inc

Trader’s Market Inc

The Traders Market in Elko takes place each year on Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, and is one of the largest event-fleas in the state.

The huge flea has a wide selection of antique and vintage goods, alongside vendors selling “junk”, new and used goods, handmade craft items and more. Each market brings more than 300 merchants, as well as a great range of food and drinks vendors for snacks throughout the day.

The Traders Market is ticketed, with kids 10 and under going free and adults costing just $6, but with so many bargains to rummage through, this is a budget-friendly day out for the whole family. www.tradersmarket.us

8. Lakehead Harvest Reunion

Lakehead Harvest Reunion

Not only does the Annual Lakehead Harvest Reunion offer up some of the best flea finds in Minnesota, it’s also an incredibly fun, festival-style day out for family members of all ages.

Alongside flea market stalls, selling antiques, collectables and general “junk” items, visitors to the Annual Lakehead Harvest Reunion can enjoy a huge range of activities, entertainment and food.

There are daily parades and wagon rides, as well as an extensive list of demonstrations and educational shows, including saw-milling, blacksmiths, shingle making, antique rock crushing, steam and gas models, a tractor pull and hundreds of antique tractors.

http://www.lakeheadharvest.org/
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9. The French Flea

The French Flea

More of a “Flea Boutique” than your average junkers flea market, the French Flea in Anoka is an ideal shopping spot for those who don’t have time to rummage around for their next vintage and antique buys.

Open every Thursday to Saturday from 10am, and Sundays from 11am, the French Flea has a selection of merchants, dubbed the “Fleabags”, showing one-of-a-kind vintage items, restored antiques and furniture and unusual home décor.

Whether you are searching for a finishing touch for your home or the perfect gift for a lover of all things vintage and retro, the French Flea is Minnesota’s classiest flea-shop experience. Source: facebook.com

http://www.thefrenchfleaofanoka.com

10. Excelsior Flea Market

Excelsior Flea Market

Running for over 15 years, the Excelsior Flea Market is located across from scenic Lake Minnetonka, and runs every Saturday from June to August, and sporadically during the holiday season.

Sponsored by the Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt, the flea market is an eclectic mix of new and used goods, household items and gifts. Whether you are looking for a new outfit, a piece of statement jewellery, glassware, artisan food gifts, quilts, toys, furniture, antiques or plants, the Excelsior Flea Market is a great place to browse for bargains, and to find hidden treasure. Source: facebook.com

http://excelsiormarkets.blogspot.co.uk/

11. Shady Hollow Flea Market

Shady Hollow Flea Market

Just five miles south of Detroit Lakes, the Shady Hollow Flea Market has been one of Minnesota’s favourite family flea markets for over 45 years.

Popular with both tourists and locals alike, the 3.5-acre market is open every weekend, between May and September. The flea market is home to more than 25 permanent vendors, with up to 100 temporary vendors arriving each weekend from the tri-state area.

There are merchants and goods for all ages, with clothing, jewellery, sports equipment, tools, toys, books, CDs and DVDs, antiques and collectables.

For hungry shoppers, the market also has an on-site restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a selection of food vendors offering snacks including corn dogs, doughnuts and pizza. Source: facebook.com

http://shadyhollowfleamarket.com/

12. Hamel Lions Flea Market

Hamel Lions Flea Market

Running every Sunday from May until September, the Hamel Lions Flea Market is Hennepin County’s largest outdoor flea markets.

A traditional flea, this is one Minnesota market that you will have to rummage through to find the good stuff, but if you have the treasure-hunting urge, there’s nowhere better in the state.

You can find great bargains on items including antiques, collectables and furniture, as well as vendors selling fresh local produce, plants and flowers and handmade gift items. Source: www.hamellions.org

https://www.hamellions.org/flea-market

13. The Stillwater Flea and Crafters Market

The Stillwater Flea And Crafters Market

Now in its 4th year, the outdoor Stillwater Flea and Crafters Market is one of the biggest and best in Minnesota, with a huge range of vendors and visitors attending on the last weekend of the month.

Held between May through September in the Washington County Fairgrounds, the flea market has also added many arts and crafts vendors over the past few years, making this an excellent stop for those looking for unique gifts and handmade items.

Whether you simply want to enjoy a cheap day out in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley or you feel like rummaging through endless stalls of antiques, furniture, home décor, clothing, jewellery, books, crafts and more, the Stillwater Flea and Crafters Market is one of the best in the entire state. Source: facebook.com

http://rsgdevelopment.com/fleamarket

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14. Minnesota’s Antique Spectacular & Flea Market

Minnesota’s Antique Spectacular & Flea Market

Running several times throughout the year in St. Paul’s State Fairgrounds, the Minnesota’s Antique Spectacular & Flea Market is the Twin Cities’ largest antique and flea event.

Hosted by Prime Promotions, a company who have been operating flea market and antique shows in Minnesota for over 30 years, this flea features over 100 vendors and a huge range of goods.

The flea market is ticketed, with discounts available for those who shop at local antiques stores, but costs just $7 for entry to both weekend days.

Visitors can expect to find antiques, furniture, collectables, vintage clothing and home décor, alongside a selection of unusual and one-of-a-kind items. Source: facebook.com

http://www.mnantiqueshows.com/

15. A Gathering of Friends Antiques Market

A Gathering Of Friends Antiques Market

Minneapolis’s biannual flea, A Gathering of Friends Antiques Market, is small but charming, with around 18 vendors showcasing their wares at any one event.

If you’re a fan of vintage and retro clothing and accessories, this is the flea for you. The market, which is held in the Bachman’s Greenhouse on Lyndale Avenue South, has an easy to browse selection of high quality vintage apparel, as well as jewellery, bags and shoes.

A Gathering of Friends Antiques Market is also a great place to pick up unusual home décor, including pottery, ornaments and furniture.

http://www.agatheringoffriends.net/

Minnesota is a midwestern U.S. state bordering Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. The state contains more than 10,000 other lakes, including Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River’s primary source. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center, a modern art museum.

Minnesota in the Mid-West has a border with Canada in the north and Lake Superior to the east. One of the State’s own lakes – Itasca – is the source of the mighty Mississippi, which flows out into the Gulf of Mexico.

Water plays a hugely important role in the state.

A waterfall actually played an important part in the City of Minneapolis in Minnesota: St. Anthony Falls provided the power for local flour mills and the lumber trade.

Minnesota has many lovely waterfalls, some amid cities and others in the rural environment.

From St. Anthony to Great Portage State Park where the state’s highest falls are located, the journey to Amazing Waterfalls in Minnesota is a real adventure.

1. St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis

Source: Geoffrey Kuchera

St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis

The power of these falls is the main reason Minneapolis developed into the important city it is today.

They are in the heart of the city, with the best views being in Water Power Park on Main Street.

Alternatively, head to Stone Arch Bridge.

You are looking at the early stages of the Mississippi River.

People never seem to tire of the skyline and this mighty river.

They had Native American Indian names before they were given their present name by Father Hennepiin in 1680. The falls required some stabilization in the 1930’s due to poor engineering.

2. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis

Source: AMB-MD Photography

Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis

The popularity of these 53-foot falls in Minnehaha Park is understandable because of their proximity to the city and the fact that you can hear the water soon after you enter the park.

The flow is at its height after the winter snow melts, but there are plenty of visitors in the winter when the falls freeze over.

Winters are cold in Minneapolis, so the icicles of the falls are guaranteed.

They are the falls mentioned in Longfellow’s ‘’ Song of Hiawatha.’’

Aside from the views from above, you can go down either side of the falls to get different angles.

3. Hidden Falls

Those looking to avoid weekend crowds may like to pick these spring-fed falls close to Minnehaha, in Hidden Falls Regional Park.

There are seven miles of paved trails, but to find the falls, you must leave the paved route.

They are surprisingly elusive, so follow a trail at the North Entrance behind the female restroom.

You may not hear them, because there is only really a strong flow after heavy rains or in the springtime.

Indeed, they can be dry at times during the year.

4. Shadow Falls, St. Paul

These little-known Falls are fed from underground springs, with the water finally reaching the Mississippi.

One of the highlights of a visit is that you can get behind the falls, a reward for an interesting journey in getting there.

It is easy enough to find Shadow Falls Park because it is in St. Paul’s, but then the fun starts.

After parking, follow the path until it bends, then take a dirt path where there is a warning about ice climbing.

There are other routes to the falls but they are far more difficult.

5. Ramsey Falls, Ramsey Park

Source: PBouman

Ramsey Falls

The nickname for this park is ‘’Little Yellowstone,’’ and the highlight of any visit is certainly the Ramsey Falls, which have some good vantage points.

While it is a two-hour drive from the city, this park has become a popular day-trip for families.

The parking lot is just a short distance from the falls themselves, though, in total, there are four miles of paved trails for hikers.

Campers will find plenty to do apart from looking at the falls.

A museum and a small zoo are two other attractions.

6. Wolf Creek Falls, Sandstone, Banning State Park

Source: John Brueske

Wolf Creek Falls

The falls make a great photograph, with the rapids truly impressive.

The park attracts plenty of people who want to test themselves against the whitewater.

The names “Blueberry Slide,” “Dragon’s tooth,” and “Hell’s Gate,’’ for different stretches of whitewater conjure up ideas of the challenges that await.

Once you are within the park, you have a half mile walk to the falls.

Some people prefer a more adventurous route, kayaking upstream from Robinson Park.

Either way, the falls are worth a visit.

7. Willow River Falls, Willow River State Park, Hudson

Source: John Brueske

Willow River Falls

These stunning falls descend over several ledges into a 200-foot deep gorge en route to the St. Croix River.

You have just a short walk from the beginning of the trail before you will hear and see the cascades.

Four different places offer the chance of different photographs.

The park covers a little under 3,000 acres, and with so many trails, it is a shame just to spend a single day there – camping facilities mean that you don’t have to.

There is even a beach to enjoy in the summer months and excellent picnic facilities near the Little Falls Lake.

8. Cascade Falls, Cascade River State Park

This is a volcanic region formed billions of years ago.

On just a three-mile stretch of river flowing into Lake Superior, there is a descent of around 900 feet.

A convenient campsite is close to one of the main falls, so there is no reason to hurry away.

The highest of the Falls is around 30 feet – one of four within the last 400 yards to the lake.

There are trails either side of the water, with a bridge, making it potentially a loop.

Springtime or just after heavy rains are the best time to visit.

9. Gooseberry Falls, Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls

If you love waterfalls, you will be in heaven here – there are five in all.

When they are in full-flood, which is generally in the spring, they are truly spectacular.

The park covers 1,600 acres and offers around 20 different trails just inviting hikers and bikers to explore.

You can camp and swim and also see Lake Superior when you visit the falls.

Its Native American name is ‘Gitchi Gami’ and there is a trail of that name that has proven to be popular.

Expect to encounter crowds at weekends.

10. High Falls, Tettegouche State Park

Source: Aiden Sherer

High Falls, Tettegouche State Park

At 100 feet, these falls on the Baptism River are among the highest in the state.

You can take one of two trails to reach them, with the shorter walk about a mile and a half.

Several different photographs are possible from above, on the boardwalk, or the stairs that lead down to the base.

A little further on, you will find Two-Step Falls.

When they are in full flood, the two cascades of water flowing down are especially impressive, so pick your time to go – springtime or after heavy rains are ideal.

11. High Falls, Pigeon River, Grand Portage State Park

Source: Jacob Boomsma

High Falls, Pigeon River, Grand Portage State Park

These 120-foot falls are Minnesota’s highest at 120 feet.

They are right on the Canadian border and part of the overall water system is in Canada.

The sound of the water means they are very easy to find; you will hear them long before you have completed the half-mile walk to reach them.

Once there, you have a choice of observation points.

The land is actually leased by the state from the Chippewa Indians on the condition that it will remain a State Park.

The American side is often busy, with a visitor center close to the car park.

12. Vermillion Falls, Hastings

Vermillion Falls, Hastings

The urban location in downtown Hastings makes these 35-foot falls a popular attraction.

However, the best views are more difficult to find than the ones from the trail.

At one time, they provided power and there is still a factory close by.

The trail running alongside the Vermilion River appeals to walkers, cyclists, and bikers.

It is a great place for a family picnic in the months of summer.

While there are no organized trails down into the gorge, people regularly head down there – take care if you fancy that.

13. Minneopa Fall, Mankato

Source: chamski

Minneopa Fall, Mankato

Most of Minnesota’s waterfalls are in the north, but this is an exception.

The waterfall is 40 feet high, with the Minneopa State Park having around four miles of trails to enjoy.

Apart from the waterfall, there are wild bison in the reserve, so you can enjoy two rare sights on the same day.

There is a small fee to enter the State Park but the money is worth it.

The falls are in the smaller southern part of the park and are well-signposted.

Spring and fall are the best seasons for a visit because the water flow can almost dry up at the height of summer.

14. Minnemishinona Falls, North Mankato

These little-known falls were on private property until the county bought them under a decade ago.

The drop is 42 feet, with the water descending into a small pool before heading down a gorge and on to the Minnesota River.

The possibility of these beautiful falls being lost because of private development has been removed, and the county has plans to improve the visitor infrastructure.

They cannot really be seen from the highway, which is part of their attraction; there is just the sound of water in a tranquil setting.

15. Devil’s Kettle, Judge C.R. Magney State Park

Source: Ralf Broskvar

Devil’s Kettle, Judge C.R. Magney State Park

The name of these falls suggests mystery and, to an extent, it is accurate.

Water descends in a small pool that does not seem to fill up but there is no sign of any water escaping.

Just last year, it seems the mystery was solved when the Department of Natural Resources got to work.

The flow above the falls and then downstream were measured and it proved the water was not disappearing underground – it was all an optical illusion.

The area is lovely, with trails making exploration easy.

Minnesota is a midwestern U.S. state bordering Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. The state contains more than 10,000 other lakes, including Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River’s primary source. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center, a modern art museum.

Falling on the USA and Canadian border tucked just east of Lake Superior is the small but perfectly formed state of Minnesota. This is a truly diverse and naturally abundant state, did you know there are more than 10,000 lakes! Like, actual lakes! Not just really big puddles! Aside from Lake Superior, dear Minnesota can boast that the spectacular Lake Itasca falls within its state lines.

If we could all get by on natural beauty alone we’d surely all consider ourselves millionaires. Alas, when thinking about where your next home will be, natural beauty is not the primary deciding factor.

Factors like cost of living and job availability play an important role in the decision-making process. For young families, aspects like proximity to great public schools and social provisions are all major players.

Ultimately, we all want to feel part of a community and this is why we have taken into consideration the opinions and feedback of the existing residents of each of our best places to live in Minnesota.

Dozens of the Walker’s large-scale pieces are displayed in the adjacent 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Other notable sites are the beaux arts-style Cathedral of St. Paul and the Como Park Zoo. The city of Bloomington’s Mall of America is famed for its massive size, with an amusement park and aquarium.

Port city Duluth’s shipping heritage is on view at the waterfront Lake Superior Marine Museum and nearby Aerial Lift Bridge, a distinctive span that can rise 120 feet in about a minute. In the north, Voyageurs National Park is popular for canoeing, camping and hiking.

Although crime statistics and median home value can give you a formal impression of a place it is the feelings of local people that offer the most rounded, arguably most accurate view of a place.

Let’s get started with the best places to live in Minnesota.

1. Eden Prairie

Eden Prairie

Eden Prairie is a gorgeous town lying only 30-minutes south-west of bustling Minneapolis. To avoid beating around the bush, Eden Prairie is an affluent but non-exclusive town. With 62,626 living here, there is a wonderfully diverse community of high achievers.

Median household income is $97,640, this is almost unheard of to have a whole town earning upwards of $50k a year. Unsurprisingly, resident satisfaction is high, probably due to the fact very few have money worries!

The small town feel is what initially draws families here but being less than an hour away from the big city of Minneapolis means that when youngsters tire of playing ball in the street they have a safe and thriving city to explore.

2. Edina

Edina

Edina is formally known as the City of Edina and can be found in Hennepin County; being just a 20-minute drive from Minneapolis CBD this is a cosy suburb of the larger of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

Being in Minnesota, of course, Edina is practically lakeside on every corner, the biggest lake in the area is Lake Cornelia which is surrounded to the north by Rosland Park.

House prices here are pretty darn steep compared to the national average but on par with other suburbs of Minneapolis; averaging at $404,000 many families would find this suburb something of an aspiration.

This is a fantastic schooling district and with over 50 public schools to choose from, parents have their work cut out discerning one outstanding school from another.

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3. Chanhassen

Chanhassen

Lying just north east of Eden Prairie is the neighbourhood of Chanhassen, home to 24,437 people. This is our most affordable suburb in our top three and there are always some great properties on the market.

That’s not to say it’s a transient area, there is a long established, happy community here; with many family homes now housing empty-nesters, some residents have started to move onto pastures new leaving in their wake some phenomenal homes for you to choose from.

At the high end of the scale there are homes that fetch upwards of a million dollars but equally, there are charming family homes for as little as $193k; making for a wonderfully diverse community.

4. Falcon Heights

Falcon Heights

This small and secure suburb of Minneapolis is home to just 5,484 people; being one of the city’s smaller neighbourhoods there is very little crime here, people certainly look out for one another.

This is the first location on our list of 15 best places to live in Minnesota that has a noteworthy median rent value. On average, a tenant in Falcon Heights can expect to be charged $871, well below the national average. 

With 45% of people living in rented accommodation here it’s suffice to say the hunt for rental properties would be more fun than arduous, spoiled for choice some may say.

The University of Minnesota campus can be found here in Falcon Heights and residents say that the influx of students brings nothing but benefits to the area.

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5. Deephaven

Deephaven

Scoring an impressive overall A+ on niche.com, Deephaven is a bit of a hidden gem. With only 3,700 full-time residents, this small and cosy suburb of Minneapolis is seldom on the radar of newcomers to the state. 

This is an expensive place to buy property but with almost all homes boasting lakeside views in some capacity, you can hardly complain.

The houses are big too, mansions in fact, so with that in mind the median home value of $539,400 is actually quite reasonable. You won’t be shocked to hear that with median rent hitting $2,045 monthly, only 5% of residents opt to rent!

Most families here earn upwards of $100k a year so the punchy price tags aren’t that scary to those who live here.

6. Shorewood

Shorewood

Minneapolis really is at the heart of the action in Minnesota and as such the suburbs of the city are thriving. It is safe to say that each suburb of the city could be classed as a small town in its own right. 

If you liked the lakeside feel of Deephaven but not the crazy high house prices, you’ll surely fall in love with Shorewood.

With house prices averaging at a little more affordable $401,400 and many homes on the market nearing the $300k mark, you’ll want to move in right away.

Curving around Lake Minnetonka this neighbourhood is perfect for anyone who likes to get outdoors and get active; being so close to Minneapolis’s city centre means you really do get the best of both worlds here.

7. Dellwood

Dellwood

When researching Dellwood we were astounded to discover that this tiny suburb of Minneapolis has an even tinier median rent value, just $444 a month!

There are only 6% of residents living in rented accommodation meaning rental homes become available once in a very blue moon but should you have the patience to wait until a rental property becomes available you’ll be in the money, well no…just not out of pocket!

Being home to just 1,164 people there is a close-knit but type-cast community here. With average annual income being upwards of $160,000 a year, there is little room for economic diversity here. Source: www.edinarealty.com

8. Minnetonka

Minnetonka

Minnetonka is cute by name and by nature, being on the water’s edge of its namesake lake this suburb is home to 51,240 people. Although on paper another suburb of Minneapolis, those living in Minnetonka would be quick to prove that this is a town all of its own.

Unlike Dellwood, Minnetonka has a truly diverse community of residents; although earning under $80k a year on average, Minnetonkans are living a more than comfortable existence here.

Locals are quick to note that if they had to live their lives over again they would still choose Minnetonka which is quite the compliment. 

Parents will be pleased to hear that this is a great school district offering young people a flying start in life.

9. Woodbury

Woodbury

Being the largest city in Washington County, Woodbury can be found to the south-east of Minnesota’s Twin Cities, St Paul and of course Minneapolis. There is confounding information as to whether Woodbury is a suburb of St Paul or Minneapolis.

Local residents, however, identify Woodbury as a stand-alone neighbourhood for this suburb is surely developing into a city all of its own!

On the development note, it comes as no surprise to hear that Woodbury is popular with millennials looking to settle down and start a family of their own. With growing families in nearly every home, development is welcomed in the area bringing with it better infrastructure and more job opportunities.

10. Plymouth

French Regional Park In Plymouth, MN

Home to Medicine Lake, Parkers Lake, and Gleason Lake (to name but a few) you are never too far from the water in Plymouth. This township is a solid all-rounder; ample job opportunities, good schools and high resident satisfaction.

There are 73,896 people that call Plymouth home and they seldom have a bad word to say about the place. With an affordable cost of living and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and socialise, why would you complain?

Houses here in Plymouth are spacious and stately, many mansions with large gardens and long dining rooms to enjoy as a family. Median home value is $297,400 but in reality, you need $390K to play with should you want the options to choose from.

11. Victoria

Victoria

‘Charismatic’ is the way one local describes Victoria, others refer to it as ‘irreplaceable’ and ‘beautiful’. High praise indeed.

The overriding opinion is that this town is small and safe enough to raise a family but close enough to Minneapolis that commuting into the city is by no means a chore. That is exactly what many residents do of a workday and it is certainly proving to be profitable as the average household income here in Victoria is $131,971 per annum.

With Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to the east and Carver Park Reserve to the north, there are countless opportunities to get outdoors and get fit. In the balmy summers, take a dip in one of the many lakes within the suburb.

12. Shoreview

Shoreview

Shoreview by name and by nature Turtle Lake, Snail Lake, and Lake Owasso can all be found within this neighbourhood’s reach.

This is a highly desirable area to live and is becoming increasingly popular with millennials, partly due to the great schools and partly due to the great property prices.

The home value here averages at $233,100 which is not aspirational for many working families. As such, there is a hardworking and diverse community here. Shoreview is a mid-sized suburb home to 25,951 people.

Although there is a suburban feel to the neighbourhood, with countless parks and lakes to explore you’re ever too far from lush green parklands.

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13. Linden Hills

Linden Hills

Linden Hills is home to a number of long-term residents who are quick to mention how wonderful this neighbourhood is, we don’t disagree.

There are 47 public schools in the area and with only 21% of residents being of school age, there is always an idealistic teacher to pupil ratio. Many of the schools are exceeding targets set by the government which is another major plus point for Linden Hills.

Residents here are earning nearly double the national average and live well, within their means. There is a strong community focus and as such, crime levels are minimal. In turn, this has lead Linden Hills to be regarded as the best neighbourhood to raise a family in the Minneapolis area.

We need say no more.

14. Mendota Heights

Mendota Heights

Mendota Heights can be found in Dakota County, south of the Twin Cities. This is our greenest neighbourhood to date. Falling on the south bank of the Mississippi River, Mendota Heights is home Fort Snelling Park. This historic park offers a wonderful array of hiking and mountain biking trails and is certainly enjoyed best in the summer.

This neighbourhood is home to 11,172 people, many of which are earning upwards of $95k a year.

Being so close to the Twin Cities means that residents have all the infrastructure and working opportunities they could desire with the added bonus of only ever being a matter of meters away!

• Best 13+ Places to Live in Ohio (US State)

15. Arden Hills

Arden Hills

Scoring highly on niche.com across the board is our final neighbourhood on our 15 best places to live in Minnesota, Arden Hills. 

High quality of housing, reasonable cost of living and great public schools all contribute to the appeal of Arden Hills.

Just under 10,000 people call this town home and as such there is all the amenities and facilities you could wish for. Although not developing as rapidly as areas like Woodbury, Arden Hills is pretty perfect just the way it is.

The local’s only complaint would be that the winters here are harsh, we suggest you invest in a warm and cosy bobble hat and move right on in.