10 Best Places To Live In Minnesota, USA - Updated 2024

best places to live in minnesota
Kenrick
Kenrick 
Updated
| 5 min read

Minnesota, located in the northern section of the US, is the 12th-largest state in America in terms of land area. The “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is bordered by Canada, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Its nickname comes from the fact that there are more than 10,000 lakes within the state, including the ever-famous Lake Superior. The state is divided into agricultural lands, deciduous forests, and urban areas including the greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Today, the state’s economy is driven by agriculture, service, and finance. Having one of the highest standards of living in the US, it’s no wonder why many people are looking for a little spot here. So, if you’re planning to move here, read below for the best places to live in Minnesota, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 06, 2024.

1. Minneapolis (from USD 116)

Minneapolis skyline 51
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlexiusHoratius used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Minneapolis is Minnesota’s most populous city. It is also one of America’s most recognizable cities since it is frequently mentioned in Hollywood movies. Beyond the recognition, however, is a bustling city with a dynamic and thriving population. Together with the neighboring St. Paul, it is home to more than 500,000 people living in the Twin Cities region. In terms of culture, the city has been noted for its lively music and performing arts scene. The city has also one of the best park systems in the whole country, so outdoor warriors will really thrive here especially those who love to bike around the neighborhood. Some of the parks here include Minnehaha Regional Park and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

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Millennium Minneapolis

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 1313 Nicollet Mall
1.59 km (1.0 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

2. Maple Grove (from USD 112)

Maple Grove's Shoppes at Arbor Lakes - West End
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mgwiki used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Maple Grove is a city located in Hennepin County with a population well above 60,000. As such, it is the state’s eighth-largest city in terms of total population. The city is well-known for being a retail, cultural, and medical center located northwest of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Its main economy driver today is commerce, with shops and retail stores popping left and right. One of the best retail areas in the city is The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, a lifestyle area where residents and non-residents alike can shop and dine.

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Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Maple Grove

Wifi Available

Address: 9655 Grove Circle North
24.95 km (15.5 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Parking Restaurant Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms Free parking

3. Eden Prairie (from USD 94)

Eden Prairie, MN, USA - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lucas Migliorelli used under CC BY 3.0

Located to the southwest of Minneapolis is Eden Prairie, a city with a population of more than 60,000. Since it has a suburban vibe combined with excellent spots for recreation, the city has been attracting people from all walks of life. Outdoor enthusiasts, in particular, will like the plethora of trails and parklands that are open to residents and non-residents alike. Some of the places where they can enjoy and stroll around include Riley Lake Park Pavilion, Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion, and Round Lake Park. Meanwhile, children here enjoy superb schooling thanks to excellent schools.

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TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Eden Prairie

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 11588 Leona Road
18.17 km (11.3 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Parking Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry

4. Rochester (from USD 136)

SkylineRochesterMNreflectected
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jonathunder used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Minnesota’s third-largest city is Rochester, located in the South Fork of Zumbro River. This city is the home of Mayo Clinic, the renowned non-profit medical center. While the population hovers above 100,000, residents here don’t feel like they’re living in an urban jungle thanks to a lot of parks scattered around the city. A lot of young professionals choose to settle in the city, and most families earn income higher than the national average. For the urban dwellers, there’s a lot of things to do around, from exploring the vibrant art scene to shopping in style. Residents flock to Rochester Art Center, shop at the University Square, or participate in Thursdays Downtown for a dose of inspiration and entertainment.

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Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 831 16th Street SW
124.72 km (77.5 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Parking Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms

5. Duluth (from USD 139)

Downtown Duluth, Minnesota Skyline (25406820466)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Webster used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Overlooking Lake Superior, Duluth is a port city sharing a border with the adjacent city of Superior. With a population of 85,000 and above, it offers a dense suburban feel with lots of trails and parks. Here, visitors will find America’s only freshwater aquarium, Great Lakes Aquarium. Another fixture of the city is Aerial Lift Bridge that dates back to 1905. The city caters mostly to tourists as it is a starting point for road trips to Lake Superior’s North Shore. As such, there’s a lot of bars and can’t-miss dine-ins to check out while here. The city is also a haven for zen-seekers thanks to 23 parks within and around city limits.

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South Pier Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 701 South Lake Avenue
219.97 km (136.7 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Skiing

6. Alexandria (from USD 129)

Resort on Lake Carlos Alexandria Minnesota
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Omar David Sandov... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The seat of Douglas County, Alexandria is a small city located near Interstate 94. The latest population count puts the total to above 11,000 residents. What’s truly remarkable about the city is that it is home to more than 20 freshwater lakes, making it a prime spot for tourism. Tourism drives the city economy with tourists from around the country coming here to witness attractions and annual gatherings such as the Vikingland Band Festival parade. Residents love residing here not only because of the stable economy but because it ranks among one of the best cities in the whole of Minnesota.

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Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Alexandria

Wifi Available

Address: 4929 Sanibel Drive
192.19 km (119.5 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Parking Free parking Internet services Heating WiFi Available Free WiFi Air conditioning Parking on site

7. Eagan (from USD 96)

Blackhawk Lake - Blackhawk Park, Eagan, Minnesota (39773589622)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Webster used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Just south of Saint Paul is Eagan, a small city that is a part of the greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Most of those who work in those cities choose to live in Eagan for its peaceful setting, accessibility to great shops, bars, and restaurants, and lots of green spaces. The city has rolling hills combined with serene wooded areas, which is what everyone looks for when choosing a great place to settle in. Because of its setting and stable economy, the city has been named as one of the best places to live in the state. Non-residents, especially those who love to shop, flock to the city for Twin Cities Premium — the largest outlet mall in the Upper Midwest.

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Home2 Suites By Hilton Eagan Minneapolis

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 3939 Cedar Grove Parkway
18.04 km (11.3 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Parking Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Business centre Laundry

8. Stillwater (from USD 225)

Downtown Stillwater 3
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Elkman used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Stillwater is located on the west bank of St. Croix River and it has a colorful history dating back to the 1800s. It is also referred to as “the birthplace of Minnesota” since the formal process of establishing the state was done here. It’s hard not to miss the city’s appeal thanks to its dense suburban feel with most buildings reminding visitors of a bygone era. Tourists flock to the city, especially to the historic Main Avenue with its medley of shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment options. Settling here is a tempting proposition, thanks to numerous accolades the city has garnered over the years.

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Lora

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 402 South Main Street
36.66 km (22.8 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace

9. Mankato (from USD 74)

2009-0805-Mankato-NFrontStDist
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bobak Ha'Eri used under CC BY 3.0

Mankato, located in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties, is one of the largest cities in the state of Minnesota outside the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. Families love to reside here because of its urban-suburban feel with lots of accessible services nearby. A haven for outdoor warriors, the city features a variety of parks and trails, such as Minneopa State Park and Red Jacket Trail, that lead to breathtaking landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else. On top of it all, the city hosts national-level events that draw millions of visitors annually. Dining, shopping, and lodging options also abound within the city.

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Motel 6-Mankato, MN

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1731 Premier Dr
103.34 km (64.3 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium

Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Business centre Laundry Facilities for disabled guests Skiing Internet services

10. Saint Paul (from USD 114)

Saint Paul, Minnesota 10
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlexiusHoratius used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Twin Cities wouldn’t be without Saint Paul, the capital city of Minnesota. As of 2019, it has a population of above 300,000. The city has an urban-suburban feel with a thriving culture and economy. Likewise, it has many shops and dining spots that cater to all walks of life. There are also tons of attractions here, with most tourists visiting the popular Como Park Zoo and Observatory and Summit Avenue. The relatively stable economy coupled with excellent public services make it one of the best cities to settle in. Additionally, the city has more riverfronts of the Mississippi than any other city in America.

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Make Minnesota your prime destination

It’s not surprising that many of the cities in Minnesota have garnered awards — the state boasts a thriving economy and a vibrant landscape after all. From Minneapolis to Mankato, everyone can find a prime destination to like within the state. So, choose from one of the best places to live in Minnesota, USA, and start planning the wonderful years ahead.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Kenrick Buduan loves writing. He writes about various stuff, focusing mostly on analysis of society and technology. He contributes to various news platforms too. As a writer, he yearns to travel...Read more

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