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)
Great value for the money, but parking fees are expensive and not included in the room rate.
Convenient location with easy access to downtown attractions, but limited on-site dining options.
Excellent downtown location near conference venues and entertainment, but parking can be a hassle and expensive.
Limited dining options on-site, but close to a variety of restaurants and eateries in the area.
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.
Millennium Minneapolis
Address: 1313 Nicollet Mall
1.59 km (1.0 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
2. Maple Grove (from USD 112)
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.
Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Maple Grove
Address: 9655 Grove Circle North
24.95 km (15.5 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
3. Eden Prairie (from USD 94)
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.
TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Eden Prairie
Address: 11588 Leona Road
18.17 km (11.3 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
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4. Rochester (from USD 136)
Great value for the money, with clean, spacious rooms and convenient underground parking.
Fantastic amenities including a pool, shuttle service, and a well-equipped gym.
Convenient location near the Mayo Clinic and close to restaurants, with a beautiful walking path along the river.
Delicious and well-stocked breakfast, with a variety of options to choose from.
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.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area
Address: 831 16th Street SW
124.72 km (77.5 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
5. Duluth (from USD 139)
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.
South Pier Inn
Address: 701 South Lake Avenue
219.97 km (136.7 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
6. Alexandria (from USD 129)
Pricing is high for the accommodations, but the hotel is clean and modern
New and modern facilities, clean and quiet, with a nice pool and friendly staff
Convenient location off the interstate, with dining options within walking distance
Breakfast options are good and varied, with a clean eating area
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.
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Alexandria
Address: 4929 Sanibel Drive
192.19 km (119.5 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
7. Eagan (from USD 96)
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.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Eagan Minneapolis
Address: 3939 Cedar Grove Parkway
18.04 km (11.3 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
8. Stillwater (from USD 225)
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.
Lora
Address: 402 South Main Street
36.66 km (22.8 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
9. Mankato (from USD 74)
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.
Motel 6-Mankato, MN
Address: 1731 Premier Dr
103.34 km (64.3 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
10. Saint Paul (from USD 114)
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.
Hotel 340
Address: 340 Cedar Street
13.35 km (8.3 mi) from U.S. Bank Stadium
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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