Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one of the famous Twin Cities, with the other being the neighboring St. Paul. The friendliness of Minneapolis’ residents adds extra warmth to the cold winters here. And beyond the usual winter activities of sledding and skiing, Minneapolis is also a hot spot for boating, arts and theater, and sports. If you want to live near this vibrant city without committing to the big city life, why not move to one of its suburbs? We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best suburbs surrounding Minneapolis.
10. Stillwater
- Population: 19,404
- Median Home Value: $271,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 151
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 18
Stillwater is located along the St. Croix River, just minutes from the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Riverside suburbs mean plenty of water-based activities, from fishing to boat rentals. If you’re not in the mood to get your feet wet, you can explore the downtown shopping scene and historical buildings.
Find your new home in Stillwater today!
9. Inver Grove Heights
- Population: 35,481
- Median Home Value: $239,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 22.6 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 560
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 90
Inver Grove Heights is a sizable suburb along the Mississippi River. The area around the river’s shore is full of parks, boutiques and restaurants, not to mention plenty of hiking trails. Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area is known for its beautiful trails in particular. With the Fleming Field – South St. Paul Airport just outside of Inver Grove Heights’ border, local travel is a breeze.
8. Mendota Heights
- Population: 11,340
- Median Home Value: $373,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 22.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 207
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 16
Located about 12 miles southeast of Minneapolis is the small suburb of Mendota Heights. Although smaller in population compared to other suburbs on our list, Mendota Heights is certainly not lacking in beautiful Minnesotan scenery. Whether you’re spending your days at the Mississippi River, hiking through the numerous parks, or visiting the Mendakota Country Club, there’s always something new to see and do.
Your new home is waiting for you!
7. Hopkins
- Population: 18,605
- Median Home Value: $223,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 334
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 32
Hopkins is approximately 20 minutes west of Minneapolis, and traveling to the big city is a breeze; just hop on U.S. Highway 169 and then I-394, and you’re there! The majority of the land is already developed, so if you’re looking for a suburb that won’t suddenly grow exponentially, Hopkins may be a good fit for you. Take a stroll through Central Park or grab a drink at LTD Brewing Company to experience the flavor of this town. Ready to move?
Explore the homes available in Hopkins!
6. Shoreview
- Population: 27,210
- Median Home Value: $265,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 100
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11
About 12 miles northeast of Minneapolis is Shoreview. As its name implies, this suburb is full of shores from the 11 surrounding lakes and including three public beaches. With multiple nature reserves and parks, Shoreview truly is a city of beauty. Every July, residents celebrate their community at the Slice of Shoreview Days, which features local businesses, a carnival, a parade and more.
Find your dream home in Shoreview!
5. Plymouth
- Population: 79,450
- Median Home Value: $340,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.9 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 904
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 44
Located west of Minneapolis, Plymouth is one of the 10 largest cities in the state. Winter sports enthusiasts will love French Regional Park, where in the winter you can sled, cross-country ski and snowshoe to your heart’s content! If you prefer indoor activities, visit the interactive Wayzata Depot and Railroad Museum.
Take a look at the communities and homes available in Plymouth!
4. Eden Prairie
- Population: 64,334
- Median Home Value: $351,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.4 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 873
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 39
About 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis resides Eden Prairie. This large suburb offers a variety of recreational activities, ranging from the shopping district of Eden Prairie Center to the hiking trails of Anderson Lakes Park Reserve. Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion is another town favorite; this park is known not just for its trails, but also for the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial, which was dedicated on Veterans Day in 2008.
Browse the selection of homes available in Eden Prairie!
3. Chanhassen
- Population: 25,666
- Median Home Value: $378,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 224
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 19
Chanhassen is a quiet community with open spaces and beautiful sights. Days can be spent golfing Bluff Creek Golf Course, eating at local favorite restaurants like Axels or watching the National Weather Service’s twice-daily release of 500 weather balloons. Additionally, Chanhassen may be best known for being the home of the late music artist Prince; find a mural of him at another local favorite spot, the Chanhassen Cinema.
Take a look at the homes available today!
2. Minnetonka
- Population: 53,953
- Median Home Value: $330,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 22.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 810
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 28
Minnetonka is located just south of Plymouth and offers a blend of outdoor and indoor activities, such as catching a baseball game at Bennett Family Park or visiting the old-fashioned General Store. Those with refined taste buds will love Spasso, a winery that includes an Italian restaurant. Finish your day at the historical Minnetonka Mills, where you can walk among history and grab dessert.
Your new home in Minnetonka is waiting for you!
1. Edina
- Population: 52,490
- Median Home Value: $459,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 20.9 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 803
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 23
Coming in at No. 1 on our best suburbs list is Edina. Located 11 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Edina has the shortest mean travel time to work at just under 21 minutes. There’s a wealth of activities to partake in as well, including a local farmer’s market, multiple parks and brewing companies. Centennial Lakes Park is a resident favorite year-round.
Look for your new house in Edina today!
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brighton | 22,899 | $242,900 | 22.2 minutes | A | 564 | 25 |
| Chaska | 26,765 | $257,900 | 25.4 minutes | A | 227 | 21 |
| Hastings | 22,713 | $199,600 | 23.9 minutes | A | 412 | 42 |
| Woodbury | 71,306 | $308,700 | 25.2 minutes | A | 941 | 50 |
| Savage | 31,694 | $291,800 | 25.1 minutes | A | 433 | 36 |
| Lakeville | 65,877 | $292,800 | 26.3 minutes | A | 532 | 39 |
| Waconia | 12,369 | $288,600 | 26.9 minutes | A | 59 | 3 |
| Eagan | 66,527 | $276,000 | 24.5 minutes | A | 1,289 | 59 |
| Rosemount | 24,607 | $266,600 | 26.5 minutes | A | 187 | 16 |
| Apple Valley | 54,121 | $243,100 | 25.1 minutes | A | 956 | 63 |
| Mounds View | 13,188 | $188,100 | 22.7 minutes | A | 449 | 23 |
| West St. Paul | 19,678 | $192,700 | 21.9 minutes | A | 960 | 74 |
| Prior Lake | 26,840 | $303,300 | 26.3 minutes | A | 574 | 40 |
| River Falls, WI | 15,951 | $185,100 | 19.9 minutes | A- | 259 | 16 |
| Little Canada | 10,523 | $216,300 | 22.5 minutes | A- | 79 | 10 |
| Golden Valley | 21,755 | $288,700 | 22.5 minutes | A- | 410 | 22 |
| Vadnais Heights | 13,596 | $236,200 | 25.1 minutes | A- | 59 | 9 |
| St. Louis Park | 49,039 | $255,200 | 22.1 minutes | A- | 1,227 | 70 |
| Shakopee | 41,362 | $252,900 | 23.1 minutes | A- | 810 | 75 |
| Cottage Grove | 37,206 | $237,100 | 25.3 minutes | A- | 546 | 25 |
| Lino Lakes | 21,733 | $280,300 | 27 minutes | A- | 181 | 12 |
| Maple Grove | 71,807 | $280,700 | 26 minutes | A- | 1,117 | 44 |
| Hudson, WI | 13,925 | $240,300 | 24 minutes | A- | 283 | 19 |
| Champlin | 25,346 | $227,100 | 27.2 minutes | A- | 234 | 26 |
| Burnsville | 61,203 | $237,100 | 24.3 minutes | A- | 1,613 | 114 |
| Monticello | 13,747 | $189,100 | 26.5 minutes | A- | 220 | 15 |
| Roseville | 36,433 | $239,700 | 21.9 minutes | A- | 1,829 | 86 |
| Rogers | 13,154 | $314,900 | 28 minutes | A- | 238 | 10 |
| Ostego | 17,357 | $227,000 | 29.5 minutes | A- | 232 | 19 |
| Buffalo | 16,315 | $196,600 | 28.6 minutes | A- | 317 | 17 |
| Bloomington | 85,578 | $240,100 | 21.9 minutes | B+ | 2,592 | 165 |
| Oakdale | 26,022 | $216,200 | 23.8 minutes | B+ | 663 | 37 |
| Anoka | 17,543 | $189,600 | 24.3 minutes | B+ | 393 | 27 |
| White Bear Lake | 25,932 | $215,800 | 24.4 minutes | B+ | 704 | 37 |
| Andover | 33,072 | $272,000 | 29.8 minutes | B+ | N/A | N/A |
| Blaine | 65,212 | $219,600 | 25.7 minutes | B+ | 1,705 | 64 |
| Hugo | 15,008 | $250,000 | 29 minutes | B+ | 102 | 9 |
| Ham Lake | 16,646 | $291,400 | 30.4 minutes | B+ | 170 | 9 |
| Maplewood | 41,004 | $211,700 | 25.2 minutes | B+ | 1,859 | 90 |
| Ramsey | 26,926 | $236,600 | 30.9 minutes | B+ | 349 | 27 |
| Elk River | 24,845 | $233,000 | 31.4 minutes | B+ | 429 | 29 |
| North St. Paul | 12,477 | $192,500 | 25.2 minutes | B | 220 | 15 |
| Forest Lake | 20,220 | $260,100 | 27.8 minutes | B | 141 | 11 |
| Coon Rapids | 62,527 | $190,000 | 26.4 minutes | B | 1,322 | 83 |
| Farmington | 23,081 | $242,100 | 28.9 minutes | B | 174 | 13 |
| Brooklyn Park | 80,610 | $208,800 | 26.2 minutes | B | 2,465 | 302 |
| South St. Paul | 20,145 | $177,700 | 19.9 minutes | B- | 505 | 46 |
| New Hope | 21,057 | $213,900 | 22.6 minutes | B- | 396 | 14 |
| Robbinsdale | 14,488 | $185,300 | 23.5 minutes | B- | 232 | 49 |
| Crystal | 23,065 | $180,400 | 22.9 minutes | B- | 487 | 34 |
En Avant (“Forward”)
Minneapolis’ motto encourages forward momentum, and that goes to both its residents and the city. With a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban development, Minneapolis has something to appeal to everyone. Whether you’re looking to relocate to the city itself or to one of the suburbs listed here (or even considering retirement in the area), there’s a perfect home just waiting for you! Buying your first home in Minnesota? Check out the first-time homebuyer programs available to you!
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Minnesota Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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