If you’re in the market for a home in Minneapolis this year, it might be wise to broaden your search to the nearby cities. These neighboring communities offer a compelling mix of affordability and convenience, providing a diverse range of options for both renters and buyers alike. Living just a short distance from Minneapolis allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds—proximity to the city’s amenities while benefiting from the unique features and charm of surrounding areas.

Additionally, Minneapolis has seen an influx of renters drawn by its more affordable housing options compared to larger metropolitan areas. This trend has made the city an attractive destination for those looking to balance cost with quality of life. This article dives into the rent and housing costs, commute times, and lifestyle factors to help you find a place that suits your budget and preferences.

1. St. Paul

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 15 minutes
• Median home sale price: $300,000
• Average rent: $1,047
• Highlights: Historical landmarks, cultural diversity, educational institutions

St. Paul, Minnesota’s capital city, is steeped in history and brimming with cultural diversity. It’s home to the iconic Minnesota State Capitol and the stunning Cathedral of Saint Paul, both of which draw visitors from near and far. The city’s educational landscape is enriched by institutions like the University of St. Thomas and Hamline University, fostering a vibrant intellectual community. With a diverse economy supported by government, education, and healthcare sectors, St. Paul offers a balanced lifestyle. Residents enjoy a continental climate, experiencing cold winters perfect for ice skating and warm summers ideal for boating and other outdoor activities. The city’s dedication to sustainability and community-driven initiatives makes it an inviting place to call home.

2. Bloomington

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 20 minutes
• Median home sale price: $370,000
• Average rent: $1,804
• Highlights: Shopping, outdoor activities, friendly environment

Bloomington is a dynamic city just south of Minneapolis, famed for hosting the Mall of America, a retail and entertainment hub that attracts visitors globally. Besides shopping, Bloomington offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer, thanks to its varied seasonal climate. Major employers in the retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors bolster the city’s economy. Bloomington is also a city that values green spaces, with numerous parks that encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.

3. Edina

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 15 minutes
• Median home sale price: $650,000
• Average rent: $1,237
• Highlights: Upscale living, excellent schools, golf courses

Edina is synonymous with luxury and sophistication, offering an upscale suburban lifestyle with top-tier schools and abundant amenities. The city is home to premier shopping destinations like the Galleria and Southdale Center, which cater to discerning shoppers. Edina’s parks and golf courses make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities for recreation throughout the year. The city’s strong economy, driven by sectors like retail, healthcare, and professional services, coupled with its commitment to maintaining a high quality of life, makes it a sought-after place to live.

4. Maple Grove

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 25 minutes
• Median home sale price: $418,000
• Average rent: $1,715
• Highlights: Shopping, parks, active lifestyle

Maple Grove, located northwest of Minneapolis, is a vibrant suburb known for its extensive shopping and recreational facilities. The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes is a major draw, offering a diverse array of retail and dining options. The city is also rich in green spaces, with numerous parks and trails, including the expansive Elm Creek Park Reserve, which supports an active, outdoor lifestyle. Maple Grove’s climate, with its cold winters and mild summers, provides a perfect backdrop for seasonal activities like snowshoeing and biking. The city’s focus on sustainability and environmental preservation makes it an appealing choice for eco-conscious residents.

5. Plymouth

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 20 minutes
• Median home sale price: $490,000
• Average rent: $912
• Highlights: Parks, lakes, community events

Plymouth, located to the west of Minneapolis, is celebrated for its picturesque parks and serene lakes. The city offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, including the popular French Regional Park and Medicine Lake, ideal for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Plymouth’s community spirit is showcased in the numerous events held throughout the year, fostering a close-knit atmosphere among residents. The city’s long fall season and cooler weather make it a perfect place to enjoy autumnal activities. Plymouth is also known for its strong local economy, driven by key sectors such as retail, healthcare, and professional services.

6. Eden Prairie

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 25 minutes
• Median home sale price: $515,000
• Average rent: $1,935
• Highlights: Business parks, outdoor activities, shopping

Eden Prairie is a thriving suburb southwest of Minneapolis, renowned for its business parks and outdoor recreation. The city is home to several major companies, including C.H. Robinson and Optum, making it a significant employment hub. Eden Prairie also offers a wealth of parks and trails, including the scenic Purgatory Creek Park and Staring Lake Park, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. The local economy is robust, supported by sectors like technology, healthcare, and retail, making Eden Prairie an attractive option for both work and play.

7. Minnetonka

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 20 minutes
• Median home sale price: $543,000
• Average rent: $1,654
• Highlights: Lakes, parks, business opportunities

Minnetonka, a scenic suburb west of Minneapolis, is known for its stunning lakes and parks. The city offers an abundance of recreational activities, from boating on Lake Minnetonka to hiking in Minnetonka Regional Park. Minnetonka is also a key business hub, with major employers like UnitedHealth Group and Cargill headquartered here, contributing to a diverse and thriving economy. The city’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability, coupled with its cold winters and warm summers, makes it a desirable place to live.

8. Eagan

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 25 minutes
• Median home sale price: $390,000
• Average rent: $1,382
• Highlights: Parks, business opportunities, community-based environment

Eagan, situated to the south of Minneapolis, is a bustling suburb known for its extensive parks and strong business environment. The city’s Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a favorite among residents for hiking, biking, and fishing. Eagan is also home to several major companies, including Thomson Reuters and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, making it a significant employment center. The local economy thrives on key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and retail. Eagan’s commitment to sustainability and community initiatives, coupled with its seasonal climate, makes it a well-rounded and attractive place to live.

9. Burnsville

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 25 minutes
• Median home sale price: $370,000
• Average rent: $1,468
• Highlights: Shopping, parks, close-knit community

Burnsville, located south of Minneapolis, is a vibrant suburb known for its shopping and recreational offerings. The Burnsville Center is a popular shopping destination, providing a wide variety of retail options. The city’s parks and trails, including Buck Hill, offer seasonal activities like skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. Burnsville’s economy is diverse, with strong retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, and its close-knit community makes it an inviting place to settle down.

10. Woodbury

• Average commute to Minneapolis: 30 minutes
• Median home sale price: $474,000
• Average rent: $1,599
• Highlights: Shopping, parks, growing town

Woodbury, a thriving suburb east of Minneapolis, is recognized for its expansive shopping and recreational opportunities. The Woodbury Lakes shopping center is a focal point for retail therapy, while Carver Lake Park offers outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Woodbury’s economy is robust, with key sectors like retail, healthcare, and technology driving growth. The city’s climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, supports a wide range of seasonal activities, making Woodbury an increasingly popular choice for new residents.