Moving to Minneapolis: The Ultimate Relocation Guide to Minnesota’s West Metro (Wayzata, Minnetonka, Edina, Orono, Medina, Plymouth)

Each spring, thousands of families begin searching online for phrases like “moving to Minnesota,” “relocating to Minneapolis,” and “best suburbs near Minneapolis.”

For many, the decision comes down to one thing: where should we live?

The Minneapolis–St. Paul region offers incredible neighborhoods, strong job markets, and a lifestyle centered around lakes, outdoor living, and top-ranked schools. But within the Twin Cities, the West Metro consistently stands out as the most desirable place to live.

Communities like Wayzata, Minnetonka, Orono, Medina, Plymouth, and Edina combine luxury homes, top school districts, and access to Lake Minnetonka with quick commutes to downtown Minneapolis.

As a longtime West Metro resident and top Minnesota Realtor, I help families relocating from across the country find the right community, home, and school district to fit their lifestyle. I raised my kids in the Wayzata school district and live on Lake Minnetonka.

Why So Many People Are Moving to Minnesota

Minnesota consistently ranks among the best states to live in the U.S. thanks to its strong economy, excellent healthcare, and high quality of life.

According to rankings from sources like

CNBC
WalletHub

Minnesota regularly appears in the top states for quality of life, education, and economic opportunity.

The Twin Cities in particular offer:

Fortune 500 employers
award-winning healthcare systems
thriving arts and restaurant scenes
outdoor recreation year round
safe suburban communities

For many relocating families, the balance between city access and suburban lifestyle is the biggest draw.

Wayzata

Wayzata sits on the shores of Lake Minnetonka and is one of the most sought-after communities in Minnesota.

Highlights include:

walkable downtown on Lake Minnetonka
top-ranked schools in the Wayzata district- Plymouth is one of the largest cities within the Wayzata district
luxury homes and lakefront properties
quick access to downtown Minneapolis

Wayzata consistently ranks among the best places to live in Minnesota.

Minnetonka

Minnetonka blends nature, strong schools, and convenient commuting.

Many relocating families choose Minnetonka because it offers:

excellent Minnetonka School District
beautiful wooded neighborhoods
proximity to Lake Minnetonka
easy highway access

It’s one of the most balanced suburbs for families relocating to Minnesota.

Edina

Edina is known for its historic neighborhoods and strong community culture.

Popular with relocating professionals, Edina offers:

top-ranked Edina Public Schools
luxury shopping at the Galleria
easy access to Minneapolis
beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods

Orono

Orono offers a quieter, lake-focused lifestyle.

Families often choose Orono for:

small community feel
Lake Minnetonka living
strong Orono school district
larger homes and private lots

Why the West Metro Is the Top Choice

The West Metro suburbs offer a unique combination of lifestyle factors that relocating families prioritize:

✔ Top-ranked school districts
✔ Lake Minnetonka lifestyle
✔ Strong property values
✔ Safe communities
✔ Access to nature and parks
✔ 20–30 minute commute to Minneapolis

This balance makes the West Metro one of the most desirable relocation destinations in the Midwest.

What Relocating Families Often Ask

When is the best time to move to Minnesota?

Spring and early summer are the most popular seasons for relocation because inventory increases and families want to move before the next school year.

What suburbs are closest to Minneapolis?

Edina and Plymouth offer some of the shortest commutes while still providing suburban living.

Where are the best schools near Minneapolis?

Districts frequently ranked among the best include:

Wayzata
Minnetonka
Edina
Orono

You can view district rankings from resources like
Niche.

Why Work With Vicki Peters When Relocating

Relocating to a new state can feel overwhelming. The key is working with someone who understands the local communities, school districts, and neighborhoods firsthand.

As a top West Metro Realtor, I specialize in helping relocation buyers: I've helped over 300 relocating C-Suite, Excecutives, Professional athletes to the area.

identify the right suburb
navigate school district boundaries
find off-market homes
understand local market trends
transition smoothly into Minnesota living

With deep experience across Wayzata, Minnetonka, Orono, Medina, Plymouth, and Edina, I help families find not just a home—but the right community.