Why Move to Minnesota? Best Cities in the West Metro to Live In from a local expert of over 40 yrs
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Minnesota’s strong economy, quality of life, and natural beauty.
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Top Western suburbs of the Twin Cities: include Plymouth, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Orono, Edina, Maple Grove, plus regional gems like Rochester or Duluth.
Why so many people Move to Minnesota
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Steady job market & major employers (Target, Mayo Clinic, 3M, UnitedHealth) The western suburbs also include Cargill, General Mills, Boston Scientific Target back to school sales
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Top‑ranked education system & excellent schools, especially in suburbs like Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata (grads > 90%) and Orono all highly ranked on https://www.greatschools.org/
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Outdoor lifestyle & four distinct seasons, We don't stop enjoying life all year around, bike‑friendly cities, lakes, trails, winter sports and many great festivals The Sun
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Rich culture & arts scene: theaters, museums in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, plus the new St. Thomas hockey arena https://tommiesports.com/sports/mhockey
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Affordable living, especially outside Minneapolis core; Pop & growth trends with new construction options as you move west into Wayzata schools in Medina, Corcoran
Top Western Suburbs & Nearby Cities to Live In
| City | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Maple Grove | Fast‑growing still new construction options, BIG shopping Costco, family‑friendly suburb with great shops, parks, retail, top schools |
| Plymouth | Excellent schools depending on where you live you could be in Wayzata, Osseo or Robbinsdale district, trails, lakes like Medicine Lake, named “Best Place to Live” by Money Magazine. Plymouth is large with Vicksburg being the central area |
| Minnetonka / Wayzata | Lakeside luxury, Wayzata has top-rated schools (located in Plymouth), high median income, close to job centers like Cargill headquarters. Living in the actual city of Wayzata is very limited as the lake takes up much of the area and then the major highways of 394 and 494 nearby plus the train. |
| Edina & St. Louis Park | Walkable to dining/shopping, affluent, strong culture & services; Edina has many options, older homes but some now are being torn down and rebuilt and St. Louis Park has a variety of home values |
| Eden Prairie | Spread out and different areas, High median income (~$120k), vast parkland, slightly lower transit walk score but ideal for families |
| Rochester & Duluth | Rochester is major healthcare hub with Mayo Clinic and a growing tech startup scene; Duluth offers Lake Superior scenic beauty, affordable housing and climate resilience |
What to Know Before You Move
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Cost of living & housing: Twin‑Cities suburbs modestly above national average; rural towns more affordable, Minneapolis/St Paul highest prices, there are many options from 200K-+ in all of these locations, just use the right realtor
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Weather: Prepare for winters below -20 °F and heavy snow; summer lake life, fall foliage, spring storms, some people decide to stay indoors during the really cold days others embrace it and dress for the weather (down jackets, wool socks)
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Transportation: Suburbs rely on cars; within metro area use light rail and buses; Minneapolis has top-tier bike path network (~80 miles) Suburbs aren't very walkable but again work with the right realtor and you'll know what neighborhoods do offer walkability
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Healthcare & schools: Mayo Clinic (Rochester) world‑renowned; public schools strong statewide; suburban districts excel, there are medical options in all areas
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Community & culture: Residents enjoy Minnesota Nice, community events and outdoor festivals year‑round, some of the best ones are in the winter!
Reach out anytime, I grew up in the south suburbs over the river in Apple Valley, then moved to Champlin after college for General Mills and now out west for over 25 yrs raising kids in the Wayzata school district. Vicki Peters 763-443-9084
I can anser:
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moving to Minnesota families-where to start
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