Minnesota is known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and vibrant cities. If you're looking for a safe place to call home, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of options in the state. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top 8 safest places to live in Minnesota, along with the cost of living in each city and some of the unique qualities that make them great places to live.
Top 8 Safest Places to Live in Minnesota
- Plymouth
- Eden Prairie
- Woodbury
- Eagan
- Lakeville
- Chaska
- Shoreview
- Maple Grove
Plymouth
Plymouth, a city located in Minnesota, is known for its safety and outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are some key statistics about Plymouth:
- The population of Plymouth is just over 77,361 people, making it the seventh-largest city in the state.
- The crime rate in Plymouth is 66% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in Minnesota.
- Plymouth offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including parks, lakes, and trails. Medicine Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the area, offering boating, fishing, and hiking.
- The city is also home to several shopping centers, including the Plymouth Town Center and the Fountains at Arbor Lakes.
- The median home price in Plymouth is around $370,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.
- Rental prices are also higher than average, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Plymouth at around $1,400.
Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie, a thriving city located southwest of Minneapolis, is known for its safety and commitment to sustainability. Here are some key statistics about Eden Prairie:
- The population of Eden Prairie is over 60,876 people, making it one of the largest suburbs in the area.
- The crime rate in Eden Prairie is 68% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities to live in.
- Eden Prairie has implemented several green initiatives, including a comprehensive recycling program and a bike-sharing program.
- Residents can enjoy over 4,500 acres of parks and open spaces, including the popular Purgatory Creek Park.
- The median home price in Eden Prairie is around $460,000, which is higher than the national average.
- Rental prices are also higher than average, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Eden Prairie at around $1,500.
Woodbury
Woodbury, a rapidly growing suburb located just east of St. Paul, offers a safe and convenient living experience for its residents. Here are some important statistics about Woodbury:
- The population of Woodbury is over 80,103 people.
- The crime rate in Woodbury is 65% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in the state.
- There are several colleges near Woodbury, including Globe University, Rasmussen College, and Inver Hills Community College.
- Students can take advantage of resources such as the Globe University library and computer lab, as well as the fitness center and student lounge at Inver Hills Community College.
- The median home price in Woodbury is around $420,000, which is higher than the national average.
- The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Woodbury is around $1,400.
Eagan
Eagan, located south of St. Paul, has a population of over 68,394 people and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent schools. Here are some key statistics about Eagan:
- The crime rate in Eagan is 61% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in the state.
- Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a popular destination in the area, featuring over 2,000 acres of rolling hills, forests, and lakes.
- There are several colleges near Eagan, including the University of St. Thomas, Augsburg University, and Inver Hills Community College.
- The median home price in Eagan is around $350,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.
- The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Eagan is around $1,400.
Lakeville
Lakeville, a growing suburb located just south of Minneapolis, has a population of over 78,387 people. Here are some key statistics about Lakeville:
- The crime rate in Lakeville is 56% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in the state.
- Lake Marion is a popular destination in the area, offering recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
- Lakeville is known for its excellent schools and family-friendly atmosphere.
- The median home price in Lakeville is around $390,000, which is higher than the national average.
- The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lakeville is around $1,500.
Chaska
Chaska, a small city located southwest of Minneapolis, offers a safe and attractive living environment for residents. Here are some key statistics about Chaska:
- The population of Chaska is just over 28,362 people.
- Chaska is one of the safest cities in the state, with a crime rate that's 57% lower than the national average.
- There are several excellent schools in Chaska, offering top-notch education for students.
- The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is one of the most popular destinations in the area, featuring over 1,200 acres of gardens, woods, and prairies.
- The median home price in Chaska is around $360,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.
- The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chaska is around $1,400.
Shoreview
Shoreview is a small city located just north of St. Paul, with a population of just over 26,158 people. It's known for its excellent schools and beautiful parks, covering over 1,400 acres of parks and open spaces. Here are some key statistics about Shoreview:
- The crime rate in Shoreview is 71% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in the state.
- The city is home to several shopping centers, including the Shoreview Shopping Center and the Village at Shoreview.
- There are no colleges located directly in Shoreview, but several colleges are nearby, including Bethel University and Metropolitan State University.
- The median home price in Shoreview is around $360,000, slightly higher than the national average.
- The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Shoreview is around $1,300, also higher than the national average.
Maple Grove
Maple Grove is a rapidly growing suburb located northwest of Minneapolis, with a population of over 71,144 people. It's a family-friendly city known for its excellent schools and safe environment, with a crime rate that's 68% lower than the national average. Here are some key statistics about Maple Grove:
- The Elm Creek Park Reserve is a popular destination in the area, covering over 4,900 acres of woods, prairies, and lakes.
- The city has no shortage of excellent schools, making it a popular destination for families.
- The median home price in Maple Grove is around $390,000, which is higher than the national average.
- The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Maple Grove is around $1,400, also higher than the national average.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minnesota offers plenty of safe and welcoming communities for residents. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation opportunities, excellent schools, or a vibrant downtown area, there's something for everyone in these top 8 safest places to live in Minnesota. While the cost of living may be higher than average in some cities, the benefits of living in a safe and friendly community make it well worth the investment.