Oakdale · First-Time Buyers
Your First Home in Oakdale
Learn how buying works before you shop, explained in plain words, so you know what you're signing.
Buying your first home in Oakdale
Many first-time buyers start their search in Oakdale because it has both single-family homes and townhomes close to three major roads. I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty, and we help you check what fits with real numbers.
Can a first-time buyer afford Oakdale? It depends on the type of home and its condition. Townhomes make up about a fifth of the city's housing, and single-family homes about half. Compare the full monthly payment, including any association dues and the property tax, before you decide.
Ask Me Your First Question
What first-time buyers should check in Oakdale
- The age of the big systems. Most Oakdale homes were built from the 1960s to the early 2000s. A roof or furnace near the end of its life is a real cost in your first years.
- Association dues on a townhome. If the home has an association, read what the dues cover and what the rules allow.
- Property taxes. Washington County's property tax lookup shows the current tax for any address.
- Trash service. Oakdale has an open system, so you choose and contract with a city-licensed hauler.
What it costs, and the help available
Plan for four costs: earnest money with your offer, the inspection, your down payment, and closing costs. Down payments are often far less than 20 percent, and assistance may be available if you qualify. If your credit needs work, a lender can give you a plan. Our first-time buyer page explains each cost, and getting ready covers pre-approval. Comparing with a neighboring city? See Lake Elmo.
Ask us your first question about Oakdale
You do not have to be ready to buy. Bring your questions, and you will leave with a plan. More on the city's parks and commute is on our Oakdale page, and the steps are on how we help buyers.
Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a townhome a sensible first home in Oakdale?
It can be. Townhomes are about a fifth of Oakdale's housing. Check the association's dues, what they cover, and its rules before you buy.
How much do I need for a down payment in Oakdale?
Often less than 20 percent. Some loans allow as little as 3 percent down, and assistance may be available if you qualify.
Should I get an inspection on an older Oakdale home?
Yes. Most homes here are resales built over several decades, and an inspection shows the condition of the roof, furnace, and other systems before you commit.
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Homes For Sale In Oakdale
See every home on the market in Oakdale right now, updated from the MLS.
Oakdale
What first-time buyers looks like in Oakdale
Oakdale is a Washington County suburb on the Interstate 694, Interstate 94, and Highway 36 corridors, with 29 city parks and a METRO Gold Line park-and-ride.
Oakdale is close to Woodbury and Lake Elmo, two communities we work in often, and most of its homes were built from the 1960s to the early 2000s.
- The homes
- Single-family homes make up about half of Oakdale's housing, mostly built between 1960 and 2000, and townhomes about a fifth, mostly built between 1980 and 2000.
- Schools people ask about
- North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale (District 622) serves Oakdale. Confirm the district and schools for any address.
- Getting around
- Interstate 694, Interstate 94, and Highway 36 run through the area, and the METRO Gold Line has a park-and-ride lot in Oakdale.
- Nearby
- 29 city parks, including the Oakdale Nature Preserve and its Discovery Center, plus a boat launch and beach at Tanners Park.
- The trade-off
- Most of Oakdale was built out from the 1980s to the early 2000s, and new home construction has been limited since, so most choices are resale homes.
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Lesley The Realtor?