If you’re planning a move to Minnesota with your family, this is usually the biggest question:
👉 “Where should we actually live?”
Not just what city sounds good.
Not just what shows up on Google.
👉 Where will your family actually feel comfortable day to day?
Because here’s what most people don’t realize:
👉 The right area in Minnesota can completely change your experience
You can love Minnesota in one neighborhood…
…and struggle in another.
So let’s walk through the best areas for families in a real, practical way so you can start narrowing down what fits you.
The Short Answer
For most families moving to Minnesota, the best areas tend to be:
- Lakeville
- Eagan
- Plymouth
- Maple Grove
- Eden Prairie
- Woodbury
But here’s the important part:
👉 There is no “best” city
👉 There is only the best fit for your lifestyle
What Families Usually Want (And Why It Matters)
Before we even talk about cities, you need to know what most families are prioritizing when they move here.
Most buyers I work with are looking for:
- Good schools
- Safe neighborhoods
- Space (bigger homes, yards)
- Reasonable commute
- A strong community feel
And in Minnesota…
👉 You can actually get all of that
But different cities balance those things differently.
1. Lakeville (One of the Most Popular for Families)
Lakeville is one of the top choices for families relocating to Minnesota.
Why families choose Lakeville
- Newer homes and developments
- Strong school districts (District 194)
- Quiet, suburban feel
- Good value for the price
What it feels like
Lakeville feels:
- Spacious
- Calm
- Very family-oriented
You’ll see:
- Parks everywhere
- Kids playing outside
- New construction neighborhoods
Real scenario
A family relocating from Colorado chose Lakeville because:
- They wanted newer construction
- Needed more space for kids
- Wanted a quieter environment
👉 They ended up getting more house for their budget than expected
2. Eagan (Balanced and Central)
Eagan is one of the most well-rounded areas in the Twin Cities.
Why it works
- Great location (close to both Minneapolis and St. Paul)
- Strong schools (District 196)
- Established neighborhoods
- Easy commute access
What it feels like
Eagan feels:
- Balanced
- Convenient
- Established
It’s a good mix of:
- Families
- Professionals
Real scenario
A buyer moving from Illinois chose Eagan because:
- They wanted shorter commute options
- Needed access to both cities
👉 It gave them flexibility they didn’t have before
3. Plymouth (Higher-End Family Living)
Plymouth is one of the more premium suburban areas.
Why families move here
- Top-rated schools (Wayzata District)
- Well-maintained neighborhoods
- Close to major employers
What it feels like
Plymouth feels:
- Polished
- Quiet
- Established
Homes tend to be:
- Larger
- More expensive
Real scenario
A family upgrading from a smaller home chose Plymouth for:
- School quality
- Long-term stability
👉 They saw it as a long-term investment in their kids
4. Maple Grove (Growth + Lifestyle)
Maple Grove has grown a lot over the past few years.
Why families like it
- Shopping and amenities
- Newer developments
- Good schools
- Active lifestyle
What it feels like
Maple Grove feels:
- Busy (in a good way)
- Growing
- Convenient
Real scenario
A relocating family chose Maple Grove because:
- They wanted walkable retail and restaurants
- Needed newer homes
👉 It felt more “active” than other suburbs
5. Eden Prairie (Established and Highly Rated)
Eden Prairie has been a top family destination for years.
Why it stands out
- Highly rated schools
- Established community
- Strong property values
What it feels like
Eden Prairie feels:
- Stable
- Well-developed
- Family-focused
Real scenario
A buyer moving from California chose Eden Prairie for:
- Schools
- Reputation
👉 It gave them confidence long-term
6. Woodbury (Great for East Side Buyers)
Woodbury is a strong option if you’re looking on the east side of the Twin Cities.
Why families choose it
- Newer homes
- Good schools
- Suburban feel
What it feels like
Woodbury feels:
- Clean
- Organized
- Growing
Real scenario
A family relocating for work in St. Paul chose Woodbury because:
- It kept commute manageable
- Offered newer housing options
How to Choose the Right Area (This Is the Key)
Instead of asking:
👉 “What’s the best city?”
Ask:
👉 “What fits my life best?”
Think about:
- Where you’ll work
- School priorities
- Budget
- Lifestyle (quiet vs active)
Simple breakdown
- Want newer homes → Lakeville, Maple Grove
- Want central location → Eagan
- Want top-tier schools → Plymouth, Eden Prairie
- Want east side → Woodbury
Common Mistakes Families Make
❌ Picking based on price only
❌ Ignoring commute
❌ Not understanding school districts
❌ Choosing based on photos instead of lifestyle
👉 These show up after you move
What I Tell Most Families
When buyers ask me this question, I usually say:
👉 “There are a lot of great options… we just need to find your version of it.”
Because once we match:
- Budget
- Lifestyle
- Priorities
👉 The right area becomes obvious
FAQ
What is the best area in Minnesota for families?
Lakeville, Eagan, Plymouth, and Maple Grove are among the most popular.
Where do most families move?
Suburbs with strong schools and newer homes.
Is Minnesota good for raising a family?
Yes, especially due to schools and community.
What should I prioritize?
Schools, commute, and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Minnesota has a lot of great areas.
But the goal isn’t to find the best one.
👉 It’s to find the right one for you
Next Step
If you’re trying to figure out which area fits your family:
👉 https://sell.dreamhomesminnesota.com/
Lesley The Realtor
Real Estate Agent in Minnesota
Helping families find the right place to call home