Relocating to Minnesota? Find the Right Place to Call Home
Moving to Minnesota? Learn the communities, the prices, and the seasons before you choose where to live.
Moving to Minnesota starts with choosing the right community
Relocating is exciting, and it comes with a hundred questions. Which community fits your life? What will your budget buy? What are the winters really like? When you are moving from another state, those answers are hard to find from far away.
I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty. We know what it is like to pack up your life and start over somewhere new, and we help relocating buyers settle into Minnesota with confidence.
How do I buy a home in Minnesota from out of state? Work with a local agent who can compare communities for you, tour homes by video, and guide the inspection and closing while you are away. Many buyers complete most of the purchase before they arrive.
Plan My Move to Minnesota
Which Minnesota community fits your life?
Minnesota offers a wide range of places to live, and the right one depends on what matters most to you. Before we look at homes, we talk about:
- Your commute. Where you will work, and how long you are willing to drive, especially in winter.
- Your budget. The same price buys very different homes from one community to the next.
- Your lifestyle. Lakes and trails, a walkable downtown, a newer neighborhood, or room to spread out.
- Your home. New construction or an existing home, a single-family house or a townhome.
Then we narrow the list to a few communities that fit. You can start exploring Woodbury, Edina, Minnetonka, Lake Elmo, Maple Grove, and Lakeville, or see every community on our neighborhoods page.
What life in Minnesota is really like
People move to Minnesota for good reasons: four true seasons, thousands of lakes, strong communities, and a quality of life that surprises many newcomers. It is also fair to say the winters are real. Homes here are built for them, and most people find that the right coat and a good garage make all the difference.
We made a series of videos for people considering the move. You can watch them all further down this page.
Buying before you arrive
You do not need to be here for every step. Here is how we help buyers purchase from a distance:
- Video tours. We walk through each home for you, live or recorded, and show you the details photos leave out: the street, the yard, the basement, the noise.
- One focused visit. If you can make one trip, we plan it so you see your best options in a day or two.
- Inspections on your behalf. We attend the inspection and review the report with you.
- Remote signing. Many documents can be signed electronically, and closings can often be arranged from where you are.
The buying steps themselves are the same for everyone. Our buying a home in Minnesota page explains them, and our how we help buyers page shows our full plan.
Timing your move
A relocation has more moving parts than a local move: a job start date, a home to sell in another state, a lease that is ending, a school year. We build your purchase timeline around those dates.
If you need to sell a home before you buy, we plan for that with your lender early. If you want to rent first and buy later, we will help you learn the area so you are ready when the time comes.
Let's find your place in Minnesota
Tell us where you are moving from, when, and what matters most to you. We will send you a short list of communities to consider and a plan for your search. No pressure and no obligation.
Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770. What questions do you have?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a house in Minnesota without seeing it in person?
Yes. Many relocating buyers purchase using video tours, a local agent's walkthroughs, and a professional inspection. If you can, one in-person visit before closing is a good idea.
What credit score and down payment do I need to buy in Minnesota?
It depends on the loan program. Some programs accept lower credit scores and down payments than many people expect, and assistance may be available if you qualify. A lender can review your situation before you move.
How much money do I need to move to Minnesota and buy a home?
Plan for your down payment, closing costs, earnest money, a home inspection, and your moving expenses. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows your expected cash to close, and we help you compare the real monthly cost of different communities.
Should I rent first or buy right away when relocating?
Buying right away saves you a second move. Renting first gives you time to learn the area. The right choice depends on your timeline and how well you already know where you want to live.
How do I choose where to live in Minnesota?
Start with your commute, your budget, and the lifestyle you want. A local agent can narrow the options to a few communities that fit and show you what your budget buys in each one.
What is the best time of year to move to Minnesota?
Homes sell all year. Spring and summer offer the most choices and the easiest moving weather. Fall and winter often bring less competition from other buyers.
Relocation by neighborhood
Watch
Thinking About Moving to Minnesota? Start Here
Short videos on what life in Minnesota is like, what your budget buys, and where people are choosing to live.
5.0 Stars From 101 Google Reviews
In their own words, from clients across Minnesota.
★★★★★
“If you're looking for a realtor who never gets tired of driving anywhere and at anytime to show you housing options, then call Lesley. I had a lot of questions as it was my first time buying a home. She always took her time to explain everything. She responded even at midnight and was never angry even when I called her at odd hours. She was so patient and I am glad she helped me bought my first home. I will recommend her over and over.”
★★★★★
“Working with our realtor, Lesley, was a great experience from start to finish. She was very knowledgeable, helpful, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. She answered our questions and truly looked out for our best interests when negotiating and reviewing details. Buying a home can be stressful, but they made the process smooth and much easier for us. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
★★★★★
“Lesley is an amazing and experienced realtor. I have worked with different realtors in the past and I'll confidently say Lesley is top notch! You can count on her truly fighting and representing you through the whole process. She makes the process almost seem effortless due to her knowledge and expertise. Hire Lesley and you won't regret!”
Keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Lesley The Realtor?