Minnesota, often called “The Gopher State,” is best known for its beautiful lakes and forests, being home to a handful of Fortune 500 companies, and housing the largest mall in the United States. Whether you’re trying to make a move to Minnesota or are just curious to learn more about this state, we’ve got you covered. Redfin compiled a list of the fastest-growing cities in Minnesota, which saw the largest population increase from 2017 to 2021. From Rochester to Edina, keep reading to find out what cities made the list.
#1: Lakeville, MN
Median sale price: $455,000
Lakeville, MN homes for sale
Lakeville, MN apartments for rent
The first city on our list is Lakeville, MN, which is the biggest city in Dakota County. Approximately 20 miles south of both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, Lakeville currently has a population of around 72,800, which is an increase of 14% from 2017.
There are many reasons why people are moving to Lakeville as there are beautiful parks such as Steve Michaud Park, Ritter Farm Park, and Antlers Park and a strong arts and entertainment scene with venues like Babe’s Music Barm, Lakeville Area Arts Center, and The Bonus Room. There are also many diverse restaurants that locals love, like Buckboard, Barley + Vine Kitchen & Bar, and Lakeville Brewing Company.
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#2: Woodbury, MN
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Median sale price: $477,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,306
Woodbury, MN homes for sale
Woodbury, MN apartments for rent
Woodbury, MN is known for its high-end shopping, scenic views of the St. Croix River, and proximity to Minneapolis and St. Paul. The city is the second fastest-growing city in Minnesota. Woodbury saw an 11% increase in population to its current population of nearly 77,000.
There are many great things to do in the city, such as spending the afternoon at Carver Lake Park or Ojibway Park, grabbing a bite to eat at Green Mill Restaurant & Bar or Carmine’s Restaurant and Bar, and watching a show at Merrill Arts Center. There is something for everyone living in Woodbury.
#3: Blaine, MN
Median sale price: $400,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,624
Blaine, MN homes for sale
Blaine, MN apartments for rent
Blaine, MN is home of the National Sports Center, which is the largest amateur sports facility in the United States. If you want to experience a taste of what the city has to offer, check out Bricks Kitchen & Pub, Hajime sushi restaurant, and Carol’s. Also, be sure to take a walk through one of the many parks like Aquatore Park, Lakeside Commons Park, and Lochness Park.
The population of Blaine, MN is around 70,950, a 10% increase.
#4: Apple Valley, MN
Median sale price: $365,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,737
Apple Valley, MN homes for sale
Apple Valley, MN apartments for rent
A suburb of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Apple Valley, MN is known for its many parks and trails, as well as its public golf course, Ridges at Sand Creek. Apple Valley makes number four on our list of the fastest-growing cities in Minnesota. It saw a 6% increase to its current population of around 55,650.
There are a lot of great activities to do while living in Apple Valley, from having a picnic in Kelley Park and Alimagnet Park to trying the local cuisine at Crooked Pint Ale House, El Azteca, and Taste of Thai Yai. If you love the arts and entertainment scene, make sure you check out Bogart’s Entertainment Center and the Weesner Family Amphitheater.
#5: Brooklyn Park, MN
Median sale price: $340,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,362
Brooklyn Park, MN homes for sale
Brooklyn Park, MN apartments for rent
Thinking of moving to Brooklyn Park? The city is located on the bank of the Mississippi River just outside the Twin Cities and is the fifth fastest-growing city in Minnesota. Brooklyn Park has seen a 5% increase in population since 2017 and has about 84,550 residents.
You may be wondering, what is there to do in Brooklyn Park? Try one of these local favorites: watching the sunrise at Central Park, Northwoods Park, and Brookdale Park, or trying a delicious meal at Cajun Deli Brooklyn Park, Sweet Taste of Italy, and Vietnam House Restaurant. Regardless of your interests, there’s something for you in Brooklyn Park.
#6: Rochester, MN
Median sale price: $312,750
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,514
Rochester, MN homes for sale
Rochester, MN apartments for rent
Coming in at sixth, Rochester, MN is known for its large medical community and its many hospitals and clinics, including the Mayo Clinic. It is also known for its large university, the University of Minnesota Rochester. The city saw a 5% increase since 2017 to its current population of nearly 121,500.
You’ll find a lot of unique activities in Rochester, such as grabbing a bite to eat at Terza, Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar, and Bleu Duck Kitchen, exploring a museum like the Rochester Art Center and History Center of Olmsted County, strolling through Cascade Lake Park, Kutzky Park, and Essex Park, or watching a show at Rochester Civic Theatre and Rochester Repertory Theatre.
#7: Bloomington, MN
Median sale price: $355,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,507
Bloomington, MN homes for sale
Bloomington, MN apartments for rent
Considering living in Bloomington? The home of the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States, Bloomington has a population of around 89,300, which is a 4% increase.
There are many activities you can do throughout the city, such as visiting museums like the Crayola Experience at the Mall of America, lounging at Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Moir Park, and Normandale Lake Par, or grabbing a bite to eat at Ciao Bella and Hazelwood Food and Drink.
#8: Burnsville, MN
Median sale price: $367,450
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:$1,700
Burnsville, MN homes for sale
Burnsville, MN apartments for rent
Burnsville, MN comes in at eighth and is best known for its small-town feel, many parks and trails, and close proximity to Minneapolis. It saw an increase of 4% to its current population of around 63,950.
If you want to know what activities you can do in Burnsville, look no further than parks such as Sunset Pond, Nicollet Commons Park, and Neill Park and venues like The Garage and Ames Center. Make sure to check out local favorite restaurants Porter Creek Hardwood Grill, Shotgun, and Mediterranean Cruise Cafe for a taste of what the city has to offer.
#9: Eagan, MN
Median sale price: $375,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,037
Eagan, MN homes for sale
Eagan, MN apartments for rent
Home to the largest outlet mall and municipal water park in the Upper Midwest, Eagan, MN is the ninth fastest-growing city in Minnesota. The city is home to nearly 68,650 residents, which is a 3.08% increase.
Curious about what it’s like living in Eagan? Well, there are many things that are sure to keep you busy. You can take a walk at Eagan Central Park and Lebanon Hills Regional Park. If you love food, be sure to swing by Lone Oak Grill, Doolittles Woodfire Grill, and Burgers And Bottles.
#10: Edina, MN
Median sale price: $562,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,722
Edina, MN homes for sale
Edina, MN apartments for rent
Ending the list at number ten is Edina, MN. Edina is well known for once being a farming and milling community. The city saw a 2.96% to its current population of about 53,350 residents.
There are many things to do while living in Edina. From parks like Centennial Lakes Park and Rosland Park to restaurants like Tavern 23, Pinstripes, and Edina Grill, you’ll never get tired of the city. You can even catch a show at Maetzold Amphitheater.
Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022.
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