Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

If you’re looking for the top places for families in Minnesota, you’re in the right spot. Minnesota is known for its family-friendly attractions. It offers scenic parks, interactive museums, and outdoor adventures. With guidance from Verified Movers, finding these spots is a breeze. Our list highlights areas that promise fun and learning. Each recommendation caters to both kids and adults. This ensures a memorable experience for all. Let’s discover where your next family outing in Minnesota could be.

Minneapolis Steals the Spotlight for Family Fun in Minnesota

Minneapolis is a solid choice for families, striking a balance between urban parks and suburban peace. The city’s parks and lakes provide a green escape, perfect for weekend adventures or just unwinding. On top of that, its education scene shines with schools like Lake Harriet Lower Elementary, offering high proficiency in math and reading. Sunset Hill Elementary and Sunrise Elementary also stand out for their academic excellence, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students. These schools, alongside Cornelia and Countryside Elementary, highlight the city’s commitment to quality education, and meeting student needs through a variety of programs. For families, this emphasis on education adds another layer to Minneapolis’ appeal, blending urban amenities with a strong educational foundation.​

panoramic shot of Minneapolis one of the top places for families in Minnesota
With its blend of urban amenities and suburban tranquility Minneapolis stands as a prime choice for families in Minnesota.

For those wondering about costs, living here won’t break the bank. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,680 monthly. When buying a house expect to pay around $323,100 on average. These numbers paint a picture of a city that’s accessible, even if it’s slightly pricier than some U.S. locations.

When it comes to safety, Minneapolis is proactive, with areas like Kenny and Linden Hills standing out as particularly family-friendly. Kenny’s median home cost is about $260,925, with rents at $520, marking it safer than 96% of the city. One would say it is a perfect choice considering the price. So don’t wait up, find your perfect house, and book our long distance moving company Minneapolis takes pride in. For those with deeper pockets, Linden Hills is even cozier but also pricier, with a median home price of $401,727 and rent at $946, yet it’s safer than 98% of Minneapolis.

Outdoor activities at Minneapolis lakes and parks

This city turns every outdoor venture into an unforgettable adventure for families.

  • With the Chain of Lakes offering endless water sports, and Lake Harriet doubling as a venue for movies and music under the sky, excitement is always just around the corner​​​​.
  • In another part of the city, Theodore Wirth Park stands as a testament to outdoor fun, with activities that adapt to each season. Here, families can switch from cycling under the summer sun to gliding down snowy slopes in the winter, ensuring the thrills never end​​​​.
  • Among these thrilling activities, Mill Ruins Park and Lyndale Park Gardens offer serene escapes where history and nature intertwine. These spots are ideal for those moments when families seek tranquility or a leisurely afternoon surrounded by the beauty of blooming gardens and historical remnants​​​​.
  • The allure of Minnehaha Falls with its cascading waters and nearby Sea Salt Eatery creates the perfect backdrop for a family picnic, blending natural wonders with tasty treats​.

As you can see, there is no shortage of fun family activities to do once you move to Minneapolis. In essence, it could be just the right proportion of excitement and peaceful living if you’re looking for a new place to call home.

aerial shot of a Minnesota lakes
Chain Lakes near Minneapolis provides panoramic settings for family outings, making Minneapolis one of the top places for families in Minnesota.

Feel the Pulse of Saint Paul’s Community

Saint Paul, rich in culture and community, warmly welcomes families with a mixture of community events and cultural offerings. There, you can enjoy activities like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a tradition steeped in legend and lore, offering ice sculptures, snow parks, and parades, making it an enchanting experience for families​​​​. Additionally, Saint Paul’s educational landscape provides schools like the International Spanish Language Academy, recognized for its robust Spanish immersion program, catering to a various student body and fostering a global perspective among its pupils​​.

Diving into the financial aspect, Saint Paul edges out Minneapolis in affordability, with the cost of living index putting Saint Paul at 102.3 against Minneapolis’ 107.2. This translates to Saint Paul being kinder to your wallet, especially when it comes to setting up a home. The median home price in Saint Paul sits at $268,200, which is a lot below national’s $338,100. Utilities, unlike housing, are at a similar level, close to the national average.

Saint Paul’s approach to safety, focusing on community policing and safety programs, not only addresses crime but also fosters a strong sense of community. The city’s overall crime rates, with violent crime at 35.7 and property crime at 49.4, are considered in the planning and execution of these initiatives. The lower crime rates in neighborhoods like Macalester-Groveland are a testament to these efforts, offering families peace of mind and a secure environment to call home. If you decide to move here, long distance moving companies Saint Paul are the best option. This proactive stance on safety is integral to maintaining the city’s reputation as a welcoming place for families.

All about knowledge and fun

For families moving to the area that seeks adventure, the Science Museum of Minnesota could be the right starting point. This museum is an educational journey through the realms of technology, natural history, physical science, and mathematics. But it’s also packed with interactive exhibits that engage kids and adults. From the massive dinosaur skeletons to hands-on experiments and the awe-inspiring Omnitheater, it’s a place where curiosity leads to discovery. Perfect for families seeking enriching experiences, this city stands out as a highlight among the top places for families in Minnesota. Hiring long distance moving companies Minnesota, allows you to explore and enjoy the rich educational resources Saint Paul has with your family while they deal with your stuff.

St Paul Minnesota as one of the top places for families in Minnesota
Saint Paul has a rich cultural scene and excellent community events for families to enjoy such as the annual Winter Carnival.

Health and Education at the Forefront in Rochester

Rochester stands out for its strong emphasis on STEM education, with top-ranked schools and universities nurturing future innovators. The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) is a key institution in the city, offering undergraduate programs that prepare students for different careers in health sciences. UMR’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program is a testament to Rochester’s dedication to superior healthcare education. The Health Professions program, conducted in partnership with the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, further underscores this commitment.

Families moving here with the help of long distance moving companies Rochester, discover a city where education and health seamlessly merge. Living costs, particularly in healthcare (26% lower than the national average), remain competitive, reflecting Rochester’s medical excellence. The median home cost is $268,200, which is 7.6% lower than the US median price. These figures are a key indicator of the affordable costs of living in the city and are relevant for families considering moving to Rochester.

Crime rates are somewhat higher, but not enough to endanger the reputation among the top places for families in Minnesota. With a rate of 21 crimes per 1,000 residents, it is among the safer cities of its size. Safe, family-friendly neighborhoods like Kutzky Park and Historic Southwest are suitable communities for families to prosper. These areas are known for their tranquility and access to excellent schools. It’s what makes Rochester a preferred choice for those prioritizing safety, education, and healthcare.

Mayo Clinic shapes Rochester’s healthcare and community

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester is a cornerstone, ranking the city among the top places for families in Minnesota. And not only in Rochester but around the world, the Mayo Clinic is synonymous with an unparalleled healthcare facility. Its presence means top-notch healthcare right at residents’ doorsteps, potentially at better costs due to local access. It’s a magnet for jobs and education in the medical field, offering vast opportunities for those keen on healthcare careers. This combination of high-quality care, education, and job prospects enriches Rochester’s community, adding to its appeal as a family-friendly place.

illuminated Mayo clinic by night
The Mayo Clinic enhances healthcare and job opportunities for residents and makes Rochester one of the top places for families in Minnesota.

Duluth: Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

When you’re eyeing top places for families in Minnesota, connecting with nature could guide your choice. Duluth shines here, meshing natural allure with family activities. This city caters to outdoor lovers with its expansive parks and waterfront activities. Duluth’s outdoor scene is all about connecting with nature, offering everything from serene parks to inviting beaches and trails.

It’s a place where the beauty of Lake Superior enhances every activity, whether it’s a family hike, a beach day, or just playtime in one of the many green spaces. The Lakewalk trail and Park Point Beach offer serene settings for family outings. For the adventurous, Spirit Mountain provides skiing and biking. Don’t worry about moving bulky equipment like bikes and skis when you move. Long distance moving companies Duluth provide moving services you can choose from. Your only worry would be whether to ride a bike or ski first.

Everyday living expenses

Surely this already sounds appealing, but before you move, you should get to know your new neighborhood better. At least you should find out about the cost of living in the area. Research in advance so that you are not caught off guard by the fact that the cost of living is 5.4% higher than the national average. In the last year, prices of transport, food, and housing increased, so now the median home price has reached $274,900. However, specific categories like energy, food, healthcare, and housing are still notably less expensive compared to the national figures.

If you are concerned about the cost of education, know that Duluth has excellent public schools. Lester Park Elementary School, Congdon Elementary School, and Pike Lake Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area. These schools excel in math and reading proficiency, making them standout choices for families prioritizing education in their relocation decisions. For older children, an excellent choice is the University of Minnesota Duluth, which offers various undergraduate and graduate programs.

Duluth, one of the top places for families in Minnesota
Families can enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that Duluth has to offer.

Bloomington Is Also One of the Best Places for Families in Minnesota

This one stands as a family favorite, offering a balance between quiet suburban life and city amenities. Families can enjoy a sense of community and peaceful living away from the noise and chaos often associated with urban areas. On the other hand, Bloomington’s proximity to Minneapolis means that residents have a wealth of city amenities at their fingertips. Whether it’s shopping at the Mall of America, or exploring cultural attractions such as The Works Museum. It’s a hands-on science and engineering museum designed for children, offering educational and interactive exhibits. The city is known for its excellent schools, including well-regarded Normandale Elementary and Jefferson High School, so you wouldn’t worry about the education of your offspring.

The cost of living, including housing and daily expenses, is reasonable, enhancing its appeal. Bloomington offers a balance with a cost of living score of 107.2, which is 7.2% higher than the U.S. average. Housing stands out, with a typical home costing $333,400. This is more affordable compared to the national average but above the Minnesota average. For a comfortable lifestyle, a minimum annual income of around $63,720 for a family is recommended.

Safety considerations

When moving with your family to one of the top places for families in Minnesota, do your research on safety. Only when you are sure of your choice then book long distance moving companies Bloomington. Safety is a top priority. In Bloomington, criminal rates are higher than 98% of cities in the state and above the national average. Fortunately, there are wonderful and safe neighborhoods in Bloomington, such as Nord Moore Park, West Lake, and Heritage Hills Park. Each of these is known for its excellent schools and community atmosphere. These neighborhoods have also been some of the fastest-growing with the highest income in the last five years. That perfectly reflects their appeal to families seeking a secure and welcoming environment.

Mall of America
Bloomington residents have the convenience of exploring the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping malls in the US, with over 500 stores.

Fulfill Your Family’s Dreams in Minnesota!

With all being written, you can see why Minnesota stands out as an excellent choice for families looking for a nurturing environment. With a variety of cities on offer, each with a combination of opportunities, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a top destination for families. Just don’t forget that moving your entire household, especially over long distances, can be a tricky business. It’s advisable to seek the assistance of experienced movers, who understand the complexity of long-distance relocations. This is a true guarantee of a hitchless beginning in one of the top places for families in Minnesota!