Most people moving to the Twin Cities make the same mistake — they open up Zillow before they understand the metro. But the area you choose here will determine your commute, your schools, and how much house you can afford.
The Twin Cities isn’t just one market. It’s made up of four distinct suburban quadrants, plus a growing rural option outside the metro. Understanding these areas is the key to finding the right fit.
My name is Travis Anderson, and this guide will help you figure out where to start.
The South Metro: Most Popular for Relocation Buyers
The South Metro is often the first place relocation buyers look — and for good reason.
You’re close to:
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport
- Mall of America
- Downtown St. Paul
- Downtown Minneapolis
In most cases, the commute from the south works no matter where you're going.
The housing mix is also very strong. You’ll find:
- Townhomes
- Ramblers
- Split entries
- Two-story homes
- New construction
Add in strong school districts, parks, and trails, and the South Metro becomes an easy starting point for many buyers.
Curious about some of our Southern Metro Homes:
The East Metro: Newer Homes and Fast Growth
The East Metro has grown significantly over the last 10–15 years. It tends to feel newer, with modern layouts and expanding amenities.
Cities like Woodbury have become major anchors for relocation buyers.
Pros of the East Metro:
- Newer neighborhoods
- Modern floor plans
- Strong schools
- Growing amenities
The commute to St. Paul is easy — often around 10 minutes. Getting to Minneapolis can take longer since you typically drive through St. Paul.
This area works especially well for:
- Remote workers
- St. Paul commuters
- Buyers wanting newer construction
Check out our Woodbury page: Woodbury MN
The West Metro: Premium Locations and Higher Prices
The West Metro is typically the most premium quadrant.
Here you’ll find:
- Higher home prices
- Highly rated schools
- Established neighborhoods
- Easy access to Minneapolis
The tradeoff? It’s harder to get to St. Paul, and you’re paying for location.
This area often attracts relocation buyers coming from larger metro areas who prioritize schools and proximity to Minneapolis.
The North Metro: More Space for the Money
The North Metro offers more house and more land for your budget.
You’ll typically see:
- Larger lots
- Less density
- Lower price points
- More suburban feel
This area works well for remote workers or buyers wanting space.
The biggest downside is commuting. Traffic can become congested, especially heading into Minneapolis from the north.
Beyond the Metro: Small Towns and Acreage Living
Another option many buyers don’t consider initially is moving 40–60 miles outside the Twin Cities.
Examples include:
- North: Zimmerman
- South: Northfield, Faribault
- East: Western Wisconsin towns
- West: Buffalo
These areas offer:
- Acreage properties
- Hobby farms
- Small-town feel
- More house for the money
The tradeoffs:
- Longer commutes
- Smaller school systems
- Fewer amenities
However, development has increased since 2020, and these areas are becoming more attractive for buyers wanting space.
Why the Quadrants Matter
Your budget buys something very different depending on where you look.
For example:
- $450K in the West = smaller home, premium location
- $450K in the East = newer home, more square footage
- $450K in the North = larger lot, more space
In general:
- Shorter commute = higher price
- More space = longer commute
Understanding this tradeoff is critical when choosing where to live.
How to Choose the Right Area
When working with relocation clients, I start with three questions:
- Where do you work?
- Does the commute matter?
- What schools are important?
Then we look at your budget.
Once those three things are clear, we can usually identify the best quadrant to start in.
Twin Cities Cost of Living
The Twin Cities cost of living falls somewhere in the middle nationally. It’s not as expensive as coastal markets, but not as low as some southern states either.
The median home price in the Twin Cities is around $390,000.
That typically gets you:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 2-car garage
- Around 1,900–2,000 square feet
Minnesota also has:
- Progressive income tax (roughly 5%–10%)
- Sales tax around 7%
- No tax on groceries
- Most clothing tax-exempt
Property taxes typically range:
- About 1.0%–1.3% of home value
Many buyers find the tradeoff worthwhile given:
- School quality
- Parks
- Infrastructure
- Services
Twin Cities Real Estate Market Overview
Current market snapshot:
- Median home price: $390,000
- Average days on market: 55 days
- Well-priced homes: selling in ~3 weeks
Median prices by area:
- South Metro: ~$400K (≈2,000 sq ft)
- East Metro: ~$495K (≈2,400 sq ft)
- North Metro: ~$400K (≈2,200 sq ft)
- West Metro: ~$525K (≈2,400 sq ft)
- Minneapolis / St. Paul: ~$400K (≈1,700 sq ft)
The market is seasonal:
- Spring: inventory increases
- Summer: peak activity
- Fall: slowing
- Winter: fewer homes, less competition
Check out our monthly Market Update:
Weather and Lifestyle in Minnesota
Yes — winters are real. November through March can be cold, and snow is common.
But Minnesota truly has four seasons:
- Fast spring
- Beautiful summers
- Incredible fall colors
- Active winters
Winter activities include:
- Skiing
- Hockey
- Snowmobiling
- Ice fishing
Or you can just enjoy indoor activities — both options work.
Twin Cities Lifestyle
The Twin Cities offers a unique mix of quiet suburbs and big-city access.
You’ll find:
- Lakes throughout neighborhoods
- Bike trails connecting the metro
- 90+ state parks nearby
- 200+ golf courses statewide
- Farmers markets and festivals
- Outdoor concerts and dining
You can live in a quiet neighborhood and still be:
- 20 minutes from downtown
- 30 minutes from nightlife
- Close to major shopping and dining
That balance is one of the biggest reasons buyers choose the Twin Cities.
Bottom Line: Where Should You Start?
The Twin Cities offers:
- Four suburban quadrants
- Two major cities
- Growing rural options
Each provides different:
- Commutes
- Schools
- Price points
- Home sizes
Choosing the right one starts with understanding your priorities.
If you're planning a move to the Twin Cities and want help narrowing down the right area, reach out anytime.