Best Places to Live in Minnesota for Students!

Random fact: Minnesota has more shoreline than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined. Wild, right?

But besides lakes and cold winters, it also has some seriously underrated places to live. Whether you’re moving here for college, a job, or just need a change of scenery, this list covers the best places to live in Minnesota, from buzzing city neighborhoods to cozy suburbs you’ll actually want to stay in. You’ve got options like Minneapolis and Rochester (yes, real cities), plus the best suburbs in Minnesota like Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Plymouth. Trust me, there’s a best area to live in Minnesota for everyone.

Best Places to Live in Minnesota – Comparative Overview for You!

Alright friends, here’s the deal. When people ask about the best places to live in Minnesota, it really depends on what kind of vibe you’re after. 

Want city life? Go for Minneapolis. It’s one of the best cities to live in Minnesota—tons of food, music, cool neighborhoods like North Loop, and you’ve got the University of Minnesota right there. It’s busy, a little chaotic sometimes, but you’ll never be bored.

But if you’re more into calm weekends, parks, and just an overall peaceful setup, the best suburbs in Minnesota, like Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Maple Grove, are where it’s at. These places are clean, safe, and honestly just easy to live in. 

They’re not cheap, but for what you get? Kinda worth it. 

Woodbury is also super solid—feels like a grown-up version of your college town, if that makes sense.

Rochester surprised me, though. It’s definitely one of the best cities in Minnesota to live in if you want space, quiet, and career stuff (especially medical). So yeah, whether you’re hunting for the best suburbs in Minnesota or the best area to live in Minnesota with actual stuff to do, this list is pretty much your starter pack.

Eden Prairie (Suburb)

Eden Prairie is easily one of the best suburbs in Minnesota for students who want a peaceful setup but still need to commute to campus. The neighborhoods like Bearpath and Olympic Hills are clean and quiet, making them perfect for focused study. 

It’s about a 30-minute ride to the University of Minnesota, and Normandale Community College is nearby, too. Rent can be a bit high, but it comes with safety, nature trails, and solid public transport.

• Ideal for students commuting to UMN or Normandale
• Calm neighborhoods with trails and libraries nearby

Hence, Eden Prairie is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Minnesota for its safe neighborhoods, top schools, and ideal location for students commuting to nearby universities.

Maple Grove (Suburb)

Maple Grove stands out as one of the most balanced, livable best places to live in Minnesota, especially for students who don’t want full-on city chaos. Neighborhoods like Weaver Lake and Rice Lake offer great rental options, and the area is super walkable. 

You’ll find North Hennepin Community College nearby, plus easy access to Minneapolis campus shuttles. Bonus: local malls, food courts, and coffee spots make post-class life way more chill.

• Close to schools + great hangout spots
• Safe, structured neighborhoods with quick city access

Woodbury (Suburb)

Woodbury is one of those quiet stars among the best suburbs in Minnesota. It’s student-friendly without trying too hard. Neighborhoods like Stonemill Farms and Wedgewood have great shared housing and apartment options. You’re close to Century College and a quick trip from the University of St. Thomas. 

The area has chill coffee shops, grocery stores, and study zones that won’t eat up your budget. If you want peaceful living and solid Wi-Fi, this is it.

• Affordable housing near Century College & St. Thomas
•  Local cafes and libraries are ideal for students

Hence, Woodbury stands out as one of the best places to live in Minnesota for students who value quiet suburbs, affordable rentals, and proximity to Century College and St. Thomas.

Plymouth (Suburb)

Plymouth is an underrated gem when talking about the best suburbs in Minnesota for students. It’s got beautiful neighborhoods like Medicine Lake and Parkers Lake, tons of trails, and it’s super bike-friendly. 

If you’re going to Hennepin Technical College or commuting to the University of Minnesota, you won’t struggle with routes. It’s the kind of place where you can live with roommates, enjoy green space, and stay out of the loud party scene, unless that’s your thing.

• Near Hennepin Tech with laid-back student rentals
• Nature + study balance with easy metro access

With its lakeside parks, study-friendly cafés, and access to Hennepin Technical College, Plymouth is clearly one of the best places to live in Minnesota for students seeking balance.

Rochester (City)

Rochester is hands-down one of the best cities to live in Minnesota if you’re in healthcare or science. It’s home to the University of Minnesota Rochester and the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, so a ton of students move here just for that. 

Neighborhoods like Kutzky Park and Baihly Meadows are affordable, safe, and within walking distance to most essentials. Plus, you’ll find medical internships, cafes, and coworking spaces everywhere—perfect for pre-med or nursing majors.

•  Perfect for healthcare students or med majors
•  Safe, walkable areas with school + work nearby

Minneapolis (City)

Minneapolis isn’t just one of the best cities to live in Minnesota, it’s also the most alive. With colleges like the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Augsburg University, and MCAD, the student energy here is real. Neighborhoods like Linden Hills, North Loop, and Lowry Hill each offer different vibes, from hipster to artsy to laid-back. You’ve got buses, light rail, cheap food spots, and group housing options all over. Winters are intense, but so is the culture—and honestly, it balances out.

•  Huge student population = social life + support
•  Great housing mix: dorms, shared flats, off-campus finds

So, Minneapolis easily becomes one of the best places to live in Minnesota if you’re looking for big-city energy, college-town life, and non-stop access to student events and public transit.

Top Tips for Renting in MN as a Student

Ask What’s Included (and What’s Not)

In many student housing in Minnesota rentals, heat is covered (a blessing in winter), but electric and internet might not be. Always ask before signing. Especially true in the best suburbs in Minnesota where utilities vary a lot.

Team Up with Roommates for Better Deals

In areas like Woodbury or Plymouth, splitting a 2–3 bedroom rental is often cheaper than a studio. You’ll find way more affordable options in the best areas to live in Minnesota when you’re sharing.

Sign Before August If You Want the Good Stuff

Minnesota leases turn over fast in late summer. For prime spots near the University of Minnesota, St. Thomas, or Century College, aim to sign by June/July. The best neighborhoods in Minnesota for students disappear early. You can check out these places in Minnesota; our best ones!

Conclusion: So, Where’s Your Spot in Minnesota?

In the end, if it is important enough to you to consider where to live in Minnesota, then it isn’t just a matter of pounds and pence, or how far your college is from the Property Guardian are meant to be placed; it is really about finding a place which fits your definition of home. Yes, Minneapolis will have the student life you desire, and Plymouth will have a nice steady calm energy to live in, and Rochester is obviously a unique part of the Medical life's hustle, but there will be a small piece of Minnesota that ‘fits’ you. The best part of many of these best living areas is that they don't like to boast about it, they prefer to be tucked away in clean suburbs, quiet lakeside residences, and mellow off-campus cities. 

So get out, travel - do a little tour, and listen to the locals. There will be the safest city in Minnesota you want to live in, and there will be the best area to live in Minnesota near your college, now it is time to stake your territory. And don't forget about the snow boots. You will need them.