7 Key Factors You Should Know Before Living in Eagan, MN

Eagan is a lively yet peaceful southeastern suburb of the Twin Cities. With a population of 67,509, it is the largest city in Dakota County and the eighth most populous in the state.

Eagan offers a typical suburban feel, but it has the added benefit of sprawling green spaces. With numerous walking trails, lakes, and 55 parks to choose from, you can hide from city life if you wish.

Eagan is perfectly situated near major highways that can get you to anywhere in the Twin Cities metro area quickly. If you’re looking for a suburb that feels less like a suburb and more like a quiet neighborhood, Eagan is the perfect location for you.

Here are 7 key factors you must know before moving to Eagan MN.

1. Lifestyle in Eagan

With a majority of residents being married (78%), and around half of all residents having children under the age of 18, Eagan is a wonderful location to settle down or to raise a family. Eagan consistently earns high scores in livability, and in 2017 it was named the 28th most livable city in the United States by USA Today.

If you travel for work, fun, or both, Eagan has quick access to MSP International Airport. Other major attractions that residents frequent include the Twin Cities Premium Outlets for affordable and high-end shopping, Cascade Bay outdoor water park to cool off in the summer, and the 2,000-acre Lebanon Hills Regional Park to reconnect with nature.

Many Eagan residents dine out regularly, enjoy a beer at a local brewery or pub, and attend sporting events. Twenty-two percent of residents volunteer and almost 60% vote in elections, making it a highly engaged community.

There are many things to love about Eagan, but its location, friendly neighbors, and livability make it a standout choice for anyone.

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2. Eagan Economy

Eagan may not be considered the ritziest Twin Cities suburb, but its average household income and cost of living exceed those of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and some of their other suburbs. This makes Eagan a fantastic choice for families that are looking for the ideal suburban experience, but without the costs of more expensive Minnesotan suburbs.

Some of the largest employers in Eagan are Thomson Reuters, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, the US Postal Service, United Parcel Service (UPS), and Ecolab. Of course, COVID-19 has had an impact on jobs in the area, including government jobs, and has led to a decline in seasonal hiring.

Business has been booming in some other sectors of the economy, however; particularly development and construction. Many additions to businesses and new construction projects were started in the past year. In fact, according to the City of Eagan, 2020 will finish out as the fourth-highest valuation year yet, at $164 million as of October.

While some businesses suffered, other businesses did the unthinkable: open successfully during a global pandemic. Omni Viking Lakes Hotel is a great example. It is a first-class hotel experience that brings numerous jobs to the area. 

Located next to the Minnesota Vikings offices and training center, it offers multiple dining options, an espresso bar, and spa services. Now Eagan residents don’t have to venture out of town for a quick getaway; stunning modern bars and Scandinavian-influenced décor are only a few miles away.

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3. Employment

A vast majority of those who live in Eagan also have the privilege of working there. Almost any job within Eagan city limits offers a short commute, which makes living and working here an incredible bonus for work-life balance.

If you do work in St. Paul or Minneapolis, however, Eagan’s location is a prime spot for a shorter commute into the cities.

The most common types of jobs for those who live and work in Eagan are management-related positions, office and administrative support, and sales-related positions.

If you are someone with extensive experience or interest in computers or mathematics, Eagan may be the perfect spot for you. Eagan has an unusually high number of people in these careers, over two and a half times higher than the average city. Many of these employees work for major companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The most popular industries in Eagan are health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail.

The unemployment rate reached a peak this year in April, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, though, unemployment has fallen steadily.

4. Eagan Housing Market

There are a variety of housing options in Eagan, including luxury apartments, townhomes, condos, and single-family homes. The median property value in Eagan in 2018 was 1.2 times the national average. Between 2017 and 2018 the median property value increased 5.14%.

The homeownership rate in Eagan, MN is 69.9%, which is just higher than the national average. In comparison to other suburbs around the Twin Cities, Eagan has a higher percentage of renters.

Simply put, there are many rentable options in Eagan if you are not ready or able to purchase a home yet. This makes Eagan a more accessible option for many people.

In surveys given to residents of Eagan every other year, citizens pointed to housing stability as one of the most serious issues. As a result of these surveys, the Eagan City Council has prioritized finding ways to broaden and diversify housing options.

The City of Eagan already has housing assistance and improvement programs offered through Dakota County to assist first-time home buyers, seniors, and those who need rental housing vouchers. With the additional focus on affordable housing into 2021, there may be a wider variety of homes within reach.

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5. Education in Eagan MN

Whether you are looking for schools for your children or classes and professional programs for yourself, Eagan has options for you. Three different school districts serve the town, and students in Eagan attend ten different elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

Eagan ranks among the metro area’s most educated suburbs. Over 96% of residents are high school graduates, and just over 51% have at least a four-year college degree. These rates are above the average for the Twin Cities metro area and for Minnesota generally.

Rasmussen College, which offers more than 50 degree programs, is found in Eagan. It offers online classes in addition to in-person classes, making it a viable option for those who have families and jobs.

Other community colleges, such as Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College, are a very short drive away. The most common programs offered in Eagan and at nearby colleges are Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Ultrasound Technician, and Dental Hygiene programs.

Additionally, being an inner-ring suburb with quick highway access, Eagan is a short commute from any of the numerous universities and colleges in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

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6. Safety and Healthcare

Eagan’s peaceful nature offers a strong sense of security and safety. Eagan’s crime score, which takes into consideration violent and property crime, falls well below the national average and below Minnesota’s statewide average.

According to the City of Eagan, nine out of ten residents feel safe in Eagan. There really isn’t anything more important than feeling safe and welcome in your home and among your neighbors.

In general, Dakota County has ample access to healthcare services, including mental health services and crisis resources. Over 95% of the residents of Eagan have health insurance.

Eagan’s BestPlaces Health Cost Index is below the national average, meaning it has more affordable healthcare options than other parts of the country. Several major healthcare systems in the state of Minnesota have primary care and/or specialty clinics in Eagan, including Allina, HealthPartners, and Fairview.

Eagan is home to a unique standalone clinic called the Urgency Room. This clinic is a crossover between an urgent care clinic and an emergency department, and it takes both insurance and private pay. The clinic is one of three in the area; the other two are in Vadnais Heights and Woodbury.

Eagan is also conveniently situated near St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Burnsville, all of which have hospitals with an array of services.

As safety and access to healthcare tend to be important factors in livability, it is no surprise that Eagan has such high resident satisfaction rates.

7. Eagan Climate

Many judge Minnesota winter unfairly—particularly those who have not experienced them. Yes, winters are harsh, but they can also give you a unique experience that winters in most other states cannot.

Minnesotans have many reasons to get outside during the winter, especially in a post-pandemic world. Winter is a great time to take advantage of the countless outdoor activities available in and around Eagan.

Eagan averages around 46 inches of snow per year, which is well above the US average. The average low temperature in January, the coldest month, is around six degrees Fahrenheit, so bundling up is important in order to take advantage of snowy days.

Luckily, the sun makes an appearance approximately 196 days each year in Eagan, which is only slightly below the US average. Surprisingly, winter happens to be the sunniest season in Minnesota. This makes for a perfect opportunity to enjoy the glistening snow while catching some much-needed vitamin D.

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While winter in Minnesota tends to get all the attention from non-residents, the summers are actually something to appreciate. The average high mid-summer (July) is around 82 degrees.

The stereotypes of winter may be true, but many are surprised to find such temperate summers in Minnesota. Spend hot summer days basking in any of Eagan’s many green spaces or the community’s beloved water park.

Eagan receives about 32 inches of rain on average each year, which falls under the US average of 38 inches per year. In general, June, July and August tend to be the most pleasant months, while January and December are the least comfortable.

Of course, this depends upon what you consider comfortable. This climate is typical of central and southern Minnesota as a whole. Look no further if you want to experience the coziest winters and the freest summers the Midwest has to offer.

Conclusion

Eagan consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Minnesota and is a prime inner-ring suburb in the Twin Cities. It easily merits its high livability scores and strong resident approval. Loving your home and your community is easy in Eagan.

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