7 Factors Rank Minnetonka as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota

Minnetonka, Minnesota is an attractive midwestern city for people of all ages located 10 minutes west of Minneapolis. The city has much to offer for families, singles and seniors—and all within a short distance of the amenities of the Twin Cities metro.

Its proximity to beautiful Lake Minnetonka makes it a preferred locale for all those who love the outdoors and lake activities. Combine that with top-notch schools and safe neighborhoods, and there’s a lot to love in this western suburb.

1. Lifestyle:

Lifestyle in Minnetonka, MN

First settled along Minnehaha Creek, this Minneapolis suburb has an enviable blend of peaceful nature and bustling city life. With a population of around 55,000 and 2,000 acres of parkland and preserves, residents can enjoy outdoor activities on the miles of trails and dozens of community and neighborhood parks.

For a unique approach to a balanced mind and body, the Marsh is a fitness, spa and gathering facility with relaxing views of the marshland.

The city offers a variety of dining choices—one such local favorite is the upscale American bistro, BLVD Kitchen, with its fresh cuisine and lively bar. You’ll also find family fun at the Bunker Indoor Golf Center, Glen Lake Golf, Big Thrill Factory, or iFly Minneapolis for indoor skydiving adventures.

Ridgedale Mall serves up shopping, dining and entertainment, and the Mall of America and IKEA are only a short drive for a quick shopping trip or a weekend adventure.

7 Factors Rank Minnetonka as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota

Related article

12 Key Factors to Know About Living Minneapolis

You may have heard stories (the good, the bad and the unbelievable!) and you’re intrigued with finding more information on the city and all its wonders. You’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll discuss some of the common themes about Minneapolis for standard of living, climate…

2. Economy:

Economy in Minnetonka, MN

Statistics show that the cost of living in Minnetonka is about 16% higher than the Minnesota average and 28% higher than the national average—and, to support this, the average household income is well above averages as well. Not surprisingly, homes come with a higher price tag than across the country. When travel is in order, the location proves convenient with the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport only 20 minutes away.

3. Housing:

Housing in Minnetonka, MN

With average home values in the $300,000 range, most residents are homeowners and have been enjoying the consistent rise in appreciation. Often, real estate pricing is more than 50% higher than elsewhere in the state.

However, one-fourth of the area residents are happy to rent and let someone else manage the upkeep. Average rent is higher than typical for Minnesota, and evidently, well worth it! Minnetonka has often been referred to as a city perfect for recreation, retirement and families.

7 Factors Rank Minnetonka as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota

Related article

7 Key Factors to Know About Living in Wayzata, MN

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, this city is serious about providing a clean, accessible, public lake experience for all with plans for continual improvement of the downtown and lake experience. It’s a safe city with eco-conscious, family values, and the lake is a main attraction and…

4. Safety and Healthcare:

Safety and Healthcare in Minnetonka, MN

The city has a low crime rate compared with other Minnesota or U.S. cities. Excellent healthcare is readily available at nearby Children’s Hospital, Park Nicollet, Fairview Southdale, North Memorial, Abbott Northwestern or Maple Grove Hospital. North Memorial Health Urgent Center in Minnetonka is open 365 days for urgent care treatment.

7 Factors Rank Minnetonka as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota

Related article

7 Key Factors to Know About Living in Edina, MN

Once a farming and milling community, Edina has blossomed into a preferred suburban city with all the most desired amenities. From upscale, boutique shopping and exquisite dining to consignment shops and casual bistros, residents and visitors are enamored with the…

5. Employment:

Employment in Minnetonka, MN

Minnetonka is a prosperous community that welcomes business, has a growing job market and an unemployment rate of 2.5% which is well below the national average of 3.9%. With major industries in finance, insurance, retail, manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality, some prominent businesses in the area are Cargill, UnitedHealth Group, G&K Services, Carlson Companies, Best Buy, Digi International, Digital River and Opus Group.

Transportation options include Metro Transit routes to Minneapolis, Metro Mobility services for residents with disabilities, and Park and Ride locations to make the commute even easier.

7 Factors Rank Minnetonka as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota

Related article

The Beginner’s Guide on How to Buy a House

In this article, we’ll discuss those key steps to confidently buying your first home. We’ll also look at several professionals who can help guide you on the journey, so all the details are handled correctly and professionally. Let’s get started on your next adventure…

6. Education:

Education in Minnetonka, MN

Minnetonka residents are well educated, and a high percentage have college degrees. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family with highly rated public schools. The city is served by three school districts—Minnetonka, Wayzata and Hopkins—all with top-ranking educational statistics.

Cities included in the Minnetonka district are Minnetonka, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Deephaven, Excelsior, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Greenwood, Victoria and Woodland. There are also private schools, library systems (Minnetonka Library and Ridgedale Library) and many places of worship.

7 Factors Rank Minnetonka as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota

Related article

7 Key Factors You Should Know Before Living in New Prague

This city has all the advantages of small-town living with proximity to big city amenities. New Prague earned the No. 2 place on our list of the Five Best Cities for Families in Minnesota with good reason. The city is peaceful and safe with a lovely downtown, beautiful lake and opportunity…

7. Climate:

Climate in Minnetonka, MN

Families enjoy the parks and green space in and around Minnetonka. With an abundance of parks and trails, some favorites are Purgatory Park with its beautiful landscaping and walking paths, as well as Jidana, Civic Center and Big Willow Park where you’ll find views of Minnehaha Creek, connected paths and baseball and soccer fields.

For more lakeside and water sports, there’s Gray’s Bay Public Access and Marina and the 85-acre recreational favorite, Shady Oak Beach. The nearby Libbs Lake Beach Park offers a smaller neighborhood setting, perfect for hiking or biking access.

Winters may be cold but there are several outdoor ice rinks (and more in neighboring Hopkins—and indoor open skating) to provide exercise and on-the-ice fun. Skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing and sledding provide more cold-weather fun. Watch for the Arctic Fever winter festival featuring snow sculptures, sleigh rides, bike races and bonfires.

7 Factors Rank Minnetonka as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota

Related article

What is It Like Living in Rochester MN?

It’s the 3rd largest city in the state, situated in southeastern Minnesota on the Zumbro River. Home of the renowned Mayo Clinic, the city is often noted on the “best cities” lists as one of the best overall or one of the best in the Midwest. With its scenic setting, outstanding healthcare and…

To sum up:

Minnetonka is a much-loved western suburb with its combination of recreation, shopping and dining and its exceptional housing and schools. Employment opportunities are transportation options are attractive, and the safe, family-oriented environment welcomes community and solidarity.

If you have enjoyed this article and learned more about the beautiful city of Minnetonka, please share it with a friend who might be interested as well. Thank you!

Related article

4 Best Places to Live in Minnesota for Families in 2024

Bordering Canada and the Great Lakes is a state fondly dubbed as the “North Star State” and “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” The state has a lot of lakes sprawled across its more than 86,000 square mile area. In a comprehensive study of cities, Minnesota is the number one state for raising a family because of its high median income, affordable cost of living and exceptional education services…

At times, the HOMEiA team and Gloria Russell combine their talents to research and produce great content for our audience on HOMEiA.com. We strive to produce the type of content that benefits and inspires our readers well into the future. We invest a good deal of time and effort to create insightful articles that fuel our passion to serve our community with valuable information. If you like our work and wish to support what we are doing, please “Like” our Facebook page and share this article with your Facebook friends so they can benefit from it as well. We thank you sincerely for your support!

Read more >>