6 Twin Cities-Area Towns Locals Love (But Don't Talk About)
Whether you’re relocating, upgrading or downsizing, here are six towns in and around the Twin Cities that locals love and tend to keep to themselves, in no particular order.
Northfield
Best known for the James gang’s failed 1876 bank robbery, now celebrated every September at Defeat of Jesse James Days. It’s about 40 minutes south of the Twin Cities and about 10 minutes off I-35. St. Olaf and Carleton colleges give it a lively community, and the Cannon River runs right through town. (St. Olaf is where Betty White’s character on The Golden Girls was from.) You’ll find a Target and the usual chains, plus unique spots like Reunion on the historic main street. See Northfield.
Stillwater
On the far east side, right on the St. Croix River, which forms the Minnesota-Wisconsin border there. Stillwater began as a logging town (logs floated down the river before railroads) and became a place for Minnesotans to cool off by the water in the late 1800s. Downtown, by the lift bridge, has a great antique scene in historic buildings, restaurants, cave tours and riverboats you can rent for weddings and reunions. Homes range from historic to brand new, and the Highway 36 upgrades make it easy to reach I-694. The airport is no more than about 25 minutes away. See Stillwater.
New Prague
A historic town on the southwest side, about 40 minutes from the airport. Head five minutes in any direction and you’re in farm country. Main Street was just completely redone over almost two years, with some stoplights removed, and it’s very walkable. You’ll find homes from the 1800s alongside new construction, plus coffee shops and grocery stores, including a Hy-Vee (one of my favorites). See New Prague.
North Oaks
One of the most private communities in the Twin Cities, on the northeast side about 30 to 35 minutes from the airport. Residents own their lots and the roads, and the community is so small that house numbers rarely go past two digits. It’s high-end and secluded, with winding roads, mature oaks and orchards nearby. Many Minnesotans don’t even know it’s there. See North Oaks.
Mankato
A little farther out, about an hour and 10 to 15 minutes from the airport, but one of Minnesota’s up-and-coming second-tier cities. It has Minnesota State University, Mankato (and a second college), a regional airport (where I trained to become a commercial pilot), a historic downtown on the Minnesota River, and an event center that draws big acts. Homes range from the 1800s to brand new, with Highways 169 and 14 for getting around.
Excelsior
On the southwest side of Lake Minnetonka, with a great downtown full of dining and bars and charter excursions out of the bay. Homes range from around $400,000 to tens of millions, since Lake Minnetonka has the most expensive homes in the state, and you’ll see century-old homes alongside new builds that replaced them. The airport is under 30 minutes away. See Excelsior.
Go spend a Saturday
I’d put every one of these on your bucket list: spend a Saturday, walk around and try the local food. When you move, don’t just think about the house; think about the community. We’d love to be your resource. Also see 6 small towns near Minneapolis.
