Small Towns Near Minneapolis People Are Quietly Moving To
About this video
These small towns near Minneapolis offer lake life, historic downtowns, better affordability, and a slower pace without being too far from the city. This video breaks down the lifestyle, commute, home prices, and vibe of each town.
Key takeaways
- Six small towns within about an hour of Minneapolis, each with its own downtown and a lower price than many inner suburbs. Prices are as stated in the video.
- Stillwater: the historic river town on the St. Croix, about 35 to 40 minutes out, with homes in the high $400,000s and closer to the upper $600,000s near downtown.
- Northfield: a college town (Carleton and St. Olaf) about 45 minutes south, with homes in the low to mid-$300,000s.
- Waconia: on Lake Waconia, one of the largest lakes in the metro, about 40 to 45 minutes west, with homes in the low $500,000s.
- New Prague: Czech heritage and a classic main street, about 45 to 55 minutes southwest, with homes in the high $300,000s to low $400,000s.
- Prior Lake: lake living about 30 to 35 minutes from downtown with express bus service, with homes in the mid to upper $400,000s.
- Elk River: about 40 to 45 minutes northwest on U.S. Highway 10, with homes in the low to mid-$400,000s.
Questions this video answers
What are good small towns near Minneapolis?
Jason highlights Stillwater, Northfield, Waconia, New Prague, Prior Lake and Elk River, all within about an hour of Minneapolis, each with its own downtown.
How far is Northfield from Minneapolis?
About 45 minutes, according to the video.
Read more: Lake Waconia homes · Commute times to downtown Minneapolis · Best lake towns
Notes written by Huerkamp Home Group from this video. Figures are as stated in the video on May 22, 2026; check the current numbers in our market reports.
