Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota/Paul Vincent
As the Twin Cities continues to grow steadily, so does the number of people seeking just a bit more space. An increasing number of young families, retirees, and professionals with remote jobs are searching for a slower pace of life, larger lots, or the draw of nature and community. These Minnesotans are moving beyond Minneapolis and St. Paul to outer
suburbs and nearby rural towns.
According to an Axios report this year, cities like Dayton, Carver, and Corcoran are among the fastest-growing towns in the state. These once-sleepy towns are booming with new construction, driven by a desire for newer homes, lower density, and a lifestyle that’s still close to the action without being right in the middle of it.
Housing First Minnesota, the leading trade association for the state’s housing industry, confirms this growing trend, which is predicted to continue over the next 20 years. The organization oversees the Keystone Report program, which collects and interprets data related to housing—and last year, half the top 10 cities by permitting were these outer suburbs (also known as “exurbs”) with rural charm.
“A lot of these cities have seen high growth for at least two or three years,” says Kristen Crossman, media relations manager for Housing First Minnesota. “There is a clear trend of construction activity being focused far out from the core metro area, getting into the exurbs of the Twin Cities.”
The Northwest Corridor
St. Michael, Rogers, Dayton, and Corcoran are fast-growing northwest suburbs along the road that connects Minneapolis and St. Cloud. St. Michael, in the highly ranked St. Michael-Albertville Public School District, is known for its parks and family appeal, while Rogers boasts big-box convenience, scenic trails, and local favorites like Maynard’s. Dayton offers riverside living and access to Elm Creek Park Reserve, with schools in the Anoka-Hennepin or Osseo districts. Corcoran retains a rural feel with rolling farmland, Lions Park, and school options including Wayzata and Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose.
Find Space & Serenity on the East Side
Washington County, which includes Cottage Grove and stretches up to Marine on St. Croix, saw a 7.7% increase in total closed sales over the last two years. Marine on St. Croix is already popular for day-cations from the city because of its artsy, off-the-grid feel. Located along the St. Croix River, it features a general store, vintage town hall, and access to William O’Brien State Park. On the southern end of Washington County, Cottage Grove is home to nearly 2,000 acres of parkland, including Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. The South Washington County School District (ISD 833) boasts Grey Cloud Elementary, recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in 2020.
Lakeside Communities on the West Side
North of Lake Minnetonka, Medina offers rural tranquility and refined living. Home to expansive lots and upscale developments, it’s served by Wayzata Public Schools, one of the top districts in the state. To the west of Medina, Minnetrista residents enjoy proximity to Lake Minnetonka, Halstead’s Bay, and Gale Woods Farm. And to the south, Waconia is perched on the lake of the same name. The Waconia School District is highly rated, and the
historic downtown is home to locally loved spots like Mocha Monkey and Schram Vineyards.
