9 Best Minneapolis Suburbs for Retirees
The Twin Cities metro has quietly emerged as one of the Midwest’s most appealing retirement destinations. With its blend of world-class healthcare systems, vibrant cultural attractions, and well-planned suburban communities, the Minneapolis area offers retirees something increasingly rare: a high quality of life at a reasonable cost.
Choosing where to spend your retirement years is one of the most important financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll make. The right community should align with your budget, provide convenient access to healthcare, offer safety and peace of mind, and deliver the lifestyle amenities that make everyday life enjoyable. Many retirees benefit from working with a retirement planner who can help evaluate housing costs, taxes, and long-term financial goals before making a move.
This guide examines nine of the best Minneapolis suburbs for retirees, using a data-driven evaluation framework that considers the factors that matter most: affordability, healthcare access, safety, and lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking an active community with abundant recreational opportunities or a quieter neighborhood with proximity to medical facilities, you’ll find options worth exploring here.
Why Minneapolis Suburbs Are Ideal for Retirement
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area consistently ranks among the nation’s healthiest regions, with healthcare systems that have evolved to serve an aging population exceptionally well. Major hospital networks including M Health Fairview, Park Nicollet, and North Memorial provide comprehensive care across the metro, ensuring that quality medical services are never far from any suburb.
Beyond healthcare, the region offers cultural attractions that rival much larger cities. From the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Guthrie Theater to countless community arts centers and performance venues scattered throughout the suburbs, retirees have abundant opportunities for intellectual and creative engagement.
The natural environment presents another compelling advantage. The famed Minnesota lake country extends into the suburban landscape, with dozens of well-maintained parks offering walking trails, fishing piers, and bird-watching opportunities. Four distinct seasons provide variety, and the predictive weather patterns allow for planning outdoor activities throughout the year.
Suburban living in the Minneapolis area offers a balanced alternative to city-center life. You’ll find quieter neighborhoods, larger living spaces, and often more affordable housing—all while remaining within easy reach of urban amenities. Well-designed transportation networks and senior-friendly community planning make these suburbs particularly welcoming for retirees.
How We Selected the Best Suburbs for Retirees
Our evaluation methodology focused on the factors that most directly impact retiree quality of life. We analyzed current data across four key categories:
Cost of Living: We examined median rent prices and median home values to provide a clear picture of housing affordability in each suburb.
Healthcare Quality and Access: We identified hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities within or immediately adjacent to each community.
Safety: Using available safety metrics, we assigned each suburb a score reflecting crime trends and community security.
Lifestyle Amenities: We cataloged entertainment options, recreational facilities, and dining destinations to assess overall livability.
This data-driven approach ensures that each recommendation is grounded in measurable factors rather than subjective impressions. The suburbs that follow represent the strongest overall performers across these criteria.
9 Best Minneapolis Suburbs for Retirees
Each suburb profile below provides detailed information on housing costs, healthcare accessibility, entertainment options, dining, and safety. Use these profiles to identify communities that align with your priorities and budget.
Edina
Median Rent: $1,875/month
Median Home Value: $624,000
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital
Entertainment: Centennial Lakes Park – serene walking paths, free summer concerts, and seasonal farmers market; Arneson Acres Park & Edina History Museum – formal gardens with fountain and local-history exhibits; Edina Theatre – restored 1934 Art Deco movie house with nostalgic charm; Braemar Golf Course – scenic 18-hole course with practice range and indoor golf dome
Favorite Restaurants: Cahill Bistro, JK’s Table, Pittsburgh Blue, Edina Grill
Safety Score: 8/10
Minnetonka
Median Rent: $1,416/month
Median Home Value: $521,300
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: No hospitals within city limits. Nearby options include Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital and M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital
Entertainment: Charles H. Burwell House – 1883 Victorian-era historic house museum with seasonal tours; Purgatory Community Preserve – 150+ acres with flat scenic walking trails and birdwatching; Minnetonka Farmers Market – Tuesday afternoon summer market with produce and artisan crafts; Entertainment in the Park – free outdoor concert and movie series at Civic Center Park
Favorite Restaurants: BLVD Kitchen & Bar, Bacio, Jimmy’s Kitchen & Bar, Duke’s on 7
Safety Score: 8/10
Plymouth
Median Rent: $1,814/month
Median Home Value: $474,700
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: No full-service hospitals within city limits. Abbott Northwestern – WestHealth campus offers emergency department, urgent care, and specialty clinics
Entertainment: Hilde Performance Center – open-air bandshell hosting community concerts and events; Millennium Garden – tranquil landscaped garden with fountains, walking paths, and benches; Clifton E. French Regional Park – scenic lakeside park with accessible walking paths and birding; Plymouth Farmers Market – seasonal Wednesday market at Parkers Lake Playfield
Favorite Restaurants: Clay Oven, Nala’s Kitchen, Rock Elm Tavern, Northern Taphouse
Safety Score: 8/10
Eden Prairie
Median Rent: $1,423/month
Median Home Value: $463,300
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: No hospitals within city limits. Nearest large hospitals include M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, and St. Francis Regional Medical Center
Entertainment: Staring Lake Amphitheatre – outdoor venue hosting summer concerts and theatrical productions; Wings of the North Air Museum – local aviation museum with historic aircraft and exhibits; Bryant Lake Regional Park – paved walking trails, picnic areas, and accessible fishing pier; Purgatory Creek Park – paved trails through wetlands with peaceful pavilion area
Favorite Restaurants: Tavern 4 & 5, Wildfire, Redstone American Grill, Lions Tap
Safety Score: 8.5/10
Maple Grove
Median Rent: $1,863/month
Median Home Value: $397,400
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: Maple Grove Hospital
Entertainment: Central Park of Maple Grove – 44-acre park with paved walking loop and perennial gardens; Fish Lake Regional Park – lakeside park with gentle trails, fishing pier, and sandy beach; Maple Grove Arts Center – rotating gallery exhibitions and adult art classes; Hindu Temple of Minnesota – one of the largest Hindu temples in North America
Favorite Restaurants: Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse, Redstone American Grill, Malone’s Bar & Grill, 3 Squares Restaurant
Safety Score: 8/10
Wayzata
Median Rent: $1,507/month
Median Home Value: $1,050,000
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: No hospitals within city limits. Regional hospitals are accessible nearby
Entertainment: Wayzata Depot Museum – charming railroad and local history museum on the lakefront; Panoway on Wayzata Bay – downtown lakefront boardwalk and plaza with Lake Minnetonka views; Music by the Lake – free Wednesday evening summer concert series at Depot Park; Wayzata Art Experience – annual two-day fine art festival along Lake Street
Favorite Restaurants: 6Smith, Gianni’s Steakhouse, Josefina, The Grocer’s Table
Safety Score: 8/10
Woodbury
Median Rent: $2,035/month
Median Home Value: $434,900
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital (86 beds)
Entertainment: Merrill Arts Center – live theater, concerts, and arts programs; Performances in the Park – free summer concerts at Central Park Amphitheater; Tamarack Nature Preserve – peaceful boardwalk and trails through rare tamarack bog habitat; Woodbury Farmers’ Market – fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods
Favorite Restaurants: Ronnally’s Pizza and Pasta, Duc’s Vietnamese & Chinese, Tamarack Tap Room, Andiamo
Safety Score: 8/10
St. Louis Park
Median Rent: $1,795/month
Median Home Value: $371,600
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital – full-service acute care hospital
Entertainment: Pavek Museum of Broadcasting – guided tours and extensive radio/TV history exhibits; Westwood Hills Nature Center – peaceful trails, birding, and accessible interpretive center; Summer Concert Series at Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater – free outdoor community concerts; Lilac Park and Beehive Fireplace – restored WPA-era roadside park with historic charm
Favorite Restaurants: Wok in the Park, Mill Valley Kitchen, The Block Food + Drink, Hazelwood Food & Drink
Safety Score: 8/10
Bloomington
Median Rent: $1,526/month
Median Home Value: $346,200
Healthcare and Medical Facilities: No hospitals within city limits. M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital and M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital serve the area
Entertainment: Normandale Japanese Garden – serene landscaped garden for peaceful walks and contemplation; Bloomington Center for the Arts – theater productions, visual art exhibitions, and concerts; Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge – nature exhibits, birdwatching, and ranger-led walks; Hyland Lake Park Reserve & Richardson Nature Center – gentle trails and wildlife viewing
Favorite Restaurants: Hazelwood Food + Drink, Ciao Bella, Twin City Grill, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Safety Score: 6/10
Comparing Cost of Living Across Minneapolis Suburbs
Housing costs vary significantly across these nine suburbs, offering options for a range of retirement budgets. Many retirees also weigh whether renting may provide more flexibility and lower maintenance obligations. If you’re evaluating both options, it may help to review the reasons to rent instead of buy in retirement before deciding which path fits your financial plan.
| Suburb | Median Rent | Home Value | In-City Hospital | Safety |
| Edina | $1,875 | $624,000 | Yes | 8/10 |
| Minnetonka | $1,416 | $521,300 | No | 8/10 |
| Plymouth | $1,814 | $474,700 | Yes | 8/10 |
| Eden Prairie | $1,423 | $463,300 | No | 8.5/10 |
| Maple Grove | $1,863 | $397,400 | Yes | 8/10 |
| Wayzata | $1,507 | $1,050,000 | No | 8/10 |
| Woodbury | $2,035 | $434,900 | Yes | 8/10 |
| St. Louis Park | $1,795 | $371,600 | Yes | 8/10 |
| Bloomington | $1,526 | $346,200 | No | 6/10 |
For budget-conscious retirees, Bloomington offers the lowest median home value at $346,200, followed by St. Louis Park at $371,600. Those seeking more upscale communities will find Wayzata at the premium end with median home values exceeding $1 million, while Edina offers prestigious living at $624,000.
Rental markets follow similar patterns. Minnetonka and Eden Prairie offer the most affordable monthly rents around $1,400-$1,425, while Woodbury commands the highest at over $2,000. Keep in mind that Minnesota property taxes and seasonal utility costs should factor into your overall budget planning.
Safety and Healthcare Considerations for Retirees
For retirees, safety and healthcare access should carry significant weight in location decisions. These factors become increasingly important as we age and can directly impact both quality of life and peace of mind.
Most suburbs in our analysis earned strong safety scores of 8 out of 10 or higher, reflecting the generally secure nature of the Minneapolis suburban landscape. Eden Prairie leads with an 8.5 rating, while Bloomington’s score of 6 warrants additional research if safety is your top priority.
Healthcare access varies more substantially. Four suburbs—Edina, Maple Grove, Woodbury, and St. Louis Park—have full-service hospitals within their city limits. This can be particularly valuable for retirees who anticipate frequent medical appointments or who want the security of nearby emergency services.
The remaining suburbs rely on hospitals in adjacent communities, typically within a 10-15 minute drive. The regional healthcare network is robust enough that even suburbs without local hospitals maintain excellent access to major medical facilities. However, if proximity to a hospital is essential for your situation, prioritize Edina, Maple Grove, Woodbury, or St. Louis Park.
How to Choose the Right Suburb for Your Retirement Lifestyle
Selecting the ideal retirement community requires balancing multiple factors against your personal priorities. Here’s a framework for making this important decision:
Start with your budget. Be realistic about what you can comfortably afford, accounting not just for housing costs but also property taxes, utilities, and cost of living. If you’re working with a financial advisor, bring these housing cost comparisons into your planning conversations.
Assess your healthcare needs. If you have ongoing medical conditions or anticipate increased healthcare needs, prioritize suburbs with in-city hospitals or those closest to your current medical providers.
Consider your lifestyle preferences. Do you want lakeside living and outdoor recreation? Wayzata and Minnetonka offer beautiful waterfront settings. Prefer arts and culture? St. Louis Park and Edina have strong cultural programming. Want easy access to major shopping and entertainment? Bloomington puts you near the Mall of America.
Think about family and social connections. Proximity to children, grandchildren, or longtime friends can significantly impact your happiness in retirement. Sometimes the best suburb isn’t the one with the highest rankings—it’s the one that keeps you connected to the people who matter most.
Final Thoughts on the Best Minneapolis Suburbs for Retirees
The Minneapolis metro area offers retirees an exceptional combination of healthcare excellence, cultural richness, natural beauty, and suburban tranquility. Each of the nine suburbs profiled here brings distinct advantages, and the best choice will depend on your unique circumstances and priorities.
Data and research provide a valuable starting point, but nothing replaces firsthand experience. Before making your decision, spend time in the communities that interest you most. Walk the neighborhoods, visit the parks, dine at local restaurants, and talk to residents. The feel of a place matters as much as the numbers.
Your retirement should be a chapter filled with comfort, security, and fulfillment. The right Minneapolis suburb can provide exactly that foundation.
Ready to plan your retirement in the Minneapolis area? Schedule a free retirement assessment with an advisor today.