Many towns and neighborhoods in Minnesota have been recognized among the top places to buy a home in 2025, according to a new national ranking by the data website Niche.
The annual report, titled “Best Places to Buy a House in America,” looks at over 2,000 cities, suburbs, and small towns across the U.S. to determine where homebuyers can find the best value and quality of life.
How the Rankings Were Created
The rankings are based on several reliable sources, including U.S. Census data and FBI crime statistics. Niche used 12 key factors to rate each location. These include:
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Median home values
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Cost of living
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Property tax rates
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Homeownership rates
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Public school quality
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Local crime rates
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Recent trends in home value
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Percentage of young adults moving in (ages 20–44)
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Educational attainment
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Housing affordability compared to income
Each place gets an overall grade, along with individual grades for safety, affordability, and schools.
Top Minnesota Communities for Homebuyers
Minnesota had a strong showing in the 2025 rankings, with several towns and suburbs earning high scores. These are the top-ranked places to buy a house in the state:
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Byron (Olmsted County)
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St. Charles (Winona County)
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Cascade Township (Olmsted County)
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Lake St. Croix Beach (Washington County)
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Le Sauk Township (Stearns County)
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Mantorville (Dodge County)
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Chatfield (Fillmore and Olmsted counties)
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Carver (Carver County)
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Victoria (Carver County)
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Shoreview (Ramsey County)
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Rosemount (Dakota County)
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Eden Prairie (Hennepin County)
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West Lakeland Township (Washington County)
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North Oaks (Ramsey County)
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Plymouth (Hennepin County)
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Medina (Hennepin County)
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Rogers (Hennepin and Wright counties)
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Falcon Heights (Ramsey County)
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St. Michael (Wright County)
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Zumbrota (Goodhue County)
These communities were recognized for offering a great mix of affordable housing, safety, good schools, and rising home values—making them especially attractive for families and first-time buyers.
Best Places to Buy a House in the U.S.
The report also highlights the best places to buy a home in the entire country. Many of the top-ranked communities are smaller towns or quiet suburbs with strong local economies and low crime rates. These include:
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Hazel Green, Alabama
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Sturgeon, Pennsylvania
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Madison, Alabama
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St. Johns, Arizona
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Jena, Louisiana
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Meadowbrook, Alabama
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Pittsboro, Indiana
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Centennial, North Dakota
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Larkin Charter Township, Michigan
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South Vacherie, Louisiana
Most of these towns are home to just a few thousand people, making them ideal for those looking for a peaceful environment with a strong sense of community.
Why It Matters
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. With rising prices and interest rates, finding the right place to settle down has become more important than ever. Rankings like these help buyers make informed choices by showing where their money can go the furthest—especially in areas with solid long-term value and a good quality of life.
Whether you’re thinking of buying a house in Minnesota or elsewhere in the U.S., these rankings give a helpful look at where you might want to start your search.
