If you're moving to Minnesota, one of the first phrases you will encounter is the Twin Cities. Most people assume that refers strictly to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, but locals use it differently. Understanding what residents mean by the Twin Cities and how the metro area is laid out will save you time, help you choose the right neighborhood, and set realistic expectations about commute times, lot sizes, and lifestyle.
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What the Twin Cities actually means
To many outsiders the Twin Cities are Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Historically the term originally referred to Minneapolis and the neighboring St. Anthony in the mid 1800s. Today, locals use the phrase to describe the entire metropolitan area surrounding Minneapolis and Saint Paul — roughly everything within a 30 minute drive of the core cities. That 30 minute radius covers dozens of suburbs in every direction, each with a distinct vibe.
The Twin Cities encompasses all of the cities up to a 30 minute radius of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
How big is the metro and how long will commutes take?
Minnesota's highway network makes the metro feel compact. With multiple north/south and east/west routes, you can usually get from one side of the Twin Cities to the other in about 45 minutes outside of rush hour. Rush hour can add time, but compared to many large U.S. metros the road layout and alternate routes keep things moving.
Because many destinations have multiple routes, a 30 minute commute will often reach far more than you might expect if you come from a congested, geographically sprawling city. That perspective matters when planning a move to Minnesota — saying you want to live "an hour away from Minneapolis" can place you well into the outer suburbs or even beyond, depending on direction.
Minnesota Lot sizes and where to find land
If land is a priority, your options depend on how much acreage you want and your budget. Within the core metro area average lots are usually around a quarter to a half acre. To find one-acre parcels you generally need to look along the outer ring of the Twin Cities — towns like Andover, Lakeville, Lake Elmo, or Rogers are common options. One-acre lots inside the metro are possible but uncommon and tend to be priced above roughly $800,000.
If you want total seclusion with no neighbors, expect to look more than an hour away from the metro. The pandemic accelerated development, turning farmland and large lots into new subdivisions, so true privacy within the Twin Cities is increasingly rare.
How the metro breaks down by direction
Each section of the Twin Cities has its own character, price range, and housing stock. Here are concise notes to help you narrow your search when moving to Minnesota.
First ring suburbs
These border Minneapolis and Saint Paul and blend city and suburb. Expect easy access to public transit, local shops, coffee spots, and some walkable neighborhoods. Examples: St. Louis Park, Edina, Richfield (Minneapolis side); Roseville, Maplewood, Inver Grove Heights (St. Paul side). Ideal for people who want homes with character and multiple transportation options.
East suburbs
Includes Woodbury, Oakdale, and Stillwater. Stillwater has a small-town, scenic vibe along the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin border. Woodbury is fast-growing, family-oriented, convenient, and relatively pricey — think of it as the east's version of Maple Grove or Edina. Great for charm or new construction.
South suburbs
Apple Valley, Lakeville, Prior Lake and Burnsville are in this area. The south is expanding quickly with new housing and businesses. Burnsville and Apple Valley are generally more affordable; Lakeville and Prior Lake skew higher. Good if you want growth and newer development.
West suburbs
Home to many of the region's most expensive properties and Lake Minnetonka communities such as Wayzata, Orono, and Minnetonka. These cities often feature top-rated school districts. But the west also includes more moderately priced suburbs like Plymouth and Eden Prairie, making it a broad market.
North suburbs
This is typically the most affordable region of the metro, with cities like Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Andover. Offers newer homes, larger lots as you move outward, and strong options for first-time buyers and families seeking value while remaining within about 30 minutes of the core.
Minnesota Schools, lifestyle, and what to prioritize
School districts can be a major driver of prices in Minnesota. The west contains many of the highest-ranked districts, which is why housing costs can climb quickly in those communities. Commuting, lot size, walkability, and local amenities will all influence where you end up feeling at home.
- If top schools matter:
consider west suburbs like Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata.
- If affordability matters:
look north or some south suburbs like Burnsville and parts of Blaine.
- If charm and small-town vibe matter:
Stillwater and select east suburbs offer scenic neighborhoods and historic districts.
Practical tips when moving to Minnesota
Be specific about the lifestyle you want. Saying you want "close to the city" or "an hour away" can mean very different things depending on where you land on the compass. Use commute time, school district, lot size, and access to amenities to create a short list of towns to explore.
Expect the real estate landscape to keep changing. New developments are converting farmland into neighborhoods, so supply and price points evolve quickly. If acreage or privacy is nonnegotiable, plan to search outside the 30 minute metro ring.
Frequently asked questions about moving to Minnesota
What does the term Twin Cities mean to locals?
The Twin Cities refers to the entire Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area — roughly everything within about a 30 minute drive of the two downtowns — not only the two cities themselves.
How long does it take to drive across the Twin Cities?
Outside of heavy rush hour, you can typically drive from one edge of the metro to the opposite edge in about 45 minutes thanks to multiple highways and alternate routes.
Where can I find one-acre lots in the Twin Cities?
One-acre lots exist primarily on the outer ring suburbs like Andover, Lakeville, Lake Elmo, and Rogers. Inside the closer suburbs, quarter to half acre lots are far more common.
Which areas have the best schools?
Many of the top-ranked school districts are in the west suburbs, including Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Eden Prairie, which also influence local housing prices.
How should I narrow down where to live when moving to Minnesota?
Decide your priorities: commute tolerance, school quality, lot size, and neighborhood vibe. Use those criteria to eliminate large swaths of the metro and focus on a handful of suburbs to visit in person.
Final thought
Moving to Minnesota means thinking beyond two city names. The Twin Cities is a broad, well-connected metro with a surprising range of options: small-town charm, high-end lakeside estates, family-oriented suburbs, and affordable northern neighborhoods. Know what matters most to you and use commute time, lot size, and school districts to guide your search. With the right priorities, you can find the perfect spot within the metro or just beyond it.
