The Best Places to Build a Home in the North Metro near Minneapolis

Birch Island

Building a new home is an exciting and momentous investment in your future. While your new home may not be your forever home, it’s still advisable to deeply research your location options, from commute times to work and big city amenities to the unique culture and conveniences of each neighborhood. Today we’ll highlight five of the best places to build your home just outside of Minneapolis proper.

Andover

Just 30 minutes north of Minneapolis, Andover is the perfect balance of not-too-big, not-too-small. It has a population of 32,639 and has attracted many families and young professionals, as well as some retirees. 94% of residents own their own homes, which helps create a stable and responsible community vibe. Residents enjoy over 400 acres of community and neighborhood parks, close proximity to Minneapolis conveniences, and access to two of Minnesota’s finest school districts (Anoka-Hennepin School District 11 and St. Francis School District 15). See our communities to build a new home in Andover with Price Homes here.

Blaine

Situated 20 minutes from both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Blaine is a thriving business hub with a lot to explore. Blaine is ranked as the best place to live in Anoka County and among the 100 best places to live in the U.S. With a population of 70,047, Blaine is home to Minnesota’s most frequented sports destination, several retail shopping centers, and the state’s PGA Tour golf course. From shopping to dining and outdoor activities to entertainment attractions, Blaine is an ideal location for anyone who wants to live outside of the big city while staying highly active. Click here to learn more about building in Blaine with Price Homes.

Elk River

Elk River is a nature-lover’s dream that’s located about 40 minutes north of Minneapolis. Built on the Mississippi River, it’s no surprise that this town offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, bird watching, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and more. Elk River has a population of 25,936 and is ranked as the best place to live in Sherburne County, with good public schools and cozy coffee shops, a variety of restaurants, and more. Learn more about building a Price Home in Elk River here.

Rockford

About 35 minutes west-northwest of Minneapolis, Rockford is an intimate town with a population of 4,368. Rockford offers easy access to multiple lakes and is cradled by the Crow River. With many outdoor opportunities like canoeing and fishing, this town is becoming an increasingly popular destination for home buyers. Learn more about building a new home in Rockford with Price Homes.

Zimmerman

Last but not least, Zimmerman is a charmingly rural town located about 45 minutes north-northwest of Minneapolis. With a population of 6,243, this town is a popular destination for young professionals and families, and 80% of its residents own their own homes. Both the housing and the overall cost of living in Zimmerman are affordable, and residents have access to good public schools, a multitude of outdoor activities, and a thriving town center. Learn more about building in Zimmerman with Price Homes here.