2019 Best Places to Live in Washington CountyAbout this List

Woodbury

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 176

Current Resident: It is a perfect city for families. The schools rank 9/10 some even 10/10 and with the ever growing population, Woodbury has all of the convenient shopping centers that are needed! We have whole foods, Kowalskis markets, lunds and byrleys and cub foods, we also have a walmart, costco, sam's club and super target conviently located for all woodbury residents. Numerous of workout facilities including lifetime fitness, anytime fitness, LA fitness and the YMCA. We have a library and indoor park the kids on those cold and dreary days! Woodbury is the new up and coming city! I have lived there for 20+ years and it is only getting better with all of the new developments.
Read 176 Reviews

• A+

• A

• 67,648 Population

Dellwood

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN

• A+

• A+

• 1,149 Population

Mahtomedi

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 14

Current Resident: Mahtomedi has that small town charm while still close to all the attractions of a big city. The people are friendly and amiable, and it's not long after moving here that people begin knowing you by name. There are many small parks for children to play in as well as several bigger "natural landscape" parks. There are also numerous nature trails that can be hiked during the warmer months and cross-country skied during the colder snowier months. Beyond that the town is eco-conscious, decently diverse, safe, family-friendly, and all around a beautiful place to live.
Read 14 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 8,005 Population

Stillwater Township

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 13

Niche User: Stillwater, specifically Arcola, is an amazing place to live. The houses are all very spread out, yet there is still a large sense of community among the neighborhood. Neighbors are always helpful and understanding. The environment could not be more beautiful. The area is surrounded by old, large green trees with a stunning view of the river. Some houses have river access which is very handy in the hot summer months. There is little no litter and wildlife is rather abundant in the area.
Read 13 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 1,819 Population

Stillwater

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 45

Current Resident: I love living out in Stillwater. I live in May Township, a very quiet part of Stillwater. We like the peace. Downtown Stillwater is also an exciting place to go to every now and then. There's nothing I'd change about it!
Read 45 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 19,232 Population

West Lakeland Township

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 9

Niche User: I wouldn't want to grow up an any other area in the world. Having a 300-acre Wildlife Management Area butting up against my backyard was a place I could really mature on my own. It was an escape from the concrete jungle I called everyday life, and pressed me to learn things no textbook could ever teach me.
Read 9 Reviews

• A

• A

• 4,159 Population

Afton

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 5

Current Resident: Afton is an amazing place to live and raise a family. It's close enough to the Twin Cities to make the commute manageable, but far enough to be quiet and offer a rural living experience.
Read 5 Reviews

• A

• A

• 2,963 Population

Baytown Township

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN

• A

• A

• 1,827 Population

Lake Elmo

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 43

Current Resident: Lake Elmo is a beautiful place to live, especially for families. There are many things to do nearby (downtown stillwater is minutes away, wisconsin is literally 20 minutes away, and minneapolis is about 30 minutes away). There are also good schools like Stillwater HS and SCPA. It is a great place to live.
Read 43 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 8,621 Population

Bayport

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN

• A

• A

• 3,688 Population

Lakeland

• Town in Minnesota
• 1

Current Resident: Have lived here and raised family for 35 years. Couldn't imagine a better place to live. 20 minutes max from anywhere you want to go.
Read 1 Review

• A

• A

• 1,893 Population

Grant

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN

• A-

• A

• 4,140 Population

Hugo

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 37

Current Resident: Small Town feel, but close enough to the city and all amenities you need. Great community environment and very clean town.
Read 37 Reviews

• A-

• B+

• 14,415 Population

Cottage Grove

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 85

Current Resident: I think Cottage grove is a very safe and wonderful place to live, everyone is super nice. I have lived here for 18 years and I will probably end up settling down here as well. The only thing that isn't amazing about cottage grove is that there aren't a lot of things to do besides go to restaurants and parks, however cottage grove is right next to Woodbury and Minneapolis, which have many fun things to do but are huge cities and have a little less friendly aura and a little bit less safe. Woodbury is also expensive to live in and people there are snobby.
Read 85 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• 35,902 Population

Oakdale

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 50

Current Resident: I moved to Oakdale about five years ago. Since then, I have gotten to know the community well. The population is diverse, but there is a good sense of community and friendship between neighbors. The local police department actively pursues community outreach rather than against them. The school district is good and pursues public opinion, even of taxpayers with no children in the district. Public lands are well maintained, as are roads and utilities. However, there are limited options for activities aside from parks, due to its proximity to Minneapolis. In addition, the housing market is bad as available housing is expensive. A broader range of stores, restaurants, and other activities, as well as a wider diversity of housing options aside from apartments or large new houses would be helpful.
Read 50 Reviews

• A-

• B

• 27,972 Population

Denmark Township

• Town in Minnesota
• 5

Niche User: I have lived here for 20 years and there has been no crimes that I have heard of. The worst that has happened is a horse gets lose on occasion.
Read 5 Reviews

• B+

• A-

• 1,738 Population

Newport

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 1

• B+

• A

• 3,485 Population

St. Paul Park

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN

• B+

• B

• 5,376 Population

Oak Park Heights

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN
• 3

Niche User: I want to live in this town when I graduate from college, or find a town that is similar. This city has everything anyone would ever need whether it be shopping, restaurants, activities for the summer or winter, a downtown area, and also the typical suburban living. It's perfect for any type of person!
Read 3 Reviews

• B

• A-

• 4,823 Population

Forest Lake

• Town in Minnesota
• 41

Current Resident: My experience with Forest Lake had been great! The town is not too small and not too big, it is close to the cities if you want a fun adventure. There are some great lakes for ice fishing and swimming in the summer time.
Read 41 Reviews

• B

• B

• 19,406 Population

Scandia

• Town in Minnesota
• 2

Niche User: I love living in a small town of less than 4,000 people. It's quiet and refreshing, and just a short 45 minute drive from the Twin Cities. I love that so much of the town is centered around out door activities. Running, biking, camping, fishing, swimming, etc. All things that many people get to enjoy in the summer. And with a beautiful fall, it's an amazing place to enjoy the warmth of friends and family in the cool autumn air while apple picking, or enjoying a bonfire. It's truly a splendid place to grow up close to nature and a happy community.
Read 2 Reviews

• B

• B+

• 4,044 Population

Pine Springs

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN

• A+

• A

• 389 Population

Birchwood Village

• Suburb of Minneapolis, MN

• A

• B+

• 897 Population

Marine on St. Croix

• Town in Minnesota
• 1

Current Resident: Marine on St. Croix is a beautiful river town. Very small and quaint, friendly people, and a cute place to visit.
Read 1 Review

• A

• A-

• 755 Population

Lake St. Croix Beach

• Town in Minnesota

• A-

• A

• 988 Population