What's living in Chanhassen MN really like? Think quite suburban, but without compromising on activities and parks; think safe, yet not too slow to have a good time. Chanhassen is the ultimate mix of small-town charm and big-city living. If you're still not convinced, this is the place to move. Explore our moving to Chanhassen guide! After reading this, you'll finally understand why Money Magazine has named Chanhassen the Best Place to Live.
Yes, Chanhassen is a Carver County city, with a small section of its southside extending into Hennepin County; it’s located 20.3 miles southwest of Minneapolis. It’s part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and is considered one of the top suburbs of Mill City.
Yes, Chanhassen offers good public transportation through Southwest Transit, which operates local and express bus routes to major destinations such as downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and Southdale, as well as SW Prime, an on-demand rideshare service. SWT provides Chanhassen residents with convenient commuting options, reverse commute support, and flexible travel options both locally and throughout the metro area.
Easy access to Southwest Transit routes serving Chanhassen:
The population of Chanhassen MN, is 26,001, with a population density of 1,138 people per square mile. The racial and ethnic makeup is not diverse, with most people living in Chanhassen MN (84.4%) being White (non-Hispanic or Latino). 6.2% of residents are Asian, 3.7% are Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% are Black or African American, and 3.8% are two or more races. The foreign-born population is 8.7%.
The median age is 40.9, and 28% of residents are under the age of 19, reflecting its family-friendly allure. 4.7% of the entire female population gave birth in the past year, which is about 90% of its metro area; your little ones will have plenty of friends upon moving to Chanhassen!
Of the 10,092 housing units, 84% are owner-occupied, depicting the city’s high median income and affordable housing market (which we discuss below). Residents here earn well above the national average, as the median household income is $138,034, compared to $77,719.
These Minneapolitans may earn more due to their advanced education. For example, nearly everyone (98.1%) living in this suburb has a high school diploma, and more than half (64.4%) have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Whether you’re a growing family looking for an affordable and safe suburb to call home or a business professional seeking a quieter alternative to downtown Minneapolis, you will find that Chanhassen is a good place to live!
Chanhassen, MN is widely regarded as a safe city. Crime rates are lower than national averages, with violent crime being uncommon. According to the county’s crime map, traffic stops are common, and some suspicious activity is reported occasionally, but any actual crimes are few and far between. You can explore all crime reports from the past month using the above crime map.
The community’s safety is supported by proactive law enforcement (Chanhassen Police Department), active neighborhood involvement, and strong quality-of-life factors.
Despite being very safe and hosting top schools, Chanhassen is only 7% more expensive to live in than the average US city (Cost of Living Index of 107). While Minneapolis’ COLI is 7% below the US average, its crime rate is also much higher, and it doesn’t provide the same tight-knit community.
Housing here is 18% above the US average, but utilities are 4% cheaper. Explore more of Chanhassen’s daily expenditures below!
Typical living expenses:
Source: Numbeo
According to Doxo, healthcare costs in Chanhassen are about 5% lower than the national average. Their data also shows that 14.3% of residents make payments to Park Nicollet Clinic, with an average bill of around $30.31.
A significant cost to living in Chanhassen MN is the real estate market. For example, the median home value here is $541,250, which is $130,450 above the US median. Despite the average price per square foot being $225, the housing market remains very competitive. Homes for sale Chanhassen typically sell within 24 days, with 40.9% going above their listing price.
Only 16% of residents rent, meaning apartments are not common. There are a handful of homes for rent, but they come at a higher cost than what you’ll pay in Minneapolis. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Chanhassen is $1,700 per month for a 897-square-foot rental.
Not sure where to buy when moving to Chanhassen? Explore these areas of the city and what they have to offer!
Chanhassen has a mix of established and newer neighborhoods, each offering its own appeal. The older part of the city, often called downtown Chanhassen, features charming ramblers and ranch-style homes from the 1950s. West of Powers Boulevard, newer subdivisions built in the 1990s and 2000s provide larger homes and modern layouts. There are some new construction communities like Lennar at Reserve at Autumn Woods and Oak Creek by D.R. Horton, you may want to consider.
Across the city, most residents enjoy bigger lot sizes than in many Twin Cities suburbs, along with excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities. For those seeking more affordable options, nearby communities like Chaska, Victoria, and Shakopee offer additional housing choices.
Chanhassen, Minnesota, has a humid continental climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. You will experience all four seasons when living in Chanhassen MN! Similar to the summers in Minneapolis, the temperatures average between 64°F and 83°F, with July being the warmest month. Winter highs range from 22°F to 29°F, and January lows can dip to 4°F. The city receives about 31 inches of rain and 53 inches of snow annually.
Spring gradually warms from the 30s in March to the upper 60s by May, while June through August are warm and breezy. Partly cloudy skies are common year-round, and winter winds can add a chill factor.
Chanhassen MN USA has tons of things to do and places to explore. And if you ever run out of activities within the city limits, Minneapolis and St. Paul are just a short drive away! From theatres to its countless parks, you will always have a long list of things to do in Chanhassen MN!
Located off of W 78th St (Great Plains Blvd) is the famous Chanhasen Dinner Theatre! You can experience live entertainment while you eat! Watch your favorite Broadway shows and musicals amid a tasty meal prepared by the venue's talented chefs. They offer everything from their famous Chanhassen Chicken dish to healthy veggie bowls.
501 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317, (952) 934-1525
Pailey Park, once the private estate of the legendary pop star Prince, is now a museum featuring unique artifacts and guided tours.
7801 Audubon Rd, Chanhassen, MN 55317, (952) 495-6750
Home to over 3,000 native plant species, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a must-visit attraction in Chanhassen. It spans 1,200 acres — making it an all-day event—and only costs $15 per person.
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318, (612) 624-2200
Chanhassen provides year-round recreational opportunities!
Another great way to get involved in your new community is by attending Chanhassen community events. The city hosts countless gatherings, such as an annual easter egg hunt, the February Festival, and monthly live concerts. For more information, visit the parks and recreation department website.
Are you looking for the top restaurants in Chanhassen MN? We have area expertise and know what is worth trying and not!
This speakeasy has everything from brisket to cornbread to margaritas, and is a must-try upon moving to Chanhassen.
590 W 79th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317, (952) 934-6127
Explore the unique Mediterranean cuisine at Taza. Their most popular menu items are the gyro, saffron rice, and Koobideh.
7905 Great Plains Blvd #130, Chanhassen, MN 55317, (952) 381-9938
Med Box Grill serves up healthier, cleaner options. Their gyro meat is fresh, and Turkish coffee is unbeatable.
600 Market St Suite 160, Chanhassen, MN 55317, (612) 842-1350
With the addition of 400 households per year, Chanhassen and its economy are experiencing growth. According to the city’s economic website, its employment is projected to increase from 15,600 in 2020 to 18,400 in 2040. There are more than 120 businesses within the city limits, resulting in thousands of job opportunities.
The region boasts leading industries in retail, healthcare, food processing, government and public administration, information technology, and the arts, resulting in a diverse job market that serves a wide range of individuals. The United States Postal Service, Target, and CVS Health are just a few of the city’s major employers, but many residents commute to nearby Minneapolis for work. The City of Lakes hosts 15 Fortune 500 companies, including General Mills and Ernst & Young (EY) (accounting), further enhancing Chanhassen’s attractiveness.
Whether you’re seeking a job that requires no commute or you’re willing to travel into the city, you should have no issues finding jobs in Chanhassen MN to consider.
Easy access to the city’s best employers:
The area's local schools are some of the best of the best. Most of Chanhassen falls under Independent School District 112 (Eastern Carver County Schools), with some northern parts of Chanhassen being part of Minnetonka School District (ISD 276).
ISD 112 is one of the county's largest districts, with 9,254 students. Its student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1, and the graduation rate is 93%.
Typical schools that K-12 public school students attend are Chanhassen Elementary, Bluff Creek Elementary, Pioneer Ridge Middle School, Chanhassen High School, Minnetonka High School, and Clear Springs Elementary. If you don't find your ideal school within your zoning, you can contact the districts to explore other options, or opt for private or charter schools.
Some of the schools are highly renowned, with Chanhassen Elementary School among the top 5% in the state; math proficiency is at 73%, and reading proficiency is at 77%, compared to the state averages of 46% and 51%. Public School Review also notes that Chanhassen High School is ranked among the top 30% of public high schools in Minnesota, with test scores and graduation rates well above state averages.
Explore more of the city with this handy map, including restaurants and things to do.
If you think you will love living in Chanhassen MN, you should hire top Chanhassen movers. Call The Move Crew today at (612) 361-6787 for a free estimate on your upcoming relocation. You deserve to live in a city that feels safe, has access to high-paying jobs, and friendly neighbors.
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