Golden Valley MN is a Minneapolis suburb, making it part of the Twin Cities. It was founded as an agricultural community back in 1886 and has grown into a prototypical suburb that still feels low-key. Golden Valley offers a welcoming environment that’s slightly out of the hustle and bustle of downtown Minneapolis but still close enough to reap the benefits of big-city living. If you’re wondering what living in Golden Valley MN is really like, our moving to Golden Valley guide is for you.
We discuss everything from the weather, the tax rate, what the city is known for, and why it’s a desirable location for you and your family. And if you decide to make this City of Lakes suburb your new home, we’re the Minneapolis movers for you.
Yes, Golden Valley MN is a great place to live in. It is one of the safest, greenest first-ring suburbs in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Since the Golden Valley is located just minutes from Downtown Minneapolis, it provides quick access to metro facilities with a quiet and residential, neighborly feel.
About 70% of residents own their homes, and many have children. Golden Valley Minnesota is known for being a notable Minneapolis suburb, having wonderful parks, over 1,000 acres of park space, and great schools. As an example, Breck is an award-winning private school within the city limits.
Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of moving to Golden Valley MN:
| Pros | Cons |
| Low crime rate, so it’s safe for families | Cost of living is slightly higher than the US average |
| 1,000+ acres of parks and trails | Older-skewing population |
| Award-winning public and private schools | Cold and snowy winters |
| Fortune 500 employers and easy downtown access | Car-dependency is common |
An interesting fact to know about the Golden Valley is that it is surprisingly quiet for a suburb sitting right next to downtown Minneapolis. Many people associate the buzzy “West End” shopping-and-dining district with Golden Valley, but it is actually just across the line in neighboring St. Louis Park.
Golden Valley MN is located in Hennepin County, west of Minneapolis. It’s 7.6 miles west from Golden Valley to Downtown Minneapolis, or roughly 12 minutes. St. Louis Park and New Hope border the city.
Interstate 394, U.S. Highway 169, and Minnesota State Highways 55 and 100 all serve Golden Valley, offering easy access and a direct route to its surrounding cities. Generally, Golden Valley is fairly car-dependent as most daily errands require a short drive instead of a walk. Golden Valley MN is part of The Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Golden Valley ZIP codes are 55416, 55422, 55426, and 55427.
The Golden Valley’s population was 22,552 at the 2020 census, and the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent estimate puts it at roughly 21,325 (2025). The median age is about 44.2, with less than 20% of residents under 18. Hence, you’ll find many empty nesters living in Golden Valley MN, with the most common age band being 60-69.
Explore more demographics before deciding if living in Golden Valley MN is right for you.
According to the US Census Bureau, Golden Valley’s racial and ethnic makeup consists of a diverse population that is 77.9% White alone (76.7% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino), 10.8% who identify as two or more races, and 6.9% Black or African American alone. Additionally, 5.2% of the population is Hispanic or Latino, and 3.1% is Asian alone. Both American Indian and Alaska Native alone, as well as Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, make up 0.1% of the population, respectively.
Yes, Golden Valley MN is a very safe place to live. According to FBI statistics, the Golden Valley crime rate is 43.5% lower than the state and 50.3% lower than the country. In other words, there is a 1 in 95 chance of becoming a crime victim when living in Golden Valley MN.
Golden Valley’s violent crime rate follows the same trend, sitting 73.8% lower than the state and 81.3% lower than the country. Fourteen violent crimes were reported in the last year, with zero murders.
Similarly, the Golden Valley property crime rate is 38.7% lower than the state and 44.0% lower than the country. It means there is a 1 in 101 chance of becoming a victim of property crime when living in Golden Valley MN.
This low crime rate is attributed to the hardworking members of the Golden Valley police department, who work tirelessly to keep the town safe.
Most cities in Minnesota are affordable, as the state's Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 6% below the US average. The Golden Valley COLI is 1% above the US average and 4% above the Minnesota average, making it slightly more expensive than the US average. However, given its low crime rate, location, and other amenities, this town is worth the price.
*Golden Valley typical living expenses:
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for Minneapolis, so prices may differ when living in Golden Valley MN.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four in Hennepin County needs a household income of $136,413 to live comfortably.
The Golden Valley local sales tax rate is 1.25%. This is on top of the Minnesota state sales tax of 6.875%.
The Golden Valley MN real estate market is very competitive, but only slightly more expensive than the average US city. Golden Valley homes for sale go for a median sale price of $458,500, compared to the US median of 403,200. All listings typically sell within 13 days, with 36.4% selling above the listing price.
If you’re not positive a single-family home is for you, Golden Valley, MN, has options:
Renting is also a great option! The average rent in Golden Valley MN is $1,906 for an 875-square-foot unit.
Are you looking for the top neighborhood for you and your family? Here’s what Golden Valley Minneapolis has to offer.
If you’re not quite ready to buy a house, living in Golden Valley MN is still possible! Renting is a great, cost-effective option.
Golden Valley Minnesota isn’t just for young adults and families, more than 40% of the population is older than 55!
Here are the top senior living options in and near Golden Valley:
Like the climate in Minneapolis, the city of Golden Valley boasts a climate type of hot-summer humid continental without a dry season (Koppen Dfa). The summers are warm and rainy, and the winters are freezing and snowy. The average daily high in the warm season is 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average daily high in the cold season is 24 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month, while June, the rainiest month, experiences an average of 4.3 inches of rainfall. The snowiest month in Golden Valley is December, with an average snowfall of 4.6 inches.
The best time to visit Golden Valley is from mid-June to early September, when temperatures are comfortable (between 70 and 80 degrees). While the rain peaks in June, it progressively decreases throughout the summer.
Golden Valley has produced and been home to a number of notable figures across film, sports, and advertising. A few names tied to the city:
There are lots of things to do in Golden Valley. The city offers unique shopping options like Down In The Valley (a vintage record store), but it hosts stores like Menards, which is ideal for essentials.
Theodore Wirth Park is your one-stop shop for outdoor activities. Between their biking and hiking trails, expansive lake, and tubing activities, you’ll have plenty to do here, regardless of the season. The best part is that this Golden Valley activity is free!
1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422, (612) 230-6528
Located within the regional park is the 18-hole public golf course. There is a large practice area and a scenic view of the downtown Minneapolis skyline.
1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422, (763) 522-4584
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, escaping to the General Mills nature preserve is your best bet. Its paved and dirt walking paths are ideal for hiking or biking. Visitors enjoy birdwatching and soaking in the scenery.
9145 Earl St, Golden Valley, MN 55427, (763) 512-2345
If you’re looking for more things to do in Golden Valley Recreation MN, consider attending community events. They host the Market in the Valley monthly, as well as outdoor concerts and public safety workshops. For information about the parks or events, look to Golden Valley Parks and Rec for any information regarding the parks or events.
Golden Valley’s dining scene is solid for a small suburb. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Golden Valley MN, we’re here to help. We’ve narrowed down the best dining options for you.
Nagoya is a popular AYCE sushi joint in Golden Valley serving up traditional Japanese dishes like sashimi, sushi, handrolls, and hibachi. The restaurant is located in the Golden Valley Shopping Center.
8030 Olson Mem Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427, (952) 333-3100
One of the most popular Golden Valley restaurants is Benihana, a chain Hibachi eatery that serves traditional Japanese cuisine. They’re known for their theatrical chefs who make every dining experience feel like a party.
850 Louisiana Ave S, Golden Valley, MN 55426, (763) 542-9922
Pancheros Mexican Grill offers traditional Mexican dishes like homemade salsa, warm queso, burritos, and à la carte tacos.
7746 Olson Mem Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427, (763) 544-3474
Doolittles Woodfire Grill is a local sit-down favorite. It is known for wood-fired and rotisserie-style American fare and is one of the most searched Golden Valley restaurants.
550 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427, (763) 542-1931
Overall, living in Golden Valley MN offers access to many different types of restaurants. Whether you’re craving the convenience of fast food or want to enjoy a sit-down dinner at a high-end eatery, this city has options for you.
Golden Valley MN is predicted to see a 36.9% job market increase by 2035, meaning its economy is growing rapidly. According to the city’s economic website, its location makes it the ideal commercial and industrial option for businesses seeking proximity to Minneapolis. Golden Valley boasts more jobs per capita than any other city in its metro area. 7% of its land is used for commercial purposes, and 8% is used for industrial businesses.
Golden Valley jobs are easy to find, but looking at the region's major employers may make job-hunting easier. UnitedHealth Group, Target, and CHS are Fortune 500 companies that keep their main corporate headquarters in Golden Valley. Cargill and Mortenson are also great options.
We’re confident you’ll have no issue finding work when living in Golden Valley MN, but if you work in healthcare, food production, advanced manufacturing, or technology, you may have more options, as those are the Twin Cities key industries. If you work in the public sector or local government, you should consider the City of Golden Valley jobs, which are overseen by the city manager and city council.
If you’re wondering what you’ll earn when living in Golden Valley MN, we’ve gathered wage information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Physicians in the Golden Valley area earn the highest median hourly wage, at $108.91, whereas waiters and waitresses earn a median hourly wage of $11.08. ZipRecruiter says the average yearly wage in Golden Valley Minnesota is $56,041.
K-12 public school students living in Golden Valley MN are served by Robbinsdale Public School District and Hopkins Public School District. According to the city’s school district map, its south side is served by Hopkins, whereas the north side is served by Robbinsdale. Families with middle school students will find strong options in both districts. Robbinsdale boasts an award-winning Business Services Department, meaning you can count on your tax dollars being handled responsibly.
Whether families seek a public or private education, Golden Valley can accommodate them. The city hosts two of the area’s top private schools Breck boasts an Excellence in Arts Award and countless notable alumni.
Golden Valley Library is a great place for educational resources, including free Wi-Fi and computer access. Cardholders gain access to their meeting rooms, thousands of books, and programs like career assistance, homework help, and early learning classes.
Explore more with this map of Golden Valley MN.
Golden Valley is a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis. It is located about 5 to 8 miles west of downtown. It's served by Interstate 394 and Highways 55, 100, and 169, which makes the Twin Cities reachable within 15 minutes. The city covers about 10.5 square miles in Hennepin County.
Golden Valley is about 7 to 8 miles from downtown Minneapolis. It is roughly a 12- to 15-minute drive in normal traffic. The Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is around 18 miles away. This short commute is a major reason why many people choose Golden Valley over farther-out suburbs of Minnesota.
Golden Valley's cost of living is slightly above the U.S. average, which is due to expensive housing. The median home sale price is also higher than the national median, and the average rent for a typical unit is competitive for the metro.
Golden Valley's best neighborhoods include Tyrol Hills, known for wooded lots near Theodore Wirth Park, plus the Bassett Creek and Hidden Lakes areas.
Golden Valley is split between two public school districts: Hopkins Public Schools serves the south side, and Robbinsdale Area Schools serves the north side. Golden Valley also has the Breck School, which is a highly rated private school.
Golden Valley has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer highs average around 71°F, while winter highs hover near 24°F.
As you can see, living in Golden Valley MN is great for kids, retirees, families, and business professionals. There are shopping and dining options galore, plus the cost of living is only 1% above the US average. If you’re interested in relocating here, call The Move Crew at (612) 361-6787. As the top Golden Valley movers, we will provide a free estimate and a stress-free moving experience.
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