Is living in Hopkins MN in your future? The Hopkins area is known for its charming downtown, rich cultural life, and strong neighborhood spirit. It was once known as the Raspberry Capital of the World, with more than 800 acres of berry fields.
The city blends small-town friendliness with urban convenience, offering residents easy access to Minneapolis while maintaining its own unique character. Hopkins has a lively arts and entertainment scene. The Hopkins Center for the Arts hosts concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions year-round.
The city also celebrates Hopkins' history through events like the Raspberry Festival, Mainstreet Days, and the Hopkins Farmers Market, bringing residents together with music, food, and fun. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the many parks, trails, and sports facilities, including the scenic Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail.
Families benefit from highly rated schools in the Hopkins School District, known for its innovative programs and supportive community. You’ll love living in the energetic and close-knit city of Hopkins.
Hopkins is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, located just 10 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis in the heart of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.
The Hopkins population is 18,696. Those living in Hopkins MN have deep Scandinavian roots, with many of its early settlers coming from Norway and Sweden in the late 1800s seeking farmland and new opportunities. These settlers helped shape the community’s character, building churches, schools, and businesses that reflected their values of hard work, faith, and community spirit. The influence of these early residents can still be seen today in local traditions, architecture, and cultural celebrations.
Here's an overview of Hopkins's demographics:
The safety of residents in Hopkins is a key priority, and the Hopkins Police Department, with its 30 sworn officers, is dedicated to working with residents and the community to uphold the law, maintain the peace, and improve the quality of life in the community.
Hopkin’s crime rate is approximately 2,138 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 8.5% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is about 199 per 100,000 residents, which is 46% lower than the U.S. average. It’s one of the benefits of living in Hopkins MN.
What is the cost of living in Hopkins MN? The cost of living in Hopkins MN is 6% higher than the national average but on par with the surrounding suburbs. Housing costs are a major driver of the cost of living. In Hopkins, the housing component is about 29.3% higher than the U.S. average. It's generally affordable in all other aspects, like what living in Minnesota is known for. The median sale price of a home in Hopkins is $306,575, and the average cost per square foot of the Hopkins MN homes currently for sale is $206.
Check out the many current houses for sale in Hopkins MN. If you are considering renting in Hopkins, the average rent in Hopkins is $1,593 for a 866-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe. By comparison, rents in Minneapolis average about $1,686 per month. You can find apartments and homes for rent in Hopkins MN on RentCafe.
Source: Numbeo, Minneapolis
Living in Hopkins MN is considered a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis, with a short commute to downtown, quiet streets, and walkability to shopping and restaurants. However, most people downtown own cars rather than bikes. The city has a mix of home styles, including midcentury split-levels, Cape Cods, ranch-style homes, townhomes, and mixed-use condos. You can find both established neighborhoods and new developments in the city. Many homes were built in the early 2000s, but mid-century residences from the 1950s also sit alongside brand-new construction.
A popular neighborhood for those living in Hopkins MN, situated along Main Street, is Avenues West. With a suburban lifestyle, A-rated school district, and prime location within blocks of local boutiques and downtown eateries, Avenues West is highly walkable and lined with brick buildings and storefront windows. Nearby Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail connects outdoor adventurers to the Carver Park Reserve.
Avenues West has mostly single-family homes that consist of midcentury ranches from the 1950s, as well as Cape Cods and Craftsman. Most feature mid-sized lawns, fenced backyards, and paved driveways leading to detached garages. Townhouses and twin style homes are also available in the community.
Many people like living in Hopkins MN for the weather and the beautiful four seasons it experiences. Hopkins has a humid continental climate, consisting of warm summers and cold winters. In summer, average temperatures are typically in the mid-70s. In winter, the temperatures often drop below freezing. Hopkins receives about 32 inches of rain each year. The US average is 38 inches. Snowfall is common in the city from November until March. The average yearly snowfall in Hopkins is 54 inches, about double the national average. Thunderstorms are common in the summer months. On average, there are 196 sunny days per year in Hopkins. The best time of year to visit Hopkins is mid-June to early September.
Wondering what to do while living in Hopkins MN? Hopkins offers a wide range of activities for residents and visitors, from scenic outdoor spaces and recreational trails to vibrant community events, seasonal festivals, and diverse educational programs. In addition, enjoy shopping opportunities at The Shoppes at Knollwood, Hopkins Antique Mall, and Knollwood Village. Here are some top attractions near Hopkins:
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The Hopkins Center for the Arts hosts concerts, theater productions, art exhibitions, and community events year-round. offering residents and visitors a welcoming space to experience local talent and nationally recognized performers in an inspiring, modern setting.
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343, (952) 548-6485
Tuttle’s Bowling is a popular Hopkins hangout, offering fun for all ages. With multiple lanes, arcade games, and a friendly atmosphere, Tuttle’s is a great place to enjoy family outings, league play, and casual bowling nights. This is a great place to go while living in Hopkins MN.
107 Shady Oak Rd, Hopkins, MN 55343, (952) 938-4090
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Stages Theatre Company is a renowned professional theater known for its innovative, thought-provoking plays and musicals. Opened in 1971, Stages has long been a staple of the Twin Cities arts scene, showcasing diverse voices and creative storytelling. It’s a favorite amongst families living in Hopkins MN.
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343, (952) 979-1111
If you’re looking for more activities while living in Hopkins MN, Hopkins residents have several parks offering a variety of recreational options. Central Park is an 18-acre green space in the city center featuring grills, an outdoor ice-skating rink, pickleball courts, and walking trails. During warmer months, Burnes Park offers a splash pad to cool off, as well as a basketball court. Hilltop Park provides large shade trees and relaxing scenery.
Hopkins is also a favorite for golfers, with the private Oak Ridge Country Club boasting a championship course, restaurants, a pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Hopkins Pavilion hosts open ice skating sessions for residents throughout the week. The Hopkins Activity Center and Hopkins Historical Society also have activities with a gym, art gallery, theater, and more.
Hopkins Minnesota offers a diverse dining scene with something for every palate. From classic American dishes to international flavors, you’ll find Italian, Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, and more within a short walk or drive of downtown Hopkins’ vibrant Main Street area. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Hopkins:
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Hendrix & Siena is known for its excellent selection of craft cocktails and wine. This cozy restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring classic pasta dishes. This is the perfect spot for date night while living in Hopkins MN.
1601 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Pink Ivy Kitchen and Bar is a stylish and vibrant restaurant offering a creative menu that blends American classics with global influences. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and have a wide selection of craft cocktails. The modern décor and friendly service make it a favorite dining destination for those living in Hopkins MN.
712 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343, (952) 600-7290
Pizza Lucé features high-quality, innovative, award-winning pizza made with only the finest local ingredients. But that’s not all. They also have a wide variety of hoagies, salads, appetizers, and desserts, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. At Pizza Lucé, there’s something for everyone living in Hopkins MN.
210 Blake Rd N, Hopkins, MN 55343, (952) 767-0854
The major industries in and around Hopkins include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, clean tech and renewable energy, and food production and agriculture. The city’s proximity to Minneapolis and St. Paul offers many additional employment possibilities.
One of the major employers near Hopkins is Cargill, a multinational corporation with about 1,500 employees. Cargill is a global powerhouse in agriculture, food production, and risk management, with a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Cargill supplies food, agriculture, financial, and industrial products worldwide. The other major employer is the Minneapolis Threshing Machine Company.
Other major employers near Hopkins include Supervalu, UnitedHealth Group, Park Nicollet Health Services, and Target. If you’re looking for a job in Hopkins, check out current job openings on Indeed and the Hopkins employment opportunities.
Hopkins Public Schools serves the city of Hopkins and surrounding cities, including St. Louis Park, Eden Prairie, and Minnetonka. The district consists of an early childhood center, six elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. Hopkins Public Schools is a highly rated public school system recognized for its strong commitment to academic excellence and student growth. The schools are known for their supportive learning environments and diverse programs. Hopkins High School features a rigorous curriculum, award-winning arts programs, and competitive athletics.
If you’re looking for good private schools near Hopkins, some of the top choices include The Blake School, Chesterton Academy, and Agape Christi Academy.
Several top-rated colleges and universities offer diverse educational opportunities near Hopkins, such as the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the University of St. Thomas, Normandale Community College, and Hamline University.
For a leisurely day, visit the Hopkins Library. Established over 100 years ago, the library offers books, music, movies, DVDs, and more. It used to be in the city hall, but now it's in a beautiful historic home called Dow House. You can check out their events page for free programs and events. You can find events for everyone from babies to preteens to adults and seniors.
Hopkins, Minnesota is known for its walkable small-town downtown, vibrant local arts scene, and community events, including the well-known Hopkins Raspberry Festival. The city is also recognized for its parks, trails, and strong community-focused character despite being close to the Minneapolis metro area.
Hopkins has a diverse population. The community includes primarily White residents, along with significant Black, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and multiracial groups. This diversity contributes to the city’s cultural vibrancy and inclusive community environment.
Yes, Hopkins is considered a small city. With a population of around 19,000 and a compact geographic area, it offers a close-knit, small-town feel while still providing easy access to larger urban amenities.
No, Hopkins and Minnetonka are not the same city. They are separate municipalities, but they border each other and share strong regional connections, including schools, parks, and transportation networks.
Hopkins is located in Hennepin County, one of the most populous and economically active counties in Minnesota.
The median household income in Hopkins, Minnesota is approximately $71,170, reflecting a moderate and stable economic profile within the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro region.
If Hopkins is calling your name, make your transition smooth, stress-free, and efficient with The Move Crew by your side. Our trusted Hopkins MN moving company knows the area inside and out and is ready to take care of every detail, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading.
Whether you're relocating your family, downsizing, or moving into your first apartment, our Hopkins movers are here to make moving to Hopkins easy. Give our Hopkins MN moving company a call today at 612-361-6787 for a free quote and take the first step toward a seamless move to beautiful Hopkins, Minnesota!
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