Living in Lake Elmo MN offers a peaceful rural-meets-suburban lifestyle with spacious homes, top-rated parks, and convenient access to St. Paul and Minneapolis. Many people are moving to Lake Elmo to enjoy its scenic natural areas, strong community atmosphere, and highly rated schools, all while staying close to major employment centers across the Twin Cities.
With growing interest in Lake Elmo MN, the city continues to develop thoughtfully while preserving the natural landscape that residents value most. Lake Elmo’s motto, “Rural by Nature,” perfectly reflects the balance of countryside tranquility and easy commuting to shopping, dining, and entertainment in nearby Woodbury, Stillwater, and St. Paul.
Whether you’re relocating for family, outdoor amenities, or more living space, living in Lake Elmo MN offers the best of both worlds — quiet residential streets, abundant green space, and access to major urban conveniences.
Yes — living in Lake Elmo MN is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a peaceful, nature-centered lifestyle with quick access to big-city amenities. Many people are moving to Lake Elmo because it offers the best of both worlds: wide-open green spaces, quiet residential neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community, all just a short drive from downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. Residents love the area’s scenic lakes, miles of trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as the city’s thoughtful growth that maintains its rural character and natural beauty.
Lake Elmo MN is located in Washington County in eastern Minnesota, positioned within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. For anyone interested in living in Lake Elmo MN, the city offers a peaceful rural-suburban setting just 25 miles east of Minneapolis, making commuting simple for professionals working in the metro.
Wondering where is Lake Elmo? The city sits north of highway Interstate 94 and just east of Interstate 694, with Manning Avenue as a boundary, surrounded by scenic open land, lakes, and parks. Nearby communities include Woodbury, Stillwater, Oakdale, and Maplewood, which provide additional retail and dining options just minutes away. Lake Elmo Minnesota is also positioned close to the St. Croix River Valley, known for boating, hiking, wineries, and small-town riverfront charm.
The population of Lake Elmo MN is 11,335, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. With steady, intentional growth and thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, living in Lake Elmo MN offers a suburban–rural feel with spacious properties, tree-lined streets, and access to beautiful parkland. The population density is about 362.7 residents per square mile, offering far more space and privacy than many suburbs in the Twin Cities region.
Lake Elmo is home to a well-educated community—61.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and nearly 5.0% are foreign-born, contributing to a diverse professional population. The median age is 40.2, reflecting a healthy balance of young professionals, families, and long-time residents.
Lake Elmo MN demographics
Is Lake Elmo MN a safe place to live? Yes — living in Lake Elmo MN is considered very safe. While nearby Minneapolis’ crime rate is higher (2,661 crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 38 chance of being a victim), Lake Elmo’s smaller suburban environment and community-focused law enforcement help keep crime significantly lower. Minneapolis also reports a 1 in 300 chance of being a victim of violent crime and 1 in 43 chance of property crime, while Lake Elmo’s rates are estimated to be far below metro averages.
Overall, living in Lake Elmo MN provides a peaceful, secure, and family-friendly lifestyle with convenient access to urban amenities.
Wondering about the cost of living in Lake Elmo MN? While Lake Elmo is considered one of the more desirable suburbs of Minneapolis, the cost of living here is moderately higher than average due to its premium real estate, excellent schools, and spacious homes. The Minneapolis cost of living index is 96.8, slightly below the U.S. average of 100, meaning expenses in the region are generally reasonable compared to other major cities.
According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator for Washington County, a family of four needs about $11,390 per month or $136,680 per year to live comfortably, reflecting the area’s high quality of life and strong household incomes.
Day-to-day expenses are similar to what you’ll find in Minneapolis. Based on Numbeo data for Minneapolis:
One of the main costs associated with living in Lake Elmo MN is housing. With high demand for properties near parks, lakes, and trails, the market remains strong. As of the latest Lake Elmo MN real estate data:
The average rent in Lake Elmo MN is $2,248/month.
Whether you’re searching homes for sale in Lake Elmo MN, exploring Lake Elmo MN real estate, or browsing apartments for rent in Lake Elmo, you’ll find everything from lakefront properties and acreage estates to apartment complexes like Springs at Lake Elmo.
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If you're thinking about moving to Lake Elmo or exploring the best areas for living in Lake Elmo MN, you’ll find a mix of peaceful residential communities, luxury rental options, and beautifully planned neighborhoods surrounded by lakes, parks, and walking trails. Here are some of the most desirable places to live in the area.
For renters searching for modern amenities while living in Lake Elmo MN, Springs at Lake Elmo is a top-rated luxury apartment community conveniently located near the entrance to Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Residents can choose from brand-new studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, all in a pet-friendly environment designed for comfort and convenience.
Wildflower at Lake Elmo is one of the most sought-after residential communities in the city, especially among families and outdoor lovers. The neighborhood is known for quiet, walkable streets, beautifully landscaped prairie spaces, and miles of community nature trails.
Located minutes from I-94, Savona is perfect for commuters and professionals moving to Lake Elmo who want easy access to Woodbury, Stillwater, and downtown Minneapolis. The community features large single-family homes, walking paths, ponds, and family-friendly park spaces.
One of the biggest advantages of living in Lake Elmo MN is the beautiful four-season Minneapolis climate. Lake Elmo weather offers warm, sunny summers and snowy, postcard-perfect winters, making it an ideal location for anyone who loves outdoor recreation and year-round seasonal activities. Whether you’re enjoying summer afternoons at Lake Elmo Park Reserve or winter holiday events in downtown Lake Elmo, the change in seasons is a favorite part of the community lifestyle.
Summers are warm and pleasant, with average July highs reaching around 83°F — perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming around the Lake Elmo shoreline. Winters are cold and snowy, with January lows averaging about 7°F and annual snowfall around 52 inches. Many residents who are moving to Lake Elmo appreciate that winter weather brings opportunities for ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing at local parks and golf courses.
Spring and fall are especially beautiful, with colorful autumn foliage and mild temperatures perfect for hiking and local festivals. Rainfall is moderate at approximately 32 inches each year, spread fairly evenly across the seasons.
Wondering about the best things to do in Lake Elmo? One of the biggest perks of living in Lake Elmo MN is the easy access to outdoor recreation, gorgeous parks, and family-friendly activities. You’ll also find convenient shopping nearby at Woodbury Lakes and Maplewood Mall.
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The crown jewel of outdoor recreation in Lake Elmo, this 2,165-acre regional park features hiking and biking trails, swimming ponds, campgrounds, cross-country ski routes, and picnic areas. Families enjoy year-round activities, including winter sledding and summer beach days.
1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (651) 430-8370
A quiet natural retreat perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and enjoying scenic wooded trails. The park’s restored prairie and peaceful loop paths make it one of the most cherished spots for residents who love being outside.
3511 Lake Elmo Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (651) 777-5510
Golfers of all levels love Royal Golf Club for its pristine conditions and signature course co-designed by legends Annika Sörenstam and Arnold Palmer. The lakeside views and upscale onsite dining make it a popular destination for celebrations and weekend outings.
11455 20th St N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (651) 505-9050
See more events and outdoor activities through Washington County Parks.
Dining is another highlight of living in Lake Elmo MN, with a variety of locally loved restaurants offering everything from elevated fine dining to casual lakefront meals. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or grabbing a laid-back dinner after a day outdoors, you’ll find delicious options close to home. Those moving to Lake Elmo will appreciate the strong culinary scene that reflects the city’s warm, community-focused atmosphere.
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Marma in Lake Elmo is one of the most popular restaurants in Lake Elmo, known for its chef-driven Italian-inspired menu, handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and exceptional wine list. Located in the heart of town, it’s a favorite for date nights and weekend dinners with friends.
9180 Hudson Blvd N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (651) 777-8495
A beloved culinary institution since 1881, Lake Elmo Inn is a must-visit for its historic charm and upscale dining experience. Guests enjoy beautifully plated entrées, an award-winning wine program, and seasonal rotating menus. The Sunday brunch is one of the most talked-about dining traditions among those living in Lake Elmo MN.
3442 Lake Elmo Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (651) 779-5994
Looking for relaxed comfort food and cold beer steps from the water? Twin Point Tavern is a long-standing local favorite offering burgers, wings, sandwiches, and friendly neighborhood vibes. It’s great for game days, gatherings, and casual nights out.
11011 Stillwater Blvd N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (651) 770-8670
Looking for jobs in Lake Elmo? While living in Lake Elmo MN means enjoying a peaceful, residential community, the local economy is closely tied to the broader Twin Cities metro. Most residents commute to nearby employment hubs such as Woodbury, Stillwater, Maplewood, and Minneapolis, giving them access to some of Minnesota’s strongest industries.
The leading industries for Lake Elmo residents are healthcare, education, professional and technical services, retail, and construction. With top employers such as 3M, HealthPartners, Washington County, Stillwater Area Public Schools, and major retail centers in Woodbury, job opportunities are diverse and plentiful.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Lake Elmo MN is about $46,435 per year, or roughly $22 per hour. Although this figure sits slightly below the national average, households in Lake Elmo tend to earn substantially more due to higher-paying professions and dual-income families. The median household income is an impressive $153,407, one of the highest in the state.
Families living in Lake Elmo MN have access to strong public education options. The Lake Elmo school district is primarily Stillwater Area Public Schools, one of Minnesota’s oldest and highest-performing districts. Students attend Lake Elmo Elementary, Oak-Land Middle School, and Stillwater Area High School, the main option for those searching for Lake Elmo high schools with competitive academics, arts programs, and athletics.
Nearby private options include New Life Academy in Woodbury.
Residents also enjoy access to the Lake Elmo Public Library, which provides children’s programming, community events, and research resources.
Lake Elmo is about 17–20 miles from both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, depending on the route. The Twin Cities are west of Lake Elmo.
Lake Elmo is in Washington County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Minnesota. It’s known for high-quality schools, safe communities, and strong local job opportunities.
The cost of living in Lake Elmo MN is slightly higher than the U.S. average due to housing demand, but utilities and everyday essentials remain reasonable. Many residents feel the quality of life and access to nature make it well worth it.
Yes! Lake Elmo is served by Stillwater Area Public Schools, known for academic excellence and strong extracurricular programs. Families are also close to the top high schools and private school options in the metro.
Lake Elmo weather features cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers — ideal for year-round recreation. Residents enjoy boating and beach days in summer and cozy snow-season activities in winter.
Explore more things to do, restaurants, and amenities with this map of Lake Elmo, MN.
Thinking about moving to Lake Elmo and starting a new chapter in one of the most desirable Minneapolis suburbs? When you’re ready to take the next step, The Move Crew is here to help. Our trusted Lake Elmo movers make relocating simple, stress-free, and organized from start to finish.
Call The Move Crew today at (612) 361-6787 for your free moving estimate — and let us help you settle into your new home with confidence.
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