You’re probably wondering: Is Lakeville MN a good place to live? Well, if you’re looking for a place to live with family-friendly neighborhoods, scenic lakes, and easy access to the Twin Cities, then you'll absolutely love living in the city of Lakeville, Minnesota! This thriving exurb in Dakota County is famous for its connection to the legendary racehorse Dan Patch and its historic Antlers Amusement Park.
Today, Lakeville is known as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, where nature meets small-town charm and big-city convenience. If you're planning a move in the area, trusted Minneapolis & St. Paul movers can help make your transition smooth and stress-free.
Let's dive into what makes living in Lakeville, MN, so special and why this city has become such an attractive destination for young professionals, growing families, and retirees alike!
Lakeville is in Dakota County in southeastern Minnesota, on the outskirts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Its proximity to Minneapolis and St. Paul makes many commuters ask, is Lakeville MN a good place to live if you work in the city? Yes!
It is about 25-28 miles south of downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul along Interstate 35, making it ideal for commuters who want suburban living with easy access to city amenities.
Lakeville borders several communities, including Burnsville to the northeast, Apple Valley to the east, and Farmington to the south. For those traveling outside the Twin Cities, it's approximately 69 miles from Lakeville to Mankato and 66 miles from Lakeville to Rochester.
Lakeville has seen impressive growth, with its population rising to 69,490 in the 2020 census, a 24.19% increase since 2010. With a population density of 1,192.4 residents per square mile, the city strikes an ideal balance between strong community ties and plenty of breathing room. With its steady growth and community appeal, it’s no wonder so many ask, is Lakeville MN a good place to live?
Lakeville is a predominantly White community, with about 80.8% of residents identifying as White (79% non-Hispanic). But the city's population also reflects a growing diversity: 6.1% identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race, 5.7% are Asian, 4.3% are Black, and 6% are multiracial. A small but present 0.3% identify as American Indian.
Source: Census Reporter
Several accomplished individuals have called Lakeville home, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Krause and Olympic swimming gold medalist Regan Smith. Combined with its rising income, strong educational attainment, and low poverty rate, it’s easy to see why more people are saying “yes” to is Lakeville MN a good place to live.
Absolutely! Lakeville is a very safe place to live and one of the safest cities in Minnesota - a major factor for anyone asking, is Lakeville MN a good place to live? According to the FBI, Lakeville has an overall crime rate of 751 per 100,000 people, over 66% lower than both state and national averages. Violent crime is especially low at 77 per 100,000, about 73% below the state and 79% below the U.S. average. Property crime is also 65% lower than both benchmarks.
The city is protected by the Lakeville Police Department, with 63 dedicated officers committed to maintaining the peace and safety of the community. For families and solo residents alike, safety is a big reason people say yes to is Lakeville MN a good place to live?
Is Lakeville expensive? Lakeville’s cost of living is on par with the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Lakeville would need to earn approximately $127,391 per year to live comfortably in the city.
* Includes electricity, gas, and water/sewer
When moving to Lakeville, it’s important to factor in Minnesota’s tax structure. The state has a progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%, depending on your income level. Property taxes are managed by Dakota County, and they can vary based on your home’s value and exact location. As for sales tax, expect a combined rate of 8.125%.
Still, for many families and professionals, the overall value of the area offsets those costs, especially when asking, is Lakeville MN a good place to live for the long term?
According to Redfin, the median home price in Lakeville is $489,950, which is higher than the national average of $438,357. The average price per square foot is $203, and homes typically sell within 22 days on the market.
For those interested in Lakeville, MN homes for sale, the median sale price for single-family homes is around $550,723, while townhomes typically sell for approximately $329,920.
If you’re more interested in renting an apartment, the average rent in Lakeville, according to RentCafe, is $1,864, and the average size is 983 sq. feet.
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Whether you’re relocating for work, schools, or just a fresh start, one of the biggest things you’ll want to know is: is Lakeville MN a good place to live for your next chapter? Here are some of the best places to live in Lakeville:
One of the most desirable neighborhoods in Lakeville, the Spirit of Brandtjen Farm offers a rare blend of small-town charm and upscale suburban living.
Situated near Kenwood Trail Middle School and the sprawling Casperson Park, the Kenwood Trail area is known for its peaceful, family-oriented vibe and proximity to Lake Marion. It’s one of the best places to live in Lakeville MN for nature lovers and active families.
Located in central Lakeville near Lakeville North High School, Cherryview is a popular neighborhood for first-time homebuyers and young families. The area features well-maintained single-family homes with mature trees, quiet streets, and nearby parks like Cherry View Park and Quigley-Sime Park.
Each of these neighborhoods adds to the case for Lakeville’s livability, answering the question, is Lakeville MN a good place to live in different ways depending on your priorities. Of course, no matter where you live, the weather can make or break your experience, so let’s explore if the climate supports the claim that is Lakeville MN a good place to live for all seasons
Lakeville, much like the metro area, has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), which means it experiences four distinct seasons.
Summers in Lakeville are generally warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures in July around 83°F. Winter in Lakeville is no joke. The city sees an average of 45 inches of snow per year, and January lows often dip below 18°F. Snowstorms are common, and residents can expect to bundle up for months at a time. But for those who love a white Christmas and a real summer, the variety of seasons adds to the charm when asking, Is Lakeville MN a good place to live year-round?
Looking for the best things to do in Lakeville, Minnesota? One of the best ways to evaluate “is Lakeville MN a good place to live?” is to check out what locals do for fun. For shopping enthusiasts, Lakeville boasts several notable destinations! Explore the charming shops in Historic Downtown Lakeville along Holyoke Avenue, visit Board and Batten Boutique for trendy clothing and gifts, or check out Hot Sam's Antiques & Foto Park, a unique spot combining antiques with whimsical photo opportunities. Other top attractions in Lakeville include:
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Located on the east shore of Lake Marion, Antlers Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The park features a large swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.
20141 Ipava Avenue Lakeville, MN 55044, (952) 985-4600
Housed in a historic building, the Lakeville Area Arts Center offers a variety of cultural experiences, including art exhibits, theater productions, and workshops.
20965 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044, (952) 985-4640
A 340-acre park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and an environmental learning center.
19300 Ritter Pkwy Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044, (612) 468-3396
If your ideal weekend includes casting a line or paddling across a quiet lake, you may already have your answer to is Lakeville MN a good place to live for outdoor adventure lovers?
Lakeville's Parks & Recreation Department maintains numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities, offering programs and events for all ages. Stay updated on upcoming events by visiting the city's events calendar.
You don’t have to be in the city to eat well - so for foodies wondering, Is Lakeville MN a good place to live? The answer might lie on the menu! Lakeville restaurants provide everything from classic American comfort food to innovative culinary creations. Here are three standout restaurants in Lakeville that you should consider visiting!
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A modern take on the traditional supper club, Gary's offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu featuring prime rib, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails.
20790 Keokuk Ave S, Lakeville, MN 55044, (952) 469-5696
This contemporary eatery features a seasonally rotating menu that includes dishes such as pan-seared scallops and gourmet burgers.
17516 Dodd Blvd, Lakeville, MN 55044, (952) 683-1765
Known for its casual yet comfortable décor, Rudy's serves award-winning American cuisine. Signature dishes include prime rib and the popular 'Flirtini' cocktail, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
20800 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044, (952) 469-0711
Lakeville, Minnesota, boasts a thriving economy - the city has experienced a 31.4% increase in employment over the past decade. As of April 2025, the average salary in Lakeville is approximately $44,574 per year, or $21.43 per hour. For professionals in healthcare, manufacturing, and tech, is Lakeville MN a good place to live? Absolutely.
Lakeville is home to several major employers, including:
For current job openings, visit government websites like the City of Lakeville Career Page or search for jobs in Lakeville on Indeed.
Families moving to Lakeville with kids are served by the highly rated Lakeville school district of Lakeville Area Schools ISD 194, which enrolls over 12,000 students across 17 schools, including two top high schools - Lakeville North and Lakeville South.
Lakeville is conveniently located near several higher education institutions:
Residents can also take advantage of the Heritage Library, part of the Dakota County Library system. From pre-K to continuing education, the city supports lifelong learning - an important factor for families wondering, is Lakeville MN a good place to live for raising kids?
Before we get into stats, here’s a quick recap: whether it’s safety, affordability, or community feel, all signs point toward “yes” when asking is Lakeville MN a good place to live?
The closest airport to Lakeville is the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), which is approximately 20 miles away. With an international airport just minutes away, travel-lovers asking is Lakeville MN a good place to live will appreciate the convenience.
Living in Lakeville, MN means you get the best of both worlds - safe, welcoming neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and easy access to the Twin Cities, all wrapped in small-town charm. So if you’ve been searching Google for “is Lakeville MN a good place to live,” this guide should give you the clarity you need to move forward.
Moving to Lakeville? Trust the experts at The Move Crew for a hassle-free experience. Call (612) 361-6787 to get started with your Lakeville movers, and take the first step in answering for yourself: is Lakeville MN a good place to live?
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