ty Living in Maplewood MN comes with a unique mix of modern convenience and small-town charm. This city boasts a great location and has long been a desirable place to live thanks to its strong sense of community, well-kept neighborhoods, and easy access to highways, parks, and shopping centers.
Maplewood’s history dates back to more than 165 years, and today it stands as a beautiful, tight-knit city despite its rapid growth. It's best known as the headquarters of 3M, which remains a major employer and source of pride for the town.
If you’re wondering, “Is Maplewood MN a good place to live? For many, the answer is yes—thanks to its excellent schools, safe streets, and strong civic engagement (which we cover below). Whether you’re raising a family or looking for a quiet suburb near the city, Maplewood is a great option.
Maplewood, Minnesota, is located in Ramsey County, 7.9 miles (or roughly an 11-minute drive) east of Saint Paul; it’s a suburb of St. Paul, and it is part of the larger Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Thanks to its proximity to Saint Paul and Minneapolis, people living in Maplewood MN have access to a robust public transit system.
MetroTransit provides bus and train transit to the Minneapolis region. Metro Transit fixed routes 54, 64, and 80 run through the town. The METRO Gold Line BRT starts in downtown St. Paul and goes through Maplewood to Woodbury. There is also a commuter & express bus that provides one route (270) to Minneapolis, where you can connect to various routes from there. You can explore more of its routes on their routes and schedule page.
The population of Maplewood MN, per the 2020 census, is 42,088, with a 4.6% population decrease since 2010. Its young median of 39.3 reflects its family-friendly ambience; 37% of people living in Maplewood MN are under the age of 29, and 38% are over the age of 50. Growing families and seniors love this quaint community!
This suburb offers a diverse racial and ethnic makeup; 54.4% of residents are White (53.3% are White non-Hispanic or Latino), and 22.4% are Asian. The next largest group is Hispanic or Latino at 9.5%. 8.6% are Black or African American, and 8.4% are two or more races. The smallest groups are American Indian and Alaska Native (1%) and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (0.1%).
Maplewood has a large Asian population, mainly due to Hmong refugees who arrived in the Twin Cities region in the late 1970s and 1980s, resettled by U.S. agencies and nonprofit organizations. Many Minnesota residents are of Irish descent, with approximately 10% of the population.6% of the population reporting Irish descent.
With a mean commute time of 23.2 minutes, you can trust that moving to Maplewood provides easy access to the region’s large and bustling economies.
According to the FBI, Maplewood has a higher crime rate than its state and the US, but a violent crime rate that’s 21.3% below the national average. Its murder rate is 37% below the US average, and only 44 robberies took place in the city limits in 2022.
People living in Maplewood MN, only have a 1 in 344 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
While crime rates are higher here than in the average US city, the Maplewood Police Department is working diligently to reduce crime through various groups and initiatives. Crime prevention programs include free security assessments for your home or business, neighborhood watch support, child ID events, and vehicle theft prevention.
The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Maplewood, MN is slightly below the national average but a bit above the state average. Overall, it's about 2% cheaper than the U.S. average and 3% higher than Minnesota’s average.
Housing costs are moderate, with a median home price of $307,000. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation are close to national levels, though groceries may be a bit higher here; groceries are not taxed in Minnesota, saving you money in the long run.
*Groceries and other living expenses:
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for Minneapolis, meaning prices may differ slightly when living in Maplewood.
Another major cost factor to consider is taxes. Minnesota is a high-tax state, ranking 44th for the highest tax rates in the nation. Ramsey County has the 6th-highest property taxes in the state. There is no local income tax rate in Maplewood, but the state's income tax rate ranges from 5.35% to 9.85%.
This city has an affordable housing market when compared to its region and the US median prices. For example, the median home price in Maplewood is $307,000, compared to the US median of $416,900 and the state median of $367,600.
The average price per square foot here is down 0.56% since last year and currently sits at $178, hence why the market here is very competitive. Homes typically sell within 19 days, and 61% go above the listing price. Most Maplewood homes for sale receive two offers, meaning you should prepare yourself for negotiation!
While most people living in Maplewood MN own their homes (71%), renting is still a great option if you can’t find a house you feel is the right forever fit. Notably, its affordability—the average rent is $1,465 per month for a 853-square-foot unit. While the rental properties are smaller here, they’re certainly more affordable too. For example, the average rent in the US is $1,761 for a 904-square-foot unit.
Maplewood, MN has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. January is typically the coldest month, with average highs around 24°F and lows near 9°F. Summers peak in July, bringing highs around 84°F and lows near 65°F. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with wetter months from May to September.
The area occasionally experiences severe weather, including thunderstorms and rare tornadoes. Overall, residents enjoy four distinct seasons and increasing warmth due to long-term climate trends. The average annual snowfall is 51.1 inches, compared to the average annual rainfall of 33 inches.
The best time to visit is between early June and September, when the sun is shining, and before its colorful fall transition into the region's drab winter.
Maplewood residents adore the city’s green spaces, hiking trails, various shops, and proximity to the region's top attractions. Today, we’re focusing on what you can do here to make the most of your free time in your new city!
With over 100 storefronts to explore, Maplewood Mall is a staple when looking for things to do in Maplewood. There is a carousel and countless restaurants, making it a great option for an all-day activity.
3001 White Bear Ave, St Paul, MN 55109, (612) 479-3972
This beautiful nature preserve hosts a boardwalk, a large lake, and plenty of open space to explore. It’s one of the best parks in Maplewood thanks to its serene ambience and countless blossoming plant species.
2659 E 7th St, Maplewood, MN 55119, (651) 249-2111
Battle Creek Waterworks is an expansive waterpark located within Battle Creek Regional Park. It’s one of the best activities to do in the summer when living in Maplewood MN—especially if you have kids.
2401 Upper Afton Rd E, Maplewood, MN 55119, (651) 748-2500
While Maplewood isn’t known for having a specific type of food, you will find a wide range of delicious options at the restaurants in Maplewood MN.
Osaka is a prominent sushi and hibachi eatery offering unique menu items you will only find at an authentic Japanese restaurant. Visiting finds the ambience entertaining, the prices fair, and the fried rice perfectly cooked.
1900 County Rd D E, Maplewood, MN 55109, (651) 773-5258
Another unique option you can try when living in Maplewood MN is Vietnam Star Restaurant, a Vietnamese joint serving authentic dishes like pad thai, sesame chicken, and Singapore noodles.
3035 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109, (651) 779-8623
This local tavern is certainly one of the best restaurants in Maplewood, thanks to its live music performances and fun atmosphere. Its most popular menu items are cheese curds, fried pickles, and fried fish.
2289 Minnehaha Ave E, Maplewood, MN 55119, (651) 735-5858
Living in Maplewood MN is appealing for countless reasons, but its strong economy is certainly one of them. According to the city’s economic website, there are 34,000 local jobs, with a projected 22% increase by 2030. Its leading industries are manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade, with the area's top employers being 3M, Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, M Health Fairview, Independent School District 622, Macy's, and the Maplewood Mall.
Most Maplewood jobs are in the manufacturing realm, but careers in marketing and healthcare are not uncommonly pursued here. If you work in the public sector, the county library, school district, and the city of Maplewood jobs offer great employment opportunities.
Its proximity to the Twin Cities and its Gross Domestic Product of 350,710.432 adds to its appeal as most residents commute to the large employers it hosts, plus, there are 17 Fortune 500 companies in Minneapolis alone! This community is an ideal location for young professionals seeking to establish their careers in the Twin Cities business community.
Maplewood Minnesota, is part of the North St. Paul - Maplewood - Oakdale School District (District 622). District 622 serves all of Maplewood, the northern part of St. Paul, and all of Oakdale. There are seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. There are also online homeschool options for students that require more flexibility. The district serves more than 10,000 students.
The Maplewood elementary schools are Weaver, Justin Alan Page, and Carver. John Glenn Middle School is also located in Maplewood, whereas the county’s high schools are Saint Paul and Oakdale, resulting in inter-city travel for high school students.
The district has a notably high school graduation rate of 84% and a minority enrollment of 74%. It has also recently received a $275 million modernization grant to further assist the area's younger generation in their education journey.
Explore more of this lively city with a handy map!
If you think living in Maplewood MN sounds right for you, call the best Maplewood MN movers, The Move Crew, at (612) 361-6787 for a free estimate.
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