If you clicked on this article you might be considering moving to Saint Paul, MN, and wanting to know more about the city. You’ve come to the right place. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Minnesota’s capital city. You could be a family or a single adult; you’ll fall right in place with St. Paul by following our tips.
From finding the perfect Saint Paul neighborhood to exploring all the best restaurants and attractions, I’ve got you covered. Moving can be stressful, but with this guide, you’ll feel confident and prepared for your new adventure in Saint Paul. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover all the amazing things this city has to offer.
St. Paul at a Glance
St. Paul is a livable city situated on the west coast of the United States of America. It is the capital city of Minnesota and is a populous city that houses about 308K people. In terms of area, St. Paul is the second-largest, with its area being 145 square kilometers.
St. Paul Real Estate
Saint Paul’s real estate market has many types of Minnesota homes for sale, like apartment complexes and luxury townhomes. However, single-family homes are what you’ll find the most in that area.
You’ll also find houses with different architectural styles and finishes. In Saint Paul, you’ll also find unique homes that aren’t similar to any home anywhere. Lastly, the housing options are affordable compared to other major cities in Minnesota. The median house value in St. Paul stands at about $250K.
St. Paul further has many great neighborhoods that you can choose from. If you’re looking for a historic home, you may select one of the houses along Summit Avenue. If you’re looking for friendly neighbors, Highland Park may be a good choice for you. Lastly, if you’re looking for an urban neighborhood, Downtown Saint Paul is a top choice.
Cost of Living in St. Paul
Living costs of St. Paul is around 2% below the national average. Below are how specific costs compare to the national average:
Main Cost of Living Indices in St. Paul
- Housing costs in Saint Paul: 92.5, lower than the national average of 100.
- Grocery costs: 100.2, the same as the national average of 100.
- Healthcare costs: 76.1, lower than the national average of 100.
- Utility costs: 97.5, lower than the national average of 100.
- Transportation costs: 109.6, above the national average of 100.
Living in St. Paul is affordable and can be suitable for your pockets. This is the main reason why many people prefer St. Paul to other major cities in Minnesota.
Schools in St. Paul
Saint Paul’s offers many types of schools, including private, religious, and public ones. The schools provide quality education to the children living there. School programs in St. Paul suits the student’s needs, i.e. if your child is bilingual or requires special assistance. If you want religion to be at the forefront regarding education, there are also many religious schools in the area.
Your older children will also be catered for in St. Paul. The area has many excellent universities and colleges, like the University of St. Thomas, Hamline University, Concordia University, and Bethel University, which are highly rated.
Furthermore, if you want technical skills for a specific job, look through the many technical universities in the area, such as public research universities. The student population will thrive there.
Economy in St. Paul
In Saint Paul, you can get jobs in various industries:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Education
- Technology
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Government
Twin City areas generally house all types of companies that offer limitless job opportunities, no matter your specialty. If you are moving to Saint Paul, you’ll not miss a job opportunity there.
St. Paul Trademarks
Before deciding to move to St. Paul, you must thoroughly research various things, like the real estate market, economy, schools, and cost of living. Once you’re sure you want to do it, you may note the following things you need to account for before making the big move.
Climate in the Twin City
St. Paul has distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while there are cold winters where constant snowing occurs. Autumn and spring are usually in the middle and where flowers flourish.
There hasn’t been any note of extreme weather conditions like tornados or harsh winter in Saint Paul However, the town might flood when it’s raining heavily because it is near the river. If this situation arises, the state is well prepared to protect the city and its residents at all costs.
Several Options for Quality Healthcare
There are several options for quality healthcare in St. Paul, like top-rated hospitals and clinics which service people all over the Twin Cities area. One such known hospital is St. Paul Hospital, which will cater to your needs and give you the best medical treatment. Regarding clinics, Allina Health Bandana Square Clinic would be a good choice for you and your children.
Mosquitoes in Minnesota?
As you’ve probably heard, mosquitos are quite a predicament in Minnesota. There are many wet areas like lakes and forests where mosquitos find suitable to breed. St. Paul, MN, is quite a hot spot for mosquitos because it neighbors the Mississippi River.
There’s no way to avoid them altogether, but you can keep yourself safe using mosquito nets and repellent creams. The state can also keep you safe in the Twin Cities area by ensuring the insects don’t breed, like placing insecticides or traps on the water. Efforts from both sides can reduce the effects of mosquitos.
Public Transit is Plentiful
The city’s public transportation system is diverse, offering everything from buses to light rail trains. One of the most popular options among commuters is the METRO Green Line, a light rail line of 11 miles that connects downtown Minneapolis to downtown St Paul.
Residents of Saint Paul can also catch the bus near their homes. Metro Transit, is a public transit provider in the Twin Cities areas that operate approximately 91 routes with over 8K bus stops along those routes. For those who prefer a more scenic route, the city also has a number of bike trails that run through some of its most picturesque areas.
But, You Can Use a Bike
You might consider having a bike if you don’t want to own a car for its environmental effects or cost. Saint Paul is a great city for biking. You will have a dedicated bike lane on roads to avoid accidents. Many parks have scenic bike routes where you can enjoy the greenery and views, such as the bike paths in Saint Anthony Park.
Having a bike makes getting up and running errands or exploring the area easier. Lastly, the city’s land is relatively flat, making cycling more accessible. With city bike share programs like Bike Saint Paul, you have access to Saint Paul’s 180 miles of cycle-friendly roadways.
All Roads Lead Downtown
Another thing to note before moving to St. Paul is that all roads lead downtown. You will never get lost because you will know you will eventually end up at one central place. It doesn’t matter which area you’re traveling from.
Living in downtown St. Paul, you can easily travel to all parts of the livable city, which most residents find very beneficial. It’s a focal point for everyone in the town and where all the fun happens.
Huge Pizza Slices
If you love food, you must consider visiting St. Paul. Their large pizza slices are famous; you can find them at almost every restaurant in St. Paul. One pizza slice will leave your stomach feeling full.
This is quite a good option for tourists traveling on a budget or anyone who doesn’t want to spend much on a meal. The pizzas come in various toppings or a crust thickness of your choice. You just need to find the right pizza place to satisfy your cravings.
Capital of Ice Sculptures
The city is famously known as the “Capital of Ice Sculptures”. This is because the Twin Cities host a winter festival called Saint Paul Winter Carnival Ice Carvings that showcases various ice sculptures done by people across the globe.
The festival has been happening over the years, bringing hundreds of people annually. Most people designing the sculptures are residents of the Twin Cities who produce the best works yearly.
Furthermore, if you need an ice sculpture, e.g. for an event, you can contact one of them. They will intricately get the job done for you. The ice sculptures show how artistic the Twin Cities community is.
And Romantic Getaways
To find romance in the USA, you should visit St. Paul. The architecture there is beautiful, and the views in the parks are amazing. As a couple, you can walk down Saint Paul’s streets and take in the town’s rich history displayed by its architecture. If you want to know more about the city’s culture, you can visit the many museums showcasing it.
Furthermore, you can visit many aesthetic restaurants and coffee shops and enjoy the food there. The city’s peaceful surroundings make it perfect for a romantic getaway.
A Unique St. Patricks Celebration
No one celebrates St. Patrick’s Day like St. Paul does. The day starts with a city-wide St. Patrick’s Day parade, which many people come to watch. The parade consists of floats, bands, dancers, and singers. The parade’s starting point is usually the center of St. Paul, while it passes through several known attractions and ends at Irish Fairgrounds.
People love how the celebration is entirely focused on Irish culture and how they celebrate. Every performance and art exhibited is wholly Irish. The many Irish people in the area make the event successful yearly. You must witness this magnificent celebration at least once, as it’s a sight to behold.
Escape to the north
St. Paul is ideally located so you can easily escape to the city’s north. You will find greenery and beautiful views that immediately create a relaxing atmosphere. You can immediately forget all your stress from work or school and just relax there.
This place is called Northwood Park, where you’ll mostly find clear lakes and forests. If you plan to unwind during the weekend, you can easily rent a cabin there. You will escape the noises of the cities and just enjoy the peace the forest offers.
You can also keep yourself active there by hiking or cycling. You can take your kids in the woods to appreciate nature and know what life is like beyond the city’s fast life. Most residents make it a family tradition to go there.
Have We Mentioned the Lakes?
Are you a water lover and are considering moving to St. Paul? You will enjoy the many lakes in the Twin Cities area. The Twin Cities have about 1,000 lakes, making it a crowd favorite. Wherever you live in St. Paul, you are within reach of any lake in the city.
You can swim, boat or kayak there. Most lakes in St. Paul have clear waters that tourists particularly enjoy. The lake environments are usually packed on weekends, as a day trip to the lake is the perfect way to relax. Some of the top lakes near Saint Paul are:
- Lake Como
- Lake Phalen
- Lake Minnetonka
- White Bear Lake
- Square Lake
An Outdoor Heaven
You will not be cooped up indoors once you’re in St. Paul. Once you go outside, you will have many ways to spend your day; you can go to:
- A park where you can relax and read a book.
- A zoo, like Como Park Zoo, to look at different animals and marvel at their beauty.
- The Mississippi River, where you can hike or fish.
- A golf course where you can enjoy playing golf with your friends or family.
- An ice skating rink during winter.
St. Paul offers an abundance of all these places. You will always have something to do once you step outside.
High Living Standard
St. Paul maintains its high standard of living by offering quality medical treatment, good education, and many job opportunities. However, you don’t need to dig deep in your pockets to afford that lifestyle.
The living costs in St. Paul are the same as the national average. St. Paul residents live comfortably there while spending less while enjoying a beautiful residential neighborhood.
Activities for Everybody
If you are considering moving to St. Paul, you will always have something to do in St. Paul despite your age, gender, or interests. Children can visit the many parks or amusement parks, while adults can watch plays in theaters and learn about the city’s history in museums.
Those who prefer the outdoors can hike, bike, or fish in the many outdoor places in the cities, like lakes or forests. On the other hand, if you crave some adult activities, you can plan a romantic date at a cozy restaurant and enjoy good food.
FAQs: Moving to Saint Paul, Minnesota
If you are considering moving to St. Paul, you must have some questions you would like answered. The following are some frequently asked questions common among potential relocators:
Is St. Paul a good place to live?
Yes, St. Paul is a good place to live because of the following reasons:
- The residents there are friendly hence you will have nice neighbors.
- You can enjoy a quiet neighborhood, depending on the area you choose to move to
- Your children will get quality education in the excellent schools there.
- You will have many job opportunities there.
- You can visit the many cultural attractions in your free time.
Is it cheaper to live in Minneapolis or St. Paul?
The money you will spend in Minneapolis, MN, is similar to that in St. Paul, as they’re famously known as the Twin Cities. However, the cost is slightly higher in Minneapolis. Property values are generally higher in Minneapolis. Overall, it depends on the lifestyle you choose to live.
What to know about moving to St. Paul, MN?
There a few things you need to know before moving to this city, which is:
- The residents are friendly, so you won’t have hateful neighbors.
- You will not miss a place to go to as there are many parks nearby,
- Your children will receive a quality education from the good schools in St. Paul.
- You will have many job opportunities in the downtown area and close to your neighborhood.
Is it expensive to live in St. Paul, Minnesota?
The living costs of the city are the same as the national average and sometimes lower. Living in St. Paul isn’t expensive if you consider other cities in the country. However, it ultimately depends on whether your lifestyle there will be affordable.
What is a livable salary in MN?
It’s difficult to give an exact number because it varies depending on one’s lifestyle and how many mouths you have to feed. However, living alone, you can live comfortably for $15 an hour, or about $32,000 annually.
Is St. Paul colder than Minneapolis?
You will find St. Paul near Minneapolis on the map, so there isn’t much of a temperature difference between the two cities. However, there can be variations in places where the altitude is higher.
What is St. Paul, MN, known for?
St. Paul has a lot of parks and green spaces; that’s what it is mainly known for. Another notable thing is its friendly residents, who offer a strong sense of community in the neighborhood. Culture lovers also visit the city for its many cultural attractions.
Does it snow a lot in St. Paul, Minnesota?
If you’re planning a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, and are wondering if you should pack your parka, the answer is a resounding “yes.” After all, this Midwest city is known for its chilly winters and plenty of snowfall. In fact, St. Paul averages around 52 inches of snowfall every year, which is significantly higher than the national average.
What is the coldest month of the year in Minnesota?
The coldest month in Minnesota is January. The temperatures are the lowest this month, and it’s always snowing. Other months when you’ll experience cold weather are December and February.
Key Takeaway
Overall, St. Paul is an excellent city if you like having great neighbors, healthy living, a great job market, and affordable living. So if you’ve been considering a relocation process to St. Paul, you can rest assured it is a good idea.
If you’re looking to buy a property in St. Paul, start by browsing available real estate for sale in the area before you commit to a move. Once you find the right home, townhome or condo in St. Paul, you can benefit from hiring a local real estate agent. They are familiar with the ins and outs of the industry and having them by your side can be a game-changer decision. Good luck in your home buying process!
