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Minnesota might not be one of the top ten best states to retire, but that doesn't matter because it has some of the best places in the country to live out your golden years.
There are some places, however, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes that are better than others for retirees and HomeSnacks is here to tell you where the best places to retire in Minnesota for 2021.
In order to determine the best places to retire in Minnesota, we analyzed 80 for every place with over 10,000. We looked at several factors including crime, population of residents in this demographic, affordable housing and rent, and how close said city is to an international airport.
We discovered that most of the North Star State's best places to retire are close to major metropolises like Minneapolis and Rochester. Probably because there's more to do in these bigger cities. And a fun fact, none of the places on our list have more than 70,000 residents; so if small, quaint, cities with lots to do are your retirements, Minnesota's best places top ten will not disappoint.
So, find yourself a diner, order that early bird special, and read on as we uncover the list of the best places to retire in Minnesota.
The 10 Best Places To Retire In Minnesota For 2021
Why did New Ulm take the top spot? And where are Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Picture a cool, idyllic, Minnesota city where the people who live there are hard working, nice individuals. Then, picture a place with fun outdoor activities, affordable housing, and close to an international airport and you will know what it's like to live in Minnesota's best place to retire.
So, where is the best place to retire in Minnesota for 2021? Well, according to the most recent FBI and Census data, that would be New Ulm.
To see Minnesota's other best places to retire, take a look below. And if you don't find your favorite there, head to the bottom.
For more Minnesota state reading:
- Best Places To Live In Minnesota
- Cheapest Places To Live In Minnesota
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Minnesota
- Best Places To Retire In America
The 10 Best Places To Retire In Minnesota For 2021
/10
Population: 13,242
Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
Median Rent: $643
Distance to Closest Airport: 72 miles
More on New Ulm: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 16,014
Rank Last Year: 3 (Up 1)
Median Rent: $524
Distance to Closest Airport: 52 miles
More on Hibbing: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 11,165
Rank Last Year: 2 (Down 1)
Median Rent: $670
Distance to Closest Airport: 68 miles
More on Grand Rapids: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 53,025
Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change)
Median Rent: $1,428
Distance to Closest Airport: 12 miles
More on Minnetonka: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 10,127
Rank Last Year: 6 (Up 1)
Median Rent: $621
Distance to Closest Airport: 105 miles
More on Fairmont: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 11,289
Rank Last Year: 11 (Up 5)
Median Rent: $1,127
Distance to Closest Airport: 4 miles
More on Mendota Heights: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 13,778
Rank Last Year: 10 (Up 3)
Median Rent: $818
Distance to Closest Airport: 62 miles
More on North Mankato: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 25,685
Rank Last Year: 9 (Up 1)
Median Rent: $773
Distance to Closest Airport: 54 miles
More on Owatonna: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 66,379
Rank Last Year: 13 (Up 4)
Median Rent: $1,201
Distance to Closest Airport: 5 miles
More on Eagan: Real Estate | Data | Photos
/10
Population: 35,320
Rank Last Year: 8 (Down 2)
Median Rent: $1,142
Distance to Closest Airport: 8 miles
More on Inver Grove Heights: Real Estate | Data | Photos
How We Determined The Best Places To Retire In the North Star State for 2021
To create our list of the best places in Minnesota to retire, we first used Census data to find all places in the North Star State -- 904 cities and towns.
We then narrowed it down to places with at least 10,000 people that weren't townships. This left us with 80 places from across the state.
For these 80, we looked at the following criteria taken from the Census, the FBI's Crime Report, National Weather Service, and OpenFlights:
- Low cost of living as measured by rent
- Low crime
- Things to do (Museums, Colleges, and Libraries in town)
- Nice weather
- Distance to the closest international airport
- Other retirees (High median age)
We then ranked each of these places for each criteria from one to 80, with the lowest number being the best.
Finally, we took the average rank across these criteria. The place, in this case New Ulm, with the lowest average rank was crowned the best of the best, a place for you to start your second careers. You can download the data here.
Maybe You're Not Ready To Retire In Minnesota Yet...
So there you have it, the best place to retire in Minnesota goes to New Ulm.
If you're not ready to hang up your office apparel yet, then these places might be up your alley:
- St. Cloud
- Brooklyn Center
- Bemidji
For more Minnesota reading, check out:
Where Are The Best Places To Retire In Minnesota?
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Ulm | 13,242 |
| 2 | Hibbing | 16,014 |
| 3 | Grand Rapids | 11,165 |
| 4 | Minnetonka | 53,025 |
| 5 | Fairmont | 10,127 |
| 6 | Mendota Heights | 11,289 |
| 7 | North Mankato | 13,778 |
| 8 | Owatonna | 25,685 |
| 9 | Eagan | 66,379 |
| 10 | Inver Grove Heights | 35,320 |
