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Top 5 Reasons to Live in St. Cloud, MN

Top 5 Reasons to Live in St. Cloud, MN

Looking for a new town to call home, but aren't sure what city would be right for you? Deciding where to live can be a tough choice, and the town that will work best for you will ultimately come down to personal preference. However, if you're looking for a place to live with a small-town feel, ample outdoor recreational activities, and close proximity to major cities, then you should consider settling down in St. Cloud, Minnesota. St. Cloud is known for its strong sense of community, high quality of life, low housing prices, and growing economy, making it a great option for those looking to explore new personal and professional opportunities. From its ample employment opportunities to its vibrant art scene and 95 public parks, there is a lot to love about St. Cloud, Minnesota. Yet, if you're not sure whether St. Cloud is right for you, keep reading as we explore the top five reasons to live in St. Cloud, MN.   

A cityscape with a river flowing through it.

1. Low Cost of Living

One of the biggest things attracting people to St. Cloud is its low cost of living. While inflation and rising property values continue to affect much of the country, people in St. Cloud maintain a fairly comfortable lifestyle due to high incomes and low cost of living. In fact, while the average salary in St. Cloud is over $60,000 per year, housing costs have remained relatively low, with the median home value being just over $230,000, making housing in St. Cloud 19% less expensive than the national average. Low housing prices in St. Cloud can then help you live your American Dream, as long as you don't mind putting up with an average annual snowfall of 48 in.   


2. High Quality of Life

Another reason to love living in St. Cloud is due to the high quality of life people experience there. With low housing costs, cheaper groceries, a vibrant art scene, and ample outdoor recreational activities, St. Cloud is known for its happy residents and high quality of life. This high quality of life is in no small part due to the strong sense of community in St. Cloud. While St. Cloud is a fairly large city with a population of over 70,000, it has a small-town feel with kind people who care for one another. Adding to the high quality of life in St. Cloud is the fact that this town boasts excellent healthcare facilities, a rich cultural scene with theaters, museums, art fairs, and various events and festivals throughout the year, as well as high-ranking schools and colleges.   

A group of people in graduation gowns and caps are walking in a line.

3. Proximity to the Twin Cities

Another great thing about living in St. Cloud is that it is within short driving distance of the Twin Cities, as St. Cloud is just an hour's drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. This makes St. Cloud the perfect place to live for those who want to experience the peace and quiet of small-town living while still having access to big-city amenities. By living in St. Cloud, you can enjoy peace and quiet, but world-class restaurants, nightlife, museums, and entertainment venues are only a short drive away, providing you with the best of both worlds. Of course, with a thriving culture and arts scene right in the heart of St. Cloud, you may find yourself rarely needing to go into the city.  


4. Amazing Outdoor Recreation

St. Cloud is a particularly great place to live for nature lovers, as there are numerous opportunities nearby for outdoor activities. This is because St. Cloud is surrounded by beautiful natural spaces, including the Mississippi River and Lake George, which provide residents with opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. Whether your idea of the perfect summer day involves hiking through lush forests, spending time with your family out on the water, or having a picnic by one of the world's most famous rivers, you're sure to find something you love to do in St. Cloud. 


A serene lake surrounded by a dense forest of coniferous trees.

5. Employment Opportunities

With a booming local economy and close proximity to the Twin Cities, there are ample job opportunities for people moving to St. Cloud in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, technology, and manufacturing. With a low unemployment rate of around 3%, it is no wonder that job seekers are flocking to St. Cloud for new opportunities. In fact, St Cloud recently ranked in the top 25 best U.S. cities for a career switch. If you're looking for a new career opportunity, then moving to St. Cloud, MN, maybe a great choice for you. 


Make St. Cloud Home

Moving to St. Cloud, Minnesota, can provide you with ample opportunities due to its high standard of living and diverse job market. If you're looking for a picturesque apartment in St. Cloud, look no further than Upper Town Apartments. We offer spacious 1 and 2-bedroom apartments within close proximity to all of the great amenities that this quintessential midwestern town has to offer.