St. Paul, MN
Why You’ll Love Living in St. Paul, Minnesota
St. Paul, Minnesota’s combination of natural beauty and urban vibrancy creates a high quality of life that attracts residents of every stripe. Young people will find a variety of exceptional schools and a robust job market, while families will appreciate the many parks and the local arts and culture scene that features everything from museums and theaters to local gatherings and festivals. Plus, St. Paul’s temperate climate makes it easy to get outside year round.
Thinking of moving to St. Paul, MN? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in St. Paul, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in St. Paul, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes St. Paul, MN, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Part of the famed Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, has an identity all of its own and tons of surprises in store. It’s a hip, diverse city with a friendly, Midwestern vibe that’s welcoming to families, young professionals and retirees alike.
The arts are prized here: Minnesota’s capital city is home to the Grammy-award-winning Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, plus the region is decked out with public art and boasts the most theater seats per capita, second only to New York City.
Terrific amenities – like a bustling riverfront along the mighty Mississippi, a free zoo, world-class museums and cultural centers – plus high-ranking hospitals all combine to make St. Paul one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Outdoors-loving residents can also enjoy the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, which includes river stretches calm enough to kayak or canoe. The park is also a serene spot to bird watch, take a hike or go for a bike ride, and the visitor center gives visitors a good 101 intro to the history and science of the Mississippi River. The Minneapolis-St. Paul region is also a great place to work, with thousands of jobs available across a range of industries, including financial services, food and agriculture, health care and more. Saint Paul is growing, and thanks to a steady stream of graduates from the city’s many colleges and universities, it’s bursting with fresh energy and talent. Plus, a coalition of business leaders and organizations collaborate through Make It. MSP to help welcome newcomers and build more inclusive workplaces.
St. Paul, MN Quality of Life LivScore
St. Paul, MN Top Categories
Amenities
Health
Economy
St. Paul ranks highest for amenities, health and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in St. Paul, MN
St. Paul’s winters are cold, but summer and fall are the sweet spot. The average highs and lows are 81°F and 60°F (summer) and 26°F and 10°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in St. Paul is roughly 52 inches.
The average annual rainfall in St. Paul is 32 inches.
St. Paul averages 198 sunny days a year.
Go on a poetic walk: “Everyday Poems for City Sidewalks” features the works of Saint Paul residents on sidewalk panels. Or, spend the weekend hiking or snowshoeing (depending on the time of year!) at the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, which spans 72 miles of the Mississippi River.
Things To Do in St. Paul, MN
See monkeys, sloths, polar bears, penguins and more animals at the Como Park Zoo and Observatory. Admission is free all year long! You can also appreciate all of Saint Paul’s free events and festivals, such as the Saint Paul Art Crawl, the Irish Fair of Minnesota, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the Little Mekong Night Market.
Play putt-putt at Can Can Wonderland, an indoor mini golf course with colorful artist-designed holes, like one designed to look like a grandma’s living room and another that’s an homage to the state fair. This funplex has arcade games and an on-site vintage soda fountain, too.
With 26 miles of riverfront, St. Paul has more shoreline along the Mississippi River than any other city. A favorite spot to take in the river views is Harriet Island Regional Park.
Spend an afternoon browsing the stacks at the Red Balloon Bookshop, a women-owned and -operated bookstore that has served the St. Paul community for more than forty years. The store has a huge selection of children’s and adult books, toys, gifts, and several author and illustrator events.
Pop into Cossettas for a slice of Italian sausage pizza and gelato, then shop the authentic Italian market for meats and cheeses. The downtown establishment is a St. Paul institution.
St. Paul is serious about the arts, which is evident in the number of live music and performing arts venues scattered throughout the city. The Palace Theatre is an iconic venue that hosts national touring artists. For a more intimate listening experience, the Turf Club is a neighborhood hang and destination for some of the best touring artists in the country. St. Paul is also home to the Lowertown Arts District, a neighborhood with one of the highest concentrations of artists in the Midwest.
Black Hart of St. Paul is an LGBTQ+ soccer bar that hosts drag shows and burlesque. It offers a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. and free pool and darts after 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
The Local and State Economy in St. Paul, MN
Health care, finance and retail are major industries in St. Paul. In addition, several major companies have headquarters in the Twin Cities area, including Bremer Financial Corporation, Pearson’s Candy Company and Summit Brewing Company all in St. Paul. Target Corporation, Ameriprise Financial, U.S. Bancorp and Xcel Energy all have a large presence in nearby Minneapolis.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in St. Paul is 8.88%.
Yes, Minnesota has a state income tax.
The Twin Cities area is home to several world-class hospitals that offer high-quality medical care, like Allina Health United Hospital and M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital.
Several smaller colleges and universities are in St. Paul, including Metropolitan State University, Macalester College and the University of St. Thomas.
Weather in St. Paul, MN
Average Temperatures
55 high / 37 low
Average Annual Rainfall
32 in
Average Annual Snowfall
52 in
Quick Facts about St. Paul, Minnesota
- Median Home Value
- $290,183
- Median Property Tax
- $2,785
- Total Population
- 304,306
- Average Commute
- 19 min
- Median Household Income
- $72,433
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,013
Map of St. Paul, MN
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