St. Paul, the capital city of Minnesota and one-half of the Twin Cities, is a place rich in history, culture, and community charm. With its picturesque neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that many people dream of calling St. Paul home. However, life in this vibrant city comes with its own set of challenges. So whether you’re searching for a classic apartment in Summit Hill or a cozy apartment in Macalester-Groveland, you’ve come to the right place.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll explore the various pros and cons of living in St. Paul, helping you decide if this Twin Cities gem is the right place for you.
Fast facts about living in St. Paul
- Known for: Historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and a friendly community vibe
- Fun fact: St. Paul hosts the Winter Carnival, the oldest winter festival in the U.S., which began in 1886
- Population: Over 311,000 residents
- Average rent: $1,311 per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Median home sale price: $289,048
- Public parks: Over 180, including the popular Como Park and Battle Creek Regional Park
- Languages spoken: Predominantly English, with a significant Hmong-speaking community
- Proximity to Minneapolis: About 10 miles west
- Restaurants: A wide range of dining options, including farm-to-table, international, and local favorites
1. Pro: Affordable cost of living
The cost of living in St. Paul is about 6% lower than the national average, making it an affordable choice for city living. Housing costs are accessible, with a median sale price for a home in St. Paul around $289,048 and average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Paul at $1,311 per month. Additionally, expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities are generally lower than in other urban areas, making it easier for residents to manage their budgets.
The affordable cost of living in St. Paul allows many residents to balance finances, save, and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the Twin Cities.
2. Con: Harsh winters
St. Paul is known for its long and cold winters, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall common from November to March. Residents need to be prepared for icy roads, snow removal, and long stretches of cold weather. However, the city celebrates winter with events like the Winter Carnival, which brings the community together to embrace the season.
3. Pro: Strong job market
St. Paul has a diverse job market with opportunities in healthcare, education, government, and finance. Major employers include 3M, Ecolab, and the state government, providing a stable economy and job opportunities across various fields. Additionally, St. Paul’s proximity to Minneapolis expands employment options for those willing to commute.
Top employers in St. Paul
- 3M
- Ecolab
- Regions Hospital
- State of Minnesota
- St. Paul Public Schools
4. Con: Limited nightlife compared to Minneapolis
While St. Paul offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and theaters, the nightlife scene is quieter compared to neighboring Minneapolis. For a more vibrant nightlife experience, residents often travel to downtown Minneapolis, which can be inconvenient for those seeking a more active social scene.
5. Pro: Excellent public transportation
St. Paul benefits from a robust public transportation system operated by Metro Transit, including light rail and bus services. The Green Line light rail connects St. Paul to Minneapolis, making commuting between the Twin Cities convenient. Additionally, St. Paul is a walkable and bike-friendly city, especially in neighborhoods like Lowertown and Summit Hill.
6. Con: High property taxes
While housing is affordable, property taxes in St. Paul are higher than the national average, which can increase the overall cost of homeownership. Property tax rates vary by neighborhood, so potential residents should research the area to understand the impact on their budget.
7. Pro: Access to nature and outdoor recreation
St. Paul offers numerous parks, lakes, and trails for outdoor activities year-round. Residents can enjoy the scenic Mississippi River, bike and hike through Battle Creek Regional Park, or spend a day at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. The city’s extensive park system and proximity to natural areas make it a great location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular outdoor recreation areas in St. Paul
- Como Park
- Battle Creek Regional Park
- Hidden Falls Regional Park
- Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
- Indian Mounds Regional Park
8. Con: Limited housing inventory
While affordable, St. Paul’s housing market can be competitive, with limited inventory in some neighborhoods. Demand for homes and apartments is high, which can make it challenging for newcomers to find housing. Prospective residents may need to act quickly when desirable properties become available.
9. Pro: Historic architecture and neighborhoods
St. Paul is known for its well-preserved historic architecture, especially in neighborhoods like Summit Hill and Cathedral Hill, where you can find Victorian-era homes and brownstones. The city’s historic charm and architectural diversity add character, making it a visually appealing place to live.
10. Con: Flood risk
Due to its location along the Mississippi River, certain parts of St. Paul are prone to flooding, particularly during the spring when snowmelt raises water levels. The city has flood control measures in place, but residents in flood-prone areas should consider insurance and stay informed about flood risks.
11. Pro: Quality education options
St. Paul has a variety of high-quality education options, including public, private, and charter schools. St. Paul Public Schools is one of Minnesota’s largest school districts, and the city also offers several private and charter school options. For higher education, the University of St. Thomas and Hamline University are located in the city, while the University of Minnesota is nearby in Minneapolis.
12. Con: Limited diversity in shopping and entertainment
While St. Paul offers a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, it doesn’t have the same diversity in retail and entertainment options as neighboring Minneapolis. Residents may need to travel to other parts of the Twin Cities for more variety, particularly for upscale shopping or specialized entertainment options.
13. Pro: Strong sense of community
St. Paul is known for its friendly and welcoming community. The city hosts numerous community events and festivals, such as the Winter Carnival, Grand Old Day, and various farmers’ markets. This sense of community makes it easy for residents to connect with others and feel at home.
Pros & cons of living in St. Paul, MN (Summary)
- Pro: Affordable cost of living
- Con: Harsh winters
- Pro: Strong job market
- Con: Limited nightlife compared to Minneapolis
- Pro: Excellent public transportation
- Con: High property taxes
- Pro: Access to nature and outdoor recreation
- Con: Limited housing inventory
- Pro: Historic architecture and neighborhoods
- Con: Flood risk
- Pro: Quality education options
- Con: Limited diversity in shopping and entertainment
- Pro: Strong sense of community