Living in Lakeville, Minnesota

Located in Dakota County, Lakeville is a city in the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota. The population of Lakeville was 56,954 as of the 2020 US Census. It is the home of the Minnesota Zoo and has many parks and recreational activities.

The city is known for its excellent schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and diverse businesses. The city is also known for its lake, Lake Marion, which is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. There are several parks in the city, including Lakeville South Park, which features a boat launch, playgrounds, and a disc golf course.

The city also has an annual celebration known as the Lakeville Summerfest, which features live music, art, and entertainment. Lakeville is an excellent city for families and businesses with its safe neighborhoods and its numerous educational, recreational, and business opportunities.

1.     Cost of Living

Lakeville, Minnesota is an excellent city to live in for families and businesses. The cost of living in Lakeville is slightly higher with 107.5 than the national average which is 100, but the city offers great value for its cost.

The city's high property values mean that housing costs are significantly higher with $346,800 than the national average, but other costs such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are slightly lower than the national average.

Additionally, the city offers great educational opportunities, recreational activities, and diverse businesses. The city also has a great quality of life with its safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous parks.

Overall, the cost of living in Lakeville is higher than the national average, but its high quality of life and safe neighborhoods make it an attractive place to live.

2.     Safety

Lakeville, Minnesota is a safe and welcoming community. It is located in southern Minnesota and is part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The crime rate in Lakeville is well below the national average for both violent and property crimes. The city has a low unemployment rate and a high median income, making it a great place to live.

The city has a low population density and is home to a variety of parks, trails, and open spaces. The Lakeville police department is dedicated to keeping the community safe and works hard to promote public safety and community involvement.

The department works closely with schools, businesses, and organizations to ensure safety in the city. The city also has a number of safety initiatives, such as neighborhood watch programs and home security systems, which help to keep the city safe.

Lakeville is a great place to live, work, and play and its commitment to public safety makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a safe and secure place to call home.

3.     Schools

Lakeville, Minnesota is home to some of the best schools in the state. The city is served by two districts: Independent School District 196 and Lakeville Area Public Schools.

These districts are known for their excellent academics, competitive sports, and diverse extracurricular activities. Many of the schools have been recognized for their excellence, including Lakeville South High School, which has been named one of the best high schools in the state by U.S. News and World Report.

Additionally, the district is committed to providing a safe learning environment for its students. The district has implemented a comprehensive safety plan to ensure that students are safe and secure at school.

The schools in Lakeville offer students a quality education and a safe learning environment, making it an excellent place to live and learn.

4.     Transportation

Lakeville, Minnesota offers its residents a variety of transportation options. The city is served by the Dakota County Transit System, which provides bus service to the Twin Cities metro area and other cities in the county. 

For those who prefer to drive, there are several major highways that connect Lakeville to the rest of the state, including Interstate 35 and Highway 77. The city also has a major airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which is located about 25 miles away.

Additionally, the city has an extensive bike and pedestrian network, making it easy to get around the city on foot or by bike. Overall, Lakeville offers a variety of transportation options, making it easy to get around the city and the state.

5.     Weather

Lakeville, Minnesota has a largely continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Average winter temperatures range from 14-25F, while summer temperatures range from 55-83F. Generally, the months of December, January, and February are the coldest, while June, July, and August are the warmest.

On average, Lakeville receives about 24 inches of snow per year, with most of it falling between December and March. The city also receives about 32 inches of rainfall per year. Lakeville is relatively dry for the region and is rarely affected by severe weather. 

Overall, Lakeville has a mild climate with cold winters and warm summers, making it an ideal place to live or visit. 

6.     Culture and Community

Lakeville, Minnesota is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving culture and community. The city has a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Lakeville Summerfest and the Lakeville Arts Festival. 

The city also has several museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The city is known for its excellent schools and its commitment to the arts. Additionally, the city is home to many parks and recreational activities, making it an ideal place to live and play.

The city is also home to several churches, synagogues, and mosques, making it a great place for people of all faiths to live. The city is very safe and welcoming, and there are many opportunities to get involved in the community and make a difference.

Overall, Lakeville is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving culture and community. It is the perfect place to live and raise a family, and its friendly people, excellent schools, and diverse businesses make it an attractive place for businesses as well.

7.     Healthcare

Lakeville, Minnesota has a variety of healthcare options for its citizens. The city is home to several hospitals and medical centers, including Fairview Lakes Medical Center, Lakeview Hospital, and North Memorial Health.

These hospitals offer a variety of services, including emergency care, primary care, specialty care, and more. Additionally, the city is home to several independent clinics and specialty care centers, such as the Lakeville Family Physicians, the Lakeville Women's Clinic, and the Lakeville Mental Health Clinic.

The city also has a variety of pharmacies and other healthcare providers, such as dentists, physical therapists, and optometrists. Overall, Lakeville has a wide variety of healthcare options, making it easy to find the care you need.

8. Job Opportunities

Lakeville, Minnesota is a growing community with a variety of job opportunities. The city is home to a diverse range of businesses, from manufacturing and healthcare to retail, hospitality, and technology. The top employers in the city include St. Jude Medical, Schwan's Company, Allina Health, and Walmart.

Manufacturing is the largest industry in Lakeville, with St. Jude Medical, Schwan's, and United Natural Foods all having a large presence. St. Jude Medical employs over 1,000 people in the city and manufactures medical devices, while Schwan's is one of the largest frozen food companies in the state. The United Natural Foods distribution center is located in Lakeville and employs over 500 people.

Healthcare is another major industry in Lakeville, with Allina Health being the largest employer in the city. Allina Health operates a variety of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the area, and employs over 2,000 people in the city. Walmart is also a major employer in the city, with over 1,000 employees.

In addition to these larger employers, Lakeville is home to a variety of small businesses and startups. The city is home to many restaurants, retail stores, and professional services businesses.

Here are the Top 5 Employers in Lakeville:

1. St. Jude Medical

2. Schwan's Company

3. Allina Health

4. Walmart

5. United Natural Foods