Why You Should Live in St. Cloud, Minnesota

1. Cost of Living

The cost of living in St. Cloud, Minnesota is relatively moderate. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the city’s cost of living index is 6.9% lower than the national average.

Housing costs are particularly attractive, with the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment being $890 and the median home price being $185,700. Utilities are also moderately priced, with the average monthly cost of electricity, gas, water, and garbage all being below the national average. Transportation costs in St. Cloud are also relatively low, with the average cost of gasoline being $2.45, and the average cost of a bus ride being $1.50.

The overall cost of food in St. Cloud is slightly below the national average, and there are several grocery stores and farmers’ markets in the area to help keep costs down. Overall, St. Cloud is a great place to live with an affordable cost of living.

2. Job Opportunities

 St. Cloud, Minnesota is a great place to live and work. The city is home to several major employers, including Centracare Health System, St. Cloud State University, and Coborn’s. These organizations provide a variety of jobs, ranging from healthcare and education to retail and hospitality.

St. Cloud is also home to several smaller businesses that offer a range of jobs, including manufacturing, technology, and finance. In addition, the city is home to a variety of service-oriented businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. All of these businesses offer a variety of job opportunities for those looking to enter the workforce.

St. Cloud also offers a variety of jobs in the public sector, including government positions in education, health care, and public safety. Overall, St. Cloud offers a variety of job opportunities for those seeking employment.

Here are the Top 5 Employers in St. Cloud:

1. St. Cloud State University
2. CentraCare Health
3. City of St. Cloud
4. Walgreens
5. Target Corporation

3. Safety

 Living in St. Cloud, Minnesota is generally very safe. The city has a low violent crime rate, with only 5.03 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crime is similarly low, with only 16.75 incidents per 1,000 residents.

The St. Cloud Police Department is dedicated to keeping the community safe and has a variety of programs and initiatives in place to ensure the safety of its citizens. The city also has a variety of community-oriented programs such as neighborhood watch groups and block watches.

Additionally, the city has an extensive network of sidewalks and bike paths, making it easy to get around safely. Overall, St. Cloud is a safe city to live in, with a low crime rate and a variety of measures in place to ensure the safety of its citizens

4. Schools

St. Cloud, Minnesota has an excellent school system. The district is home to 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, and an alternative learning center. The schools are known for their high academic achievement, with the majority of students performing above the state average in standardized tests.

The district also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and arts programs. Additionally, the district is home to several post-secondary institutions, including St. Cloud State University and Rasmussen College. These institutions offer a variety of degree and certificate programs to help students continue their education. 

Overall, St. Cloud has an excellent school system that is dedicated to providing students with the best education possible.

5. Transportation 

St. Cloud, Minnesota has an extensive network of transportation options. The city is served by two major highways, Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 10, which provide easy access to the Twin Cities and other cities throughout the state.

The city also has an extensive bus system, with routes throughout the city and to surrounding communities. The city is also served by the St. Cloud Regional Airport, which provides daily flights to Chicago and Minneapolis. For those who prefer to travel by bike, the city has an extensive network of bike trails and paths that connect the city to surrounding areas. 

Overall, St. Cloud has an extensive network of transportation options that make it easy to get around.

6. Weather

 The weather in St. Cloud, Minnesota is generally mild and comfortable. The city has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and in the winter it averages around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The city receives an average of 28 inches of precipitation each year, with most of it falling in the form of snow during the winter months. The city also experiences occasional thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes.

Overall, St. Cloud has a mild climate that is enjoyable to experience throughout the year.

7. Culture and Community 

St. Cloud, Minnesota is a vibrant and diverse community with a unique culture. The city is home to a variety of cultural and ethnic groups, including Native Americans, Scandinavians, Germans, and French Canadians.

 The city also has a vibrant arts and music scene, with several galleries and concert venues. Additionally, the city hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Granite City Days Festival and the St. Cloud Film Festival.

The city also has a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing. St. Cloud is home to numerous museums and historic sites, such as the Minnesota Military Museum and the St. Cloud Public Library. Additionally, the city has several cultural centers, including the Paramount Theatre and the Stearns History Museum.

Overall, St. Cloud is a vibrant and diverse community with a unique culture that is deeply rooted in its history and its people. Residents of St. Cloud enjoy the benefits of a strong sense of community, a variety of cultural activities, and a diverse population. Living in St. Cloud is an experience that few other cities can match, and it is a great place for those who appreciate cultural diversity and a vibrant atmosphere.

8. Healthcare

St. Cloud, Minnesota has a variety of healthcare options. The city is home to two major hospitals, St. Cloud Hospital and CentraCare Health System. Both hospitals provide a variety of medical services, including emergency care, primary care, and specialty care.

In addition, the city is home to numerous clinics, including family medicine, urgent care, and dental care. The city also has a variety of mental health services, including counseling and therapy. Additionally, the city has numerous pharmacies and home health care services.

Overall, St. Cloud has an excellent healthcare system that provides a variety of services to its residents.

9. Distance from Family and Friends

Living in St. Cloud, Minnesota can be a great way to stay connected with family and friends while enjoying the benefits of living in a smaller city. The city is located just a short drive away from the Twin Cities, allowing residents to easily visit family and friends.

Additionally, the city is home to a variety of amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment, which can make it easy to spend with loved ones. St. Cloud also offers a variety of transportation options, such as airports, buses, and trains, which can make it easy to travel to other cities to visit family and friends.

Overall, St. Cloud is a great place to stay connected with family and friends while enjoying the benefits of living in a smaller city.