Minneapolis Ranks As Third-Best US City For Retirees

Retirement is a time to embrace a new chapter of life, filled with comfort, community, and the freedom to enjoy your surroundings. According to WalletHub’s Best & Worst Places to Retire (2025) by Financial Writer Adam McCann, published on September 2, 2025, Minneapolis ranks as the third-best city in the U.S. for retirees, with St. Paul coming in at 21st. This vibrant metro area, paired with its affluent and welcoming suburbs like Wayzata, Lake Minnetonka, Orono, North Oaks, Plymouth, Lakeville, and Maple Grove, offers an ideal blend of affordability, healthcare, and lifestyle for your golden years. At Grizzly Construction, we understand that your home is the heart of your retirement dreams. Whether you’re looking to remodel, add accessibility features, or create a custom space, we’re here to make your vision a reality with our expert craftsmanship and creative financing options.

Why Minneapolis is a Top Retirement Destination

Minneapolis shines as a retiree-friendly city due to its elderly-friendly labor market, with over 22% of the working population aged 65 and older. This makes it easy for retirees to find part-time work for extra income or to stay engaged. The city also boasts the eighth-best hospital system in the nation, a high number of nursing homes, and gerontologists per capita, ensuring top-notch healthcare access. Additionally, Minneapolis ranks eighth for recreation and senior centers, offering endless opportunities for socializing, fitness, and hobbies. From cultural events to scenic lakes and parks, the city fosters a vibrant, caring community, ranking as the 34th-most caring city in the U.S.

However, Minneapolis isn’t just about urban amenities. Its surrounding suburbs provide serene, luxurious, and family-friendly environments, making them perfect for retirees seeking a balance of tranquility and accessibility. Let’s explore some of the top neighborhoods and suburbs for retirement, focusing on the highest average home value neighborhoods in Minneapolis and the best suburbs highlighted in recent studies.

Top Minneapolis Neighborhoods for High-Value Homes

Minneapolis is home to several affluent neighborhoods where retirees can enjoy upscale living with access to urban amenities. Based on local real estate insights, the following are among the highest average home value neighborhoods in the city:

1. Kenwood: Known for its historic charm and proximity to Lake of the Isles, Kenwood features elegant homes with median values around $700,000–$1,000,000. It’s a favorite for those seeking quiet luxury near downtown.
2. Lowry Hill: Adjacent to Kenwood, Lowry Hill offers stately homes and proximity to cultural hubs like the Walker Art Center, with home values averaging $600,000–$900,000.
3. Linden Hills: This walkable neighborhood near Lake Harriet boasts a quaint, village-like atmosphere with home values around $500,000–$800,000.
4. Fulton: A family-friendly area with beautiful homes near Lake Harriet, Fulton has median home values in the $450,000–$700,000 range.
5. Lynnhurst: Known for its tree-lined streets and proximity to Minnehaha Creek, Lynnhurst offers homes valued between $500,000–$750,000.

These neighborhoods combine upscale living with easy access to Minneapolis’s recreational and cultural offerings, making them ideal for retirees who want to stay close to the city’s vibrancy.

Top Suburbs for Retirement: Wayzata, Orono, North Oaks, and More

For those seeking a quieter, suburban lifestyle, the Minneapolis metro area is surrounded by some of Minnesota’s most desirable communities. According to a 2025 SmartAsset study, suburbs like Plymouth, Lakeville, and Maple Grove rank among the best places to live, while Wayzata, Orono, and North Oaks are known for their high-value homes and serene environments. Here’s why these suburbs are perfect for retirees:

• Wayzata (Lake Minnetonka): A charming lakeside town with luxurious lakefront properties, Wayzata is known for its walkable downtown and median home values exceeding $800,000. Its community-focused vibe and proximity to Lake Minnetonka make it a retiree’s paradise.
• Orono (Lake Minnetonka): With sprawling estates and scenic lake views, Orono is one of Minnesota’s richest cities, with median home values around $1,019,638. It’s ideal for retirees seeking privacy and natural beauty.
• North Oaks: This exclusive, gated community north of St. Paul offers large estates and private lakes, with median home values around $876,362. It’s perfect for those prioritizing tranquility and security.
• Plymouth: Ranked highly by SmartAsset, Plymouth offers affordable housing (median values around $447,600) and top-rated schools, making it great for retirees near family. Its access to Medicine Lake and excellent healthcare infrastructure are bonuses.
• Lakeville: Known for its modern developments and active lifestyle, Lakeville has median home values around $400,000, offering affordability and access to parks and recreation.
• Maple Grove: A retail and medical hub with median home values around $350,000, Maple Grove is ideal for retirees seeking suburban amenities and proximity to Elm Creek Park Reserve.

How Grizzly Construction Can Build Your Dream Retirement Home

At Grizzly Construction, we believe your home should reflect your unique vision of retirement. Whether you’re settling in Minneapolis’s upscale neighborhoods or the serene suburbs of Wayzata, Orono, or Plymouth, we specialize in creating spaces that enhance your lifestyle. Our services include:

• Remodels: Transform your kitchen, bathroom, or basement into modern, functional spaces tailored to your needs.
• Additions: Expand your home with new rooms or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for guests, family, or rental income.
• Outdoor Living: Create stunning hardscape (patios, walkways) and softscape (gardens, landscaping) designs to enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful seasons.
• ADA Modifications: Ensure your home remains accessible with ramps, wider doorways, and other age-in-place features to support long-term comfort and safety.

We also understand that financing home improvements can be a concern for retirees. That’s why Grizzly Construction offers creative financing options to make your dream home a reality without straining your budget. From flexible payment plans to partnerships with local lenders, we’re committed to finding solutions that work for you.

Why Choose Grizzly Construction?

With years of experience in the Minneapolis metro area, Grizzly Construction is your trusted partner for residential construction and remodeling. We combine quality craftsmanship with a client-focused approach, ensuring every project reflects your vision. Our team is well-versed in the unique needs of retirees, from energy-efficient upgrades to accessibility features, making your home both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re in Kenwood, Wayzata, or Maple Grove, we’re here to help you create a space that feels like home.Start Your Retirement Home Journey Today

Ready to make your retirement dreams come true in Minneapolis or its top suburbs?

Grizzly Construction is here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation on our calendar or fill out our online form to learn more about how we can transform your home. Let’s build a space where you can enjoy your golden years with comfort, style, and peace of mind. Contact us today to get started!

Read the entire article WalletHub’s Best & Worst Places to Retire (2025) by Financial Writer Adam McCann, published on September 2, 2025