Apple Valley,MN Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Apple Valley, MN – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Apple Valley, MN
Apple Valley, MN, is a vibrant city offering a wonderful mix of suburban charm and modern conveniences. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful green spaces, Apple Valley is home to several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe. Whether you're looking for quiet cul-de-sacs, bustling shopping areas, or scenic parks, the Apple Valley neighborhoods map reveals a community designed to cater to a variety of lifestyles. From young professionals to growing families, the city’s neighborhoods provide something for everyone.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
The best neighborhoods in Apple Valley provide a diverse range of lifestyle options. For example, the Whispering Oaks neighborhood is popular for its peaceful, tree-lined streets and proximity to the serene Lebanon Hills Regional Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Meanwhile, areas like the Apple Valley Village offer a more urban feel with easy access to local favorites such as the Apple Valley Bowl and several cozy restaurants like Piada Italian Street Food. Families often gravitate towards neighborhoods near quality schools like Diamond Path Elementary and Scott Highlands Middle School, which are both well-regarded in the community.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
Apple Valley’s housing market is a healthy mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and newer apartment complexes, making it easier for buyers to find options within their budget. Neighborhoods like Crystal Lake and Valley High are known for their mid-century homes and established community feel, often attracting long-time residents. On the other hand, newer developments closer to the Apple Valley Mall area feature modern townhomes and condominiums, appealing to first-time homebuyers and young couples. The market remains competitive but generally offers good value compared to other Twin Cities suburbs.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Each Apple Valley neighborhood has its own personality, contributing to the city’s overall charm. For instance, the Rosehill neighborhood prides itself on its active neighborhood association, organizing community events and seasonal festivals. In contrast, neighborhoods near the Apple Valley Golf Course lean more towards a relaxed, recreational lifestyle. The city embraces a culture of inclusivity and community spirit, visible in local farmers markets, neighborhood block parties, and public art installations scattered throughout the city.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Getting around Apple Valley is convenient whether you drive or prefer public transit. The city is well-served by several major highways, including Cedar Avenue (Highway 77), making commuting to Minneapolis or St. Paul straightforward. For those relying on transit, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) provides reliable bus routes connecting Apple Valley to neighboring suburbs and downtown Minneapolis. Plus, many neighborhoods are bike-friendly, with dedicated trails like the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail accessible from several points on the Apple Valley neighborhoods map.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
Apple Valley offers plenty of attractions and activities to keep residents entertained. The city is home to the popular Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center, a great spot for cooling off in the summer, and the Valleywood Golf Course, ideal for golf enthusiasts. Shopping and dining options abound along Cedar Avenue, with restaurants like Fjällbo Gourmet Swedish Bakery and The Keg Steakhouse & Bar drawing regular crowds. For movie lovers, the Apple Valley Cinema 16 offers the latest releases in a cozy, family-friendly setting.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
While Apple Valley itself does not host large universities, it is conveniently located near several reputable colleges. For example, Inver Hills Community College is just a short drive away in nearby Inver Grove Heights, making it accessible to Apple Valley residents. Additionally, the University of Minnesota’s campus in nearby Minneapolis is easily reached via car or public transit. Many neighborhoods close to the city center, such as those around the Apple Valley Mall area, offer quick access to these institutions, making them popular among students and faculty looking for nearby housing.
```Apple Valley Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial District | 38.7 | 33.9% | $358,117 | $122,923 | 3.0 |
| Cedar Knolls | 43.1 | 38% | $442,700 | $150,089 | 3.0 |
| Old Town | 37.5 | 33.5% | $341,790 | $117,615 | 3.0 |
| Lebanon Hills | 42.7 | 38% | $400,867 | $135,318 | 3.0 |
| Scott Highlands | 42.1 | 30.3% | $376,210 | $124,620 | 3.2 |
| Redwood | 36.8 | 32.2% | $380,000 | $120,320 | 3.2 |
| Zoo | 38.4 | 34% | $326,863 | $107,669 | 3.3 |
| Galaxie Commons | 37.3 | 29.3% | $285,936 | $89,010 | 3.3 |
| Alimagnet | 42.6 | 28.7% | $372,879 | $113,222 | 3.5 |
| Johnny Cake | 40.2 | 23.8% | $316,560 | $92,990 | 3.6 |
Apple Valley neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Apple Valley—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Apple Valley, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Apple Valley
| Crime |
Reported |
Apple Valley /100k |
MN /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 2.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | 20.0 | 36.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | 16.4 | 48.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 98 | 178.1 | 168.0 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 118 | 214 | 257 | 359 |
| Burglary | 57 | 103.6 | 184.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 815 | 1,481.1 | 1,208.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 46 | 83.6 | 213.1 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 918 | 1,668 | 1,606 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 1,036 | 1,883 | 1,863 | 2,119 |