Lake Elmo, Minnesota, is a rural city east of St. Paul that’s known as a "community of communities."

Comprised mainly of farmland, this area is divided into more than 30 separate neighborhoods with a total of 18 different parks.

A dedication to open space and fresh air binds its citizens together, and the Lake Elmo Park Reserve is at the center of it all.

The reserve covers 2,165 acres, with 80% set aside for protection and preservation. The reserve’s intent is for the land to regain the character it possessed before the arrival of settlers in the 19th century.

You’ll find that life in Lake Elmo is easygoing and pleasant, but the cost of living index places it 21.2% higher than the rest of Minnesota.

The median home value in the Lake Elmo MN real estate market, including detached homes, as well as condominiums and townhouses, is $410,000 (nearly double the Twin Cities Metro average). This is balanced by a median family income that is substantially higher than the state average.

You’ll notice that about a third of the housing stock dates back to the 1970s, although there are plenty of new constructions on the market. About 95% of housing units are owned and the remaining 5% rented.

Lake Elmo is also the business center for the St. Croix Valley. Its Old Town has enjoyed a recent makeover, making it a destination for more than just the well-known Lake Elmo Inn, a favorite dining spot for Twin Cities residents.

Employment, high-quality education, low crime rates, and diverse housing options all garner "A" ratings in the area. But for shopping, entertainment, culture and major sporting events, you may want to travel west to the Twin Cities.