Let the numbers do the talking.
Apple Valley, MN vs Minneapolis, MN
Apple Valley, MN vs Minneapolis, MN: What the data shows
Apple Valley, MN is in Apple Valley, MN while Minneapolis, MN is in Minneapolis, MN — both in the same state. On home prices, Apple Valley, MN is the more affordable option at $333,300 median — $237,900 less than Minneapolis, MN's $571,200. WYLT rates Apple Valley, MN as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Minneapolis, MN as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Apple Valley, MN has the stronger safety profile of the two. Apple Valley, MN has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Minneapolis, MN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Apple Valley, MN has Low flood risk and Minneapolis, MN has Low flood risk.
Minneapolis, MN is the more walkable neighborhood. Apple Valley, MN scores 9/100 (car-dependent) versus Minneapolis, MN's 37/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Minneapolis, MN has the higher school rating — Apple Valley, MN rates 4.3/10 and Minneapolis, MN rates 5.4/10.
| Category | Apple Valley, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $333K ✓ Lower price | $571K |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $98K | $147K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 9/100 | 37/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 24/100 | 51/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 25/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 27 min | 15 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 4.3/10 | 5.4/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesCommutersRetirees | High‑earning commutersFamilies who can afford higher housing costsThose who prioritize a short downtown commute over walkability |
Bottom line
For families prioritizing good schools, safety, and affordability, Apple Valley (MN) is the better choice. For high-earning professionals seeking a short commute to downtown Minneapolis, Minneapolis proper might be the way to go, despite its higher cost and average walkability. However, those seeking a compromise between commute time and affordability might find Apple Valley to be a more balanced option.
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