Let the numbers do the talking.
Burnsville, MN vs Rochester, MN
Burnsville, MN vs Rochester, MN: What the data shows
Burnsville, MN is in Burnsville, MN while Rochester, MN is in Rochester, MN — both in the same state. On home prices, Rochester, MN is the more affordable option at $270,300 median — $38,900 less than Burnsville, MN's $309,200. WYLT rates Burnsville, MN as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Rochester, MN as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Burnsville, MN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Rochester, MN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Burnsville, MN has Low flood risk and Rochester, MN has Low flood risk.
Rochester, MN is the more walkable neighborhood. Burnsville, MN scores N/A/100 versus Rochester, MN's 20/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Burnsville, MN rates 4.4/10 and Rochester, MN rates 4.4/10.
| Category | Burnsville, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $309K | $270K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $84K | $86K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 20/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 30/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 18/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 25 min ✓ Shorter commute | 103 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 4.4/10 | 4.4/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesRemote workers who commute to MinneapolisRetirees looking for a quieter suburban environment | remote workersfamiliessmall‑city lifestyle seekers |
Bottom line
For someone seeking a commute to Minneapolis as a remote worker or in a similar field, Burnsville's much shorter drive time (25 min) makes it a more practical choice. Families with school-aged children may prefer Burnsville's quieter suburban environment and slightly lower median home price. Overall, Burnsville appears suitable for people prioritizing a quicker commute and quieter area, whereas Rochester suits those who value a small-town lifestyle and can accommodate the longer commute to Minneapolis.
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