There are many wonderful places in Minnesota to call home, but there’s only one Orono, Minnesota. What makes this city so desirable for home buyers across the state and even the nation? From being one of the safest neighborhoods in Minnesota to its beautiful, scenic trails and a friendly community — Orono has many surprises that contribute to its unique small-town feel. When you’re choosing between Twin Cities suburbs, Orono should be on your radar as one of the best neighborhoods in Minnesota.
The residents of Orono have created a desirable town full of parks, wildlife, stunning homes, high-performing schools and much more, making Orono one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for families. Read on to see 5 of the most enticing reasons to live in Orono, Minnesota.
1. One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Minnesota
Is a safe neighborhood for your family one of your top priorities? Orono is one of the safest communities in the Minneapolis region and beyond. In fact, it’s the safest city in the entire state of Minnesota according to recent statistics. Residents here take the time to get to know one another — which provides extra peace of mind when they leave their homes for vacation or a weekend away.
Biggest Perks
- Orono runs its own police force, which helps to maintain a crime rate well below the state and national averages.
2. Convenient Location
Orono feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, even though it is conveniently located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Orono is only a 15-mile drive to downtown Minneapolis, delivering easy access to the events and recreation of a big city.
Catch a Twins game, a show at the Orpheum or visit a museum while you explore the city. If you work in Minneapolis, you can enjoy a short commute with views of country scenery during the drive.
Biggest Perks
- Orono is one of the best small towns near Minneapolis with the convenience of city life when you’re looking for more variety.
- On days when you’re looking for a quieter outing, the downtowns of Long Lake and Wayzata are a stone’s throw away from Orono. These cities offer charming main streets lined with small businesses.
3. Incredible Nature
Minneapolis has a mix of urban city development intertwined with ample lakes and greenery — all connected through abundant trails that take you between both. It’s no wonder nature seeps into everything Minnesotans do year round. If you’re relocating to Minneapolis and looking for the best place to live, Orono’s conservation land and well-tended trails may seal the deal. Orono is a suburb that is dedicated to preserving the nature we all appreciate.
Just about everywhere you look in Orono, you can spot plants and animals that inspire a love of nature. Abundant park land lies in and around Orono, so residents are never too far from a peaceful stroll or hike to unwind. However you spend time outside, Orono has something for you and your family.
Biggest Perks
- The renowned Noerenberg Memorial Park and Gardens is within city limits, providing a historic vista full of flowers during spring and summer.
- Lake Minnetonka is just a quick drive south of Orono. It offers an abundance of water activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, ice fishing and beach days with the kids.
4. Room to Spread Out
Some neighborhoods have become overly crowded. What makes Orono one of the best neighborhoods in Minnesota is its large lot sizes that contribute to a rural neighborhood feel. The city is the best of both worlds, with neighbors close enough to build friendships and far enough removed for a feeling of privacy — plus plenty of space for neighborhood barbecues.
Biggest Perks
- The lots at Lakeview feature wide spaces and abundant trees for a lush, park-like atmosphere. If you’re looking to get away from it all without actually doing so, consider Orono for your next home.
- Orono’s conservation efforts ensure the neighborhood is dedicated to preserving prairie lands, so no need to stress about future overcrowding.
5. Great Schools
Students in the city of Orono either attend the Orono School District or the Mound-Westonka School district. Lakeview properties are located within the boundaries of the latter, although both districts excel on a state and national level. The recognition can be attributed to small classes, a wide selection of extracurricular activities and a well-rounded curriculum for students.
Biggest Perks
- In a ranking of the best high schools within the state of Minnesota, Orono Senior High is ranked #5 while Mound-Westonka High School is ranked 13th, according to US News & World Report.
- Both school districts rank high overall, with the Orono school district ranking 5th and Mound-Westonka district at 11th out of 428 for best school districts in Minnesota.
Find Your Home in Orono
The only thing better than living in Orono is having the ability to build your forever home from scratch. When you work with one of our expert home builders, they help you create the home of your dreams.
Whatever type of home layout you’re looking for, give it a view of the beautiful Minnesotan Nature in Orono. Our home builders build some of the most luxurious, modern homes in Minnesota — from cozy to extravagant and always with MN charm!