Welcome to Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie is one of the best places to live in the country, which is why this quiet town attracts families to its borders regularly.
There’s a reason Eden Prairie regularly makes MONEY magazine’s list of the Best Places To Live. Unemployment is under 3%, the economy is booming and the crime rate is 37% lower than the national average. Its proximity to Minneapolis means residents can access many of the conveniences of city living, but housing prices are a bit lower for more space, and day-to-day, everyone gets to enjoy the benefits of small town life. Newcomers find welcoming neighborhoods and friendly neighbors, and individuals and families alike enjoy exploring the area’s rich history and expansive natural areas.
What to Love
- Ranks as one of MONEY magazine’s Best Places To Live
- Excellent school system with specialized schools
- Frequent festivals and special events
Local Lifestyle
Eden Prairie is in the metro area of Minneapolis, so while the town has a smaller population, it is still energized and fun. Removed from some of the stress of city living, residents tend to be laid-back and happy to receive the benefits of a small town without being too far removed from an urban environment. The rich history of Eden Prairie now provides a number of attractions relating to its beginnings as a prairie village, and much of the surrounding undeveloped land is protected nature where people can hike, observe wildlife, or escape the world for a bit.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Dining in Eden Prairie can be an experience. There are some delicious culinary options in the area, from Wildfire’s menu of beer-braised short ribs and cedar-planked salmon to CRAVE’s brunch featuring a phenomenal sparkling strawberry cocktail and cinnamon beignets. For a lighter option, the sea bass sliders or cilantro chicken skewers at Kona Grill are an excellent option, and the restaurant offers a variety of fresh sushi as well. For dinner with a large group of people, go Italian at
Buca di Beppo with a spicy plate of shrimp fra diavolo or splurge on bold blue cheese-crusted prime rib at
Redstone.
Eden Prairie Center is a popular option for a day of shopping. The mall features a number of big-name stores including
Von Maur,
Talbots, American Eagle, and Eddie Bauer as well as the brand-new destination store of
SCHEELS, which features a 16 thousand gallon aquarium, a 45 foot Ferris Wheel, and plenty of games to engage in. There’s also 85 specialty shops in the store, including Ginna’s Cafe for a quick break and Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory to pick up some sweet treats.
Things to Do
Eden Prairie boasts over 37 parks, including Staring Lake Park with multiple sports fields, a dog park, and a ski trail, and Round Lake Park which offers a splash pad, a lovely hiking trail, and an ice skating rink. Hikers will love taking on the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail, a 9.2-mile trail that stretches from Hopkins to Chaska and has a trail head right in Eden Prairie.
For lovers of live theater, the Eden Prairie Players are known to put on excellent shows, from Cinderella to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. They also produce unpublished one-act plays that have wowed audiences, becoming a popular feature through the playhouse. During the Christmas season, the Minnesota Ballet Theatre produces worldwide favorite The Nutcracker, an unmissable tradition.
This town loves summer, so it makes sense to kick it off with Schooner Days at Round Lake Park. Celebrating the history of the prairie schooners that initially settled the area, the festival features carnival rides, fun and creative games, and all sorts of fair foods, as well as live performances from local musicians.
In July, Staring Lake Park features the Starring at Staring Concert Series, with live musical performances three nights a week. The musicians span the genres from pop and hip hop to traditional African sounds. Following the concerts, in August, Staring Lake hosts Movies In The Park, with popular family-friendly movies played on a giant projection screen for family fun. Summer ends with the Jazz Festival, an afternoon featuring the best local jazz musicians playing rich smooth tunes. In between performances, dig into the ribs at Ribfest and enjoy some good old-fashioned barbecue.
Schools
The Eden Prairie School District serves this area and is the only school district in Minnesota to receive straight A ratings from Niche. In addition to the strong public schools, there are numerous private and charter schools as well.
- Eagle Heights Elementary, K-5, offers a Spanish immersion program
- Eagle Ridge Academy Charter School, K-12, college readiness score of 98.16/100 from U.S. News & World Report
- Eden Prairie High School, 9-12, has won Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence by the Department of Education
- PIM Arts High School, 9-12, won a Silver award for Best High School Rankings by U.S. News and World Report
- International School Of Minnesota, PreK-12, named top private school and most challenging school in Minnesota