Firstly why Saint-Paul, Minnesota?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Saint-Paul
• State: Minnesota
• Population: 311,527 people
• Saint-Paul’s quick summary would be The state capital, famous for its historic architecture, Como Park, and the annual Winter Carnival.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 40,000 annually
• Net Migration: -20000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features historic charm and accessibility to Minneapolis attracting families

Perk #1: Saint-Paul Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 52%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $61,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Saint-Paul is $68,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Saint-Paul’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 135 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,518
• Property Tax %: 1.12%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Summit Hill
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Saint-Paul, Minneapolis, Roseville, West-Saint-Paul, and probably could include Maplewood
• Avg. Age of Homes in Saint-Paul: 78 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Saint-Paul’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Saint-Paul are  Government, Education, and Healthcare
• Saint-Paul Job Scene: healthy job market focused on government and services
• The General Tech Scene: diverse tech landscape centered on government services and local startups , ,
• Saint-Paul Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Saint-Paul: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 70 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 27

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Saint-Paul

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-94 connects St. Paul to Minneapolis and other areas
• Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on the 35E
• Transportation Score: 76 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Saint-Paul: 160,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 7 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Saint-Paul: dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 72 of 100
• Local Airport: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Saint-Paul’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Saint-Paul is best described as has a humid continental climate featuring cold winters warm humid summers and seasonal changes with vibrant blooms and colorful fall foliage
• Winter Weather in Saint-Paul i’d describe as very cold and snowy
• Spring Weather in Saint-Paul can be described as cool with some rain
• Summer’s in Saint-Paul are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Saint-Paul is usually cool with nice weather
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 1 days in summer
• Days in a row in Saint-Paul below Freezing: 50
• Average Annual Rainfall: 30 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality mainly from urban emissions
• Saint-Paul Winter Air mixed air quality often affected by regional pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Saint-Paul Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Saint-Paul 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Saint-Pauls’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the St. Paul Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Saint-Paul Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Saint-Paul only Doctors is about 150
• Local Hospitals here is  9
• Full-time Saint-Paul only Police Officers is about 300
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Saint-Paul’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Saint-Paul’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Saint-Paul’s Water Quality Score: 80

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Saint-Paul

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a historic downtown and vibrant neighborhoods
• You might enjoy local performances at the Ordway Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Saint-Paul  features a rich nightlife scene with local bars restaurants and music venues showcasing the city’s culture

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Saint-Paul

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a rich mix of local dining and cultural eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Saint-Paul
• The Popular Sports Team is St. Paul Saints
• Top Level Political Climate in Saint-Paul can be described as liberal capital city focused on social justice and economic equity
• Saint-Paul’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. Paul Cathedral

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Saint-Paul Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Saint-Paul has 50 Parks?
• Como Park is Saint-Paul’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is St. Paul Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Saint-Paul Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Saint-Paul can be described as balanced urban life with a strong community focus and arts
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Saint-Paul community events exploring local parks picnicking
• The Cities people commute to from Saint-Paul are Minneapolis 8 miles away Bloomington 10 miles away Roseville 3 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Saint-Paul or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on the 35E. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Saint-Paul’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Summit Hill is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Saint-Paul are Minneapolis 8 miles away Bloomington 10 miles away Roseville 3 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Saint-Paul has 50 days in a row below freezing and 1 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Saint-Paul people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Saint-Paul. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal capital city focused on social justice and economic equity could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Saint-Paul.

Retiree & Senior Life in Saint-Paul

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may benefit from property tax reduction programs enhancing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Waters of Oakdale
• Saint Paul Senior Center hosts wellness programs arts classes and community events for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Saint-Paul, Minnesota?

If Saint-Paul, Minnesota ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Saint-Paul, Minnesota, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!