Is Stillwater, MN Good for Families? A Real Estate Guide for 2026

If you are looking at moving to Minnesota and find yourself charmed by river views and historic brick buildings, you aren't alone. Stillwater is often called the "Birthplace of Minnesota," and it offers a vibe that is completely distinct from the standard cul-de-sac suburbs surrounding the Twin Cities.

The biggest decision you’ll need to make here is about trade-offs. You are essentially swapping a shorter commute for scenic beauty and a tight-knit community feel. As we head further into 2026, the housing market here has cooled slightly compared to the frenzied post-pandemic years, but it remains competitive because the lifestyle is so specific. Stillwater feels like a vacation town year-round, which is perfect for households that prioritize outdoor access and local events over being five minutes from a target.

For many parents, the search starts and ends with the school district. District 834 serves a massive area, covering approximately 18 communities and 8,300 students, which means your neighbors might be from right downtown or a bit further out in the townships.

The district generally maintains a solid reputation, with proficiency rates holding steady around 56% for math and 59% for reading. One number that parents really appreciate is the student-teacher ratio, which sits at roughly 19:1. That allows for a bit more individual attention than you might find in more overcrowded districts.

Recently, the district has been putting serious work into their curriculum. In the 2025-2026 school year, they rolled out significant investments in new literacy curricula aligned with the READ Act to boost reading outcomes. It is also worth noting that enrollment is trending upward. Rapid development in nearby Lake Elmo and Woodbury is pushing more students into the system, so capacity at the elementary level is a topic of conversation at board meetings.

When you look at the numbers, Stillwater is statistically safer than about 36% of Minnesota communities. The metric that usually puts minds at ease is the violent crime rate, which is very low—approximately 1 incident per 1,000 residents.

The primary issue here, as with many tourist-heavy towns, is property crime like theft. However, even this remains below national averages. Your overall chance of being a victim of any crime here is roughly 1 in 132.

It is also helpful to understand the geography of these stats. Much of the reported activity is concentrated around the downtown area where tourists congregate, rather than in the quiet residential streets. Neighborhoods in Southeast Stillwater and areas like Arcola tend to have very few incident reports, whereas the Northwest sections near commercial zones might see slightly more activity.

If you want your kids to grow up outside, this is one of the best suburbs in the Twin Cities to make that happen. The St. Croix River isn't just nice to look at; it’s a hub for boating, fishing, and walking the loop trail across the historic Lift Bridge.

For younger children, Teddy Bear Park is a massive draw. It’s a unique spot with giant play equipment and a train, and it’s completely free, which is a rare find.

Stillwater punches way above its weight class when it comes to culture. This isn't a sleepy suburb where the sidewalks roll up at 6 PM. The town is famous for Lumberjack Days in July, a massive community get-together with parades, log rolling, and live music that really defines the summer.

In the colder months, the World Snow Sculpting Championship and downtown winter lights keep things lively. However, there is a reality check needed here: Tourism is a major factor.

On gorgeous Saturdays in the summer or during peak fall leaf-peeping season, downtown gets congested. Traffic can back up on Main Street, and finding parking for a quick dinner can be a hassle. Locals often learn to time their trips to the library or local dining spots to avoid the peak tourist crush. But beyond the visitors, there is a very strong "small-town" network of community centers and neighbors who actually know each other.

As of early 2026, we are looking at a "Slight Seller's Market." It’s not the wild bidding war environment of a few years ago, but good homes still move quickly.

The median home price is hovering around $435,000. If you are looking for luxury, the historic estates on the hill or riverfront properties easily push well over $1 million.

One big budget factor to watch is property taxes. Washington County taxes can be on the higher side compared to other areas, so make sure you factor that into your monthly payment estimates.

Let's be honest about the drive. If you work in downtown St. Paul, your commute is manageable—usually around 30 minutes. If you work in Minneapolis, that jumps to 35-45 minutes, and that’s highly weather-dependent.

Highway 36 is your main artery in and out of town. It moves well most of the time but can get backed up during rush hour.

Public transit options are limited. There is no light rail connection here. The Metro Transit Bus Line 294 serves the area, but the ride into the city takes over an hour, making it tough for daily commuting if you have strict daycare pickups. Consequently, we see a high demand for homes with dedicated offices, as hybrid or remote work is very popular among residents here.

Here is a quick snapshot of how the local lifestyle balances out.

If you are torn between Stillwater and its neighbors, here is the quick distinction. Woodbury is much more modern and planned; it has every big-box store you can imagine and is more convenient for shopping, but it lacks the historic downtown feel.

Lake Elmo is the middle ground that is growing fast. You will find a lot of new construction there, whereas Stillwater offers more established neighborhoods and older, character-rich housing stock.

Yes, Stillwater is generally very safe for households with children. The violent crime rate is exceptionally low (about 1 per 1,000 residents), with most police activity involving minor property crimes or issues in the tourist-heavy downtown district rather than residential neighborhoods.

You should plan for a drive of about 35 to 45 minutes to get to Minneapolis, depending on where exactly you are starting and ending. Heavy snow or rush hour traffic on Highway 36 can push that time up, so many residents prefer to work locally or remotely when possible.

Stillwater is the hub of District 834 (Stillwater Area Public Schools). This large district serves about 8,300 students and covers Stillwater as well as several surrounding communities like Lake Elmo and Afton.

Absolutely. Teddy Bear Park is a standout destination specifically designed for young children, and the town offers extensive access to nature through the Gateway State Trail and the St. Croix Riverfront for boating and walking.