09/01/2026
Living in Apple Valley, MN: Community & Real Estate Guide
Located in Dakota County in the South Metro, Apple Valley is one of the Twin Cities’ premier suburbs, offering top schools, abundant parks, and central transit connections.
Apple Valley at a Glance
Commute: ~20 mins to MSP Airport; 25–30 mins to Downtown Minneapolis & St. Paul via Cedar Ave (MN-77) and I-35E.
Schools: ISD 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan), consistently ranked among Minnesota’s best.
Transit: MVTA & METRO Red Line BRT connect directly to Mall of America.
Parks: 50+ parks, 60+ trail miles, 2,000-acre Lebanon Hills Regional Park, and the Minnesota Zoo.
Popular Neighborhoods
Cobblestone Lake: Modern 2-stories, villas, and townhomes around a 36-acre lake with trails and pool.
Cedar Isle & Lac Lavon: Mature ramblers and split-levels with lake access and tree cover.
Eastview / Scott Highlands: Traditional single-family homes walkable to top-tier schools.
Downtown / Galaxie: Walkable townhomes and condos near transit, retail, and clinics.
Local Highlights
Enjoy championship play at Valleywood Golf Course, animal exhibits via the Zoo's Treetop Trail, and retail corridors along Cedar Ave & CR-42. Dakota County also offers competitive property tax rates.
Find Your Home
Thinking of buying or selling in the South Metro? Connect with Brian Ballinger with RE/MAX Advantage Plus for expert guidance.
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