Best Minnesota cities to relax poolside

Minnesota offers unlimited ways to make a big splash. And after enduring six-plus months of winter, we deserve to dive into blue waters. Now that summer is here, check out these top cities for a douse of chlorinated fun! Whether you are looking for the perfect waterpark or a backyard oasis, these seven communities will get you started towards finding the perfect place to call home.

#1 Minneapolis, MN

If you’re looking for an all-ages place to cool off, head to Jim Lupient Water Park or North Commons Water Park where waterslides and wading pools await. Looking for a more private option? Minneapolis is also the best place to start if you are looking to purchase a home with a pool. With a median citywide sold price of $285K, Minneapolis ranks highest for properties featuring a pool in both the over $500K and under $500K price ranges.

• Median sold price: $285K
• City population: 423,990

#2 Woodbury, MN

If you are looking to make a quiet splash in your own backyard, Woodbury offers suburban yards and ranks number two in our list of cities where you are most likely to find a home with a pool. If the little ones are looking to giggle with playmates, the HealthEast Sports Center offers a community splash pad water feature and is home to Madison’s Place, the first fully handicapped-accessible inclusive playground in the east metro.

• Median sold price: $410k
• City population: 69,426

#3 Plymouth, MN

Sandy shores are within reach in Plymouth, home to beaches on Medicine Lake and Parkers Lake. Clifton E. French Regional Park also offers fishing, a boat launch and lighted trails. And if you are craving that sweet scent of chlorine, Plymouth also ranks number three across high and lower price brackets for Minnesota cities to buy a house with a pool. Close to the action, Plymouth is the seventh largest city in the state and only 15 miles west of downtown Minneapolis.

• Median sold price: $460K
• City population: 76,882

#4 Edina, MN

It comes as no surprise that Edina lands on this list with luxurious homes offering pools. But what may surprise you is that within the last 12 months, 304 homes with pools were listed in Edina under $500K, second only to Minneapolis in this price category. Edina offers a range of housing types and values, and with its award-winning schools and proximity to just about everything, this is one of the most sought-after communities in Minnesota. Plus, the Edina Aquatic Center is a favorite across all ages with waterslides, a surf simulator, zip line and more.

• Median sold price: $645K
• City population: 51,958

#5 Lakeville, MN

Looking for luxury? Lakeville might be the perfect place to call home. Within the past year, there were 265 homes for sale in Lakeville with pools, and of those 265 homes, twice as many were priced above $500K than below that price point. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t choices when it comes to making a splash. Some new home developments, including a few in Lakeville, offer a community pool as part of the homeowners association. And, true to its name, Lakeville offers up a variety of fresh water options as well, with five lakes including three public beaches and two public boat launches. No matter your preference, you will find water fun in Lakeville.

• Median sold price: $414K
• City population: 61,993

#6 Bloomington, MN

Bloomington offers a variety of housing styles and values, and if you are looking for a home with a pool under the $500K mark, this is a great place to start. You can dive into water fun at the outdoor Bloomington Family Aquatic Center, dig your toes in the sand at Bush Lake Beach, or run through the fountains at the Cedarcrest Park splash pad.

• Median sold price: $290K
• City population: 88,885

#7 Apple Valley, MN

Apple Valley rounds out our list of top cities to relax poolside. Over the past year, there were 249 Apple Valley homes with a pool listed for sale. Perhaps residents are inspired to build a pool by the sea turtles and sharks navigating blue waters at the nearby Minnesota Zoo, or teens making a splash at the huge Apple Valley Aquatic Center featuring the SuperBowl tube slide, or little ones squealing through the splash pad at Keeley Park.

• Median sold price: $340K
• City population: 52,435

What’s your reason for wanting to make a splash this summer?

• Work has you hot under the collar
• School’s out and arguing siblings are turning your hair grey
• It’s time to one-up your brother’s new pizza oven
• The humidity is rapidly expanding your hair

Whatever your reason for your chlorinated craving, these cities will help you dip into your home with a pool search!