Located just 11 miles west of St. Paul, Oakdale, Minn., is a thriving suburban city of 27,378. Oakdale has been considered a rich and promising suburb for many years, and it has kept its promise by continuing to bring new shops, restaurants, employment opportunities and family-style housing to the Twin Cities metro. More than 30 restaurants and coffee shops make Oakdale a great place to live for suburban foodies, while its proximity to urban St. Paul makes it an ideal destination for many of the area's commuters.
Oakdale is a fabulous community for people from all walks of life. According to data from the U.S. Census bureau, about 65 percent of the city's population is made up of families. Families flock to the Twin Cities metro for its well-ranked school systems and family vibe. Singles also fit in in Oakdale, making up almost 30 percent of all households in the area. Those searching for Oakdale apartments for rent will be able to find an ideal place to call home.
Oakdale enjoys an ideal location for navigating the metro region. Just a few miles from the Twin Cities themselves, Oakland allows residents a quick and easy commute. It is also located on the east side of the metro, giving it drivable access to scenic river communities like Stillwater and Red Wing. Its location allows for easy access to regional roads and highways while placing it in the center of all the Twin Cities metro has to offer.
Oakdale boasts more than 25 parks and its own nature preserve, providing a number of outdoor options for residents. The Oakdale Discovery Center is another regional favorite, offering artwork, an amphitheater, wildlife exhibits and reception facilities for local weddings and other celebrations. Oakdale residents enjoy numerous community events throughout the year, such as haunted hayrides, egg hunts, farmers markets, concerts and fireworks.
Although Oakdale doesn't offer any colleges or universities within its borders, numerous institutes of higher learning are located throughout the area. Century Community and Technical College, Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul College, Concordia University, St. Paul, Hamline University, Northwestern College and Bethel University are all located within about 10 miles from Oakdale.
Because it serves primarily as a bedroom community, Oakdale sees its population decline about 25 percent during workdays due to commuting. Many residents commute into St. Paul, Minneapolis or one of the surrounding suburbs for work. However, numerous employment opportunities exist within Oakdale itself. According to the city's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Oakdale's top employers are 3M Company, Minnesota Department of Transportation, School District 622, Washington County, Imation Corporation, Educational Credit Management and Hartford Group.
According to city-data.com, the cost of living index in Oakdale is 113, which is 13 percent higher than the U.S. average. Those searching for Oakdale apartments should also factor commuting costs into their monthly budgets, as the city is not particularly walkable. About 23 percent of Oakdale homes are renter-occupied units, and the median gross rent in the city is $819 per month.
Oakdale's charm allows for numerous community events throughout the year, but none is more widely anticipated than Summerfest. Oakdale's Summerfest celebration includes fun activities like carnival rides, parades, live entertainment, food and more. Residents and visitors alike flock to this annual celebration to beat the summer heat.
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