Sitting just south of the Twin Cities, Apple Valley is the kind of suburb where you can spend a Saturday morning hiking wooded trails and an afternoon exploring a world-class zoo without ever getting on a highway. The Minnesota Zoo calls this city home, drawing visitors year-round with everything from grizzly bears to live concerts on its outdoor stage. Lebanon Hills Regional Park — the largest in all of Dakota County — offers nearly 2,000 acres of trails, campgrounds, fishing, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing depending on the season.
Daily life here revolves around easy access to the outdoors, a well-established shopping corridor along Cedar Avenue, and a quick commute into Minneapolis or St. Paul via I-35E. Renters will find a solid mix of options, from spacious townhomes and garden-style apartment communities to newer developments with updated finishes and community amenities.
