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Eden Prairie

Minnesota · Minneapolis-St. Paul
Elite DanceColdMid Cost
80
/ 100 match score

Eden Prairie is consistently ranked among the best cities in the US — exceptional schools, very low crime, and a planned community with excellent parks. Home to major employers including Optum, MTS Systems, and others.

Match Score Breakdown
Cost of Living
13/20
Family Safety
20/20
State Tax Burden
1/10
Healthcare Quality
20/20
Dance Training
12/12
Musical Theater
6/8
Career / Remote
8/10
Financial Snapshot at $360K Income
State income tax
9.8%
$35,460/yr
Est. after-tax income
$231,715
incl. FICA + federal
Annual living costs
$93,000
$72,000–$114,000 range
Annual surplus
+$138,715
King: 2.5×
Rent: 3BR family home
$2,000–$3,200/mo
Median SFH purchase price
$560,000
Dance Training
Twin Cities has one of the strongest dance ecosystems in the US outside NY/LA/Chicago. Minnesota Ballet, Ballet Arts Minnesota, and Zenon Dance Company all accessible. Eden Prairie has elite local studios.
Healthcare
Mayo Clinic (Rochester, 85 min) is the #1 hospital in the US. University of Minnesota Health accessible 25 min. Children's Minnesota excellent.
Career & Remote Work
MN income tax 9.85% (very high). But Eden Prairie is home to 12+ major corporate HQs. Optum, MTS, SuperValu, Cardiac Science all here. Excellent for professionals at those companies.
Musical Theater
Strong
Eden Prairie Schools have excellent performing arts programs with dedicated facilities and competitive theater. Children's Theatre Company youth training programs (30 min east) — one of the top youth theater schools in the US. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (10 min north) runs youth programs. Multiple competition-active studios in the southwest metro. Active Minnesota competition circuit. Full Twin Cities MT training ecosystem accessible. Good BFA pipeline.
Safety
Violent crime rate:60 per 100KVery Safe

US national average: ~370/100K. Lower suburbs are typically 50–80% safer than city-wide averages shown.

Pros
  • +Among best cities in US rankings
  • +Twin Cities elite dance ecosystem
  • +Mayo Clinic accessible
  • +Top-ranked schools
  • +Very safe and well-planned
Cons
  • −MN income tax 9.85% — highest on this list
  • −Brutal winters
  • −Car-dependent
  • −Income tax significantly reduces after-tax income
  • −Cold limits outdoor lifestyle half the year
Quick Stats
School rating
9/10
Healthcare rating
9/10
Tech job market
good
Remote friendly
Yes

Financial estimates assume $360K gross income: FICA 7.65% + rough federal bracket + state rate shown. Does not include city income taxes, municipal taxes, or deductions. Actual tax liability varies. Consult a CPA.