NORTHEAST METRO REALTOR · TWIN CITIES REGIONAL GUIDE

LIVING IN THE NORTHEAST METRO

I’m Charlie “Chuck” Glasser, a Realtor® with RE/MAX Results, and I live in Centerville, in the middle of the Northeast Metro. I help buyers and sellers across the 42 cities and townships below — about 471,789 people (2020 Census) across Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, Chisago, Isanti and Hennepin counties.

The Northeast Metro runs from first-ring suburbs like New Brighton, Arden Hills and White Bear Lake, through fast-growing cities like Blaine, Lino Lakes, Hugo and Ham Lake, out to lake towns, river towns and acreage around Forest Lake, Stillwater, Chisago City, North Branch and Isanti. Each city below links to its own guide with neighborhoods, schools, commute times and answers to common questions.

ANOKA COUNTY CITIES

ANDOVER, MN

Andover Realtor guide — 32,601 residents on 35 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11 (about 96% of the city’s school-age children), St. Francis ISD 15 (about 4% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 35 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 50 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1972 (as a village); parks: Bunker Hills Regional; commute: US 10 · Co. Rds. 9 & 78; summer festival: Family Fun Fest.

ANOKA, MN

Anoka Realtor guide — 17,921 residents on 7.2 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11. Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 35 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 45 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1878; river: Mississippi & Rum; commute: US 10 · US 169 · Hwy 47; known for: Halloween Capital.

BETHEL, MN

Bethel Realtor guide — 476 residents on 1.0 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: St. Francis ISD 15. Typical off-peak drive: about 50 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 50 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 60 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1902 (village); parks: Bethel City Park; commute: Hwy 65 · CR 24; summer festival: Bethel Days (August).

BLAINE, MN

Blaine Realtor guide — 70,222 residents on 34 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11 (about 57% of the city’s school-age children), Spring Lake Park ISD 16 (about 32% of the city’s school-age children), Centennial ISD 12 (about 12% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 40 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1954; lakes: Sunrise & Laddie; commute: I-35W · Hwy 10 · Hwy 65; summer festival: Blaine Festival.

CENTERVILLE, MN

Centerville Realtor guide — 3,896 residents on 2.4 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Centennial ISD 12. Typical off-peak drive: about 35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 30 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 40 minutes to MSP Airport. Lakes: Centerville & Peltier; commute: I-35E · CR 14; summer festival: Fête des Lacs.

CIRCLE PINES, MN

Circle Pines Realtor guide — 5,025 residents on 2.0 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Centennial ISD 12. Typical off-peak drive: about 25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1950; lakes: Golden Lake; commute: I-35W · Lake Drive; known for: City-owned gas utility.

COLUMBUS, MN

Columbus Realtor guide — 4,159 residents on 48 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Forest Lake ISD 831. Typical off-peak drive: about 40 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 40 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 50 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 2006 (as a city); lakes: Coon Lake · Columbus Lake; commute: I-35 · I-35E · I-35W; known for: Running Aces racetrack.

EAST BETHEL, MN

East Bethel Realtor guide — 11,786 residents on 48 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: St. Francis ISD 15 (about 88% of the city’s school-age children), Forest Lake ISD 831 (about 12% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 40 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 45 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 55 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1974 (as a city); lakes: Coon & Fish; commute: Hwy 65 · CR 22; summer festival: Booster Days (July).

HAM LAKE, MN

Ham Lake Realtor guide — 16,464 residents on 36 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11 (about 94% of the city’s school-age children), Forest Lake ISD 831 (about 6% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 35 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 50 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1974; lakes: Ham Lake · Coon Lake; commute: Hwy 65; known for: Country living, 25 parks.

LEXINGTON, MN

Lexington Realtor guide — 2,248 residents on 0.7 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Centennial ISD 12. Typical off-peak drive: about 25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1950; parks: Memorial & City Park; commute: I-35W · Lexington Ave; known for: Revolutionary War name.

LINO LAKES, MN

Lino Lakes Realtor guide — 21,399 residents on 33 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Centennial ISD 12 (about 70% of the city’s school-age children), Forest Lake ISD 831 (about 20% of the city’s school-age children), White Bear Lake ISD 624 (about 10% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 30 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 40 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1955; lakes: Rice Creek Chain (8); commute: I-35W · I-35E; summer festival: Blue Heron Days.

OAK GROVE, MN

Oak Grove Realtor guide — 8,929 residents on 35 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: St. Francis ISD 15, Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11 (about 1% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 50 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 55 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 65 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1993 (as a city); lakes: Lake George; commute: Hwy 47 · CR 22; known for: Lake George Regional Park.

RAMSEY, MN

Ramsey Realtor guide — 27,646 residents on 30 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11 (about 90% of the city’s school-age children), Elk River ISD 728 (about 10% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 40 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 50 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1974 (as a city); river: Mississippi & Rum; commute: US 10/169 · Hwy 47; summer festival: Happy Days (September).

ST. FRANCIS, MN

St. Francis Realtor guide — 8,142 residents on 24 square miles in Anoka County. Public schools: St. Francis ISD 15. Typical off-peak drive: about 50 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 55 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 65 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1962 (village); river: Rum River; commute: Hwy 47 · Ambassador Blvd; summer festival: Pioneer Days.

RAMSEY COUNTY CITIES

ARDEN HILLS, MN

Arden Hills Realtor guide — 9,939 residents on 9.6 square miles in Ramsey County. Public schools: Mounds View ISD 621 (about 97% of the city’s school-age children), Roseville ISD 623 (about 3% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 20 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 20 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 30 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1951; lakes: Johanna, Josephine & more; commute: I-35W · I-694 · Hwy 10; known for: Bethel University.

GEM LAKE, MN

Gem Lake Realtor guide — 528 residents on 1.1 square miles in Ramsey County. Public schools: White Bear Lake ISD 624. Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 20 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 30 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1959; lakes: Gem Lake; commute: Hwy 61 · I-35E; known for: Large wooded lots.

MOUNDS VIEW, MN

Mounds View Realtor guide — 13,249 residents on 4.2 square miles in Ramsey County. Public schools: Mounds View ISD 621. Typical off-peak drive: about 20 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 20 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1958; commute: I-35W · Hwy 10; summer festival: Festival in the Park.

NEW BRIGHTON, MN

New Brighton Realtor guide — 23,454 residents on 7.1 square miles in Ramsey County. Public schools: Mounds View ISD 621 (about 93% of the city’s school-age children), St. Anthony-New Brighton ISD 282 (about 7% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 20 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 20 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 30 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1891; lakes: Long Lake; commute: I-35W · I-694; summer festival: Stockyard Days.

NORTH OAKS, MN

North Oaks Realtor guide — 5,272 residents on 8.6 square miles in Ramsey County. Public schools: Mounds View ISD 621 (about 89% of the city’s school-age children), White Bear Lake ISD 624 (about 11% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1956; lakes: Pleasant Lake; commute: Hodgson Rd · I-35E; known for: Hill farm · private roads.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN

Vadnais Heights Realtor guide — 12,912 residents on 8.2 square miles in Ramsey County. Public schools: White Bear Lake ISD 624 (about 88% of the city’s school-age children), Mounds View ISD 621 (about 12% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 15 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 30 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1957; lakes: Vadnais Lake; commute: I-35E · I-694 · Hwy 61; summer festival: Vadnais Heights Days.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN

White Bear Lake Realtor guide — 24,883 residents on 8.6 square miles in Ramsey County. Public schools: White Bear Lake ISD 624. Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 20 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 30 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1921 (as a city); lakes: White Bear Lake; commute: I-35E · I-694 · Hwy 61; summer festival: Manitou Days.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP, MN

White Bear Township Realtor guide — 11,049 residents on 11 square miles in Ramsey County. Public schools: White Bear Lake ISD 624. Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Lakes: Bald Eagle & Otter; commute: I-35E · Hwy 61; known for: Tamarack Nature Center.

WASHINGTON COUNTY CITIES

BIRCHWOOD VILLAGE, MN

Birchwood Village Realtor guide — 863 residents on 0.3 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: White Bear Lake ISD 624. Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 20 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1921; lakes: White Bear Lake; commute: Hwy 244 · I-694; summer festival: Fourth of July Parade.

DELLWOOD, MN

Dellwood Realtor guide — 1,171 residents on 2.8 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: Mahtomedi ISD 832. Typical off-peak drive: about 35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Lakes: White Bear Lake; commute: Hwy 96 · Hwy 244; known for: Dellwood Country Club.

FOREST LAKE, MN

Forest Lake Realtor guide — 20,611 residents on 36 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: Forest Lake ISD 831. Typical off-peak drive: about 40 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 40 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 50 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1893; lakes: Forest Lake (3 basins); commute: I-35 · Hwy 61 · Hwy 97; summer festival: Fourth of July celebration.

GRANT, MN

Grant Realtor guide — 3,966 residents on 27 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: Mahtomedi ISD 832 (about 63% of the city’s school-age children), Stillwater ISD 834 (about 37% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 30 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 40 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1996 (as a city); commute: Hwy 36 · Hwy 96; known for: Acreage & horse farms.

HUGO, MN

Hugo Realtor guide — 15,766 residents on 36 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: White Bear Lake ISD 624 (about 85% of the city’s school-age children), Forest Lake ISD 831 (about 7% of the city’s school-age children), Mahtomedi ISD 832 (about 5% of the city’s school-age children), Stillwater ISD 834 (about 3% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 40 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1972; lakes: Oneka & Rice; commute: I-35E · Hwy 61; summer festival: Good Neighbor Days.

MAHTOMEDI, MN

Mahtomedi Realtor guide — 8,138 residents on 5.8 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: Mahtomedi ISD 832. Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1931; lakes: White Bear Lake; commute: I-694 · Hwy 244 · Hwy 36; known for: Chautauqua roots.

MARINE ON ST. CROIX, MN

Marine on St. Croix Realtor guide — 664 residents on 4.2 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: Stillwater ISD 834. Typical off-peak drive: about 55 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 45 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 60 minutes to MSP Airport. River: St. Croix River; commute: Hwy 95 to Hwy 36; known for: 450-acre historic district.

SCANDIA, MN

Scandia Realtor guide — 3,984 residents on 40 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: Forest Lake ISD 831 (about 81% of the city’s school-age children), Chisago Lakes ISD 2144 (about 19% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 50 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 50 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 60 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 2007 (settled 1850); lakes: Big Marine & Hay Lakes; commute: Hwy 95 · Hwy 97; known for: Taco Daze · Gammelgården.

STILLWATER, MN

Stillwater Realtor guide — 19,394 residents on 9.1 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: Stillwater ISD 834. Typical off-peak drive: about 40 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 30 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 40 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1854; lakes: Lily · McKusick · Long; commute: Hwy 36 · Hwy 95 · Hwy 96; summer festival: Lumberjack Days.

WILLERNIE, MN

Willernie Realtor guide — 515 residents on 0.1 square miles in Washington County. Public schools: Mahtomedi ISD 832. Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 35 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1948; commute: Co. Rd. 12 · I-694; known for: Wildwood Manor roots.

CHISAGO COUNTY CITIES

CENTER CITY, MN

Center City Realtor guide — 629 residents on 0.6 square miles in Chisago County. Public schools: Chisago Lakes ISD 2144. Typical off-peak drive: about 55 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 55 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 65 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1903; lakes: North & South Center Lakes; commute: US Hwy 8 · I-35; known for: Chisago County seat.

CHISAGO CITY, MN

Chisago City Realtor guide — 5,558 residents on 15 square miles in Chisago County. Public schools: Chisago Lakes ISD 2144, North Branch ISD 138 (about 1% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 50 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 50 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 60 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1906 (as a village); lakes: Chisago & Green Lakes; commute: US 8 · I-35; summer festival: Ki-Chi-Saga Days.

LINDSTRÖM, MN

Lindström Realtor guide — 4,888 residents on 3.9 square miles in Chisago County. Public schools: Chisago Lakes ISD 2144. Typical off-peak drive: about 55 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 50 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 65 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1894 (as a village); lakes: Lindstrom & Center Lakes; commute: US 8 · I-35; summer festival: Karl Oskar Days.

NORTH BRANCH, MN

North Branch Realtor guide — 10,787 residents on 36 square miles in Chisago County. Public schools: North Branch ISD 138. Typical off-peak drive: about 55 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 55 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 65 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1881; river: Sunrise River; commute: I-35 · Hwy 95; summer festival: Midsummer Days.

SHAFER, MN

Shafer Realtor guide — 1,142 residents on 1.3 square miles in Chisago County. Public schools: Chisago Lakes ISD 2144. Typical off-peak drive: about 60 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 60 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 70 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1922; parks: Near Interstate State Park; commute: US Hwy 8 · I-35; known for: Shafer Days each September.

STACY, MN

Stacy Realtor guide — 1,703 residents on 30 square miles in Chisago County. Public schools: North Branch ISD 138 (about 98% of the city’s school-age children), Chisago Lakes ISD 2144 (about 1% of the city’s school-age children), Forest Lake ISD 831 (about 1% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 45 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 45 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 55 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1923; river: Sunrise River; commute: I-35; summer festival: Stacy Daze.

TAYLORS FALLS, MN

Taylors Falls Realtor guide — 1,055 residents on 4.2 square miles in Chisago County. Public schools: Chisago Lakes ISD 2144. Typical off-peak drive: about 65 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 65 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 75 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1858; river: St. Croix River; commute: US Hwy 8 · Hwy 95; summer festival: Wannigan Days.

WYOMING, MN

Wyoming Realtor guide — 8,032 residents on 22 square miles in Chisago County. Public schools: Forest Lake ISD 831 (about 92% of the city’s school-age children), Chisago Lakes ISD 2144 (about 8% of the city’s school-age children). Typical off-peak drive: about 40 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 40 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 50 minutes to MSP Airport. River: Sunrise River; commute: I-35; known for: Sunrise Prairie Trail.

ISANTI COUNTY CITIES

ISANTI, MN

Isanti Realtor guide — 6,804 residents on 5.1 square miles in Isanti County. Public schools: Cambridge-Isanti ISD 911. Typical off-peak drive: about 50 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 55 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 65 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1901 (as a village); river: Rum River; commute: Hwy 65; summer festival: Rodeo & Jubilee Days.

HENNEPIN COUNTY CITIES

CHAMPLIN, MN

Champlin Realtor guide — 23,919 residents on 8.7 square miles in Hennepin County. Public schools: Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11. Typical off-peak drive: about 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 35 minutes to downtown St. Paul and 45 minutes to MSP Airport. Incorporated: 1971 (as a city); river: Mississippi; commute: US 169 · CR 12; known for: Mississippi Crossings.

NORTHEAST METRO SCHOOL DISTRICTS

15 public school districts serve these cities, and many cities are split between two or more districts. Reading and math are the share of students proficient on the 2025–26 Minnesota state tests; graduation is the 2025 four-year rate. Ranks are among Minnesota public school districts, calculated by Minnesota Chuck from Minnesota Department of Education data, and are not an official state rating.

Mahtomedi (ISD 832): reading 67%, math 68% — #8 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 96% (#76 of 317).
Elk River (ISD 728): reading 59%, math 61% — #27 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 89% (#212 of 317).
Stillwater (ISD 834): reading 59%, math 58% — #40 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 95% (#95 of 317).
St. Anthony-New Brighton (ISD 282): reading 59%, math 55% — #47 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 90% (#188 of 317).
Centennial (ISD 12): reading 57%, math 57% — #48 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 92% (#155 of 317).
Mounds View (ISD 621): reading 56%, math 55% — #58 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 91% (#169 of 317).
Chisago Lakes (ISD 2144): reading 54%, math 52% — #76 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 94% (#120 of 317).
White Bear Lake (ISD 624): reading 54%, math 49% — #91 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 94% (#119 of 317).
Anoka-Hennepin (ISD 11): reading 51%, math 51% — #98 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 89% (#215 of 317).
Forest Lake (ISD 831): reading 50%, math 50% — #115 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 85% (#255 of 317).
St. Francis (ISD 15): reading 49%, math 44% — #142 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 89% (#211 of 317).
Cambridge-Isanti (ISD 911): reading 42%, math 43% — #190 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 81% (#273 of 317).
Roseville (ISD 623): reading 45%, math 40% — #193 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 87% (#227 of 317).
North Branch (ISD 138): reading 44%, math 39% — #209 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 86% (#237 of 317).
Spring Lake Park (ISD 16): reading 39%, math 37% — #245 of 326 districts by test scores; graduation 89% (#217 of 317).

Look up the assigned schools for any address, or compare all Minnesota school districts, on my Minnesota Schools & Districts guide.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census; Minnesota Department of Education 2025–26 assessment results, 2025 graduation rates and School Attendance Areas SY2025-26. Drive times are typical off-peak estimates from each city’s center.

Thinking about buying or selling in the Northeast Metro? Use the form at the top of this page and I’ll get back to you personally — and you’ll get my Homebuyer & Seller Toolkit, 100% free. — Chuck Glasser, Realtor®, RE/MAX Results