A part of the Minnesota River Valley, the Twin Cities suburb of Apple Valley offers prospective buyers a residential lifestyle with access to nearby urban amenities. The city’s name is a nod to Apple Valley, California, which was derived from early Native American settlers who called the area 'apple orchard' in the Dakota language. One of the first developers, Orrin Thompson, also adds to the apple lore, having planted an apple tree in the front yard of every home he built throughout the late 1960s. The city was incorporated in 1969 and rapid growth followed as the city shed its agricultural roots for more industrial endeavors. Today, Apple Valley is home to nearly 60,000 people and major employers like GF Building Flow Solutions, a global trade corporation, which contributes around 1,000 jobs to the area's workforce. Despite its increase in size, Apple Valley has maintained its community-oriented atmosphere through annual traditions like the Apple Valley Freedom Days event. “Apple Valley is family-friendly and community-focused,” says Nicole Junker, Realtor with EXP Realty on the Pemberton Homes Team. “The city prioritizes safety and invests heavily into updating city wide amenities, like fire stations and ADA-accessible park equipment.” Popular attractions like the Minnesota Zoo and the Lebanon Hills Regional Park add to the area's culture, and the city's A-rated school district ensures that future generations of Apple Valley are ready to carry-on this city's fruitful legacy in the years to come.
Apple Valley's water tower overlooks Quarry Park's baseball and soccer fields.
Apple Valley Municipal Center also hosts many events such as the local farmer's market.
GF Flow Solutions is one of Apple Valley's major employers.
Apple Valley is home to the Minnesota Zoo, featuring thousands of species of animals.
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Starter homes and lakeside estates
“The real estate market in Apple Valley is stable,” says Junker, with over 13 years of selling experience in the area. “Homes are generally more affordable here, but there’s been continuous appreciation in value over the years.” Most homes were constructed in the late 1900s and range from affordable starter homes and investment properties to upscale luxury estates. The housing stock is comprised of ramblers, split-levels and two-story Traditional styles. As for new construction options, "There is not too much open land for residential development in Apple Valley." adds Junker. "Luckily, there are areas near by that have room for expansion." Established single-family homes are the primary housing type however, townhouses and condos are also available here. With a median sales price of $400,000, homes in Apple Valley cost about $40,000 less than the average property in the Minneapolis metro area. For example, prices can range from as low as $80,000 for a condo unit to upwards of a million for an expansive new Traditional with lakefront views.
Apple Valley's lakesides are lined with many ranch style homes.
Orin Thompson is credited with jump starting Apple Valley's housing boom in the 1960s.
Newer developments in Apple Valley feature numerous two story homes.
Row style townhomes are popular throughout Apple Valley.
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A-rated education at District 196
Apple Valley families are zoned to attend Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196, which earns an overall A rating from the review site Niche. The district has 19 elementary schools, six middle schools and five high schools, and is recognized by Niche as the second-best school district in Dakota County. Most students attend Apple Valley Senior High School, which earns a B-plus rating and serves more than 1800 students. Private school options like Christian Heritage Academy and Good Shepherd Lutheran School are also available here.
Apple Valley Senior High School
Falcon Ridge Middle School provides education in the neighborhood of
Apple Valley.
Greenleaf Elementary serves grades K through 5.
School of Environmental Studies
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Local parks and the Minnesota Zoo
Apple Valley has 49 neighborhood parks and over 900 acres of outdoor space. The city experiences all four seasons, with mild summers and cold winters averaging 45 inches of snow per year. The Minnesota Zoo is located on the city’s northside and features over 4,500 animals and various exhibits spanning its 485 acres. It’s also known as Minnesota's largest environmental education center and takes pride in offering 28% free or reduced admission. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is also located to the north in nearby Eagan and is the largest greenspace in Dakota County. The park is popular year-round and offers a range of seasonal activities, from hiking and swimming to sledding and snowshoeing. Johnny Cake Ridge Park is split into two sections — east and west — and is located at the city’s center. The east side is associated with Highland Elementary School, while the west side partners with Eastview High. Amenities include two playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball fields and tennis and pickleball courts. The outdoor Family Aquatic Center is also located here. Open seasonally, the center features lap lanes, four waterslides and a lazy river. The public Valleywood Golf Course is tucked in the northeast corner of Apple Valley and features an 18-hole course equipped with junior tees for golfers of all skill levels.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a popular beach and recreation area near Apple Valley..
Cobblestone Lake Park is a lakeside park in Apple Valley.
Some areas in Apple Valley have dual paths, one for walkers and another for bicycles.
You'll often find kids playing pond hockey in Apple Valley.
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Annual events and Apple Valley Freedom Days
Apple Valley hosts various events throughout the year. In September, visitors can head to the Minnesota Zoo for the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which features a costume contest, pumpkin carving and light displays. In November, locals can attend the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Apple Valley Municipal Center. Visitors can enjoy cookies, apple cider and caroling to start the holiday season. The Apple Valley Farmers’ Market is also held here on Saturdays from June through October. The annual Apple Valley Freedom Days is in June. This week-long event begins on June 28th and hosts patriotic activities until July 4th. The festival starts with a car show and concludes with a parade and fireworks display on the final day. Throughout the week, visitors enjoy carnival rides, food trucks and a marketplace of local vendors. The Freedom Days are highly anticipated and have been a longstanding tradition for over 50 years.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highlight of the season.
Bask in the glow of more than 5,000 carved pumpkins at the Jack o Lantern Spectacular.
The Apple Valley farmers market is a family friendly event.
The Apple Valley farmers market also has entertainers serenading the crowd.
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Shopping in downtown Apple Valley
Most residents shop in downtown Apple Valley, which features name brand grocers like Walmart, Cub Foods and Fresh Thyme Market. “Apple Valley is unique in its land mass, which is very square and compact,” says Sheryl Petrashek, Realtor with RE/MAX Results. “The shopping district is located right in the center and along a central corridor,” making it easy to access. The area is also home to big-box retailers like Target and Home Depot. For additional shopping options, notable commercial hubs like the Mall of America and the Twin Cities Premium Outlets, are located within a 10-mile drive to the north. Dining options throughout the city range from fast-food chains to a diverse selection of locally owned eateries situated throughout the city.
Apple Valley has a large variety of shopping choices.
Osaka is Apple Valley's premiere Japanese restaurant.
The Mall of America is a giant 4-level mall with hundreds of stores.
Twin Cities Premium Outlet Center is just a short drive from Apple Valley.
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Nearby healthcare and access to I-35E
Cedar Avenue runs through the heart of Apple Valley, connecting residents to U.S. Highway 77 and U.S. Interstate-35E. Public bus routes are provided by the Metro Transit bus system, which operates from the Apple Valley Transit Station downtown. When traveling farther, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 13 miles north. For healthcare, the Fairview Ridges Hospital is just 4 miles from city center.
Crime
On average, Apple Valley experiences lower crime rates than Minneapolis. In 2023, the Apple Valley Police Department reported 102 violent incidents per 100,000 individuals. Comparatively, the Minneapolis Police Department reported 182 incidents per 100,000 people during 2023.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
