Where in Minnesota is a good place to live, near but not in the big cities?

I'm considering moving to Minnesota, and I am looking for a family friendly area with not much crime, but I don't want to live where you have to cut your grass on Wednesdays only and can only leave a car in the driveway for an hour, if you get my drift. I prefer to live near Minneapolis or St. Paul, but not IN the city. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I've been to Minnesota before and went to a town called northfield just south of the twin cities. It is a very family friendly area with a lot of history behind it making it an interesting place to live. I would also recomend nearby towns which we visited such as lonsdale and cannon falls. All have a very low crime rate.