Afton is one of the most sought-after communities in the East Metro — an upscale enclave with a median home price of $712,500, serving buyers who want acreage, privacy, and quality without compromise.
Afton is one of the priciest, lowest-density communities in the East Metro — a small, rural township of private estates, river bluffs, and equestrian properties along the St. Croix River. Afton Alps ski resort and Afton State Park are local gems. This is for buyers who want privacy, acreage, and luxury in a natural setting.
Location and Commute
Afton is located in Washington County. Under normal conditions, you can expect about 35–45 min to downtown Minneapolis and 25–35 min to downtown St. Paul, depending on which part of the township you're in. That commute profile puts Afton in East Metro — well-positioned for buyers whose jobs, families, or priorities align with that part of the metro.
Highway access, proximity to MSP Airport, and distance to major employment centers all factor into the commute picture. When evaluating any suburb, I tell buyers to run a test drive during peak morning hours — numbers on a map and reality during a Tuesday at 7:45 AM are different things.
Schools: ISD 834 – Stillwater Area Schools
Most of Afton is served by ISD 834 – Stillwater Area Schools, though a portion of the township falls into ISD 833 (South Washington County) instead. ISD 834 is a solid district that performs well above state averages. In my experience, most buyers who land here are genuinely satisfied with the educational environment. School assignment depends on the property's specific address — verify attendance boundaries directly with the relevant district before making an offer.
School Research Note
School district ratings reflect district-wide averages. Individual school performance within a district can vary significantly. Always verify the specific school your address would feed into before making a decision — and ask me to help you check for any address you're seriously considering.
The Housing Market
The housing market in Afton operates at a premium. The median price of $712,500 reflects large private parcels and limited inventory — competition for quality properties is persistent. Buyers entering this market should be prepared to move decisively and expect limited room for negotiation on well-presented properties.
What Living Here Actually Looks Like
Afton is one of the priciest, lowest-density communities in the East Metro — a small, rural township of private estates, river bluffs, and equestrian properties along the St. Croix River. Afton Alps ski resort and Afton State Park are local gems. This is for buyers who want privacy, acreage, and luxury in a natural setting.
The vibe of a suburb — what day-to-day life actually feels like — matters as much as the numbers. I've worked with enough relocating families to know that the practical questions (Where do people actually grocery shop? What's the commute really like on a bad weather day? How is the restaurant scene for a Saturday night?) are what determine long-term satisfaction.
The Honest Trade-offs
What Afton Does Well
- Extremely private, low density
- St. Croix River access and bluff views
- Afton Alps and Afton State Park
- Equestrian and hobby farm properties
- Private, scenic natural setting
Where Afton Falls Short
- Very limited retail and services
- Long commute to both cities
- Limited inventory — few homes for sale
- Well/septic common
Who Afton Is Right For
After working with many buyers who've considered this suburb, a clear profile emerges for who truly thrives here:
- Luxury estate buyers
- Privacy seekers
- Equestrian owners
- Second-home buyers
If that profile matches yours, Afton deserves a serious look. If it doesn't, I can help you find the suburb that does — there are good options across every region of the metro.
The Bottom Line on Afton
Afton is the hidden gem of the East Metro. If you've made it financially and want land, privacy, and stunning natural beauty near the St. Croix River — this is your answer.
Weighing Afton against other suburbs in the East Metro? I can walk you through the specific trade-offs based on your commute, your priorities, and your budget. Book a free call and we'll figure out the right fit.
Sources: Minnesota Department of Education, US Census Bureau, Zillow Research 2024, county assessor data. Prices are medians and vary by neighborhood and property type.