Oakdale is the practical choice in the East Metro — solid suburban living, median prices around $310,000, and the kind of community that delivers what most relocating families actually need.
Oakdale is one of the most affordable entry points in Washington County. It offers solid suburban living, good access to I-694, and a welcoming community. While its school district is not the strongest in the metro, the affordability often allows buyers to purchase significantly more home for their money compared to neighboring Woodbury.
Location and Commute
Oakdale is located in Washington County. Under normal conditions, you can expect about 25 min to downtown Minneapolis and 15 min to downtown St. Paul. That commute profile puts Oakdale 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 622 – North St. Paul/Maplewood
Oakdale is served by ISD 622 – North St. Paul/Maplewood — a district that is below the metro average. Families for whom school quality is the top priority should factor this into their suburb comparison.
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
With a median home price around $310,000, Oakdale offers real value relative to comparable western metro suburbs. Buyers get meaningful square footage for the price, and first-time buyers will find this one of the more accessible markets in the area.
What Living Here Actually Looks Like
Oakdale is one of the most affordable entry points in Washington County. It offers solid suburban living, good access to I-694, and a welcoming community. While its school district is not the strongest in the metro, the affordability often allows buyers to purchase significantly more home for their money compared to neighboring Woodbury.
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 Oakdale Does Well
- Most affordable in Washington County
- Good highway access (I-694)
- Welcoming, well-established community
- Close to Woodbury amenities
- 3M headquarters nearby
Where Oakdale Falls Short
- ISD 622 ratings below metro average
- Less polished than neighboring suburbs
- Older housing stock in many areas
- Fewer new development options
Who Oakdale Is Right For
After working with many buyers who've considered this suburb, a clear profile emerges for who truly thrives here:
- First-time buyers
- Budget-conscious families
- Commuters to St. Paul
If that profile matches yours, Oakdale 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 Oakdale
Best value in the East Metro for buyers who need to stay under $350K. You get the location benefits of Washington County at a lower price point.
Weighing Oakdale 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. School ratings are composite assessments based on multiple state and independent metrics.