By Demyan Trofimovich, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
If you're relocating to the east side of the Twin Cities, there's a good chance Woodbury and Cottage Grove both ended up on your list. They sit side by side in Washington County, and on a map they almost look like one suburb.
I lived in Woodbury, and I work with a lot of families relocating to the east metro. Here's how I'd explain it to a friend.
The Short Answer
Woodbury tends to fit people who want a larger, more built-out suburb with a lot of shopping, dining and services close by. It also puts you right on the eastern edge of the metro, close to Stillwater and a quick hop across the border to Hudson, Wisconsin.
Cottage Grove tends to fit people who want a little more room in the budget, more open space and a river edge, while still being a short drive from St. Paul. It's also in the same school district that serves a big part of Woodbury.
Neither one is the "right" answer. It depends on how you live, where you work, and your budget.
Size and Feel: Established Hub vs. Growing Edge
This is the biggest difference, and the numbers show it. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:
- Woodbury: 75,102 residents in the 2020 Census, with a July 2025 estimate of about 81,500
- Cottage Grove: 38,839 residents in the 2020 Census, with a July 2025 estimate of about 43,600
So Woodbury is roughly twice the size, and it works like a hub for the east metro.
Cottage Grove is growing faster in percentage terms, about 12% from 2020 to 2025 versus about 9% in Woodbury. The Metropolitan Council has noted that more than half of its land area has been undeveloped or in active agriculture. You feel that room when you drive the south and east parts of the city.
That growth cuts both ways. Some pockets of Cottage Grove are still building out infrastructure, so you'll see new roads, neighborhoods and construction. If you're looking at a newer area, check with the city on what's planned nearby.
School Districts: Same Name, Different Lines
Both cities are served by South Washington County Schools (ISD 833). The district covers all or parts of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park and Woodbury, plus Afton, Denmark and Grey Cloud Island townships.
That's a big reason families end up looking at Cottage Grove. You can often find a home there that fits your budget better, and still be in the same district that serves much of Woodbury.
But here's the part that trips people up. Washington County's school district list also includes Woodbury within North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale (ISD 622).
So "Woodbury" on a listing doesn't automatically tell you the district, and specific school assignments follow the district's own boundaries.
How I handle this with clients
Before we write an offer, we confirm the district and school assignment for that exact address directly with the district. Not the city name or mailing address.
I don't rank schools. My job is to help you get the right information. Our Twin Cities schools overview is a good place to start.
Location and Getting Around
Woodbury sits along I-94 and I-494, which makes it easy to head west toward St. Paul or loop around the metro.
It's also on the east side of the metro, close to the St. Croix River. Stillwater is just to the north, and I-94 takes you right across the river into Hudson, Wisconsin. If you have family in Wisconsin, travel there often for work, or just like weekends in the river towns, Woodbury puts you right on that border.
Woodbury also has the METRO Gold Line, a bus rapid transit line to downtown St. Paul that opened in March 2025. Cottage Grove isn't on it.
Cottage Grove's main corridors are Highway 61, which runs northwest toward St. Paul, and Highway 95, which runs north and south. If you work in St. Paul, you're still a short drive away. That's one of the things people like most about it.
My advice is always the same: drive your actual commute from both cities at rush hour before you decide.
Parks and Weekends
The Metropolitan Council describes Cottage Grove as having about 39 miles of Mississippi River shoreline and bluffs. It's also home to Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, run by Washington County, plus a municipal golf course, an indoor ice arena, a splash pad and a bike park.
Woodbury has a big park and trail system of its own, built around lakes, woodlands and wetlands. The city also runs Eagle Valley Golf Course and year-round rec programming, including adult pickleball leagues.
Homes and Budget
Here's the honest version. In my experience, Cottage Grove tends to be the more affordable of the two as a whole. For a lot of families, that's the reason it lands on their list in the first place.
I won't throw out price numbers, because they change month to month and vary by neighborhood. When you're ready, I'll pull current sales for the homes you're comparing.
Property taxes also vary by city and school district. Our Minnesota property tax guide covers the basics. For your situation, check with the county or a tax professional.
How I'd Decide
Lean Woodbury if...
- You want shopping, dining and services close to home
- Someone in your house works in downtown St. Paul and might use the Gold Line
- You want quick freeway access on I-94 and I-494
- You have family in Wisconsin, or you love weekends in Stillwater and Hudson
- You've confirmed the school district for the specific home you love
Lean Cottage Grove if...
- You want your budget to go a little further
- You want a smaller city with more open space around it
- The Mississippi River and Ravine Regional Park sound like your weekends
- You work in St. Paul and a short drive on Highway 61 works for you
- You've confirmed the district and school assignment for that address
The Bottom Line
Woodbury and Cottage Grove are neighbors, not twins. Woodbury is the busier, more built-out hub, right on the Wisconsin side of the metro. Cottage Grove is the smaller, growing city that tends to be easier on the budget, with more room and a river edge. Spend a day in both and you'll usually feel which one is yours.
Want more? Read my Woodbury guide, my Cottage Grove guide, and tips on buying a home remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Woodbury and Cottage Grove in the same school district?
Both are served by South Washington County Schools (ISD 833), but Washington County also lists part of Woodbury within ISD 622. Confirm the district for any specific address with the district before you buy.
Does the METRO Gold Line go to Cottage Grove?
No. The Gold Line runs between downtown St. Paul and Woodbury. Cottage Grove is not on the line.
Is Cottage Grove cheaper than Woodbury?
In my experience, Cottage Grove tends to be more affordable overall. But it varies a lot by neighborhood and by the age and size of the home, so compare current sales for the specific homes you're considering.
Let's Narrow It Down Together
You can browse homes in both cities here. If you own a home now, you can also see what it might be worth.
And if you'd like a second opinion, book a free call. We'll compare suburbs based on your work, your kids and your budget. No pressure.
Demyan Trofimovich, REALTOR® | Trofimovich Group at eXp Realty
Community information, amenities, school boundaries, property details, and market conditions can change. Always verify important details with the appropriate sources.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Woodbury and Cottage Grove (2020 Census; July 2025 estimates); Washington County, School Districts (washingtoncountymn.gov); South Washington County Schools ISD 833 (sowashco.org); Metro Transit, Gold Line Facts (metrotransit.org); Metropolitan Council, Cottage Grove community profile (metrocouncil.org); City of Cottage Grove, Parks & Recreation (cottagegrovemn.gov); City of Woodbury, Parks, Trails and Facilities (woodburymn.gov).