When out-of-state buyers research Minnesota school districts, Edina (ISD 273) inevitably tops the list. It deserves its reputation — Edina schools are consistently ranked among the best in the state, with strong graduation rates, robust AP programming, and deep community investment in education. For buyers who can comfortably stretch to a $600K+ budget, Edina is an excellent choice.
But Edina is not the only elite school option. And for buyers with a $350–450K budget who are prioritizing school quality above all else, it may not be the right one.
ISD 621 — The Mounds View School District
The Mounds View School District (ISD 621) serves the communities of Arden Hills, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, and Shoreview. It consistently ranks among the top school districts in Minnesota and competes directly with Edina on the metrics that matter most to families: graduation rates, college readiness, AP course offerings, and post-secondary outcomes.
Both districts produce graduates who are well-prepared for selective universities. Both have strong music, arts, and athletic programs. Both have stable funding and high levels of community engagement. The academic experience your child receives in ISD 621 is genuinely comparable to what they would receive in ISD 273.
| Factor | Edina (ISD 273) | Shoreview / ISD 621 |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$650K | ~$365K–$390K |
| School District | ISD 273 | ISD 621 (Mounds View) |
| Commute to Minneapolis | 10–15 min | 20–30 min |
| Commute to St. Paul | 25–30 min | 15–20 min |
| District Ranking | Top-tier statewide | Top-tier statewide |
| Walkable Downtown | Yes (50th & France) | No |
| Lot Sizes / Space | Smaller, urban-adjacent | Larger, more suburban |
The Price Difference — What It Actually Means
Edina's median home price is approximately $650,000. Shoreview's median is approximately $365,000–$390,000. That's a difference of roughly $260,000–$285,000 on a comparable family home in a comparable-quality school district.
On a 30-year mortgage at prevailing rates, that price difference translates to roughly $1,500–$1,700 less per month in mortgage payments. That's real money — college savings, retirement contributions, travel, or simply more financial breathing room.
What You Get in Shoreview
Shoreview is a mature, well-maintained suburb in the north metro — approximately 20–25 minutes from downtown St. Paul and 25–30 minutes from Minneapolis. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park runs through the area, offering year-round outdoor recreation. The housing stock is a mix of well-maintained 1970s–1990s homes and updated colonials with established landscaping that newer outer-ring suburbs can't match.
North Oaks, which also feeds into ISD 621, is one of the most private and exclusive communities in the metro — a private-road community on the shores of Pleasant Lake that attracts executives and professionals specifically because of the school district.
The Trade-Off
This comparison isn't meant to steer buyers away from Edina — it's a genuinely exceptional community and the premium is real. Edina's proximity to Minneapolis (10–15 minutes), the walkable 50th & France commercial district, and the overall character of the community all factor into that price. For buyers who specifically value that proximity and lifestyle, the premium is worth it.
But for buyers whose primary driver is school quality — and who are less focused on being 12 minutes from downtown Minneapolis — ISD 621 is a compelling option that most out-of-state buyers simply don't know exists. My job is to make sure every buyer considers their full set of options, not just the names that show up first in a Google search.
Good to know: The families who end up in Shoreview after initially targeting Edina are almost universally happy with the decision. The school experience is comparable, the homes are larger for the price, and the financial flexibility is meaningful.
Want to See Your Full Suburb Options?
Shoreview and Edina are just two of many strong school-district suburbs in the Twin Cities. On a 30-minute call, we can map out the options that fit your specific budget, commute, and lifestyle — including ones you probably haven't come across yet.
* Median price estimates based on Zillow Research and MLS data, 2025–2026. School district rankings based on MN Department of Education report cards and publicly available achievement data. Individual school experiences vary. Equal Housing Opportunity.