Thinking about moving to Woodbury? You’re not alone. This east‑metro suburb keeps growing for good reasons: connected neighborhoods, plentiful parks and trails, and convenient access to St. Paul. In this guide, you’ll get a clear look at neighborhoods, home prices, schools, daily life, and how to get around. Let’s dive in.
Woodbury at a glance
Woodbury is a fast‑growing Twin Cities suburb with an estimated population of about 80,596 as of July 1, 2024. Owner‑occupancy is high and the community is well educated, with strong household incomes compared to the metro. The average commute time sits near 24.1 minutes. You can verify these baseline figures in the U.S. Census QuickFacts for Woodbury.
- Population: ~80,596 (2024 estimate)
- Owner‑occupied rate: about 78%
- Median home value (ACS owner‑occupied): $434,900
- Median household income: ~$126,222
- Mean travel time to work: ~24.1 minutes
U.S. Census QuickFacts for Woodbury
Where you’ll live: neighborhoods and homes
Housing mix and planning
You’ll find a wide range of options: single‑family homes from classic 1990s builds to larger executive properties, plus townhomes, condos, and apartments. The city’s long‑range planning emphasizes housing choice across price points and household types. This balanced approach helps keep options open as the city grows. For policy context, see the city’s overview of housing in Woodbury.
Note that neighborhood names can be informal or marketing‑driven, and boundaries may vary by source. When you get serious about a specific area, it helps to look at city planning maps and talk with a local agent who knows the subdivisions and HOA details.
Sample areas to explore
- Carver Lake area. South‑central Woodbury centered on Carver Lake Park draws you with trails, a beach, and off‑road cycling features. Townhome clusters near the park add lower‑maintenance options close to outdoor amenities. Explore the Carver Lake Bike Park to see why this pocket stands out.
- Eagle Valley and golf‑course pockets. Subdivisions near Eagle Valley Golf Course feature a mix of single‑family and attached homes, mature landscaping, and scenic fairway views. If golf or green space is part of your daily rhythm, start here. Get a feel for the course setting at Eagle Valley Golf Course.
- Newer master‑planned communities. Areas like AirLake and Stonemill Farms illustrate modern floor plans, sidewalks and trails, and community amenities that appeal to move‑up buyers. These contrast nicely with earlier‑era neighborhoods if you want turn‑key finishes and newer systems.
- Station‑area parcels. The northwest side near the METRO Gold Line corridors is planned for higher‑density and mixed‑use development, appealing if you want transit access and smaller‑footprint homes. The city’s station‑area planning guides future redevelopment and connectivity.
What homes cost in Woodbury
Think in ranges rather than a single number. The American Community Survey’s 2019–2023 estimate for the median value of owner‑occupied homes sits around $434,900. Zillow’s typical home value hovered near $447,000 in December 2025, while Redfin reported a median sale price around $490,000 in late 2025. These sources use different methods and time frames, so treat them as a snapshot range and check current numbers before you decide.
If you’re budgeting as a buyer, consider how HOA fees, property taxes, and potential updates fit your goals. If you’re selling, your results depend on condition, presentation, and strategy. A local pricing review and on‑the‑ground comps will tell a more complete story than any citywide average.
Census QuickFacts for housing metrics
Daily life: shopping, parks, and healthcare
Retail and errands
You can handle most errands within a 5‑ to 10‑minute drive. The main retail hubs are Woodbury Lakes, Tamarack Village, Woodbury Village, and Valley Creek Mall. These centers cover a wide mix of grocery, big‑box, and dining options. For a broad overview of local amenities, visit the city’s Community Profile.
Parks and trails
Woodbury promotes an impressive web of neighborhood connections with more than 170 miles of multi‑use trails and roughly 3,500 acres of parkland and open space. Carver Lake Park is a standout for its beach and bike features. Ojibway Park hosts seasonal events, a bandshell, and sports fields. Golfers can explore Eagle Valley and Prestwick for public play and tournament days. The city’s Community Profile highlights key parks, programs, and reservation info.
Healthcare and recreation facilities
Woodwinds Health Campus (M Health Fairview) is Woodbury’s full‑service community hospital, with emergency care and outpatient services nearby. Newcomers often appreciate having a hospital close to home, plus clinics scattered along major retail corridors. Learn more about Woodwinds Health Campus. For year‑round sports, the city supports an indoor fieldhouse, ice rinks, and community programming. Check the Community Profile for facility details and schedules.
Schools and youth programs
Most of Woodbury falls within South Washington County Schools, also known as SoWashCo or District 833. Public high schools serving city addresses include Woodbury High School and East Ridge High School. Programs, boundaries, and open‑enrollment policies can evolve, so confirm details on the district site and verify a specific address before you decide. Start with SoWashCo’s school pages.
You will also find private, parochial, and charter options in and around Woodbury. Because offerings and capacity change, reach out to schools directly for current admissions and program information.
Getting around: commutes and transit
Driving basics
Interstate 94 is the primary east‑west spine, while the I‑494/I‑694 beltway connects you around the metro. Key arterials like Valley Creek Road, Radio Drive, and Woodbury Drive link neighborhoods to retail and regional routes. Outside peak hours, many residents report 15 to 30 minutes to downtown St. Paul, though rush‑hour traffic can extend that. The ACS mean travel time of about 24.1 minutes is a helpful benchmark.
Census QuickFacts for commute time
METRO Gold Line BRT
The METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit opened in March 2025, offering frequent, all‑day service between downtown St. Paul and Woodbury. Stations in Woodbury provide an easy park‑and‑ride option at Woodlane and improved access for commuters who prefer to skip daily driving. Explore service details and benefits via the METRO Gold Line overview.
Local and on‑demand options
For areas not directly served by fixed routes, Washington County and Metro Transit list on‑demand and dial‑a‑ride services that cover first‑ and last‑mile gaps. Check Washington County public transportation options to see current coverage.
A weekend snapshot
- Morning: Coffee and a grocery run near Tamarack Village or Woodbury Lakes. Then a walk or ride on the connected trails.
- Midday: Picnic at Carver Lake Park or playground time at Ojibway Park. If you golf, book a tee time at Eagle Valley.
- Evening: Casual dinner at a restaurant near the lifestyle centers and a movie or a local concert when community events are on the calendar.
- Seasonal: Woodbury Days at Ojibway Park and city‑run activities throughout the year keep the calendar lively. The city’s Community Profile is a good place to spot upcoming programs.
New resident checklist
- Clarify your must‑haves. Bedrooms, yard size, HOA tolerance, commute time, and school preferences.
- Explore sample areas. Compare Carver Lake, golf‑course pockets, newer master‑planned communities, and station‑area neighborhoods.
- Map your commute. Test drive times at rush hour and check access to Gold Line stations or park‑and‑rides.
- Set a smart budget. Use the home value range above as a starting point. Build in HOA fees, taxes, and updates.
- Verify schools. Confirm boundaries and program availability with SoWashCo for your specific address.
- Plan your lifestyle. Shortlist parks, sports programs, and community facilities that fit your routine.
- Get local guidance. A quick consultation can pair you with homes that match your timeline and goals.
Ready to get oriented, compare neighborhoods, or tour homes that fit your budget? Connect with Deb Grimme for a thoughtful, no‑pressure consultation tailored to your move.
FAQs
What should I know about the Woodbury commute?
- The average commute time is about 24.1 minutes, with 15 to 30 minutes to downtown St. Paul outside rush hours and the METRO Gold Line offering a frequent transit alternative.
How much do homes cost in Woodbury right now?
- Recent snapshots show a range: ACS median value around $434,900, with late‑2025 sources showing typical values near $447,000 and median sale prices around $490,000.
Which Woodbury areas offer strong outdoor access?
- Carver Lake Park’s trails and bike features, Ojibway Park’s sports fields and bandshell, and golf‑adjacent pockets like Eagle Valley provide easy, everyday access to the outdoors.
Which public schools serve Woodbury addresses?
- Most of the city is in South Washington County Schools (District 833), with Woodbury High School and East Ridge High School among local options; always verify your exact address with the district.
Is there a hospital in Woodbury?
- Yes, Woodwinds Health Campus (M Health Fairview) provides a full‑service community hospital with emergency care and outpatient services within the city.
What is the METRO Gold Line and how does it help?
- The Gold Line is a Bus Rapid Transit route launched in March 2025 that links Woodbury to downtown St. Paul with frequent, all‑day service and park‑and‑ride access at Woodlane.
