Victoria, MN 171 Apartments for Rent

Appropriately named the City of Lakes and Parks, Victoria is the ultimate example of an exurb populated by Minnesotans obsessed with the outdoors. The city is home to an incredible 13 parks and nine lakes, as well as the 1,800 acre Carver Park Reserve.

It's hard to believe today, given the number of residents making the daily commute to Minneapolis, but Victoria began as a strictly agricultural community, regarded as the absolute middle of nowhere. Thanks to the expansion of the Twin Cities, Victoria is now essentially an exurb, although it still enjoys much of the distinct feel of a rural enclave. In spite of its vast area of nearly ten square miles, the city was home to only 7,345 residents, as of the 2010 United States Census. That population very well may see a significant expansion in the next several years, as prospective residents consider taking advantage of the area's natural beauty and open space.

Moving to Victoria

Suburb? Exurb? Small Town?

As you begin to check out the various property rentals available in and around Victoria, you'll begin to wonder how, exactly, you can define this city. It's not exactly your standard suburb, as there's a tad bit too much agricultural and open land separating Victoria and the better known suburbs of Eden Prairie and Minnetonka. But it's also not your typical small town -- most residents of Victoria commute, if not to Minneapolis, at least to Bloomington or Eden Prairie. Most residents of Victoria would define the town as an exurb, a catch-all phrase describing a city that features a bit of a mix between your usual suburban and rural style housing.

Common Types of Housing

Residents of Victoria enjoy a much lower population density than the majority of their Twin Cities brethren to the east. As such, when you look for house rentals in Victoria , you'll be most likely to find single-family dwellings, the majority of which include ample yard space. However, a one- or two-bedroom apartment may be available, although these are more likely to involve either a duplex or widow's apartment setup, as opposed to a large apartment complex.

Victoria Neighborhoods

Check out the below Victoria neighborhoods before deciding on the right home for you.

Carver Park Reserve: The gorgeous Carver Park Reserve occupies a large portion of Victoria's northern region. Residents lucky enough to live near the Carver Park Reserve are most likely to occupy homes along the peninsula of Lake Zumbra, although several residents also reside between Lake Zumbra and Lake Minnetonka.

Smithtown Bay: Speaking of Lake Minnetonka, the vast lake's Smithtown Bay represents one of the most desirable areas of Victoria. Those living along this stunning piece of shoreline also enjoy easy access to the equally beautiful Lake Virginia. Most of these homes lie along Smithtown Road, with a few additional houses located on Smithtown Terrace.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: The city of Virginia lies directly to the west of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, one of the state's biggest attractions for gardening enthusiasts. The neighborhood located closest to the arboretum is actually separated from the attraction by a small area of agricultural land, bound by Highway 5 and County Road 13. Several homes can be found on Anthony Way and Madelyn Creek Drive. This borough has the most significant rural flavor of Victoria's neighborhoods.

Sixmile Creek: The western segment of Victoria is halved by the tranquil Sixmile Creek, which trickles down from Lake Auburn to Wasserman Lake. Located near Sixmile Creek are several newer homes along Heron Lane and Lakes Parkway, as well as the more established homes surrounding Kelzer Pond.

Living in Victoria

Victoria is largely viewed as an escape from the fast-paced life that marks not only the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, but several of their bustling suburbs. In Victoria, residents don't have to worry about the crowded streets and loud noises that are often experienced in such western suburbs as Eden Prairie and Bloomington. Instead, those fortunate enough to live in Victoria spend most of their time relaxing in their furnished apartments, or, when the weather is nice, taking advantage of a multitude of recreational opportunities. Parkland abounds in Victoria, with the area's most popular outdoor attractions including the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Carver Park Reserve, Lions Park and South Lake Virginia Shores Park. Whether you enjoy skiing, ice fishing, biking or picnicking, you'll find plenty of opportunities from frolicking in the great outdoors when you establish your home in Victoria.