Where to Live in
Woodbury

The 2026 Neighborhood Shortlist: Woodbury, MN

Summary Table

The 2026 Vibe Check

Woodbury is officially split in two by I-94, and if you don't pick the right side, your morning commute turns into a 40-minute crawl. The west side (closer to St. Paul) is built out, established, and frankly, a bit bored. The real action—and the traffic headaches—is on the east side, exploding towards Lake Elmo. The gentrification line is distinct: it stops dead at Keats Avenue. Everything east of there is still cornfields and promises, but west of Radio Drive, you’re fighting for a parking spot at the Tamarack Nature Preserve on a Saturday.

The "Woodbury Lifestyle" is code for driving to a strip mall for high-end groceries. Woodbury Lakes is still the town square, but the real social hub is the Marketplace at Woodbury (by the Burlington and HomeGoods), where you’ll see more Range Rovers than pedestrians. New construction is relentless; they’re tearing down the last of the tree lines along I-94 for luxury apartments that have zero walkability. It’s a city of premium garages and pristine lawns, but if you’re looking for a downtown vibe, you’re driving to Stillwater.

The Shortlist

Bailey's Station

• The Vibe: Cul-de-sac Chaos
• Rent Check: 15% above city avg.
• The Good: This is the gold standard for young families. The schools (Bailey Elementary) are top-tier and the parks are meticulously kept. O'Brien Park is the weekend battleground for youth sports, and the Bailey's Station Park splash pad is the only place your kids will stop screaming. The houses are new-ish (2000s-2010s) with actual basements, not just slabs.
• The Bad: Traffic on Bailey Road during drop-off/pick-up is a nightmare. You are strictly a car-dependent suburb here; walking to get milk isn't happening. The cookie-cutter aesthetic is strong—if you like unique architecture, keep driving.
• Best For: Families who prioritize school ratings over personality.
• Insider Tip: Skip the chain coffee shops and hit Cafe Latte at CityPlace for a decent espresso while you do your Target run.

Highland Ridge

• The Vibe: Quiet Luxury
• Rent Check: 30% above city avg (mostly luxury condos).
• The Good: This is the "I made it" neighborhood. Large lots, mature trees, and zero foot traffic. It’s tucked away off Radio Drive and Century Avenue, offering quick access to the 94 but far enough away to avoid the noise. The homes here have serious square footage and the garages to match. It feels secluded without being remote.
• The Bad: You’re paying a premium for the zip code, and the HOA fees can be staggering. If you have teenagers, there is literally nothing for them to do here but drive around the loop. It’s dead silent after 9 PM.
• Best For: Executives who want a quiet retreat and have a garage gym.
• Insider Tip: The walking trails connecting Highland Park to the Carver Lake Park loop are the best spot for a private jog.

Tamarack

• The Vibe: Builder Basic
• Rent Check: At city avg.
• The Good: This is the entry point. If you want to be in Woodbury without the Highland Ridge price tag, this is it. It’s dense, but the Tamarack Nature Preserve is right there, offering massive green space that offsets the tight lot lines. The Tamarack Village shopping center has everything you need, including a decent Cub Foods.
• The Bad: You can hear your neighbor sneeze. The builds were rushed in the late 90s/early 2000s, so expect settling cracks and cheap windows. Street parking is non-existent on game days.
• Best For: First-time buyers or renters who want the Woodbury schools without the mortgage stress.
• Insider Tip: The back entrance to the Tamarack Nature Preserve off Haven Road is the local secret to avoid the main parking lot crowds.

Radio Drive Corridor

• The Vibe: Transit Hustle
• Rent Check: 5-10% below city avg.
• The Good: Location, location, location. If you work in Downtown St. Paul or need quick access to the Moorhead Bridge, this is the winner. It’s a mix of older established pockets and new apartment complexes. Carver Lake Park offers actual hiking and a beach, which is rare for the suburbs. You are minutes from everything commercial.
• The Bad: The noise from I-94 is real, especially for the units facing the highway. It’s a concrete jungle here; landscaping is minimal. The crime rate is slightly higher here (mostly car break-ins in apartment lots) than the rest of Woodbury, but that’s not saying much.
• Best For: Commuters who value time over square footage.
• Insider Tip: The Bluebird Bakersfield is the only spot in this stretch with decent patio seating and strong drinks, tucked behind the Holiday Stationstores.

Strategic Recommendations

• For Families: Bailey's Station is the obvious winner. The school district lines are favorable, and the park maintenance is superior. You pay for it in traffic, but the trade-off for the school facilities is worth it. Avoid Radio Drive Corridor; the traffic flow is too erratic for school buses.
• For Wall St / Tech: Highland Ridge. You need the quick hop onto I-94 to get to St. Paul or the airport, but you want the separation from the retail chaos. The privacy here is unmatched in the city. If you need a faster commute, look at the condos right off Century Avenue.
• The Value Play: Tamarack. The inventory is aging, meaning the flippers are starting to move in. Buy the 1998 split-level, renovate the kitchen, and ride the wave as the Lake Elmo expansion pushes prices eastward. You want to be west of Keats Avenue but east of Radio Drive.