Looking for an Affordable, Small Town and a Vibrant Quality of Life?

With a central location that balances the charm of rural living without sacrificing access to the nearby metros of St. Cloud (60 miles) and the Twin Cities (110 miles), Long Prairie, Minnesota is a peaceful, growing community that’s affordable, vibrant, and surprisingly diverse!

Our 2026 calendar of events is already filled with fun activities and events that epitomize the friendly and welcoming vibe of rural Minnesota.

Even better? Most of our residents get to enjoy an exceptionally short commute of 15 minutes or less, leaving you with more time to enjoy what matters most. 

Long Prairie: It’s Significantly More Affordable

Residents in Long Prairie enjoy a cost of living that’s significantly lower than the U.S. average.

We offer a variety of affordably priced housing options that cater to young professionals, growing families, and retirees. According to Zillow, you’ll pay around $264,000 for a home here in Todd County vs. the $398,000 you’d pay on average throughout the rest of the country.

Our low cost of living also applies to your overall household bills, which clock in at 27% lower than the national median, representing a savings of around $6,827 per year. That’s significant, especially when multiplied over the years. 

Access to Award Winning Healthcare 

Todd County’s healthcare system is primarily driven by independent yet integrated health systems that have enjoyed recognition for providing excellent, personalized care:

CentraCare: Featuring a Level IV trauma center as well as critical access services and family medicine, Long Prairie Hospital has been consistently recognized for the high quality of rural emergency care it provides to area residents. Among the services it offers are urgent care, family medicine, heart and vascular care, orthopedics, behavioral health and birthing.

Lakewood Health System: Based in nearby Staples (34 miles), this 25-bed critical access hospital provides a wide variety of services including dermatology, oncology, pulmonary, diabetes, orthopedics, and senior living. It also operates primary care clinics in Browerville, Eagle Bend, and Motley. Most recently, it was recognized with a 2026 Top Workplace for Nursing award.

Long Prairie’s Green Spaces: A Breath of Fresh Air

Todd County is known as the place where the “forests meet the prairie,” offering a diverse and exciting range of outdoor recreation and activities like hiking, biking, swimming, snowmobiling, and more!

And here in Long Prairie, you’ll find crystal lakes, lush green spaces that include Riverside Park, Soldier’s Field, and Locke Park, as well as:

Lake Charlotte Park, which is Long Prairie’s largest park with playgrounds, sports courts for volleyball, basketball, and softball, as well as a disc golf course and multiple picnic shelters. And the 144-acre Lake Charlotte features a beautiful public swimming beach for those hot summer days, while the winter allows for plenty of ice fishing.

Staples Community Center: This is the hub of activity in Todd County, offering a range of programs and activities that cater to all ages. From fitness classes to community events, there's always something happening at the Community Center! 

Ready to Make Room for What Matters Most?

Regardless of whether you’re just starting out, raising a family, or looking to enjoy a well-deserved retirement, we’d love to hear from you!

Please contact the Long Prairie Economic Development Authority to learn more about the perks of living in our friendly, vibrant community.