Located on the outskirts of the Minneapolis metro, North Branch offers a balance between a small-town environment and access to big-city amenities. It has a little less than 11,000 residents, about 13% of whom are 65 or older. Three hospitals are located within 20 miles, including Cambridge Medical Center, Fairview Lakes Medical Center and St. Croix Regional Medical Center, promoting access to a broad array of primary and specialty services, and the city has a reliable Dial-A-Ride public transportation system to make it easy to attend doctor’s appointments. The overall cost of living is consistent with the state and national averages, and crime is a relatively uncommon occurrence.
For many older adults in North Branch, assisted living provides a comfortable, engaging environment where they enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle. These residential facilities administer personalized care services and have daily meals, housekeeping and curated social and recreational activities. The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey reports that seniors in the North Branch region pay approximately $4,797 per month for care, which is a few hundred dollars higher than the national median.
This guide highlights the benefits of living in North Branch and a few things to consider before making the move, as well as an overview of local senior care costs. It also includes a resource table with helpful information on local and statewide agencies and programs for seniors.