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Why Live in Ely

Ely, MN, is a small community in Northeast Minnesota, surrounded by the expansive Superior National Forest and bordering Canada. Known for its natural beauty, Ely attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and blueberry picking in the warmer months, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during the frigid winters. The town's main park, Whiteside Park, features a playground, open fields, and a bandstand for community events. Ely's housing includes small in-town bungalows and more secluded lakeside homes, with many properties dating back to the early and mid-1900s. The downtown area along Sheridan Street hosts a variety of small businesses, including winter outfitter shops and restaurants like Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant and Britton’s Café. Ely Memorial High School, which shares a building with Washington Elementary, is highly rated and serves students in grades 6 through 12. The community gathers annually for the Blueberry Art Festival, celebrating local art and blueberry-infused foods. Ely is also home to the North American Bear Center and the International Wolf Center. For those needing to travel, Minnesota State Highway 1 provides access to Virginia, 50 miles away, and Duluth, approximately 100 miles away. The town is served by Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital, ensuring residents have access to medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Ely, MN?
The median rent for a home in Ely, MN is $1,495 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of August 2026, single-family homes tend to be the most affordable option.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Ely, MN?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Ely, MN, a household needs to earn roughly $59,800 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,495 per month in Ely, MN, renters typically need to show $4,485 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Ely, MN?
In Ely, MN, the price-to-rent ratio is 11.0, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Median Rent
$1,495
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,495
How to Rent a Home