This town’s economy centers around the $30 billion conglomerate 3M, as well as Imation, its tech storage and data security spin-off. The companies offer a range of jobs from blue collar to executive positions, making Oakdale an attractive place to live, according to Mayor Carmen Sarrack.
Oakdale also has an extensive park system that includes a 200-acre nature preserve with hiking trails and a discovery center. There is a free concert series there every summer, hosted by the city.
Homes in town are very reasonably priced, even for the Midwest, said Sarrack. Townhouses cost about $80,000, while a two-bedroom, 2,500 square-foot home on a golf course goes for about $400,000 or so.