Burnsville sits on a scenic bluff overlooking the Minnesota River, just 15 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. Once a rural Irish farming community, this Dakota County city transformed after Interstate 35 arrived in 1960, evolving from a township of 583 residents to Minnesota's 14th largest city with over 64,000 residents. The Heart of the City development features a pedestrian-friendly downtown with shops, restaurants, and condominiums, while Buck Hill offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in winter, plus mountain biking and music events in summer at its 310-foot peak.

Rental options in Burnsville range from boutique apartment communities to townhomes and single-family residences, with average monthly rents around $1,300 for one-bedroom apartments. The city's established neighborhoods provide easy access to shopping at Burnsville Center and along County Road 42. The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority connects residents to downtown Minneapolis, the Mall of America, and other Twin Cities destinations via express and local bus routes, making commuting convenient throughout the metro area.

Crystal Lake anchors the recreational scene with a public beach, fishing pier, and boat launch, while the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers miles of trails through wetlands and prairie habitat. The Ames Center hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and local performances in its 1,000-seat theater. With easy access to Interstate 35W and 35E, residents can quickly reach both Minneapolis and St. Paul, positioning Burnsville as a well-connected community within the Twin Cities metro area.