Established in 1858 as a Dakota County milling center, Lakeville has evolved into a thriving suburban community just 20 miles south of the Twin Cities. The city's landscape features over 3,000 acres of parks, recreation areas, and nature preserves, where residents enjoy amenities like swimming beaches, fishing piers, and an extensive network of multipurpose trails connecting neighborhoods to natural areas.

Lakeville's rental market includes apartment communities, townhomes, and single-family rentals. The Airlake Industrial Park serves as a significant economic hub, housing approximately 200 companies and 4,500 employees. The average rent in Lakeville is $1,590, while the median household income exceeds $121,000. Notable areas include the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Marion, a 300-acre lake offering fishing, boating, and waterfront views, and the downtown district with its locally-owned shops and restaurants.

Transportation options are convenient with direct access to Interstate 35 and Cedar Avenue/MN 77, providing routes to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Community amenities include Antlers Park, featuring a sandy swimming beach, playground, and volleyball courts, while Ritter Farm Park offers 340 acres of hiking trails through restored prairie and woodland areas. The Lakeville Area Arts Center, housed in a renovated 1924 building, hosts theater performances, art exhibitions, and educational programs throughout the year. Residents appreciate the city's extensive trail system, which includes over 100 miles of pedestrian and bicycle paths connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools, and shopping areas.