Grant is the kind of place people move to for the space. Wooded lots, hobby farms, long driveways and quiet roads define this Washington County city, which has no downtown to speak of and does not pretend to. If you are looking for acreage and privacy but still want to reach the Twin Cities without a heroic commute, we think Grant deserves a look.
The Setting
Grant incorporated in 1996 from Grant Township and was named for President Ulysses S. Grant. It covers about 26.5 square miles, and the 2020 census counted 3,966 residents, with a median age of 50.9. The census classified 100% of the population as living in rural areas. Highways 36 and 96 are two of the main routes through the community.
Outdoors and Community
The Gateway State Trail is the standout. This roughly 18-mile paved trail follows a former railroad grade from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park and passes through Grant, including near Lake Masterman and at Jamaca Avenue. The western portion to Jamaca Avenue is plowed in winter, and the eastern portion can be used by hikers, snowshoers and skiers. A parallel unpaved trail serves horseback riders and carriage drivers, and a horse pass is required.
Beyond that, daily life is about home, land and neighbors. For restaurants, shopping and entertainment, residents head to nearby communities.
The Grant Housing Market Right Now
Redfin’s city-level data for August 2026:
- Median sale price: $790,977, up 5.5% year over year
- Median days on market: 23 (up 6 days)
- Sale-to-list price: 99.5%
- Homes sold above list: 30.8%
- Homes sold: 13
- Price drops: not reported
In plain English, this is a high-priced, steady market. Homes are selling close to asking, and nearly a third still go above list. With only about a dozen sales a month, one or two large-acreage sales can move the median considerably, so treat the median as a guide, not a rule. Every property is different here, which makes a good comparable analysis essential.
Schools
Grant is served by more than one district. Niche lists Mahtomedi Public Schools (A, about 3,285 students), Stillwater Area Public Schools (A, about 8,455 students) and White Bear Lake Area Schools (B, about 8,571 students). Which applies depends entirely on the property’s address, and the difference matters, so confirm it early. Stillwater reports a 92% graduation rate and 61% reading and 58% math proficiency.
Taxes and Costs
We could not find a Grant-specific effective tax rate. Ownwell’s countywide median for Washington County is 1.17% with a median bill of $4,446, which is the best reliable benchmark we have. Larger parcels and higher values will typically mean larger bills, and wells and septic systems are standard for rural properties. We can pull current tax figures for any home you are considering.
The Commute
Highways 36 and 96 connect Grant to the interstate system and the metro, and the Gateway Trail offers a bike-commuting route toward St. Paul. We do not have a verified average commute time specifically for Grant, so we suggest driving your intended route at rush hour.
Is Grant Right for You?
Grant fits buyers who want acreage, privacy and trails, and are comfortable driving for dining and errands. It suits horse owners, hobby farmers and anyone who values quiet. It may not fit those who want sidewalks, a walkable town center, city utilities or a very short commute. The price point is also high for a community without in-town amenities.
Let’s Talk About Your Move
Rural properties are more about the details, from soil and septic to school boundaries, and we can help you sort through them.
Thinking about Grant? Get in touch with the Carchedi Group to start the conversation, or find out what your current home is worth if a move is on the table.
Market data: Redfin city page for Grant (August 2026). Taxes: Ownwell Washington County figure (no city-level data). Schools: Niche. Population: 2020 Census. Figures change monthly and are not a guarantee of future conditions.
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