Relocating to St. Croix County From MN: Step-By-Step Guide

Thinking about crossing the river and making Wisconsin home? If you are weighing a move from Minnesota to St. Croix County or Saint Croix Falls in Polk County, you are not alone. The draw is real: a relaxed small‑town feel, outdoor access along the St. Croix River, and a manageable commute back to the Twin Cities. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to plan your move, what paperwork to handle, and how to settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Quick orientation

Saint Croix Falls sits on the Wisconsin–Minnesota border along the St. Croix River. It offers a smaller city atmosphere with riverfront recreation, local shops, and nearby rural neighborhoods. St. Croix County communities to the south share a similar mix of small‑town and suburban options.

Many residents commute to jobs in the Twin Cities or in regional centers like Hudson and River Falls. Depending on traffic and exact location, the Twin Cities drive is roughly an hour.

If you want a snapshot of housing trends before you search, check trusted sources for current numbers. Look to the Wisconsin Realtors Association and local MLS data for median sale price, inventory, and days on market. For a quick sense of population and demographics, U.S. Census QuickFacts can help. Property tax timing and levy details come from county assessor and treasurer pages for St. Croix County and Polk County.

Step‑by‑step relocation checklist

Follow this simple timeline to stay organized from first thought to first month in your new home.

3+ months before move

• Research neighborhoods and schools in Saint Croix Falls and nearby districts in Polk and St. Croix counties. Review enrollment calendars and open‑enrollment policies with district offices or Wisconsin DPI.
• Start your home search or prep your Minnesota home for sale. Hire a local real estate professional licensed in Wisconsin. If you are selling in Minnesota, you may also need a Minnesota‑licensed agent.
• Discuss Wisconsin transaction norms. Seller disclosures, inspection timelines, and closing practices differ from Minnesota. Title companies and local agents can explain who attends closing and who typically pays which costs.
• Build a move budget. Compare property taxes, potential differences in closing costs, moving expenses, and utility setup fees. Plan for a possible overlap month if you need to carry two homes briefly.
• Get moving quotes early. Book movers or a rental truck and confirm insurance coverage for valuables.

1–2 months before move

• Secure housing. If buying, schedule inspections, appraisal, title work, and closing with your agent and title company. If renting, confirm lease dates and utility responsibilities.
• Talk to your employer about payroll if you will live in Wisconsin and work in Minnesota. Withholding and filing rules can change across state lines.
• Line up utilities. Identify electricity, gas, water, sewer, and trash providers for your address. Some rural homes use well and septic systems, so plan inspections and maintenance checks during due diligence.
• Set up healthcare. Choose a primary care physician, pediatrician, dentist, and confirm insurance networks in Wisconsin. Request medical record transfers.

2–4 weeks before move

• File a USPS change of address and begin updating banks, insurers, subscriptions, and any professional licensing boards.
• Enroll children in school. Gather proof of residency, immunization records, and birth certificates.
• Transition services. Cancel or transfer Minnesota utilities and schedule activation in Wisconsin for move‑in day.
• Prep for licensing. Gather documents for your Wisconsin driver’s license and vehicle title and registration transfer.

Week of move

• Confirm mover dates and times. Keep medications, vital documents, and high‑value items with you rather than on the truck.
• Complete final walk‑throughs, collect keys, and retain closing paperwork for both properties.
• Ensure utilities are on at the new home before arrival.

Within 30–60 days after move

• Transfer your driver’s license to Wisconsin and register or title vehicles according to Wisconsin DOT deadlines. Check current requirements and fees before you go.
• Update voter registration at your new address.
• Update insurance. Notify your auto insurer of your move to Wisconsin and confirm minimum coverage requirements. Make sure homeowners or renters insurance was active at closing.
• Handle local permits. Apply for pet licenses and any needed local business permits with your city or county.
• Learn your property tax cycle. Review county treasurer timelines for installments and explore Wisconsin homeowner or renter credits through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Documents to gather

• Proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate
• Social Security number documentation
• Two proofs of Wisconsin residency such as a utility bill and lease, mortgage, or closing statement
• Out‑of‑state vehicle title and current registration
• Proof of auto insurance that meets Wisconsin minimums
• Immunization and school records for children

Budget checklist

Moving across state lines can change costs. Review these items so there are no surprises.

• Home purchase costs: inspections, appraisal, title insurance, lender fees, and closing costs that may differ from Minnesota norms
• Property taxes: payment schedule and escrow setup based on county requirements
• Utilities and services: account setup fees, deposits for electric, gas, water, trash, and internet
• Commuting: fuel, vehicle maintenance, tolls where applicable, and parking
• Insurance: auto rates can change with a new ZIP code and minimums; homeowners or renters policy updates
• Moving expenses: movers, rental trucks, packing supplies, storage
• Contingency: a cushion for overlap housing or unforeseen repairs

State‑to‑state differences to know

Cross‑border living is common here, but rules matter. Use official guidance and consider a tax professional for your situation.

• Income tax and filing: Once you move, you typically file as a Wisconsin resident. If you work in Minnesota while living in Wisconsin, you may have Minnesota withholding and need to file a nonresident return. Check the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the Minnesota Department of Revenue for current rules and credits for taxes paid to another state.
• Sales tax: Rates and what is taxable differ between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Review each state’s Department of Revenue for details.
• Property taxes and credits: Assessment practices and potential relief programs vary by county and state. Look to St. Croix County or Polk County treasurer and assessor pages for local levies and timing. Review Wisconsin homeowner or renter credits with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Real estate practices: Seller disclosures, standard forms, and who commonly pays for which closing items can differ from Minnesota. Your local agent and title company will walk you through the Wisconsin process.
• Auto insurance and registration: Wisconsin has its own minimum auto liability limits and registration procedures. Notify your insurer when you change residency and complete license and registration steps per Wisconsin DOT.
• Estate or inheritance taxes: States handle these differently. If relevant, speak with a tax professional or attorney and review each state’s Department of Revenue guidance.

Local services to set up first

Make day one easier by prioritizing these essentials.

Schools and child care

• Public schools: Contact the Saint Croix Falls School District for enrollment steps and required documents. If you are looking at nearby Polk or St. Croix County districts, call their enrollment offices to confirm boundaries and timelines. Wisconsin DPI provides school report cards and statewide enrollment information.
• Private schools and child care: Create a short list and ask about waitlists, age cutoffs, and transfer policies.

Health care and emergency care

• Identify the nearest hospital or urgent care to your address and confirm in‑network providers with your insurance. For specialized care, many residents use facilities in Hudson, River Falls, or the Twin Cities.
• Transfer medical and dental records and confirm prescriptions with a Wisconsin pharmacy.

Utilities and internet

• Electric and gas: Your provider depends on your exact address. Confirm service areas for electricity and natural gas before closing or move‑in.
• Water and sewer: Within city limits, these are often municipal services. Rural properties may rely on well and septic systems. If buying, schedule a well yield and water quality test plus a septic inspection during contingency periods.
• Trash and recycling: Some municipalities provide service by contract, while rural addresses may use private haulers or county facilities.
• Internet: Options vary by address. Check cable, fiber, DSL, or fixed wireless availability before you sign a lease or purchase agreement if speed is critical.

Recreation and lifestyle

• Outdoor access: The St. Croix River, regional parks, and local trails are a major draw. For hunting and fishing rules or boat registration, review Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources guidance.
• Community events: City and county calendars and local chambers of commerce highlight festivals, markets, and seasonal activities.

Local government and permits

• City of Saint Croix Falls: Use the municipal website for utilities, permits, and city clerk contacts.
• St. Croix County and Polk County: County websites list assessor and treasurer offices, tax payment portals, health and human services, and parks information.

Construction and condition tips for buyers

Buying in a cross‑border market benefits from an extra level of due diligence. Wisconsin homes in rural or edge‑of‑town settings may have private wells, septic systems, propane tanks, or outbuildings. Ask for service records and schedule specialized inspections for roofs, foundations, sewer laterals, wells, and septic systems. If you plan to renovate, request contractor bids during the inspection window and verify local permitting requirements with the city or county.

Quick printable checklist

• Set timeline and budget
• Hire a Wisconsin‑licensed real estate agent and, if needed, a Minnesota listing agent
• Research neighborhoods, commute, and schools
• Line up financing and start your search or listing prep
• Book movers and confirm insurance
• Schedule inspections, appraisal, title work, and closing
• Notify employer about cross‑state payroll withholding
• Set up utilities and internet
• Change address and update accounts
• Enroll children in school and transfer records
• Gather documents for Wisconsin DOT licensing and registration
• Confirm insurance updates for home and auto
• Register to vote and apply for local permits
• Review county property tax cycles and Wisconsin homeowner or renter credits

Your next step

A smooth move comes down to planning and local guidance. If you want help finding the right neighborhood, timing your sale and purchase, or navigating cross‑border details, lean on a professional who knows both markets and how homes are built. With deep construction and architectural experience plus cross‑border real estate expertise, you can reduce risk and move with confidence. When you are ready, reach out to Curt Adams LLC for a friendly strategy call and to Request a Free Home Valuation.

FAQs

How long do I have to switch my driver’s license after moving to Wisconsin?

• The Wisconsin Department of Transportation sets deadlines and document requirements. Check current timelines and bring proof of identity, residency, Social Security number, and your out‑of‑state license.

If I live in Wisconsin but work in Minnesota, where do I file income taxes?

• You generally file a Wisconsin resident return and a Minnesota nonresident return if you have Minnesota wages. Review both states’ Department of Revenue guidance and consider a tax professional.

How do property taxes differ between St. Croix County and Polk County?

• Amounts depend on assessed value and local levies. Use each county’s assessor and treasurer pages for rates, bills, and due dates, and review Wisconsin homeowner or renter credit information.

Are Wisconsin seller disclosures different from Minnesota’s?

• Yes. The required forms and common practices vary. Your local agent and title company will provide the current Wisconsin disclosures and explain typical inspection and closing timelines.

What should I know about well and septic systems in rural homes?

• Plan separate inspections for private wells and septic systems, review service records, and confirm any required permits or upgrades with the county before closing.

How do I enroll my child in school after a mid‑year move?

• Contact the new district’s enrollment office for required documents and transfer steps. For open‑enrollment policies and timelines, check the Saint Croix Falls School District and Wisconsin DPI.