Every city has a story. Some begin with industry. Others with a railroad stop or a downtown business district. Oakdale’s story began with the land itself — rolling prairie, scattered lakes, and groves of oak trees that once covered parts of the eastern edge of the Twin Cities metro. Those trees eventually inspired the name Oakdale, and even today the city still carries a sense of natural beauty and everyday livability.
Over time, Oakdale evolved from a rural farming township into one of the East Metro’s most established communities. Even as the city has grown, it has held onto its sense of space and neighborhood feel.
That is part of what makes Oakdale such a fitting place for Estoria Cooperative Oak Marsh.
From Farmland to a Thriving East Metro Community
Oakdale Township was officially formed in 1858, the same year Minnesota became a state. In those early years, the area was heavily agricultural. Early settlers were attracted to the open farmland, lakes, and natural resources. Wheat farming became one of the primary industries, and in the colder months, harvesting ice from nearby lakes became part of everyday life and commerce.
Life looked very different then. Dirt roads connected farms and small settlements. One-room schoolhouses served local children. The restored Eder Schoolhouse, built in 1868, still stands today as a reminder of those early years and Oakdale’s roots.
As the Twin Cities grew outward through the mid-1900s, Oakdale began changing with it. Roads improved. Businesses arrived. Families looking for more space moved east from St. Paul. What was once a rural township gradually became a suburban community while still maintaining its own identity.
By 1968, Oakdale officially incorporated as a city. Over the decades that followed, neighborhoods expanded, parks were added, schools grew, and the community steadily evolved into one of Washington County’s established cities.
Today, Oakdale is home to more than 28,000 residents and continues to attract people who appreciate its balance of accessibility and livability.
Well Connected, Yet Comfortable
One of Oakdale’s biggest strengths is its location.
Residents have easy access to Interstate 94, Highway 36, and Interstate 694, making it simple to reach downtown St. Paul, Minneapolis, Stillwater, Woodbury, destinations throughout the East Metro, and even western Wisconsin. For many people, Oakdale offers a practical middle ground — close to daily conveniences, while still feeling comfortable and approachable.
Parks, trails, and natural spaces throughout the city also help preserve Oakdale’s quieter and more grounded feel.
Why Estoria Cooperative Oak Marsh Fits Here
Communities work best when they fit the rhythm of the area around them.
Oakdale has long been a place where people value both independence and connection. It offers access to what people need while still feeling personal, welcoming, and easy to live in. Those qualities naturally align with the cooperative lifestyle.
At Estoria Cooperative Oak Marsh, member-owners have the opportunity to enjoy maintenance-free living while remaining active participants in the community around them. Instead of spending time worrying about exterior maintenance, snow removal, lawn care, or ongoing home upkeep, members can focus more on how they want to spend their days.
For some, that means traveling more often. For others, it means spending more time with family, getting involved in clubs and activities, exercising, volunteering, or simply enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.
More than anything, Oak Marsh is being designed to feel like a real community. Shared spaces, everyday interactions, and opportunities to get involved are all part of what makes cooperative living feel different.
Many people are looking for an alternative to traditional homeownership while still wanting stability, ownership, and a strong sense of community. Cooperative living offers that balance in a way that resonates with many today.
Looking Ahead
Oakdale’s story is still being written. What began as farmland and oak groves has become a thriving East Metro community that continues to evolve with each generation.
As Estoria Cooperative Oak Marsh moves forward, it becomes part of that larger story — creating a new option for people looking to simplify life while staying connected to an active and welcoming community.
In many ways, Oakdale feels like the natural place for that next chapter.