Minneapolis
Boasting an eclectic local culture that combines the best elements of Midwestern personality and metropolitan sophistication, Minneapolis has built a solid reputation as one of the most interesting and exciting cities in the region, and indeed the entire nation. A vibrant urban center in the land of 10,000 lakes, Minneapolis enjoys well-earned attention for its stress-free atmosphere, great bicycling trails, and culturally diverse population. The city’s robust economy has deep roots, with numerous major companies having operated corporate headquarters in the city for decades (in some cases a century or more). In spite of being a major economic hub, the city is full of surprisingly affordable apartments, condos, and rental homes. If you live in Downtown, getting around in winter is never a problem thanks to the skyway system. Connecting on the second floors of all major downtown office and apartment buildings, the skyway system is an innovative hallway network allowing you to walk for miles without ever going outside. The arts scene in Minneapolis is top-notch and wide-ranging. One of the city’s claims to fame is that it has more theater seats per capita than any city outside of New York, and the performing arts community in particular is as active and diverse as they come. Legendary venues like the Guthrie Theater and the First Avenue Nightclub are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to live music, and the city’s colossal network of museums (including landmarks like the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art) is among the best in the United States. Located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota has one of the biggest college campuses in the world, and it is surrounded by modern apartments and old mansions – many of which were previously owned by famous Minnesota families like the Pillsbury's – that have been turned into student housing.
Maple Grove
The city of Maple Grove proves one of Minnesota’s nicknames to be true by boasting various lakes in its boundaries. From Eagle Lake, Fish Lake, Rice Lake, and more, waterfront views are just one of the beautiful aspects of living in Maple Grove, Minnesota. In the northern end of the city, Elm Creek Park Reserve remains a pristine destination for camping, hiking, swimming, and more, spread over nearly 5,000 acres. Getting outdoors in Maple Grove is as easy as one, two, three with so many community parks to choose from like Weaver Lake Beach Park, a great place to enjoy lakefront views and biking trails. Many locals enjoy teeing off at the public Rush Creek Golf Club, while others admire the seasonal interactive fountain, ice skating, playgrounds, and other family adventures at Central Park, located near Arbor Lakes. In search of a little retail therapy, or simply need to check a few items off of your shopping list? Arbor Lakes is the city’s best shopping mall with a great variety of stores and restaurants. From coffee houses to Irish pubs, the central district of Maple Grove has it all. Minneapolis is a quick 17 miles southeast of Maple Grove, so commuting to the big city for work or play is no problem at all. It’s always nice to come home to quiet suburban streets after a long day in the city, and luckily for you, Maple Grove offers an abundance of apartment rentals, various condos, a few houses, and even a townhome here and there!
Rochester
Rochester is the third largest city in Minnesota and best known for housing the Mayo Clinic, a destination medical center and the core of Rochester’s economy. Situated alongside the south fork of the Zumbro River, Rochester offers residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with access to numerous parks and trails. Some of the most frequented parks and trails in Rochester are Quarry Hill Park, Foster Arend Park, and the Douglas State Trail. Golfers have their choice of several courses to practice their game, with Rochester being home to Eastwood Golf Course, Northern Hills Golf Course, Soldiers Field Golf Course, and Rochester Golf and Country Club. Salem Glen Winery and the weeklong summer celebration of Rochesterfest also provide ample opportunities to savor the scenic outdoors and socialize in Rochester. The arts and culinary scenes are on the rise in Rochester. This is most evident during Thursdays on First and 3rd Summer Market and Music Festival, in which local restaurants and artists set up booths along First Avenue uniting the community in Downtown Rochester. Located about an hour from Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Rochester is accessible to U.S. Routes 14, 52, and 63 as well as Interstate 90. The additional presence of Rochester International Airport allows for simple travels and commutes.
