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MARK YOUR CALENDAR Good times are ahead! Join us for the rest of 2026 and save the dates for more Minnesota Monthly events in 2027.

AUG . 20

S E P T. 19

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HILDE PERFORMANCE CENTER

N OV. 12

M A R C H 5 -7

JUNE 5-6

THE LOWLANDS

TARGET FIELD

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Twin Cities

Contents

PUBLISHER

Tammy Galvin Boom Island Park, Minneapolis

GROUP EDITOR

Danielle Fields CONTRIBUTORS

Emma Enebak, Madeline Fuerstenberg, Todd Kortemeier, Jennifer Pitterle, Alesha Taylor CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

Ted Rossiter ART DIRECTOR

Traci Zellmann ADVERTISING SALES

Kristin Gantman, Sallee Stowman SALES + MARKE TING SPECIALIST

Abbie Barsness PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Deidra Anderson ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Sydney Kell AUDIENCE DE VELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Geri Wilson CIRCUL ATION MANAGER

Riley Meyers SENIOR CIRCUL ATION MARKE TING COORDINATOR

High Bridge, St. Paul

3 A Letter From the Editor

David Benvenuto PUBLISHED BY

Greenspring Media

6 Discover More 8 By the Numbers 10 10 Fun Facts About the Twin Cities

COMMUNITY 13 14

18 Fresh Starts 20 Cultural Canvas The Great Outdoors

24 Good Business 26 Collective Care 2

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30 Hospital System Checkup

CEO

Stefan Wanczyk

EDUCATION 33 34 Public & Charter Schools 38 Private Schools 42 Higher Education

Urban Energy

16 Family Ties

HEALTHCARE 29

RESOURCES 47 48 52 53 54 62

Get Connected Twin Cities Snapshot Suburb Snapshot School Charts Resource Guide

PRESIDENT

John Balardo For additional copies, call 612-371-5810 or visit our website at minnesotamonthly.com/new-resident. For advertising information: 612-371-5848 Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright Twin Cities Living 2 0 2 6 -2 7. A l l r ig ht s r e s e r ve d. N o p a r t o f t hi s publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Every effort has been made to make this guide as accurate as possible. We encourage readers to independently verify information. The pages between the covers of this magazine (except for any inserted material) are printed on paper made from wood fiber that was procured from forests that are sustainably managed to remain healthy, productive, and biologically diverse.

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) MATT LIEN PHOTOGRAPHY/EXPLORE MINNNESOTA, VISIT SAINT PAUL

WELCOME 4

9401 James Ave. S., Suite 152 Bloomington, MN 55431 612-371-5800

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Home Discovering

PHOTO JANELLE OLSON

I W A S N ’ T B O R N A N D R A I S E D I N M I N N E S O T A , but I’ve never felt more at home anywhere else. Shortly after moving to the Twin Cities nearly 18 years ago, I went for a run along West River Parkway in October. The trees were ablaze with autumn colors, and the only sound was the steady rhythm of my shoes hitting the pavement. A few miles in, I saw the University of Minnesota women’s rowing team glide down the Mississippi River in perfect sync, their oars slicing through the water and leaving gentle ripples behind. It was a moment of profound awe and serenity. I remember thinking, “This is where I live?” I was immediately captivated by the natural beauty in the Twin Cities and how effortlessly I could access remarkable parks, trails, and waterways within a major metropolitan area. As time passed, I discovered that the region offered even more. I could explore the world-class Minneapolis Institute of Art for free. I could enjoy a meal created by a homegrown James Beard Award-winning chef. I could join hundreds of others for a candlelit walk around a frozen lake in the heart of winter. Above all, though, I was struck by the genuine kindness of the people and how quickly I found a sense of community. I knew I had found something special. I had found home. Now, I’m in a new chapter of life. I recently welcomed my first child into the world, and the very things that first drew me here are the same things I’m excited to share with her. At the same time, I’m discovering entirely new ways to love the Twin Cities as I navigate parenthood. From researching our exceptional schools to making regular visits to the local library and community center—and finding a wonderful circle of new moms experiencing many of the same joys and challenges—I’ve been reminded once again that I can’t imagine building my life anywhere else. Whether you were born and raised here or, like me, found your way to the Twin Cities later in life, the following pages of Twin Cities Living are designed to help you experience this region in new and meaningful ways. Inside, we celebrate the people, places, and opportunities that make Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding communities such an extraordinary place to build a life—at every stage. Because home isn’t simply where we live. It’s the place that continues to inspire, surprise, and welcome us, no matter how long we’ve been here.

ON THE COVER

Sunset at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. PHOTO BY MELISSA TENG /

Danielle Fields, Editor

WIT & FOLLY / EXPLORE MINNESOTA

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Twin Cities

St. Paul Target Field

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Paisley Park

At a

Glance W H E N YO U T H I N K O F M I N N E S O TA ,

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) VISIT SAINT PAUL, PAISLEY PARK/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, RYO HAMASAKI/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, BRUCE KUCKHOHN FOR MINNESOTA TWINS/MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Theodore Wirth Regional Park

images of snowy winters, 10,000-plus lakes, and the legendary “Minnesota Nice” stereotype (which just so happens to be true!) might come to mind. The Twin Cities region offers all of that, but also so much more. Separated by the mighty Mississippi River, Minneapolis and St. Paul and their surrounding communities boast the best of both worlds—embracing history, culture, and a shared identity that welcomes people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a new resident to the Twin Cities or have lived here your whole life (and no matter what side of the river you land on), there is always much to love about living here.

Land Acknowledgment

We honor and acknowledge that Minnesota is the homelands of the Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples, and we present the contents of this publication with gratitude and recognition of the peoples who have stewarded this land for generations and their ongoing contributions to this region and beyond.

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Twin Cities A rich arts and culture scene thrives 169 in the Twin Cities. One highlight is the Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra. DAYTON

COON RAPIDS

CHAMPLIN

BLAINE

169

OSSEO

BROOKLYN PARK

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

494

MAPLE GROVE

Discover

ORONO

CRYSTAL

NEW HOPE

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

MEDINA

NORTHEAS

ST. A

PLYMOUTH PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) DARRELL OWENS/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, ST. PAUL PARKS AND RECREATION, MATT LIEN/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, LANE PELOVSKY/MEET MINNEAPOLIS

More W H E T H E R Y O U H A V E recently moved here or are a current resident searching for deeper connections, the Twin Cities region is a meaningful place where you can build a fulﬁlling life. And there’s always more to explore. Throughout these pages, you’ll discover the culture, character, and spirit of community that permeates throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and their surrounding suburbs.

169

FRIDLE

BROOKLYN CENTER

MEDICINE LAKE

NORTH LOOP

LONG LAKE GOLDEN VALLEY BRYN MAWR 12

WAYZATA

394

DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

394

169

LAKE MINNETONKA

UPTOWN

ST. LOUIS PARK

WOODLAND

35W

MINNEAP

DEEPHAVEN MINNETONKA

494

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS

HOPKINS

EXCELSIOR

EDINA

EDEN PRAIRIE

CHANHASSEN

169

RICHFIELD

35W

Min In

494

BLOOMINGTON

CHASKA 35W

M I N N E S O TA R I V E R SHAKOPEE 169

SAVAGE

BURNSVILLE

LAKEVIL

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Quiet moments of beauty are easy to find amid the bustle of city life. Minneapolis' Minnehaha Falls, for example, is 6 miles from downtown.

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LAK

MARINE ON SAINT CROIX

CENTERVILLE

35W

BLAINE

CIRCLE PINES

LINO LAKES

HUGO

LEXINGTON 35E

NORTH OAKS

ARDEN HILLS

35W

DELLWOOD ST. CROIX/ TAYLORS FALLS

SISSIPPI RIVER

FRIDLEY 694

NEW BRIGHTON

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

VADNAIS HEIGHTS

SHOREVIEW 10

WHITE BEAR LAKE

694

NORTHEAST

OAK PARK HEIGHTS

NORTH SAINT PAUL

35E

694

FALCON HEIGHTS

35W

With many beautiful parks, trails, and waterways, enjoying and BAYPORT protecting the outdoors are key pillars of Twin Cities NORTH life.

HUDSON

ST. ANTHONY PAYNE-PHALEN

COMO

DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

PROSPECT PARK 94

35W

ST. PAUL

12 94

MACALESTER GROVELAND SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS

CATHEDRAL LOWERTOWN HILL

NOKOMIS

ST. CROIX RIVER AFTON

WEST 7TH

HIGHLAND BRIDGE HIGHLAND PARK LILYDALE

HUDSON

OAKDALE

35E

DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL

MINNEAPOLIS

St Paul Airport

WOODBURY

WEST SAINT PAUL

494

MENDOTA

MENDOTA HEIGHTS 77

RICHFIELD

694

MAPLEWOOD

ROSEVILLE

ST. ANTHONY PARK

NORTH LOOP

STILLWATER

MAHTOMEDI

35W

LITTLE CANADA

UPTOWN

35E

Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport

35E

SUNFISH LAKE

494

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

35E

EAGAN

35W

COTTAGE GROVE

We’re here to guide you through everything the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs have to offer—scan here to learn more.

BURNSVILLE

APPLE VALLEY ROSEMOUNT LAKEVILLE

The Twin Cities is emerging as a top culinary destination with restaurants like Khâluna, serving up Laotian fare in Minneapolis, garnering national attention. HASTINGS

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LAKEVILLE

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Twin Cities

Numbers By the

1 1 2 1 430,000+ 3 Minneapolis

PEOPLE LIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, THE LARGEST CITY IN MINNESOTA

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NO.

Mega Airport for Customer and Traveler Satisfaction (Bloomington) (J.D. Power, 2025)

NO.

Best Cities for People With Disabilities (Minneapolis) (WalletHub, 2025)

NO.

Best Cities for Gen Z to Work and Play (Minneapolis) (Reader’s Digest, 2025)

NO.

Best School District in Minnesota (Wayzata Public Schools, Plymouth) (Niche, 2026)

NO.

Best Place to Retire in the U.S. (Minneapolis) (WalletHub, 2025)

PHOTOS LANE PELOVSKY/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, TRACI ZELLMANN (ILLUSTRATION)

The Twin Cities is an incredible place to live, work, and play. But don’t take our word for it—the data speaks for itself.

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NO.

MOST BIKE-FRIENDLY CITY IN AMERICA (Minneapolis) (Copenhagenize Index, 2025)

MILLION

99 4 people from around the world visit the Mall of America in Bloomington every year.

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) PAUL VINCENT/EXPLORE MINNESOTA, JEN ACKERMAN AND TIM GRUBER

of Twin Cities residents can walk to a park in under 10 minutes.

NOs.

NO.

BEST STATE FOR QUALITY OF LIFE (CNBC, 2025)

3&4 51

Best City Park System in the U.S. (Minneapolis, St. Paul); (ParkScore Index, Trust for Public Land, 2026)

LAND OF

miles is the length of Minneapolis’ Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway bike/ pedestrian trail, the country’s longest continuous system of public urban parkways.

10,000 LAKES

The name “Minnesota” comes from the Dakota phrase Mni Sota Makoce, meaning “land where the waters reflect the clouds”—a fitting name for a state where lakes and rivers are always within reach. In the Twin Cities, outdoor enthusiasts take full advantage of the water year-round. In Minneapolis, the Chain of Lakes— comprised of Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet—buzzes with summer activity, from kayaking and paddleboarding to lakeside strolls and beach lounging. When winter arrives, the frozen lakes transform into prime spots for ice skating and fishing. Across the river, St. Paul’s true gem is the Mississippi, with 26 miles of scenic shoreline perfect for hiking, biking, and running with a view.

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Twin Cities

10 Fun Facts About the Twin Cities

Chasing Waterfalls

In the late 1800s, St. Anthony Falls powered the ﬂour mills that made Minneapolis the ﬂour-milling capital of the world. Today, visitors can explore the mill ruins and see how engineers rebuilt the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi River.

St. Paul’s Secret Caves

A maze of sandstone caves and tunnels runs beneath parts of St. Paul. Some were carved by hand in the 1800s and later used as mushroom farms, speakeasies, and even nightclubs.

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Minneapolis’ Giant Blue Rooster

One of the city’s most photographed artworks is a 25-foot-tall cobalt-blue rooster outside the Walker Art Center. Ofﬁcially called Hahn/Cock, it has become an unofﬁcial city mascot.

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The Mississippi Flows North

At several points around the Twin Cities, the Mississippi appears to ﬂow north due to bends in the river—a geographical illusion that surprises many visitors.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) MEET MINNEAPOLIS, RYO HAMASAKI/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, LANE PELOVSKY/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, CHILDREN'S THEATRE COMPANY/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, PETER VONDELINDE/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, EXPLORE MINNESOTA

Winter Carnival’s Chilly Origin Story

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival began in 1886 after an East Coast reporter called Minnesota “another Siberia, unﬁt for human habitation.” Locals responded by creating a celebration that embraced winter instead.

Perched above Minneapolis’ Prospect Park is a whimsical 1913 water tower nicknamed the Witch’s Hat. It’s one of the neighborhood’s most beloved landmarks and open to visitors only a few days each year.

The City Above the City

The Minneapolis Skyway System stretches for miles, connecting dozens of downtown blocks. On frigid winter days, many people can work, shop, dine, and attend events without going outside.

The Witch’s Hat

Movie Star

The iconic Mickey’s Diner in downtown St. Paul is a famous ﬁlming spot, appearing in movies such as “The Mighty Ducks,” “Jingle All the Way,” and “A Prairie Home Companion.”

A Theater Powerhouse

Outside of New York City, the Twin Cities ranks among the nation’s top theater markets per capita, with hundreds of stages, ranging from major venues to neighborhood playhouses.

The Florist Behind Minneapolis’ Parks

Thanks to park visionary Theodore Wirth, Minneapolis residents are never more than six blocks from a park—a legacy that helped create one of the nation’s most celebrated park systems.

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Community

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Connections

T W I N C I T I E S R E S I D E N T S are passionate about the place they call

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ART, ST. PAUL SAINTS

home. Perhaps it’s due to the region’s accessible urban amenities like world-class dining, vibrant nightlife, and arts and culture attractions. Maybe it’s the unmatched outdoor amenities, from the parks and lakes to the green spaces woven seamlessly into everyday life. Consider also the highly ranked education system, the tradition of excellence in healthcare, or the leading business community, and it’s easy to see why the Twin Cities holds a special place in the hearts of young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Rediscover why you value this community, and learn how you can form even deeper ties to the people and places that make this region a meaningful place to live.

St. Paul Saints game, CHS Field

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Minneapolis

URBAN E R G Y

WHY CIT Y LIVING HOLD S IT S ALLURE IN MINNE AP OLIS AND S T. PAUL by ALESHA TAYLOR

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PHOTO MEET MINNEAPOLIS/MIKE MADISON@BUMP OPERA

E N

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he appeal of urban living in the Twin Cities extends far beyond a downtown address. It’s about being connected—to culture, community, and the everyday experiences that make residing in Minneapolis and St. Paul unique. What makes the Twin Cities especially attractive is the variety of urban experiences available. Minneapolis’ North Loop has evolved into one of the region’s most sought-after neighborhoods, blending converted warehouses with acclaimed restaurants, boutique shopping, and new residential developments. Nearby, the Mill District offers riverfront living steps from the Stone Arch Bridge, Guthrie Theater, Gold Medal Park, and the Mississippi riverfront. Across the river, St. Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood has become a destination for arts, dining, and entertainment.

Mixed-Use Living

Urban convenience beyond downtown

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) VISIT SAINT PAUL, PAUL VINCENT

Urban living isn’t limited to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul. Across the metro, mixed-use developments are creating neighborhoods where residents can live, work, shop, dine, and gather without traveling far from home. Together, these developments reflect a growing demand for connected, amenity-rich communities that make everyday life more convenient and engaging. The West End in St. Louis Park combines apartments, offices, restaurants, entertainment, and retail in a walkable district just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Nolan Mains in Edina blends residential living with shops, dining, and community spaces in the heart of the city’s vibrant 50th & France area. CityPlace in Woodbury continues to expand as a destination for housing, restaurants, retail, healthcare, and recreation.

Residents can spend an evening at the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market, catch a baseball game at CHS Field, or explore local galleries and live music venues. Grand Avenue, Cathedral Hill, and the growing Highland Bridge development continue to attract residents seeking walkable neighborhoods paired with historic character and modern conveniences. Highland Bridge, built on a former Ford assembly plant site, is a new urban village with housing, retail, ofﬁces, parks, and more than 55 acres of open space. Urban living in the Twin Cities is also increasingly connected by transit, trails, and public spaces. Metro Transit’s expanding network links many of the region’s major employment centers, entertainment districts, and destinations, while extensive bike and pedestrian infrastructure makes it easy to leave the car behind. Whether commuting downtown, heading to a concert, or biking around one of Minneapolis’ lakes, residents have multiple ways to move through the metro. The arts remain a deﬁning feature of Twin Cities life. Institutions like Hennepin Arts, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Minnesota Orchestra, and Walker Art Center anchor a nationally recognized cultural scene, while neighborhood theaters, galleries, festivals, and public art ensure creativity is woven into daily life.

Minneapolis’ North Loop

St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill

Food has become another major draw for the Twin Cities in recent years. Award-winning chefs, diverse immigrant-owned restaurants, food halls, breweries, and neighborhood favorites can be found throughout the region. In May 2026, Minneapolis was named one of National Geographic’s “15 Best Places in the World for Food Right Now”—the only continental U.S. city to make the list—earning praise for its creativity, diversity, and nationally influential Indigenous and Hmong culinary scenes. The publication highlighted standout restaurants including Vinai, Diane’s Place, Oro by Nixta, and Indígena by Owamni. Minneapolis hot spots like North Loop and Northeast, as well as St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill and West Seventh, continue to evolve into exciting and dynamic culinary destinations, giving residents new places to explore without venturing far from home. Even air travel feels easier here. The recently modernized MinneapolisSt. Paul International Airport is consistently ranked among North America’s top airports and serves as a major gateway for both business and leisure travel. Its convenient location, efficient operations, and extensive route network help connect Twin Cities residents to destinations around the world. Perhaps most importantly, urban living in the Twin Cities balances energy with accessibility. Residents can attend a major sporting event, explore a new restaurant, enjoy a concert, and still find themselves kayaking on the Mississippi River or walking along a neighborhood trail within minutes. It is this blend of culture, convenience, and connection that continues to make urban life in the Twin Cities so appealing.

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Communities around the Twin Cities highlight why the area is a great place to raise kids by JENNIFER PITTERLE

Family Ties Three Rivers Park District's day camp at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park. Above: Woodbury Stonemill Farms playground.

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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) EXPLORE MINNESOTA/DESTINATION WOODBURY, EXPLORE MINNESOTA/THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT

he Twin Cities consistently appears on “best places to raise a family” lists—and it makes sense. With excellent schools, a vibrant arts scene, well-funded municipal amenities, and a high density of parks and green spaces, the Twin Cities region goes above and beyond. Most communities offer a variety of housing options, from large single-family homes with big backyards to urban condos in walkable neighborhoods. For extra amenities, like pools and trails, check out one of the area’s master-planned communities. Club West in Blaine offers a fitness center, walking trails, a pool, a playground, and a fishing dock. Woodbury’s Stonemill Farms includes a soccer pitch, a splash pad, a hockey rink, pickleball courts, and five private neighborhood playgrounds. The Preserve in Eden Prairie welcomes residents to singlefamily homes, townhouses, or affordable apartments and features a sand-bottom swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, and five miles of walking trails. The area’s many lakes and waterways are a huge draw for families with children. Take sailing lessons on Lake Minnetonka, grab a picnic at Sea Salt near Minnehaha Falls, or walk the Stone Arch Bridge across the Mississippi River. For a quirky water-related stop, check out one of Eden Prairie’s natural springs—the Frederick-Miller and Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area springs run 24/7 and have been popular with visitors for more than 100 years for their tasty water and purported health benefits. Nature-based preschools and enrichment programs are also growing in

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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY, AIMEE PETERSON

Oakdale Library

popularity around the metro for families who are seeking community via the great outdoors. The Forest Friends group organizes meetups at a Minnetonka park, where young kids can explore nature together while parents socialize. Linden Hills Nature School, for ages 2 to 6, is one example of the many all- or mostly outdoor preschool programs that have proliferated in the Twin Cities in recent years. Three Rivers Park District offers classes and camps. To further connect with other young families, Twin Cities parents can take advantage of their community’s libraries, recreation programming, and community education opportunities—many of which are nationally recognized for how comprehensive and accessible they are. Preschoolers (and their parents) can enjoy early childhood-family education (ECFE) offerings in most area school districts. These range from drop-in open

gym time and dad-and-me classes to ﬁrst-time parent workshops and discussion groups on speciﬁc parenting topics— like parenting middle-school boys or transitioning from one to two kids. In many Twin Cities neighborhoods, a community center or central park acts as the beating heart—offering a gathering place for teens, childcare for busy parents, and athletic facilities. Woodbury’s beloved Central Park is an indoor green space with walking paths that stay warm and welcoming even during a Minnesota winter. In Maple Grove, visitors at the city’s Community Center can splash in one of the pools, get their wiggles out at the indoor playground, or enjoy a lap around the outdoor iceskating loop under a winter sky. In Eden Prairie, the Art Center offers classes, camps, and workshops for all ages, and the Community Center’s stateof-the-art indoor pools are a perfect

respite during winter days. A zeroentry pool for the youngest swimmers is complete with a mini slide, tilting splash buckets, fountains, and more. Just across the street, Round Lake Park has a manageably sized swimming beach on the lake, a splash pad, tennis courts, and a park building that can be rented for events. Other family-friendly pools around the Twin Cities include the Edina Aquatic Center, a sprawling outdoor complex with something for everyone, and the Como Regional Park Pool in St. Paul, which features an aquatic climbing wall and a lazy river. Minneapolis’ extensive park system includes more than 50 wading pools all over the city, open during the summer, and three splash pads at Currie, Franklin Steele, and Phelps parks. An often-underrated gathering place in any city is the public library—and here in the Twin Cities, libraries offer up more than reading material, with classes, story times, and more. Minneapolis, St. Paul, and their suburbs are primarily served by the Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington county library systems, plus the Saint Paul Public Library system. Check out the beautiful children’s area at Ramsey County Library’s Roseville branch, which features large play installations and colorful toys, or Dakota County’s Apple Valley branch, whose kids’ area includes a giant “lite brite” wall with colorful pegs—plus a bevy of great books, of course.

•

MY TWIN CITIES

Aimee Peterson

Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, Maple Grove

“I think community centers and parks are really the heart of a community, because they create spaces where people naturally come together. … What makes these spaces so important is that they serve everyone. You see kids, teens, families, and older adults all using them in different ways, but all feeling connected to the same community. A family might remember learning to skate together, spending summer nights at the splash pad, or attending a community event at Town Green, and those moments really matter.”

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West End, St. Louis Park Caption here

E S R H F

STARTS THE T WIN CITIE S OFFER S E VERY THING YOUNG RE SIDENT S NEED TO THRIVE B OTH PER S ONALLY AND PR OFE S SIONALLY

n 2024, online rental marketplace Zumper ranked Minneapolis the No. 1 city for recent college grads in the U.S. Since then, numerous studies have only reinforced this reputation, with Minneapolis consistently rising to the top as a premier destination for Gen Z residents, career acceleration, and work-life balance. It all paints a clear picture: The North Star State is an increasingly attractive home base for young

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professionals. From neighborhood hubs to social events, here’s how young residents can make connections and build meaningful lives in the Twin Cities.

Where to Meet Situated just northwest of downtown Minneapolis, the North Loop neighborhood has blossomed over the past two decades, thanks to a high concentration of young residents. Here, a range of living options, from

high-end, amenity-rich towers like North Loop Green to smaller-scale apartments and adaptive reuse lofts like ElseWharehouse and Duffey Lofts, accommodate a mix of earlycareer renters and more established professionals. Within just a few blocks, residents have access to nationally acclaimed restaurants alongside luxury shopping destinations like MartinPatrick3. Meanwhile, the district’s proximity to the Mississippi

PHOTO DISCOVER ST. LOUIS PARK

by EMMA ENEBAK

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Foodie Finds

PHOTO THE BEER DABBLER

Winter Beer Dabbler, St. Paul

River and Target Field—home of the Minnesota Twins—adds to its constant sense of movement and activity. Stretching out along the glistening Chain of Lakes in South Minneapolis, Uptown offers a more eclectic counterpoint to the North Loop. Renters have access to a diverse range of living options, from high-end apartment buildings like The Bohen and Boutique 28 to character-filled brownstones like The Uplands. Many young people also opt to rent from an array of historic single-family homes situated near Bde Maka Ska or Lake of the Isles, which hug the district’s urban pavements to the west, providing easy access to beaches, dog parks, and paved walking trails. Regarded as Minnesota’s first urban neighborhood, the West Seventh district of St. Paul is over 170 years old and brims with both historical charm and modern recreation. The area is quickly becoming a hub for young people and offers a wide range of housing options, from the historic Schmidt Artist Lofts to newer apartment communities like Oxbo Urban Rentals. Residents also benefit from close proximity to downtown St. Paul, the Mississippi River trail system, and major event venues like Grand Casino Arena and Palace Theatre. Less than 20 minutes southwest of Minneapolis, downtown Hopkins offers a more grounded, suburban alternative to the bustle of inner-city neighborhoods—without sacrificing convenience, walkability, and cultural energy.

Hopkins’ highly connected downtown features a mix of mid-rise apartments, rental houses, and condos. Popular living options include luxury apartments like The Moline and Ovation, and affordable, mixed-income complexes like The Burnes Building, all within walking distance of Mainstreet’s dining and nightlife options, as well as bike and pedestrian trails. Buzzy dining options like Pink Ivy Kitchen & Bar and vibrant community events like the historic Raspberry Festival add variety to everyday life. Just a 10-minute drive west of downtown Minneapolis, St. Louis Park boasts one of the densest suburban concentrations of young professionals in the metro. This population tends to cluster near the highly walkable Shops at West End, a 13-acre mixed-use shopping and entertainment hub packed with trendy dining and nightlife spots, boutique ﬁtness studios, a luxury movie theater, and modern apartment communities. To keep pace with its rapid growth, St. Louis Park has welcomed over 800 new apartment complexes since 2013, many situated within walking distance of West End—including modern luxury living options like Arlo West End, Talo Apartments, The Flats at West End, and more.

Where to Connect Building community as a young professional often begins with developing hobbies and passions outside of the workplace. In the Twin Cities, there is a vast network of options.

Large-scale foodie events and year-round classes offer young Twin Cities residents even more chances to connect with each other. • Minnesota Monthly’s Food & Wine Experience (Minneapolis) and GrillFest (St. Paul) • MinnesoThai Street Food Festival, St. Louis Park • Winter Beer Dabbler, St. Paul • Minnesota State Fair, held just minutes from downtown St. Paul each August • Signature cooking classes and tasting experiences also draw crowds at culinary shops including France 44 and Cooks of Crocus Hill and dedicated cooking schools like Way Cool Cooking School

Minneapolis is a hub for athletes, runners, and gym rats alike, building communities through boutique ﬁtness studios like The Grind MPLS, Alchemy 365, and Rêve Studios. Prefer to walk it out? The Sunday Morning Club is a locally founded, female-only community that meets regularly for outdoor walks and talks. Bikers also ﬁnd a vibrant home in Minneapolis with community groups like Midtown Cycling Club and Twin Cities Bicycling Club and advocacy groups like Our Streets Minneapolis. For creatives, the Twin Cities’ thriving arts ecosystem offers countless ways to plug in. Young residents regularly gather at live music venues like First Avenue and Fine Line, independent bookstores like Magers & Quinn Booksellers, and community-driven arts spaces such as the Northrup King Building and the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Seasonal art crawls, gallery nights, and makers markets also provide opportunities to meet fellow creatives and entrepreneurs, in addition to centrally located, nationally acclaimed institutions.

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Walker Art Center

A tour through the theaters, museums, and artistic spaces across the Twin Cities by EMMA ENEBAK

n 2026, Minnesota once again ranked ﬁrst nationally in arts spending, with a per capita investment of $7.85—roughly 318% higher than the national average. The data communicates a simple truth: The arts matter deeply to Minnesotans. From operas and ballets to boundary-pushing multimedia installations, these are the experiences you can’t miss.

Children’s Theatre Co.

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The pulsing heart of Minnesota’s theater scene lies along Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, where the historic theaters—the Orpheum, State, and Pantages—together comprise Hennepin Arts. All three regularly host touring Broadway shows, from classics like “Wicked” to new productions like “Purple Rain.” Hennepin Arts also operates Dudley Riggs Theatre, best known as the home of Brave New Workshop — the longest-running satirical sketch comedy and improv theater company in the United States. Not far away, the blue metal-plated Guthrie Theater sits at the edge of the Mississippi, producing a mix of contemporary and classic plays across its three stages while offering stunning skyline views from its yellow-tinted Amber Box observation room. For those seeking dinner alongside the performance, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres—just southwest of Minneapolis—has long been a destination for lavish musical productions and classic supper-club charm. Meanwhile, families with kiddos ﬂock to Children’s Theatre Co., widely regarded as the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theater for multigenerational audiences.

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) MEET MINNEAPOLIS/WALKER ART CENTER, MEET MINNEAPOLIS/DAN NORMAN/CTC

Cultural Canvas

Center Stage

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American Swedish Institute’s Midsommar celebration

Across the river in St. Paul, an array of historic theaters, including the Fitzgerald Theater, the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, Palace Theatre, and more, welcome off-Broadway shows and touring concerts alike. Signature experiences also ﬂourish at award-winning venues like History Theatre, which brings Minnesota’s past to life through original productions and musicals, and Penumbra Theatre, Minnesota’s only Black professional theater company.

PHOTO MEET MINNEAPOLIS/MICHELLE LEE/AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE

Gallery Hopping Whether you’re seeking contemporary art or historical artifacts, the Minneapolis Institute of Art houses a collection of over 100,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of global history—all with free admission. Not far away, the Walker Art Center presents a dynamic mix of locally produced multimedia exhibitions alongside works by renowned 20thcentury artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Just outside Walker’s doors, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden features 11 acres of thought-provoking, large-scale sculptures.

The Twin Cities also offers countless opportunities to engage with history, science, and global culture through institutions like the Science Museum of Minnesota, American Swedish Institute, Minnesota Children’s Museum, The Museum of Russian Art, and the Minnesota History Center, among many others. A ﬁxture of the Minneapolis riverfront, the Mill City Museum is perhaps the state’s most locally rooted museum experience—a National Historic Landmark that traces Minneapolis’ history as the ﬂour milling capital of the world.

Art in Motion From world-class dance companies like Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota and Minnesota Dance Theatre to award-winning musical groups including the Minnesota Opera and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Twin Cities has long been a premier hub for the performing arts. Whether you’re dressing to the nines for a performance by the Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis or throwing on a vintage tee for an up-and-coming

indie act at nearby First Avenue, there’s an experience for every audience. Global traditions and cross-cultural storytelling also play a central role in the Twin Cities’ performing arts ecosystem. Ragamala Dance Co. blends the ancient traditions of South Indian dance with contemporary influences, while Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre channels the spirit of Spanish flamenco through bold choreography and live music. Gravity-defying acrobatics define Circus Juventas, the largest performing arts circus school for youth in North America, where theatrical storytelling meets jaw-dropping athleticism.

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More to Explore

To keep up with Minnesota’s vibrant and dynamic arts scene, head to Minnesota Monthly’s Arts & Entertainment page.

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Graco Park

H E

G R E A

OUTDOORS NATUR AL BE AUT Y IS E VERY WHERE IN THE T WIN CITIE S, A ND PARK SYS TEMS MAK E IT E ASY TO FORM DEEPER C ONNEC TION S W ITH THE L A ND AND WATER by DANIELLE FIELDS

innesotans have long been known to embrace all seasons—and that is not by accident. The Twin Cities region is designed so that its residents can easily access the natural splendor and fully enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature. In summertime, you can admire the falls and dine alfresco at Minnehaha Regional Park; in winter,

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cross-country ski for miles in daylight or under the lights at Theodore Wirth Regional Park; in fall, admire the fall colors on a bike ride through Elm Creek Regional Park; or enjoy the ﬁrst sights and sounds of springtime around one of the region’s many lakes. We owe this abundance of green spaces to the region’s superb park district systems. Not only have they

actively protected and nurtured the parks, waterways, and trails that make the Twin Cities such a joyful place to live, but they also go the extra step to involve the community in the effort.

Minneapolis Minneapolis’ nickname is “City of Lakes,” and it is home to more than a dozen of them, in addition to creeks,

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Highwood Hills

600,000 trees, and the Mississippi River, which cuts through the city and continues into St. Paul. Caring for these resources is paramount for the city, according to Al Bangoura, superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The access to natural beauty is wide ranging. Narrow your search by visiting your nearest recreation centers and public park buildings (of which there are more than 50) that are staffed with supervisors who routinely put on an array of community programs and events. Visit minneapolisparks.org/register and browse program offerings by park, keyword, or one of 13 activity categories. One of Bangoura’s favorite sites is the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. “This world-renowned trail offers more than 50 miles of continuous, off-street walk and bike trails that provide access to dozens of iconic park locations—Minnehaha Falls, Mississippi Riverfront, Stone Arch Bridge, Chain of Lakes, Victory Memorial Parkway, Minnehaha Creek, and more,” he says. Want to give back to Mother Nature? The Park and Recreation Board has ongoing volunteer opportunities, one-time opportunities, coaching, and more.

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD, ST. PAUL PARKS AND RECREATION

St. Paul In Minnesota’s capital city, access to green spaces and making nature a part of everyday life are pillars of St. Paul Parks and Recreation. For Andy Rodriguez, director of parks and recreation, it’s about more than exploring the river bluffs, lakes, and urban parks that make the city special—it’s also about instilling pride and stewardship in the place residents call home. “That connection is fostered through planning free public events in these spaces; offering affordable ﬁeld trips for youth, seniors, and families; and ensuring we’re equitably building amenities in neighborhoods across St. Paul,” he says. Enjoy free music or movies in parks all summer, volunteer at citywide

cleanup events, or serve as an ambassador for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “When people feel connected to their environment, they’re more likely to spend time outdoors, which supports physical and mental health. It also strengthens community—parks are where neighbors meet, families gather, and cultures come together,” Rodriguez says. “Ultimately, our goal is to make it easy for every resident to step outside and feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves.”

Surrounding Suburbs Natural beauty extends into the suburbs. In the west suburban metro, Three Rivers Park District offers more than 27,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks, trails, and special-use

facilities. More than 16 million annual visitors take advantage of the extensive trail system for hiking, biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and snowshoeing; and program sites for nature, recreation, and historic and farm education. In the north metro, Anoka County Parks is home to 11,500 acres of open space. Join a guided walk to observe birds, explore 85 miles of trails, or take to the canoe or kayak on the Mississippi River Trail. In the south, Carver County Parks operates three parks and extensive regional trails and offers unique opportunities like a free pontoon shuttle service to Coney Island on Lake Waconia, with guided hikes that highlight the island’s history, scenery, and natural features.

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Strength In Numbers

Find motivation for movement in any season with these group-based outdoor activities

The Loppet Ski Club: Minneapolis-based nonprofit the Loppet Foundation has yearround programming. Join their ski club in the winter, where all abilities can explore Theodore Wirth Regional Park trails while improving their technical skills. loppet.org Mill City Running: Join free group runs for all paces every week from the Northeast Minneapolis and Highland running store locations, where you’ll explore routes with

50 to 100 runners on any given outing. Don’t miss their famous Flapjack Fridays for a tasty post-jog treat. millcityrunning.com As You Go MPLS: Stay up to date on the latest new bike lanes and sidewalks in Minneapolis with As You Go MPLS events, operated by Minneapolis Public Works. Learn about new ways to get around in your community and celebrate infrastructure with neighbors. minneapolismn.gov

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With major firms and a favorable work-life balance, the Twin Cities makes a desirable home base to build a career by TODD KORTEMEIER

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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) 3M, TARGET

Good Business

3M Global Headquarters, below: Target employees

he climate of the Twin Cities is known for variability. From crisp winter mornings to idyllic summer nights, Minnesota’s seasons offer many different ways to enjoy the North Star State. But if we’re talking about the Twin Cities’ business climate? That’s always 72 degrees and sunny. The Twin Cities region has been a hub of industry for generations. It’s where iconic American products were born, from Post-it notes to Cheerios. In the 2026 edition of the Fortune 500 list, Minnesota boasts 18 entries, almost all located in the Twin Cities metro. Beyond being an ideal location for a corporate headquarters, the Twin Cities is a great place for people to live and work. According to Elevate Leadership, Minneapolis ranks No. 1 in a study of cities offering the best work-life balance. St. Paul ranks eighth, with both cities receiving an A+ grade. The State of the Nation Project ranked Minnesota No. 1 in quality of life in 2026, especially in categories such as employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate. The fertile business environment of the Twin Cities is backed by robust infrastructure that makes it easy to commute. Despite a population of nearly 4 million, the Twin Cities boasted the shortest average commute (24.1 minutes) among the 30 largest metro areas in the U.S. in a 2026 census survey. Whether you’re heading to work or exploring in your

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United Healthcare Corporate Headquarters

downtime, you’ll do it with relative ease around the Twin Cities.

Business Capitals Some of the largest companies in the world call the Twin Cities home, with 16 of Minnesota’s 18 Fortune 500 companies located around the metro. While that total number trails much larger states like California and Texas, Minnesota ranks third nationally in number of Fortune 500 companies per capita. And among the 30 largest U.S. metros, the Twin Cities metro ranks No. 1 in that metric. The region’s roster of Fortune 500 companies is headlined by Eden Prairie-based UnitedHealth Group, which ranked No. 3 on the 2026 list. The insurance and managed care giant employs approximately 400,000 people

and does well over $400 billion in revenue annually. Seven metro-area ﬁrms rank among Fortune’s top 250: Target (42), U.S. Bancorp (110), Best Buy (113), CHS (130), 3M (183), General Mills (227), and Ameriprise Financial (230).

Growing Your Network With so many major corporations here, there are ample opportunities to network with other professionals. Whether you are looking to expand your network or break into a new industry, odds are there is a resource or group for you. For those who are just starting out in their career, consider an event from Young Professionals of Minneapolis. Through diverse events like panel discussions, social mixers, and workshops, young professionals are able to collaborate and make connections.

Network in Action is a nationwide system of networking groups, with multiple chapters around the Twin Cities. Groups feature different specialties, activities, and locations. The Dot Twin Cities is designed speciﬁcally for women in business, with events that aim to be both educational and inspirational. And Twin Cities Professionals of Color hosts regular events for members to connect and converse. Looking to make a career change, or get some advice on your next move? The University of Minnesota Career Counseling and Assessment Clinic has helped

people in the Twin Cities make career transitions since the 1970s. Through assessments and expert guidance, the clinic’s counselors can help professionals at any stage of their careers. Be sure to plan ahead, though: Their in-demand services have a waitlist. And if Minnesota is where you’ve come to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true, the state offers numerous resources for startups and small businesses. Information on loan guarantee programs, emerging entrepreneur loans, and other assistance is available through the Small Business and Innovation Office. It’s all designed to ensure Minnesota remains a nurturing hub for business well into the future.

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT

Jill Pavlak & Deb Loch

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) ADOBE/JHVE PHOTO, JILL PAVLAK

Urban Growler Brewing Co.

The impetus for starting a brewery was simple for Jill Pavlak and Deb Loch: They love craft beer. But when they had the idea for what would become Urban Growler Brewing Co. in 2008, Minnesota’s craft beer scene felt a bit exclusive. They set out to change that. “Our core value from day 1 was to flip that script and create a space where absolutely everyone felt welcome,” says Pavlak, the brewery’s “co-head honcho,” while Loch is its master brewer. When Urban Growler ultimately opened in St. Paul in July 2014, it was the first women-owned microbrewery in the state. Pavlak looks back on it as a “massive leap of faith,” but one that has proven only more rewarding in the dozen years since. She credits their success to their resilient community, incredible guests, and amazing staff, as well as the local leaders and fellow breweries who have helped form a positive business environment in the Twin Cities. “The Twin Cities is a place that values authenticity, and when you build a business here on a foundation of real community and care, people will show up for you and lift you up when it matters most,” Pavlak says.

Deb Loch (left) and Jill Pavlak

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Volunteering with Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants

L E C T I V L O

CARE HOW YOU CAN SUPP OR T LOCAL OR GANIZ ATIONS THAT ENRICH THE LIV E S OF T W IN CITIE S RE SIDENT S IN NEED

t’s no secret that Minnesotans care about their neighbors—in fact, Minnesota is currently ranked the fourth most charitable state by WalletHub. To give in the North Star State is to embody the true spirit of “Minnesota Nice,” and there is no shortage of philanthropic opportunities to engage with if you’re searching for ways to give back to your community. Following are just a few of the many ways you can get started.

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Where Hope Lives According to the Minnesota Housing Agency, about 20,000 people go unhoused in Minnesota each year. One in four Minnesotans pays more than they can afford in housing, and people of color are 2.6 times more likely than white residents to be severely cost burdened. There are a variety of organizations with volunteer opportunities that help combat the issue of housing insecurity. Agate Housing and Services helps to

ensure every person and family has a safe and stable place to live in the Twin Cities. In 2025, Agate’s street outreach team helped connect 1,655 unhoused individuals with shelter and resources and provided personalized support for ﬁnding and keeping stable housing to 2,277 people. Volunteer opportunities with Agate include lunch services for homeless shelters, hygiene kit donation and delivery, and welcome basket creation and delivery.

PHOTO CAPI/ALEXI KLEINSCHMIDT

by MADELINE FUERSTENBERG

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vides extensive services for immigrants and refugees in the metro area, aiming to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals. In 2024, CAPI raised $11.5 million for more than 10,000 individuals in need. CAPI volunteers can engage with several areas of need within the organization, including stocking shelves at the CAPI food shelf, doing outreach through the Civic Engagement Team, helping individuals prepare resumes, and more. “Community is at the heart of everything we do,” says CAPI Development & Communications Director Monique Hernandez. “We keep moving because we care about our participants, and we care that they receive culturally grounded and community-centered services.” Neighborhood-speciﬁc organizations in Minneapolis like Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association offer cash assistance for renters facing ﬁnancial hardship, while Washburn Cares supports the basic needs of Washburn students—especially those who are homeless or new residents to the U.S. The Church of Ascension Immigrant Emergency Fund supports immigrant

families in North Minneapolis, while the Joyce Uptown Foodshelf distributes groceries to families in need across the Uptown neighborhood. More organizations that specialize in housing and food assistance include Arrive Ministries, a resettlement agency for refugees and immigrants; Catholic Charities Twin Cities, which offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, and affordable housing solutions; Avivo Village, an indoor, low-barrier, “tiny house” shelter in Minneapolis; Lutheran Social Service of MN , which offers housing support services, eviction prevention, and affordable housing services; and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, which builds, repairs, and sells homes.

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Empowering the Community Although housing and food security are vital, civic and social programs often reach far beyond meeting basic needs. The Minneapolis Foundation specializes in facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities. Its mission is to promote civic participation and leadership, foster connection and inclusion, increase access to opportunity, and dismantle barriers held in place by inequity. Featured initiatives at the foundation include the Climate Action and Racial Equity Fund; Fourth Generation, a hands-on experience for rising leaders who care about local issues and want to make a larger impact; the Fund for Safe Communities; the OneMPLS Fund, which pools money meeting emergency needs across the community; and more. Unidos MN is a grassroots organization that aims to empower working families to advance social, racial, and economic justice for everyone, regardless of immigration status, age, race, or gender. Key issues addressed by Unidos MN are climate justice, housing insecurity, healthcare advocacy, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. To support Unidos MN, donations can be made online. Voices for Racial Justice is a multiracial organization that builds power among Black, Indigenous, and communities of color throughout the state to improve the quality of life for those groups. The organization emphasizes the importance of teaching leaders to recognize and identify the impacts of white supremacy and the way it shapes lives by creating systemic barriers to racial and economic justice. Promoting education equity, inﬂuencing policy, and promoting civic engagement are all core tenets of Voices for Racial Justice. The organization also is raising funds for rent relief among

MY TWIN CITIES

Katie Howlett

Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Special Olympics Minnesota Special Olympics Minnesota is best known for providing yearround sports training and athletic competitions for people with intellectual disabilities, but in truth, its impact goes well beyond sports— the organization also provides free healthcare screenings, leadership trainings, and inclusive school programming. “Sports is the catalyst, but we’re seeking to make Minnesota more inclusive across all sectors,” says Katie Howlett, vice president of marketing and communications. One of the most rewarding parts of getting involved, she says, is the sense of joy and community. “Whether someone signs up for a four-hour event shift or gets more involved as a coach or team assistant, there are so many ways to be a part of our life-changing mission. At the end of the day, it’s about connection. Everyone leaves feeling proud to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

Minnesota’s immigrant families via donation. Donations can be made at voicesforracialjustice.org. In times of uncertainty, the strength of Minnesota communities continues to shine through acts of compassion, advocacy, and collective care. From providing emergency housing and food assistance to empowering immigrant families and advancing racial and economic justice, these organizations reﬂect the deep-rooted belief that every neighbor deserves dignity, stability, and opportunity.

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PHOTO MICK SCHULTE

Similarly, Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI) pro-

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Healthcare

HCMC

The Medical

Mecca

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) HENNEPIN HEALTHCARE, FAIRVIEW HEALTH SERVICES

M I N N E S O TA H A S L O N G B E E N

Masonic Children’s Hospital

at the forefront of medical innovation and care. The first openheart surgery and the first pancreas transplant were both performed at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and the university and pioneering medical device company Medtronic developed the first wearable, battery-operated cardiac pacemaker. In the Twin Cities, residents will find that this commitment to high-quality care perseveres. In 2025, 12 Minnesota hospitals were ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report— and nine of those are in the Twin Cities metro. At the time of the ranking’s release, Senior Health Data Analyst Chelsey Wen at U.S. News & World Report mused that it revealed “an outstanding picture for Minnesotans.” Beyond the exceptional hospital care, the Twin Cities region is home to several large and well-respected healthcare systems with extensive clinic networks, making routine and specialized care highly accessible for residents. Twin Cities Living has put together a guide to these providers to help you assemble your best care team.

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Health Care Healthcare

Hospital System

Checkup An overview of the Twin Cities region’s awardwinning, internationally known hospital systems

Minneapolis

Rochester

For more than 100 years, Fairview has been an anchor institution serving Minnesotans, with the belief that every patient and family choosing its services should feel known, safe, and cared for—and that the communities it serves should benefit from its efforts. With 10 hospitals and more than 100 primary and specialty care clinics, Fairview is one of Minnesota’s largest and most accessible healthcare systems. It’s home to the University of Minnesota Medical Center, the Twin Cities’ No. 1 hospital in 2025, and Masonic Children’s Hospital, the top-ranked children’s hospital—as well as many highly recognized community hospitals.

Though it’s not in the Twin Cities, any Minnesota resident should take note of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, which is ranked the No. 1 hospital in the world by Newsweek and has the most top-ranked specialties in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Less than a 2-hour drive from the metro, Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester (Level I Trauma) is made up of the Methodist Campus and Saint Marys Campus, and is also home to Mayo’s Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital (Level I Pediatric Trauma). A key facility in the Twin Cities is Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, which offers orthopedics and sports medicine services.

Waconia Robbinsdale The North Memorial Health system has two hospitals, North Memorial Health Hospital (Level I Adult Trauma) in Robbinsdale and North Memorial Health Hospital (Level IV Trauma Center) in Maple Grove.

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This regional healthcare system serving the southwest Twin Cities metro includes Ridgeview Waconia Campus, Ridgeview Arlington Campus, and Ridgeview Le Sueur Campus—as well as primary and specialty care clinics, and the urgent care facility Two Twelve Medical Center in Chaska.

Minneapolis Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital. Its clinic system includes primary care clinics located in Minneapolis in the North Loop, East Lake Street, and Whittier neighborhoods, as well as in Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village.

Minneapolis Allina Health is a nonprofit healthcare system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In addition to a Twin Cities metro and outstate Minnesota hospital system, it also includes institutes for key specialties: Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, Allina Health Cancer Institute, and Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute. Allina Health’s key partnerships include a health plan (Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Co.), The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern and Children’s Minnesota, and more than 50 WestHealth family and specialty care clinics. The Twin Cities network of member hospitals is led by Abbott Northwestern Hospital (ranked No. 2 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, according to U.S. News & World Report) in Minneapolis and United Hospital in St. Paul. Additional hospital locations include Buffalo Hospital, Cambridge Medical Center, Mercy Hospital (Coon Rapids), Mercy Hospital-Unity Campus (Fridley), and United Hospital-Hastings Regina Campus.

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Dental care for the whole family.

Call today for a free cosmetic smile evaluation

952-447-4611 mypriorlakedentist.com

16670 Franklin Trail, Prior Lake, MN 55372

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Health Care Healthcare

Sanford Health and North Memorial Health to Merge S A N F O R D H E A L T H , the nation’s

Shakopee St. Francis Regional Medical Center is owned by three systems: Allina Health, HealthPartners Park Nicollet, and Essentia Health. It provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care services on a collaborative medical campus in Shakopee with more than 30 affiliated clinics and 450 providers in the community.

Bloomington This integrated organization runs a network of facilities under HealthPartners, Park Nicollet, Virtuwell, and TRIA. Hospital facilities in the Twin Cities region include Regions Hospital in St. Paul (Level I Trauma), Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, and Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater. Other key services include HealthPartners Neuroscience Center, HealthPartners Specialty Center 401 Building, and HealthPartners Specialty Center 435 Building, all in St. Paul; Struthers Parkinson’s Center (Golden Valley and St. Paul), Melrose Center for the treatment of eating disorders (St. Paul, Woodbury, Burnsville, St. Louis Park, Maple Grove), and TRIA orthopedic and sports medicine clinics.

Minneapolis One of the largest freestanding children’s healthcare organizations in the U.S., the system includes two hospitals—Children’s MinnesotaMinneapolis (Level I Pediatric Trauma) and Children’s Minnesota-St. Paul—as well as primary and specialty care clinics, and rehabilitation sites. A longstanding relationship with Allina Health includes The Mother Baby Center and the Michael and Ann Ciresi Midwest Fetal Care Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital (Minneapolis), as well as The Mother Baby Center locations at Mercy Hospital (Coon Rapids) and United Hospital (St. Paul).

leading rural nonprofit health system, based in South Dakota, and Twin Cities nonprofit health system North Memorial Health signed a definitive agreement in spring 2026 to come together as a single nonprofit health system. The merger, which is expected to be finalized later in 2026, plans to invest $600 million in Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals, and to sustain critical safety-net services. The merger will:

• Modernize and sustain Level 1 trauma and emergency services at North Memorial Health– Robbinsdale Hospital

• Double the size of North Memorial Health–Maple Grove Hospital, growing Minnesota’s largest birth center, expanding emergency care, and adding inpatient and surgical capacity

• Serve as the backbone of MinneSt. Paul Gillette Children’s is located in St. Paul and is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center with Regions Hospital (which is located on the same campus). It also cares for brain, bone, and movement conditions needing specialized expertise. Other clinics in the Twin Cities metro include Burnsville, Maple Grove, and Phalen.

sota’s EMS system, connecting patients across rural and urban communities to lifesaving care

• Expand access to expert care, mental health services, and cutting-edge therapies and treatments

• Accelerate clinical innovation and new care models

Find Your Care Team Researching care providers can be an overwhelming task. Through a comprehensive peer review process, we have identified the top Minnesota doctors representing 100 specialties. Scan the QR code to search for your next doctor!

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PHOTO CHILDREN’S MINNESOTA

Children’s Minnesota

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Education

Saint Paul Public Schools

Back to School World-class teachers, student-focused programs, and deep family-school connections help make the Twin Cities’ education options some of the best in the nation by JENNIFER PITTERLE

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) SAINT PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS/SCOTT STREBLE, BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S/C.T. RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

T H E T W I N C I T I E S ’ education

landscape reﬂects Minnesota’s long reputation for strong schools, innovative programs, and real access to learning—from preschool to college and beyond. From early childhood education through K-12 and into nationally recognized colleges and universities, the region offers families a wide range of high-quality options. Public, private, charter, and online schools continue to evolve to meet changing student needs, while local institutions emphasize inclusion, academic excellence, and career readiness. In a state that consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders for education, the Twin Cities stands out as a hub for lifelong learning.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s School

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Education

Saint Paul Public Schools

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is about more than academics. It’s about ﬁnding a community where children can explore their interests, build friendships, and develop the skills they’ll carry into adulthood. Across the Twin Cities, public schools offer opportunities designed to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. The seven-county metro is home to more than 50 public school districts that serve hundreds of thousands of students, with options that reﬂect the region’s diversity. From neighborhood elementary schools to large, comprehensive high schools, districts throughout the Twin Cities are creating environments where students feel a sense of support and belonging, with initiatives focused on mental health,

PHOTO SAINT PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Public & Charter Schools

F O R M A N Y F A M I L I E S , choosing a school

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MY TWIN CITIES

Linda “Wally” Wallenberg

English, Eden Prairie High School 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year

How long have you been teaching in the Twin Cities? I’m just wrapping up my 50th year at Eden Prairie High School. I was also a finalist for National Teacher of the Year, and I had so much opportunity to sing Minnesota’s praises to teachers from all over the country.

Together toward greatness. To us, community isn’t merely a collection of people. It isn’t just a place. Community is an action.

PHOTO LINDA WALLENBERG

In your Teacher of the Year travels, what did you share about the education system in Minnesota? People are always curious about the snow! But I love sharing that we are a sturdy and steady group here in Minnesota, and we love to teach. Minnesotans are filled with hope. Education is all about harvesting hope, and there is no better place than Minnesota to find people who are hope harvesters. What sets Minnesota schools apart from others? We have a dedication and commitment to schools here. When things get tough, Minnesotans get tougher. It takes a village, and teachers believe every single person has a part in that village—not just those of us who are in front of the students, teaching algebra or comma rules or geography. We see the children in our schools as beacons and leaders in our communities, and teachers are a community of believers.

Preschool-Grade 12 One Campus | Golden Valley breckschool.org

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Education

Minneapolis Public Schools

outdoor and nature-based education, career pathways, and more. Academic achievement remains a hallmark of many local districts. Minneapolis Public Schools and Saint Paul Public Schools, for example, offer robust programming that includes language immersion, International Baccalaureate pathways, career and technical education, and college-credit opportunities. In top-ranked Twin Cities suburban districts like Wayzata, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and Edina, students have access to rigorous coursework, high graduation rates, and a broad range of enrichment opportunities. Those extracurricular activities play a central role in building community for students and their families. There are athletics, theater productions, robotics teams, debate clubs, student government, service organizations—you name it. Suburban district Lakeville is known

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for strong athletic participation, while north-metro Robbinsdale has earned recognition for its extensive ﬁne arts offerings, including music, theater, dance, media arts, and visual arts. Minnesota’s charter schools add another layer of choice for families. As the birthplace of the charter school movement, the state is home to more than 180 charter schools, many of which offer specialized educational approaches or areas of focus. These publicly funded, tuition-free schools are open to all students and often attract families seeking smaller class sizes or a curriculum centered on a particular interest. Some charter schools emphasize rigorous, college-prep academics, including Math and Science Academy in Woodbury, Nova Classical Academy in St. Paul, Eagle Ridge Academy in Minnetonka, and St. Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater. Others focus on speciﬁc passions and talents. The Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing

Artists and the Performing Institute of Minnesota Arts provide opportunities for students to pursue intensive artistic training while completing their academic studies. Language immersion is another area where Minnesota schools stand out. Families can choose from programs focused on Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Korean, and other languages through both public and charter schools. Institutions such as Yinghua Academy in Minneapolis, Twin Cities German Immersion School in St. Paul, and Lakes International Language Academy in Forest Lake give students the opportunity to develop multilingual skills while gaining exposure to different cultures and perspectives. Whether families prioritize academics, arts, athletics, language learning, or career preparation, Twin Cities schools offer pathways for students to discover their strengths and become engaged members of their communities—a pathway for each and every child.

•

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) SAINT PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS, MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Saint Paul Public Schools

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Find your place. Prepare for what’s next. At Osseo Area Schools, students discover their path and build the skills, confidence and connections for what’s next.

STRONG ACADEMICS

BELONGING & SUPPORT

PATHWAYS & OPPORTUNITIES

Dream. Explore. Discover.

Explore schools and enrollment options. osseoschools.org

Schools designed fo f r every path.

OPEN HOUSE October 24, 2026

LOWER SCHOOL (PRE-K TO GRADE 5) 9:00-11:00 AM MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL (GRADES 6 TO 12) 12:30-3:00 PM

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Education

Private Schools T H E T W I N C I T I E S ’ private schools offer

educational experiences that are tailored to speciﬁc values, learning styles, or community priorities. While aca-

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demic rigor remains a common draw, parents often choose private education for reasons that extend beyond test scores—from faith-based instruction

and specialized teaching philosophies to smaller class sizes and close-knit school communities. Faith-based education remains a popular choice throughout the region. Catholic schools make up a signiﬁcant portion of the metro’s private school options, with institutions like Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, Visitation School in Mendota Heights, Providence Academy in Plymouth, Benilde-St. Margaret’s in St. Louis Park, and Academy of Holy Angels in Richﬁeld, serving students from elementary through high school. Many of these schools combine rigorous academics with service-learning opportunities, leadership development, and a strong sense of community rooted in shared values.

PHOTO MINNEHAHA ACADEMY

Minnehaha Academy

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Inspire. Empower. Excel.

• • • • •

Full-day PreK for 4-year-olds Early childhood programs PreK-12 Spanish dual language immersion program PreK-12 STEM programming Award-winning middle and high schools

Learn more & enroll:

YOU B BE L O N G H E R E

richfieldschools.org/enroll enroll@rpsmn.org 612-798-6007

Our focus on student engagement and strong connections is the cornerstone of all learning environments. Discover the advantages of our small schools with big opportunities. Learn More Visit district112.org to learn more about ECCS. Take a Tour Request a school tour using eccs.mn/tour. Enroll Online Use eccs.mn/enroll to start your child's enrollment.

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Mounds Park Academy

Beyond Catholic education, families can also choose from Jewish or other Christian denomination-afﬁliated schools. Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Smith Jewish Academy in Minneapolis, Concordia Academy in Roseville, Torah Academy of Minnesota in St. Louis Park, and Heritage Christian Academy in Maple Grove, integrate faith into daily learning while offering robust extracurricular programs, athletics, ﬁne arts opportunities, and college-preparatory coursework. For families seeking a nonsectarian environment, the Twin Cities is also home to several highly regarded independent schools. Institutions like The Blake School with campuses in Hopkins and Minneapolis, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, and Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul,

Groves Learning Organization

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are known for challenging academics, extensive arts and athletics programs, and a focus on developing critical thinking and leadership skills. These schools often emphasize experiential learning, global perspectives, and meaningful student engagement. The lower student-to-teacher ratios common in private schools can allow for more individualized instruction and stronger relationships between students’ families and school. Groves Learning Organization in St. Louis Park, for example, specializes in supporting students with language-based learning differences, while Edina’s Fusion Academy offers personalized educational models designed to meet students where they are academically and socially. And throughout the metro, families can find Montessori, classical, and other specialized educational philosophies that prioritize hands-on learning, independent thinking, or a particular sequence of academic development. For some students, these models provide an environment that better matches their learning style and interests. Like their public-school counterparts, private schools increasingly recognize the importance of preparing students for life after graduation. Many offer Advanced Placement courses, dual-enrollment opportunities, college counseling, internship experiences, and leadership programs designed to help students explore future academic and career paths. At the same time, extracurricular activities—from athletics and theater to robotics, music, and community service—help students build friendships and develop confidence. Ultimately, the Twin Cities’ private-school community reflects the region’s broader commitment to educational choice. Whether families prioritize faith, individualized attention, a specialized learning philosophy, or a strong sense of community, they’ll find options designed to help students grow academically, socially, and personally.

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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) MOUNDS PARK ACADEMY, GROVES LEARNING ORGANIZATION

Education

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The Early Years Finding high-quality childcare for infants, tots, and preschool-aged kiddos can be one of parenting’s biggest challenges. Demand often exceeds availability, so many Twin Cities providers recommend joining waitlists well before you need care. The metro offers a range of options, from large, nationalchain centers to school-based early learning programs. Here are a few to help your search.

Discover Blake

• Especially for Children: Locally owned centers serving children from infancy through school age. • KinderCare Learning Centers: National network offering yearround childcare and preschool programs. • Miniapple International Montessori Schools: Montessori-inspired learning with multiple metro locations. • Montessori Center of Minnesota: Established Montessori programs for preschool and elementary-aged children. • New Horizon Academy: Minnesota-based provider with dozens of metro locations serving infants through pre-K. • Primrose Schools: Private early-education centers known for a balanced academic and play-based curriculum. • Small World Learning Center: A family-owned and operated provider with nine locations in the Twin Cities region serving infants through kindergarten.

blakeschool.org

Blake_Ad_ThirdSquare_5-23_FINAL.indd 1

5/31/23 10:30 AM

Offering a balanced, thoughtful approach to education since 1988 Screen-free, child-centered, and science-supported NOW ENROLLING! 18 MONTHS - 8 TH GRADE

• The Gardner School: Early childhood education with enrichment programs in music, art, and STEM.

Learn more:

• YMCA Early Childhood Learning Centers: Childcare and preschool programs emphasizing social-emotional development.

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Education

Higher Education 42

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T H E T W I N C I T I E S has long been recognized as one of the nation’s leading centers for higher education, offering students access to world-class research universities, nationally ranked liberal arts colleges, specialized arts institutions, and career-focused programs. With dozens of colleges and universities located throughout the metro—and many more within a short drive— students can ﬁnd an academic environment that matches their particular goals, interests, and learning style.

PHOTO UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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Additionally, the region’s strong economy helps connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. From Fortune 500 headquarters and thriving healthcare systems to innovative startups and nonproﬁt organizations, students beneﬁt from internships, research experiences, and professional networks that can help launch successful careers after graduation.

Public Institutions The University of Minnesota Twin Cities remains the flagship of Minnesota’s public higher-education system and one of the country’s premier public research universities. Known locally as “the U,” the Minneapolis-St. Paul campus serves more than 50,000 students and combines the resources of a large research institution with the energy of a campus community. Students can choose from hundreds of degree programs, participate in more than 1,000 student organizations, and take advantage of opportunities for undergraduate research, study abroad, leadership development, and community engagement. The university has earned national recognition for programs in business, engineering, healthcare, agriculture, and the sciences. Its research arm consistently ranks among the largest in the nation, driving innovation in fields like medicine, public health, technology, and environmental sustainability. For students considering careers in healthcare, law, business, or scientific research, the University of Minnesota offers a direct pathway to some of the state’s most influential industries. Beyond the University of Minnesota, students have access to a great network of public institutions through the Minnesota State system. Schools like Minnesota State University-Mankato, St. Cloud State

BSM_TCLiving_4-625x4.75_print.pdf

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Big enough to explore everything. Personal enough to know your name. C

CMY

A Catholic, College-Preparatory School for Grades 6 - 12

Grounded in Catholic identity and welcoming to all students. bsmschool.org | 952-915-4345

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Education

University, and Metropolitan State University provide relatively affordable four-year degrees and career-focused programs. These schools also maintain strong partnerships with employers throughout their regions, helping students gain practical experience and enter the workforce with conﬁdence. University of St. Thomas

Private Institutions Private colleges and universities are a longtime hallmark of the Twin Cities

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higher-education landscape. These institutions are generally known for smaller class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a strong emphasis on community, leadership, and experiential learning. In the heart of the metro, the University of St. Thomas, Macalester College, Augsburg University, Hamline University, and St. Catherine University provide distinctive educational experiences while giving students access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major metropolitan area. Through collaborations such as the Associated

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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STIR THE HUMAN

7:1

SPI

#2 RANKED PRIVATE SCHOOL IN MINNESOTA ON NICHE.COM

STUDENT TEACHER RATIO

Beyond FourYear Degrees Not every career starts with a bachelor’s degree—and in recent years, vocational and certificate programs have grown in popularity as college costs rise and students and their families look for more direct paths to the workforce. Here are some reputable Twin Cities alternatives to check out.

. S

Dunwoody College of Technology

RIT

BUS STOPS SERVING THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

ICE

100%

. SH

AKE

THE

RIGOR WITH MEANING AND PURPOSE

COLLEGE PREPARATORY

moundsparkacademy.org

• Anoka Technical College (Anoka) • Century College (White Bear Lake) • Dakota County Technical College (Rosemount) • Dunwoody College of Technology (Minneapolis) • Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie) • Inver Hills Community College (Inver Grove Heights) • Minneapolis College (Minneapolis) • Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence (Rosemount)

PHOTO DUNWOODY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

• Normandale Community College (Bloomington) • North Hennepin Community College (Brooklyn Park) • Rasmussen University (Bloomington) • Saint Paul College (St. Paul) • Summit Academy OIC (Minneapolis)

Brighter Starts Make Bolder Futures Give your child an exceptional start with nationally recognized academics, personalized learning and opportunities designed to inspire every student. Chinese and Spanish Immersion Advanced Learning Opportunities Personalized, Child-Centered Education Exceptional Music, Arts and Theatre Hands-On Signature Programs EXPLORE ENROLLMENT

minnetonkaschools.org/enroll27

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Education

St. Olaf College

White Bear Lake Area Schools

ENROLL TODAY isd624.org/enroll 46

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WHY BE A BEAR? • Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates, all can achieve. • More academic opportunities to explore interests, excel and design your future. • Students are agents and owners of their own learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success. • Our educators inspire, facilitate, and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and confidence. We provide a window to their future. • We are transforming learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

/isd624

Colleges of the Twin Cities, students can even take courses across participating campuses, expanding their academic options. Minnesota’s nationally respected liberal arts colleges—including Carleton College and St. Olaf College in nearby Northﬁeld—attract students from around the world with their rigorous academics, strong graduate-school placement rates, and emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills. Specialized institutions such as the Minneapolis College of Art and Design offer focused pathways for students pursuing creative careers. Whether students are seeking cutting-edge research opportunities, individualized mentorship, professional connections, or a broad liberal arts foundation, Twin Cities institutions help cultivate the skilled workforce that continues to make Minnesota one of the nation’s best places to learn, work, and live.

•

Learn More

For a comprehensive list of public and private schools, plus higher education options, flip to page 54 for details on school names, websites, student population numbers, and more.

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE LEFT) ST. OLAF COLLEGE, MACALESTER COLLEGE

Macalester College

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Resources

Metro Transit light rail

The Insider's

Guide

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) LANE PELOVSKY/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, JEN ACKERMAN AND TIM GRUBER

M AY B E Y O U ’ V E R E C E N T LY

relocated to the Twin Cities, or maybe you’ve lived here your whole life but recently put down roots in a new town. Perhaps you’ve started a new chapter in life, like growing your family. Whatever the case, the many moving parts of living in a major metropolitan area can be overwhelming. To help you feel at ease and always at home, we’ve compiled resources to help you along your journey living in the Twin Cities region. Turn to these pages time and time again for go-to guides to the area’s transportation systems; city and suburban proﬁles and cost of living information; and detailed charts about the Twin Cities’ public, private, and college school systems.

Biking around Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis

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Resources

Metro Transit's Woodlane Drive Park & Ride in Woodbury

Get

Connected Essential resources for life in the Twin Cities

Whether you’re navigating transit, staying informed, or discovering community resources, these tools can help you make the most of life in the metro.

On the Move

BY BIKE The Twin Cities consistently ranks among America’s most bike-friendly regions, with hundreds of miles of trails, protected bike lanes, and scenic parkways. Resources, maps, and route planning tools are available through local park systems and regional trail networks.

BY AIR Travel is easy thanks to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which was recognized in spring 2026 as the least stressful airport in the United States, according to an analysis by Mozio. With two terminals, nonstop service to hundreds of destinations, and convenient light rail access, MSP serves as one of the nation’s top-rated airports.

BY TRANSIT Metro Transit operates one of the region’s most extensive transportation networks, connecting Minneapolis, St. Paul, MSP airport, Mall of America, and surrounding communities through buses and light rail. Riders can plan trips, purchase passes, and receive real-time service updates at metrotransit.org.

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Rules of the Road

The Twin Cities is famed for being pedestrian and bike friendly. Don’t forget to heed these best practices, so everyone can share the roads safely. • Bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. • Riders should obey traffic signals and use lights after dark. • Motorists must provide at least three feet when passing a bicycle. • Pedestrians always have the right of way in marked crosswalks. • Stay alert and avoid distractions while walking, biking, or driving. For complete regulations, visit dps.mn.gov.

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) METRO TRANSIT, PAOLA CARLSON SANCHEZ/MEET MINNEAPOLIS

BY CAR Minnesota drivers can renew licenses, register vehicles, schedule road tests, and access driving resources through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division. Visit dvs.dps.mn.gov for locations and services.

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GET AROUND WHILE YOU’RE IN TOWN! Metro Transit can take you there!

Scan to buy an All-Day Pass and get moving!

metrotransit.org

Build Strong Minds and Strong Character Classical | K-12 | Tuition-free

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Resources

Minnesota Public Radio headquarters

In the Know

PUBLIC RADIO & PODCASTS Minnesota Public Radio’s MPR News, The Current, and YourClassical remain staples for news, culture, and music. Local podcasts and digital newsletters offer additional ways to stay informed about everything from politics to dining and entertainment. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Many cities maintain active newsletters, event calendars, and social media channels highlighting local happenings, public meetings, recreation programs, and volunteer opportunities. Libraries throughout the metro also serve as community hubs, offering classes, events, technology resources, and cultural programming.

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Quaking Bog at Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Community Resources LIBRARY SYSTEMS The Twin Cities is served by an extensive network of public libraries offering books, digital resources, classes, maker spaces, career assistance, and community events. Library systems in the Twin Cities metro include: Anoka County Library (anokacountylibrary.org), Carver County Library (carverlib.org), Dakota County Library (co.dakota.mn.us/ library), Hennepin County Library (hclib.org), Ramsey County Library (rclreads.org), St. Paul Public Library (sppl.org), Scott County Library (scottcountymn.gov), and Washington County Library (washcolib.org).

PARKS & TRAILS From neighborhood parks to the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and regional trail systems, the metro offers abundant opportunities to walk, bike, paddle, and explore outdoors year-round. Explore your nearest park system to get moving: Carver County Parks (carvercountymn.gov), Dakota County Parks (co.dakota.mn.us/ parks), Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (minneapolisparks.org), Ramsey County Parks & Recreation (ramseycountymn.gov), Scott County Parks & Trails (scottcountymn.gov), St. Paul Parks & Recreation (stpaul.gov), Three Rivers Park

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO/EXPLORE MINNESOTA, JOHN YUCCAS/MEET MINNEAPOLIS

LOCAL NEWS Stay connected through local journalism from The Minnesota Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Minnesota Monthly, Sahan Journal, MPR News, and neighborhood publications covering communities throughout the metro.

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THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO

ROCHESTER — MINNESOTA —

MY TWIN CITIES

Ann Wahlstrom Branch Manager and Children’s Facilitator, Ramsey County Library

“Libraries are a vibrant and essential part of any community! We serve as that allimportant ‘third space’ where anyone can come and relax with a newspaper, take a free class, get the latest bestsellers, have a document notarized, fax important documents, use a computer, or even have a conversation with someone you would never normally interact with over the latest Thai cookbook that just came in! Every day is different because you never know who is going to come in: a third grader who needs a new book series after devouring ‘Dog Man,’ a 4-yearold asking you about which is your favorite dinosaur, a retiree who needs help troubleshooting their iPhone … It’s everyone.”

PHOTO ANN WAHLSTROM

District (threeriversparks.org), and Washington County Parks (washingtoncountymn.gov). GET INVOLVED Volunteer opportunities abound through local nonproﬁts, arts organizations, neighborhood associations, and community events, making it easy to connect with causes and communities that matter to you. Flip to page 26 for a few ways to get started!

•

SCAN TO VIEW ONLINE E X P E R I E N C E RO C H E S T E R M N.COM

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Twin Cities Snapshot

The two largest cities in Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are the vibrant anchors of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and stand side by side along the mighty Mississippi River. Often talked of as one, but truly distinct in their identities, many Minnesotans choose to call Minneapolis and St. Paul home for their cultural institutions, award-winning restaurants, and dynamic neighborhoods. Explore cost of living and other key statistics to help you decide if Minneapolis or St. Paul is the right forever home for you.

Population T W I N C I T I E S E S T I M AT E D P O P L U AT I O N

Minneapolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430,324 St. Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306,6$4 Total Metro. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6 million

Household Income E S T IM AT E D ME D I A N H O U S E H O L D IN C O ME

Minneapolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $$0,$46 St. Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $73,394

Cost of Living

When choosing a place to call home, cost of living plays a key role in shaping your budget and lifestyle. Fortunately, residing in the Twin Cities comes with a pleasant financial perk—your dollar stretches further here. With a cost of living around 6% below the national average and housing prices roughly %4% lower, the metro provides affordability without sacrificing quality of life. Here’s a closer look at some average costs and everyday expenses to help you stay informed. Minneapolis

St. Paul

HOUSING

Median Home Price . . . . . . . . . . . . $405,$00 Median Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$%,7%3/month

Median Home Price . . . . . . . . . . . . $403,747 Median Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . $%,546/month

UTILITIES

Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $205.04 Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $%94.30

Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20%.02 Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $%94.$2

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.94/gallon Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62.72

Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.94/gallon Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $64.%4

H E A LT H C A R E

Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $%75.7% Dentist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $95.56 Optometrist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $%24.%%

Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $%$%.50 Dentist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $%02.50 Optometrist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $%2$.%$

FOOD

Loaf of Bread. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.07 Gallon of Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.64 Carton of Eggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.96

Loaf of Bread. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.20 Gallon of Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.62 Carton of Eggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.%%

Sunset at Shadow Falls, St. Paul

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PHOTO VISIT SAINT PAUL

As of July 2026, as reported by RentCafe/The Council for Community and Economic Research

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Suburb Snapshot

This page is designed to provide you with a detailed snapshot of the region, featuring a range of vital statistics and key information to help you get to know these vibrant communities better. Whether you’re considering moving to the area, looking for investment opportunities, or simply curious about local trends, our charts cover essential data including population demographics, average home prices, rental rates, and much more. Dive in to explore the diverse and dynamic landscape of the Twin Cities suburbs.

2026 EST. POP.

2050 FORECAST

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

MEDIAN GROSS RENT

MEDIAN HOME INCOME

CITY WEBSITE

2026 EST. POP.

2050 FORECAST

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

MEDIAN GROSS RENT

MEDIAN HOME INCOME

Andover

33,874

38,100

$410,200

$2,037

$137,593

andovermn.gov

Anoka

18,169

21,200

$308,700

$1,269

$75,948

ci.anoka.mn.us

Orono

8,301

10,800

$1,004,500

$1,818

$173,527

oronomn.gov

Plymouth

78,942

91,700

$491,200

$1,766

$127,649

Blaine

76,603

90,200

$352,400

$1,705

$98,068

plymouthmn.gov

blainemn.gov

Richfield

36,593

41,700

$344,000

$1,393

$85,152

Columbia Heights

22,482

24,500

$277,600

$1,295

richfieldmn.gov

$73,691

columbiaheightsmn.gov

Robbinsdale

14,030

16,900

$295,600

$1,758

$88,252

Ham Lake

17,104

19,000

$442,500

robbinsdalemn.com

$1,173

$120,135

ci.ham-lake.mn.us

St. Anthony

9,989

10,900

$387,500

$1,397

$97,363

Lino Lakes

23,220

29,200

savmn.com

$407,200

$1,874

$127,181

linolakes.us

St. Louis Park

50,027

59,500

$386,800

$1,644

$101,648

Ramsey

29,624

37,200

stlouisparkmn.gov

$359,600

$1,826

$116,415

ci.ramsey.mn.us

Shorewood

7,620

8,400

$703,200

$1,607

$171,063

shorewoodmn.gov

Carver County

Wayzata

4,344

5,700

$1,153,400

$1,782

$131,614

wayzata.org

Chanhassen

25,748

32,100

$566,300

$1,831

$143,651

chanhassenmn.gov

Ramsey County

Chaska

30,513

36,800

$404,700

$1,553

$110,956

chaskamn.com

Maplewood

40,717

45,800

$323,200

$1,406

$91,394

maplewoodmn.gov

Victoria

12,447

20,700

$581,200

$2,235

$195,639

ci.victoria.mn.us

North Oaks

5,283

6,500

$821,200

$3,501

$231,742

northoaksmn.gov

Waconia

14,113

22,600

$431,000

$1,330

$111,031

waconia.org

Roseville

35,663

37,500

$352,100

$1,374

$86,930

cityofroseville.com

St. Paul

306,684

338,200

$294,500

$1,281

$70,182

stpaul.gov

Shoreview

26,906

29,600

$383,700

$1,661

$108,370

shoreviewmn.gov

White Bear Lake

23,392

26,650

$331,800

$1,601

$83,554

whitebearlake.org

CIT Y

Anoka County

Burnsville

CITY WEBSITE

Hennepin County

Dakota County Apple Valley

C IT Y

55,248 64,244

61,500 76,600

$370,400 $355,200

$1,738 $1,513

$97,673 $87,024

ci.apple-valley.mn.us burnsvillemn.gov

Eagan

67,109

79,200

$397,100

$1,679

$110,352

cityofeagan.com

Scott County

Farmington

25,425

30,200

$366,200

$1,241

$123,673

farmingtonmn.gov

Belle Plaine

7,632

12,400

$318,200

$1,342

$99,315

belleplainemn.gov

Hastings

22,563

26,500

$322,400

$1,183

$93,998

hastingsmn.gov

Prior Lake

28,140

33,800

$450,700

$1,654

$134,255

priorlakemn.gov

Inver Grove Heights

36,873

42,500

$363,400

$1,465

$101,316

ighmn.gov

Savage

32,970

37,700

$432,300

$1,766

$125,513

savagemn.gov

Lakeville

79,270

91,200

$452,500

$1,806

$130,795

lakevillemn.gov

Shakopee

49,366

62,500

$374,800

$1,531

$107,223

shakopeemn.gov

Mendota Heights

11,475

12,900

$520,300

$1,631

$132,768

mendotaheightsmn.gov

St. Croix County

Rosemount

31,881

39,100

$424,100

$1,640

$129,625

rosemountmn.gov

15,019

16,800

$389,800

$1,359

$93,937

hudsonwi.gov

Hennepin County

Washington County

Bloomington

89,034

103,400

$361,700

$1,561

$86,097

bloomingtonmn.gov

Brooklyn Center

31,846

36,900

$274,300

$1,376

$72,535

brooklyncentermn.gov

Brooklyn Park

83,543

103,500

$336,200

$1,325

$92,493

brooklynpark.org

Champlin

23,125

25,700

$358,700

$1,689

$116,102

ci.champlin.mn.us

Eden Prairie

63,075

84,700

$473,900

$1,833

$130,489

edenprairie.org

Edina

54,356

70,200

$646,300

$1,844

$128,767

edinamn.gov

Excelsior

2,316

3,500

$909,200

$1,143

$103,068

ci.excelsior.mn.us

Golden Valley

21,325

26,500

$431,400

$1,785

$108,772

goldenvalleymn.gov

Hopkins

19,523

23,900

$375,600

$1,468

$75,234

hopkinsmn.com

Maple Grove

73,893

90,200

$418,300

$1,868

$119,749

maplegrovemn.gov

Medina

7,460

10,800

$736,700

$1,429

$230,859

medinamn.us

Minneapolis Minnetonka

430,324 53,969

514,200 69,900

$362,200 $475,800

$1,371 $1,779

$77,732 $119,517

minneapolismn.gov minnetonkamn.gov

Minnetrista

9,458

12,500

$658,300

$3,501

$163,051

cityofminnetrista.com

Mound

9,064

10,400

$370,800

$1,098

$86,675

cityofmound.com

TCL27.indb 53

Hudson

Cottage Grove

43,604

55,800

$378,800

$1,783

$120,791

cottagegrovemn.gov

Forest Lake

20,952

28,400

$393,500

$1,421

$92,944

ci.forest-lake.mn.us

Hugo

17,167

23,500

$408,900

$1,891

$116,228

ci.hugo.mn.us

Lake Elmo

14,376

18,900

$597,000

$2,407

$153,669

lakeelmo.gov

Mahtomedi

8,189

7,900

$476,000

$1,694

$123,319

ci.mahtomedi.mn.us

Marine on St. Croix

661

830

$470,100

$2,250

$126,250

marineonstcroix.org

Stillwater

19,354

22,200

$414,200

$1,622

$105,853

stillwatermn.gov

Woodbury

81,558

100,600

$450,200

$1,908

$111,764

woodburymn.gov

Albertville

8,544

–

$343,700

$1,348

$132,734

ci.albertville.mn.us

Monticello

15,670

–

$323,700

$1,405

$79,534

monticellomn.gov

Otsego

24,525

–

$396,500

$1,765

$119,927

otsegomn.gov

St. Michael

22,498

–

$390,100

$1,483

$131,274

stmichaelmn.gov

20 26 -27

TWI N CI T I E S L I VI N G

Wright County

8/3/26 1:48 PM

Twin Cities Area Private Schools

This is not a complete list of all area private schools. This list was compiled from schools that responded to the most recent Private School Universe Survey (PSS), conducted by the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics. Data obtained for this chart from the PSS is indicated (*). Data also obtained via phone, email, or school website.

SC HOOL / PHONE / WEB SI T E

RELIGIOUS AF F I L I AT I O N

G RA D E S

ST U D E N T PO PU L AT IO N

ST U D E N T: TEACHER RAT IO

ST U D E N T BO D Y

C IT Y

Academy of Holy Angels 612-798-2600, academyofholyangels.org

Roman Catholic

9-12

647

13.1

Coed

Richfield

All Saints Catholic School* 952-469-3332, school.allsaintschurch.com

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

493

12.5

Coed

Lakeville

Annunciation Catholic School* 612-823-4394 annunciationmsp.org/school

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

391

13.8

Coed

Minneapolis

Avail Academy* 763-785-0135 (Blaine) 952-927-5304 (Edina) 763-531-1732 (Fridley), availacademy.org

Christian

K-8 (Blaine) K-12 (Edina) 9-12 (Fridley)

166 195 46

10.6 17.1 7.5

Coed

Blaine Edina Fridley

Ave Maria Academy* 763-494-5387, avemariaacademy.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

227

11.7

Coed

Maple Grove

Benilde-St. Margaret’s School* 952-927-4176, bsmschool.org

Roman Catholic

7-12

1,116

13.1

Coed

St. Louis Park

The Blake School* 952-988-3602 (Hopkins) 952-988-3420 (Minneapolis), blakeschool.org

Nonsectarian

Pre-K-12 (Hopkins) K-12 (Minneapolis)

9.3 11

Coed

Hopkins Minneapolis

Blessed Trinity Catholic School* 612-869-5200 (Nicollet) 612-866-6906 (Penn), btcsmn.org

Roman Catholic

4-8 (Nicollet) Pre-K-3 (Penn)

132

14.8

Coed

Richfield

Breck School* 763-381-8100, breckschool.org

Episcopalian

Pre-K–12

1,222

8.1

Coed

Golden Valley

Carondelet Catholic School* 612-927-8673 carondeletcatholicschool.com

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

413

12.6

Coed

Minneapolis

Chapel Hill Academy* 952-949-9014, chapel-hill.org

Christian

Pre-K–8

461

15.7

Coed

Chanhassen

City of Lakes Waldorf School 612-767-1550, clws.org

Nonsectarian

Pre-K–8

260

8.1

Coed

Minneapolis

Concordia Academy 651-484-8429, concordiaacademy.org

Lutheran/ Missouri Synod

9-12

340

19.1

Coed

Roseville

Cretin-Derham Hall 651-690-2443, cretin-derhamhall.org

Roman Catholic

9-12

860

11.1

Coed

St. Paul

Crown Christian School 763-856-2099, crownchristianschool.com

Lutheran/ Missouri Synod

Pre-K–8

26.1

Coed

St. Francis

DeLaSalle High School* 612-676-7600, delasalle.com

Roman Catholic

9-12

693

16.3

Coed

Minneapolis

Epiphany Catholic School* 763-754-1750 epiphanyschoolmn.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

342

9.7

Coed

Coon Rapids

Excel High School 952-465-3700, excelhighschool.com

Nonsectarian

6-12

2,300

14.1

Coed

Plymouth

TW IN CITIES LIVING

TCL27.indb 54

2026-27

1,331 1,287

*Source: Information provided by the Private School Universe Survey

8/3/26 1:48 PM

SC HOOL / PHONE / WEB SI T E

RELIGIOUS AF F I L I AT I O N

G RA D E S

ST U D E N T PO PU L AT IO N

ST U D E N T: TEACHER RAT IO

ST U D E N T BO D Y

C IT Y

Faithful Shepherd Catholic School 651-406-4747, fscsmn.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

480

15.1

Coed

Eagan

The French Académie 952-944-1930, thefrenchacademie.org

Nonsectarian

18 months– 6 years

4.1

Coed

Minnetonka

Fourth Baptist Christian School* 763-417-8240 fourthbaptistchristianschool.org

Baptist

Pre-K–12

331

11.4

Coed

Plymouth

Good Shepherd Lutheran School* 952-432-5527, gsburnsville.com

Lutheran Synod/ Wisconsin Evangelical

Pre-K–8

168

14.6

Coed

Burnsville

Good Shepherd School 763-545-4285, gsgvschool.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K-6

335

14.1

Coed

Golden Valley

Groves Learning Organization 952-920-6377, groveslearning.org

Nonsectarian

1-12

280

5.1

Coed

St. Louis Park

Smith Jewish Academy* 952-381-3500, smithja.org

Jewish

K-8

171

8.5

Coed

Minneapolis

Heritage Christian Academy* 763-463-2200, heritageweb.org

Interdenominational Christian

Pre-K–12

645

12.2

Coed

Maple Grove

Highland Catholic School* 651-690-2477, highlandcatholic.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

446

16.5

Coed

St. Paul

Hill-Murray School 651-777-1376, hill-murray.org

Roman Catholic

6-12

1,050

14.1

Coed

Maplewood

Holy Family Catholic High School* 952-443-4659, hfchs.org

Roman Catholic

9-12

553

Coed

Victoria

Holy Name of Jesus School 763-473-3675, school.hnoj.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–6

408

13.1

Coed

Wayzata

International School of Minnesota* 952-918-1800 internationalschoolmn.com

Nonsectarian

Pre-K–12

108

4.8

Coed

Eden Prairie

King of Kings Lutheran School* 651-484-9206 kingofkingslutheranschool.org

Lutheran/ Missouri Synod

Pre-K–8

162

10.2

Coed

Roseville

Legacy Christian Academy 763-427-4595, lcamn.org

Christian

Pre-K–12

897

14.1

Coed

Andover

Liberty Classical Academy 651-772-2777, libertyclassicalacademy.org

Christian

Pre-K–12

330

12.1

Coed

White Bear Lake

Maranatha Christian Academy* 763-488-7900, mcamustangs.org

Christian

Pre-K–12

872

13.1

Coed

Brooklyn Park

Maternity of Mary–St. Andrew School 651-489-1459, mmsaschool.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

126

9.4

Coed

St. Paul

Minnesota Waldorf School 651-487-6700, mnwaldorf.org

Nonsectarian

Pre-K–8

151

7.1

Coed

St. Paul

20 26 -27

TCL27.indb 55

TWI N CI T I E S L I VI N G

8/3/26 1:48 PM

Twin Cities Area Private Schools (continued)

SC HOOL / PHONE / WEB SI T E

RELIGIOUS AF F I L I AT I O N

G RA D E S

ST U D E N T PO PU L AT IO N

ST U D E N T: TEACHER RAT IO

ST U D E N T BO D Y

C IT Y

Mounds Park Academy* 651-777-2555 moundsparkacademy.org

Nonsectarian

Pre-K–12

576

7.8

Coed

St. Paul

Nacel Open Door 651-686-0080 nacelopendoor.org

Nonsectarian

6-12

N/A

Coed

St. Paul

Nativity of Mary School* 952-881-8160 school.nativitybloomington.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

346

13.7

Coed

Bloomington

Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School* 651-699-1311, school.nativity-mn.org

Roman Catholic

K–8

710

15.7

Coed

St. Paul

New Life Academy* 651-459-4121, newlifeacademy.org

Christian

Pre-K–12

742

10.2

Coed

Woodbury

North Heights Christian Academy* 651-797-7900 northheights.academy

Christian

K–8

374

13.1

Coed

Roseville

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School* 952-929-5463, olgschool.net

Roman Catholic

K-8

863

16.4

Coed

Edina

Presentation of Mary Catholic School* 651-777-5877 presentationofmaryschool.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

196

13.4

Coed

Maplewood

Providence Academy* 763-258-2500 providenceacademy.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–12

946

11.8

Coed

Plymouth

Redeemer Christian Academy* 952-473-5356 redeemerchristianacademy.org

Lutheran/ Missouri Synod

Pre-K–8

146

12.8

Coed

Wayzata

Shakopee Area Catholic School* 952-445-3387, sacsschools.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

582

12.3

Coed

Shakopee

Shattuck-St. Mary’s School* 507-333-1500, s-sm.org

Episcopal

6-12

390

5.1

Coed

Faribault

Southwest Christian High School* 952-556-0040, swchs.org

Christian

9-12

505

13.4

Coed

Chaska

St. Agnes School 651-925-8700, saintagnesschool.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–12

808

15.1

Coed

St. Paul

St. Ambrose Catholic School* 651-768-3000 school.saintambrosecatholic.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

758

15.1

Coed

Woodbury

St. Croix Lutheran Academy* 651-455-1521, stcroixlutheran.org

Lutheran

6-12

497

12.6

Coed

West St. Paul

St. Francis Christian School* 763-753-1230, sfcspatriots.org

Baptist

Pre-K–12

165

9.4

Coed

St. Francis

St. Hubert Catholic School* 952-934-6003 school.sthubert.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

722

Coed

Chanhassen

St. John the Baptist Catholic School* 952-890-6604, stjohns-savage.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

343

13.4

Coed

Savage

TW IN CITIES LIVING

TCL27.indb 56

2026-27

8/3/26 1:48 PM

SC HOOL / PHONE / WEB SI T E

RELIGIOUS AF F I L I AT I O N

G RA D E S

ST U D E N T PO PU L AT IO N

ST U D E N T: TEACHER RAT IO

ST U D E N T BO D Y

C IT Y

St. John’s Preparatory School* 320-363-3315, sjprep.net

Roman Catholic

6-12

296

Coed

Collegeville

St. Joseph’s Catholic School* 651-457-8550, school.sjwsp.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

461

13.9

Coed

West St. Paul

St. Michael Catholic School* 952-447-2124, saintmpl.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

361

17.9

Coed

Prior Lake

St. Odilia School 651-484-3364, stodiliaschool.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

545

15.1

Coed

Shoreview

St. Paul Academy and Summit School 651-698-2451, spa.edu

Nonsectarian

Pre-K-12

952

Coed

St. Paul

St. Peter Catholic School* 651-777-3091, stpetersnsp.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

191

15.5

Coed

North St. Paul

St. Peter Claver School* 651-621-2273, stpclaverschool.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K-8

100

10.7

Coed

St. Paul

St. Rose of Lima Catholic School* 651-646-3832, mysaintrose.net

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

171

10.4

Coed

Roseville

St. Stephen’s Catholic School* 763-421-3236, ststephenschool.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

365

15.6

Coed

Anoka

St. Thomas Academy 651-454-4570, cadets.com

Roman Catholic

6-12

562

Male Only

Mendota Heights

St. Thomas More School* 651-224-4836, school.morecommunity.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

317

11.1

Coed

St. Paul

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School* 763-425-3970, school.saintvdp.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

541

19.4

Coed

Brooklyn Park

Totino-Grace High School* 763-571-9116, totinograce.org

Roman Catholic

9-12

656

13.3

Coed

Fridley

Transfiguration Catholic School* 651-501-2220, school.transfigurationmn.org

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

134

11.6

Coed

Oakdale

Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School* 651-454-1139, tloschool.org

Lutheran/ Missouri Synod

Pre-K–8

136

12.3

Coed

Eagan

Trinity Lutheran School* 763-753-1234, trinityschoolsf.com

Lutheran/ Missouri Synod

Pre-K–8

125

Coed

St. Francis

Trinity School at River Ridge 651-789-2890, trinityriverridge.org

Christian

6-12

180

Coed

Eagan

United Christian Academy 952-831-8686, ucathunder.org

Christian

Pre-K–12

420

14.1

Coed

Bloomington

Visitation School 651-683-1700, visitation.net

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–12

541

6.1

(Pre-K–5) Coed (6-12) Female Only

Mendota Heights

*Source: Information provided by the Private School Universe Survey

20 26 -27

TCL27.indb 57

TWI N CI T I E S L I VI N G

8/3/26 1:48 PM

Twin Cities Area Public School Districts

Statistics listed are the most recent statistics available from state sources. Source: Minnesota Department of Education. Charter school data is included in district data.

SC HOOL / PHONE / WEB SI T E

ST U D E N T P O P U L AT I O N

CI T I ES S E RV E D

AVERAGE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE (TEACHERS)

STUDENT: TEACHER RATIO

PRO FIC IE NCY: RE A D ING S C IE NC E M AT H

2024-25 GRADUATION RAT E

Anoka-Hennepin #11 763-506-6200 ahschools.us

34,636

Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Dayton, Fridley, Ham Lake, Nowthen, Oak Grove, Ramsey

52.6% 28.6% 51.9%

88.7%

Belle Plaine #716 952-873-2400 isd716.org

1,377

Belle Plaine

51.0% 24.6% 52.8%

93.9%

Bloomington #271 952-681-6400 bloomington.k12.mn.us

9,180

Bloomington

41.8% 23.1% 38.3%

79.1%

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage #191 952-707-2000 isd191.org

6,579

Burnsville, Eagan, Savage

35.9% 13.7% 30.0%

78.2%

Centennial #12 763-792-6000 isd12.org

6,038

Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington, Lino Lakes

62.1% 33.7% 60.4%

92.2%

Columbia Heights #13 763-528-4500 colheights.k12.mn.us

3,015

Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop

21.8% 11.9% 13.8%

86.2%

Delano #879 763-972-3365 delano.k12.mn.us

2,227

Corcoran, Delano, Independence, Loretto, Maple Plain, Medina, Minnetrista, Montrose, Watertown, and surrounding townships

71.1% 38.4% 67.6%

98.9%

Eastern Carver County #112 952-556-6100 district112.org

8,363

Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria

62.2% 36.9% 61.2%

94.1%

Eden Prairie #272 952-975-7011 edenpr.org

8,193

Eden Prairie

64.8% 35.6% 58.7%

90.1%

Edina #273 952-848-3900 edinaschools.org

7,870

Edina

76.1% 46.8% 72.5%

95.1%

Elk River #728 763-241-3400 isd728.org

12,840

Albertville, Dayton, Elk River, Nowthen, Otsego, Ramsey, Rogers, St. Michael, Zimmerman, and surrounding townships

60.4% 32.3% 60.9%

89.0%

Farmington #192 651-463-5000 farmington.k12.mn.us

6,073

Farmington, Lakeville, and surrounding townships

45.3% 18.2% 40.3%

91.7%

Forest Lake #831 651-982-8103 flaschools.org

5,254

Columbus, East Bethel, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, Stacy, Wyoming, and surrounding townships

49.8% 31.3% 49.6%

84.7%

Hopkins #270 952-988-4000 hopkinsschools.org

6,144

Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Plymouth, St. Louis Park

48.7% 23.0% 38.0%

86.0%

Hudson (WI) #2611* 715-377-3700 hudsonraiders.org

5,107

Hudson

N/A

57.0% N/A 46.0%

96.0%

Inver Grove Heights #199 651-306-7800 isd199.org

3,128

Inver Grove Heights

38.0% 15.5% 32.6%

87.3%

TW IN CITIES LIVING

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SC HOOL / PHONE / WEB SI T E

ST U D E N T P O P U L AT I O N

CI T I ES S E RV E D

AVERAGE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE (TEACHERS)

STUDENT: TEACHER RATIO

PRO FIC IE NCY: RE A D ING S C IE NC E M AT H

2024-25 GRADUATION RAT E

Lakeville #194 952-232-2000 isd194.org

10,984

Burnsville, Elko New Market, Lakeville, and surrounding townships

59.8% 26.1% 59.3%

93.1%

Mahtomedi #832 651-407-2000 mahtomedi.k12.mn.us

2,984

Dellwood, Grant, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Oakdale, Pine Springs, White Bear Lake, Willernie

68.7% 41.3% 71.0%

95.8%

Minneapolis #1 612-668-0000 mpschools.org

26,076

Minneapolis

40.8% 22.9% 35.8%

72.8%

Minnetonka #276 952-401-5000 minnetonkaschools.org

10,390

Chanhassen, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Greenwood, Minnetonka, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Victoria, Woodland

74.6% 47.0% 74.7%

96.9%

Mounds View #621 651-621-6015 moundsviewschools.org

10,396

Arden Hills, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, and surrounding townships

56.5% 34.9% 55.8%

91.2%

North Saint Paul-MaplewoodOakdale #622 651-748-7410 isd622.org

9,103

Lake Elmo, Landfall, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Oakdale, Pine Springs, Woodbury

35.7% 16.8% 32.4%

86.3%

Orono #278 952-449-8300 oronoschools.org

2,691

Independence, Long Lake, Maple Plain, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono

72.2% 43.1% 73.4%

98.2%

Osseo #279 763-391-7000 district279.org

18,771

Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo, Plymouth, Rogers

47.0% 23.4% 43.0%

85.4%

Prior Lake-Savage #719 952-226-0000 plsas.org

7,990

Prior Lake, Savage, and surrounding townships

59.6.% 29.5% 57.6%

94.9%

Richfield #280 612-798-6000 richfieldschools.org

3,496

Edina, Richfield

37.5% 15.3% 30.6%

90.7%

Robbinsdale #281 763-504-8000 rdale.org

9,489

Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale

41.2% 21.3% 26.1%

77.5%

Rockford #883 763-477-9165 rockford.k12.mn.us

1,423

Buffalo, Corcoran, Greenfield, Rockford

51.3% 22.7% 39.5%

90.9%

Rosemount-Apple ValleyEagan #196 651-423-7700 district196.org

26,503

Apple Valley, Burnsville, Coates, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Rosemount, and surrounding townships

56.7% 35.2% 53.3%

88.7%

Roseville #623 651-628-6452 isd623.org

6,615

Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview

45.5% 21.7% 37.8%

87.3%

Shakopee #720 952-496-5002 shakopee.k12.mn.us

7,116

Prior Lake, Shakopee, Savage, and surrounding townships

50.5% 22.2% 41.5%

84.9%

*Source: Wisconsin Information System for Education, wisedash.dpi.wi.gov (student population is from 2024-2025, and the ratio reflects the number of students compared to full-time staff)

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Twin Cities Area Public School Districts (continued)

SC HOOL / PHONE / WEB SI T E

ST U D E N T P O P U L AT I O N

CI T I ES S E RV E D

AVERAGE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE (TEACHERS)

STUDENT: TEACHER RATIO

PRO FIC IE NCY: RE A D ING S C IE NC E M AT H

2024-25 GRADUATION RAT E

South Washington County #833 651-425-6300 sowashco.org

17,437

Afton, Cottage Grove, Denmark, Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury, and surrounding townships

54.5% 29.4% 51.8%

89.1%

Spring Lake Park #16 763-600-5000 springlakeparkschools.org

5,469

Blaine, Fridley, Spring Lake Park

40.7% 18.7% 36.2%

88.6%

St. Anthony-New Brighton #282 612-706-1000 isd282.org

1,706

New Brighton, St. Anthony

58.5% 26.7% 48.6%

90.3%

St. Francis #15 763-753-7040 isd15.org

3,800

Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis, and surrounding townships

52.7% 26.1% 45.7%

89.0%

St. Louis Park #283 952-928-6000 slpschools.org

3,919

St. Louis Park

53.3% 26.7% 47.8%

89.7%

St. Michael-Albertville #885 763-497-3180 stma.k12.mn.us

6,124

Albertville, Hanover, Otsego, St. Michael, and surrounding townships

60.8% 33.7% 60.0%

96.9%

St. Paul #625 651-767-8100 spps.org

28,259

St. Paul

34.8% 17.6% 26.5%

77.8%

Stillwater #834 651-351-8340 stillwaterschools.org

7,632

Afton, Bayport, Grant, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Lake St. Croix Beach, Marine on St. Croix, Oak Park Heights, Stillwater, St. Mary’s Point, Withrow, Woodbury, and surrounding townships

61.0% 35.2% 58.2%

95.0%

Waconia #110 952-442-0600 isd110.org

3,659

Minnetrista, New Germany, Saint Bonifacius, Victoria, Waconia

62.8% 25.1% 64.8%

97.0%

Watertown-Mayer #111 952-955-0480 wm.k12.mn.us

1,330

Mayer, Minnetrista, Watertown

61.9% 31.9% 62.4%

90.5%

Wayzata #284 763-745-5000 wayzataschools.org

11,506

Corcoran, Hamel, Maple Grove, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka, Orono, Plymouth, Wayzata

72.1% 45.2% 72.3%

96.9%

West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan #197 651-403-7002 isd197.org

4,681

Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake, West St. Paul

53.4% 29.4% 43.3%

89.4%

Westonka #277 952-491-8000 westonka.k12.mn.us

2,186

Independence, Lyndale, Minnetrista, Mound, Navarre, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park

77.3% 32.7% 74.7%

97.7%

7,467

Birchwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, and surrounding townships

52.7% 24.2% 48.7%

93.9%

White Bear Lake #624 651-407-7500 isd624.org

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Twin Cities Area Colleges

Statistics listed are the most recent statistics available from state sources.

ENROLLMENT SC HOOL / PHONE / WEB SI T E

(INCLUDES GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TUITION

OVERALL GRADUATION RATE

Academy College*** 952-851-0066, academycollege.edu

$17,812

36%

Augsburg University 612-330-1001, augsburg.edu

3,462

$47,600

60%

Bethany Global University 800-323-3417, bethanygu.edu

162

$20,700

58%

Bethel Seminary** 651-635-8000, bethel.edu/seminary

1,400

$11,340

52%

Bethel University 651-638-6400, bethel.edu

3,500

$42,930

65%

Bethlehem College & Seminary 612-455-3420, bcsmn.edu

200

$7,144

71%

Capella University 888-227-3552, capella.edu

51,000

$14,436

42%

Carleton College*** 507-222-4000, carleton.edu

2,128

$65,457

88%

Century College*** 651-779-3300, century.edu

8,203

$6,182

31%

College of Saint Scholastica† 800-447-5444, css.edu

3,000

$40,453

63%

Concordia University—St. Paul 651-641-8230, csp.edu

5,300

$25,000

47%

Crown College 952-446-4100, crown.edu

1,846

$30,200

56%

Dunwoody College of Technology*** 612-374-5800, dunwoody.edu

1,600

$25,659

65%

Gustavus Adolphus College*** 507-933-8000, gustavus.edu

1,900

$54,310

77%

Hamline University 651-523-2800, hamline.edu

2,700

$48,311

68%

Hennepin Technical College 952-995-1300, hennepintech.edu

4,000

$5,881

42%

Herzing University—Minneapolis*** 612-360-2484, herzing.edu/minneapolis

752

$13,420

50%

Inver Hills Community College 651-450-3000, inverhills.edu

3,600

$6,007

28%

Luther Seminary** 651-641-3456, luthersem.edu

419

$18,750

73%

Macalester College*** 651-696-6000, macalester.edu

2,138

$64,908

82%

Metropolitan State University 651-793-1300, metrostate.edu

8,864

$9,780

48%

ENROLLMENT S C H O O L / PH O NE / W E BS IT E

(INCLUDES GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TUITION

OVERALL GRADUATION RATE

Minneapolis College of Art and Design 612-874-3700, mcad.edu

850

$43,824

62%

Minneapolis Community and Technical College*** 612-659-6000, minneapolis.edu

6,733

$6,128

20%

Mitchell Hamline School of Law** 651-227-9171, mitchellhamline.edu

1,155

$56,300

83%

Normandale Community College 952-358-8200, normandale.edu

11,465

$6,321

24%

North Central University 612-343-4400, northcentral.edu

852

$29,460

64%

North Hennepin Community College*** 763-488-0391, nhcc.edu

4,900

$5,050

22%

Northwestern Health Sciences University 952-888-4777, nwhealth.edu

1,100

$12,015

73%

Rasmussen University— Bloomington 952-545-2000, rasmussen.edu

1,142

$11,490

47%

Rasmussen University— Hennepin/Anoka 763-795-4720, rasmussen.edu

1,583

$11,490

47%

Rasmussen University—Eagan 651-687-9000, rasmussen.edu

2,877

$11,490

47%

Saint Paul College 651-846-1600, saintpaul.edu

5,150

$6,318

40%

St. Catherine University 651-690-6000, stkate.edu

3,800

$49,758

51%

St. Olaf College*** 507-786-2222, wp.stolaf.edu

3,124

$56,970

79%

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities** 651-633-4311, unitedseminary.edu

231

$21,870

55%

University of Minnesota Twin Cities 612-625-5000, twin-cities.umn.edu

56,666

$19,174

71%

University of Northwestern— St. Paul 651-631-5100, unwsp.edu

3,234

$36,830

68%

University of St. Thomas 651-962-5000, stthomas.edu

9,445

$52,284

76%

Walden University 866-492-5336, waldenu.edu

44,200

$12,498

33%

** Graduate-only schools *** Undergraduate-only schools †

Data of all campuses

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Resource Guide Navigate through your next chapter with ease FINDING A HOME

Amy Peterson Edina Realty Amy Peterson delivers a seamless, concierge-level experience with expert local insight, strategic market guidance, and clear communication. Focused on her clients’ goals, lifestyles, and timing, she helps buyers and relocating clients find the right home while navigating each step with care, efficiency, and confidence. 10945 Club West Parkway N.E., Ste. 100, Blaine AmyPeterson@EdinaRealty.com 763-242-6741, realtoramy.com

Bader Companies Better apartments. Better service. Better living. With over 130 communities across the Twin Cities, our diverse portfolio and exceptional amenities support every kind of lifestyle. Bringing people home since 1964. badercompanies.com

Morgan Family Dental Located just southwest of the Twin Cities in Prior Lake, Morgan Family Dental treats patients of all ages, ensuring each member of the family gets proper dental care. Dr. Morgan also offers a wide range of cosmetic and restorative treatment options, including whitening and bleaching, bonding, dentures, veneers, and dental implants.

At Bassett Creek Dental, we combine advanced dentistry with genuine, personalized care to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. From preventive care and cosmetic treatment to dental implants and same-day crowns, our experienced team is committed to your comfort. Experience exceptional dentistry for the whole family in a welcoming environment where family comes first. 5851 Duluth St., Suite 100, Golden Valley 763-546-1301, bassettcreekdental.com

Fairview Fairview’s mission is simple and powerful: make health happen with human compassion. For more than 100 years, we have cared for families, led innovation, and served 1.2 million Minnesotans. With 10 hospitals, 40-plus primary care clinics, and nationally recognized specialty care, Fairview is here for every need and every stage of life.

mypriorlakedentist.com

in grades pre-K to 12. In classes of 15 to 16 students, teachers combine academic rigor with personal attention. The school provides financial assistance to 26% of its students. Blake families represent 68 Twin Cities neighborhoods, and 38% of students identify as people of color. Hopkins and Minneapolis 55372 blakeschool.org 16670 Franklin Trail S.E., Prior Lake 16670 Franklin Trail, Prior Lake, MN952-988-3420, 952-467-8335, mypriorlakedentist.com

Park Dental Park Dental is dedicated to delivering quality, patient-centered care for the entire family. With over 50 locations across the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and Arizona, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services—from cleanings to cosmetics—ensuring personalized exceptional care at every stage. 2200 County Road C W., Ste. 2210, Roseville 651-633-0500, parkdental.com

EDUCATION

HEALTH

Bassett Creek Dental

The Blake School 952-447-4611 Blake enrolls 1,300 students

Call today for a free cosmetic smile evaluation

BenildeSt. Margaret’s School At Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM), students don’t choose between opportunity and attention. With 70+ athletics and activities, dynamic arts, advanced academics, professional electives, and dedicated college counseling, BSM offers a large school’s advantages while remaining a community where every student is known and loved, forming confident leaders ready for college and life. 2501 Highway 100, St. Louis Park 952-927-4176, bsmschool.org

Breck School Breck is an Episcopal, independent, collegepreparatory day school enrolling students of diverse backgrounds in grades preschool through 12. Its mission is to create confident learners who lead lives of intellectual curiosity, self-knowledge, and social responsibility. Located in Golden Valley, Breck is easily accessible from the Twin Cities metro area. 123 Ottawa Ave. N., Golden Valley 763-381-8100, breckschool.org

City of Lakes Waldorf School City of Lakes Waldorf School uniquely prepares students to meet the changing world through a dynamic curriculum, integrating academic work, conscious social learning, outdoor experiences, and artistic activities. In alignment with child development, Waldorf education awakens the capacities of students and instills a lifelong love of learning. Grades pre-K to 8. 2344 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis 612-767-1550, clws.org

Eagle Ridge Academy Eagle Ridge Academy is a K to 12, tuition-free Classical public school serving Twin Cities metro families. For over 20 years, the Academy has paired a strong academic foundation with character formation. A top 10 Minnesota school and AP School Honor Roll designee, students score in Minnesota’s top 5% on state tests. 11111 Bren Road W., Minnetonka 952-746-7760, eagleridgeacademy.org

855-324-7843, fairview.org

TW IN CITIES LIVING

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Eastern Carver County Schools Serving Chaska, Chanhassen, Carver, and Victoria, Eastern Carver County Schools is a premier public school district dedicated to personalized learning. From exceptional academics and arts to championship athletics, we prepare every learner to thrive. Discover why our schools are the heart of this vibrant community. 11 Peavey Road, Chaska 952-556-6112, district112.org

Minnetonka Public Schools Minnetonka Schools focuses on worldclass, child-centered excellence. Set in the beautiful Lake Minnetonka region, the district serves 11,000-plus students. Minnetonka offers grades K to 12 Chinese and Spanish Immersion, grades K to 5 computer coding, AP and IB courses, collaborative research, advanced professional studies, skilled trades courses, online learning, and award-winning arts and music programs. 5621 County Road 101, Minnetonka 952-401-5000, minnetonkaschools.org

Richfield Public Schools Richfield Public Schools is a small-town school district in an urban environment. With a Spanish dual-language program, STEM opportunities, and AP and College in the Schools courses, this district has the same opportunities as larger districts but with a small-town feel. See for yourself by scheduling a tour at any of the schools. enroll@rpsmn.org 612-798-6007, richfieldschools.org

Since 1858, Shattuck St. Mary’s has empowered students in grades 6 to 12 and postgraduate to achieve their goals. Located 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities in Faribault, this boarding and day school combines excellent academics, legendary athletics, and an enduring community to help students excel in learning and in life. 1000 Shumway Ave., Faribault 507-333-1599, s-sm.org

St. Paul Academy and Summit School

Mounds Park Academy (MPA) is the No. 2-ranked pre-K to 12 private college preparatory school in the Twin Cities. At MPA, academic rigor prepares and inspires students to stir the human spirit, stand for justice, and shake the world. 2051 Larpenteur Ave. E., St. Paul 651-748-5577, moundsparkacademy.org

1712 Randolph Ave., St. Paul 651-698-2451, spa.edu

Osseo Area Schools

White Bear Lake Area Schools

Find your path at Osseo Area Schools, where students build confidence, explore opportunities, and prepare for bright futures. Serving eight communities, the district offers magnet and online options; real-world learning experiences; and a welcoming, supportive environment. From early learning to graduation and beyond, Osseo Area Schools supports lifelong learning at every stage. 11200 93rd Ave. N., Maple Grove 763-391-7000, osseoschools.org

YMCA of the North At the Y, there is something for everyone. Families can swim in our indoor and outdoor pools or enjoy splash pads, participate in group exercise classes, and experience community acupuncture. Explore our fitness equipment and gym spaces, discover programs designed for individuals 55plus, and so much more. ymcanorth.org

Shattuck St. Mary’s School

St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) is an exceptional college preparatory school for grades pre-K to 12. With strong academics, robust arts programming, and competitive athletics, SPA cultivates an intentional learning environment for students. Come for a tour to meet the community members who make SPA such a special place.

Mounds Park Academy

SERVICES/UTILITIES

TRANSPORTATION

Metro Transit Use Metro Transit’s network of buses and trains to explore the Twin Cities, serving all major destinations with fast, frequent service! Call 612-373-3333 for in-person transit info, text 612-444-1161, or visit Metro Transit’s website to plan a trip or learn about affordable fares. 560 Sixth Ave N., Minneapolis metrotransit.org

White Bear Lake Area Schools is a community at the forefront of educational excellence, honoring our legacy and courageously building the future. Guided by inspiring educators, our students design their futures and create their successes in learning spaces that ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Go Bears! 2399 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake 651-405-7500, isd624.org

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Your Twin Cities

Bucket List The iconic activities that everyone should experience at least once in the metro area

Climb 100 steps to the top of the Minnesota State Fair’s iconic Giant Slide, then race your friends to the bottom. The loser owes you a bucket of Sweet Martha’s cookies. Book a sailing class on one of Minneapolis’ three designated sailing lakes—Lake Nokomis, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet. The Minneapolis Sailing Center offers classes for all ages and skill levels.

to sailing the waters of one of its many glistening lakes, the Twin Cities offers a compelling dichotomy of urban spectacle and natural beauty that attracts visitors from all over the globe—and continues to surprise and delight even its longtime residents. Whether you’re in town for a holiday weekend or settling in for a fresh start, there are a few quintessential Twin Cities experiences every visitor should add to their bucket list. Consider this your invitation to start checking boxes.

Visit the former home of F. Scott Fitzgerald—author of “The Great Gatsby”— on Summit Hill in St. Paul, now registered as a National Historic Landmark.

Hit the ski slopes at Buck Hill in Burnsville, the 1,200-foot-tall ski hill where Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn got her start.

Catch a concert at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, the legendary music venue that served as the filming location for Prince’s 1984 film “Purple Rain.” Or, visit Paisley Park, the former home, recording studio, and creative sanctuary of the musical legend, located in Chanhassen.

Learn the words to the Minnesota Wild’s anthem, “The State of Hockey,” then sing it in unison with 18,000 fellow fans at St. Paul’s Grand Casino Arena.

Wander through whimsical castles made completely of snow and ice with Ice Castles Minnesota, held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in winter.

Enjoy a night of fine dining at local gem Vinai, a traditional Hmong restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis that was recently named to Time Magazine’s list of the “World’s Greatest Places.” Grab a melt-in-your-mouth, cream cheese-frosted cinnamon bun from Isles Bun & Coffee, which took the top honor in 2024 from the World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls website. Indulge in a Jucy Lucy, Minnesota’s famed cheeseburger variation with cheese stuffed directly into the patty, at Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 club.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) OMAR GHRAYEB@OGEE VISUALS/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, MN STATE FAIR/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, NICHOLAS LEIFERMAN/MEET MINNEAPOLIS, ISLES BUN & COFFEE, JASON TESAURO@THEMODERNGENT

F R O M E X P L O R I N G T H E F A R C O R N E R S of the largest mall in the Western Hemisphere

Spend a day attraction-hopping at Mall of America, hitting thrill-inducing spectacles including Nickelodeon Universe, FlyOver America, ClimbZone, Museum of Illusions, SEA LIFE, and more.

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G Y J

Fin in co ac op

Re fit be

JOIN THE YMCA AND

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR WELLBEING JOURNEY!

YMCA EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTERS Early education and preschool for infants through Pre-K

Find community at one of our 20 branch locations in the metro and focus on your wellbeing. We’re committed to helping individuals thrive with active communities, group exercise classes, social opportunities, amenities, and much more!

At YMCA ECLC, every day is an opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive. Through hands-on discovery, nurturing relationships, and purposeful play, children build confidence, creativity, and essential skills for kindergarten and beyond.

Receive complimentary consultations focused on fitness, health coaching, and nutrition when you begin your wellbeing journey at the Y.

Now enrolling at 8 metro locations. Schedule a tour today!

Learn more at ymcanorth.org/membership

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Learn more at ymcanorth.org/eclc

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169

Hibbing Grand Rapids

Healthcare centered around you.

Mountain Iron

169

Hospitals and Medical Centers

Clinics 169

Lake Superior

Duluth

Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub

sin B

orde

North Branch

co n

Princeton

esota /Wis

Chisago City

169

Minn

Elk River

Wyoming

Andover 94

Rogers

Blaine

40+ primary care clinics

101

Maple Grove

35E

35W

Brooklyn Park

610

Hugo

New Brighton

Fridley

Vadnais Heights 494

Easy virtual care

694

Stillwater 694

Minneapolis

394

St. Paul

Hudson 94

Mpls Sculpture Garden

24/7 scheduling

Woodbury

Lake Minnetonka

35W

River Falls

35E

Mall of America

494

Cottage Grove

212

Eden Prairie 169

Hibbing

Min

Chaska

Burnsville

Mountain Iron Prior Lake

35W

Rosemount

isco

169

/W ota

Grand Rapids

n es

Access to more than 2K pediatric providers

Eagan

nsin

Apple Valley

Bord

Expanded map areas

Lakeville

Hospitals and Medical Centers

To learn more: 1-855-Fairview

169

Duluth

Lake Superior

Clinics Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub

North Branch

T W IN CITIES LIVING 2026-27 Princeton 169

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Elk River

Chisago City 35

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