Minneapolis-St. Paul, otherwise known as the “Twin Cities,” is Minnesota’s largest metropolitan area. While Minneapolis and St. Paul are called twins and only separated by the Mississippi River, each city has its own unique character.
Minneapolis, the larger of the Twin Cities, has a mix of contemporary high-rise buildings, historic architecture, and lots of entertainment and dining options. St. Paul, the state capital, has a more historic vibe, with many parks and museums, as well as old, beautiful neighborhoods.
Home of the Mall of America, Prince, honeycrisp apples, several lakes, and 18 Fortune 500 company headquarters, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area has a population of around 3.6 million. For those willing to brave the cold winters, Minneapolis-St. Paul offers a combination of big-city amenities and Midwestern friendliness.
Minneapolis Area Communities
Colhoun-Isles
Calhoun-Isles is a vibrant community of several neighborhoods in southwest Minneapolis. Four of the city’s lakes are in this area, making it ideal for recreational activities. Historic homes, a fun business district, and stunning outdoor spaces make this an appealing community.
Inver Grove Heights
South of St. Paul is Inver Grove Heights, a suburban city of around 34,000 residents with easy access to both of the Twin Cities and a focus on community activities.
Plymouth
Plymouth is a family-friendly suburban city 15 miles west of downtown Minneapolis with lots of shopping and restaurants. Plymouth also has great schools and is one of the top communities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Lino Lakes
Further out from Minneapolis-St. Paul is Lino Lakes, a small town with easy interstate access named for the chain of lakes at its center. The quiet, friendly vibe of this community make it an ideal retreat from the bustle of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Brooklyn Park
Located in Northwest Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park is a newer suburb, with most homes built after 2000. Known for its stunning green spaces and trees, Brooklyn Park has 67 parks and 47 miles of trails, making it a picturesque place to call home.
Highland Park
Highland Park, a neighborhood in southwest St. Paul, has a little of everything to offer. A mix of housing types bring a variety of people to the area, and a walkable downtown with fun restaurants and shopping make Highland Park a popular area.
Roseville
Roseville is conveniently situated just north of St. Paul and east of Minneapolis. Roseville has two major shopping areas, reasonably priced homes, and a 110,00 square foot outdoor ice rink in the colder months.
Eagan
Once considered the “Onion Capital of the United States” and now one of the best places to live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Eagan has top-tier schools, homes at a variety of price points, and is close to the Twin Cities.
Bloomington
Bloomington is the largest Minneapolis-St. Paul suburb, just 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. Bloomington is also home to the Mall of America and borders the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Top Minneapolis School Districts
Minneapolis has great schools, where your children can thrive!
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Minasota, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Minnetonka PSD
Students Served: 10,253
School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Minnetonka, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Greenwood, Woodland, Groveland, Deephaven, Carver Beach
Wayzata PSD
Students Served: 10,958
School Breakdown: 8 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Plymouth, Wayzata, part of Medina
Eden Prairie PSD
Students Served: 9,044
School Breakdown: 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 16
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Eden Prairie
Edina PSD
Students Served: 8,567
School Breakdown: 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Edina, Cahill, Dewey Hill, Pentagon Park, Indian Trails, Brookview Heights, Lake Cornelia, Promenade, Parklaw, Brookview Heights, Bredesden Park, Part of Parkwood Knolls
Orono PSD
Students Served: 2,842
School Breakdown: 3 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Long Lake, Orono, Minnetonka Beach, part of Medina, part of Independence, Armstrong, Crystal Bay
Mahtomedi PSD
Students Served: 3,335
School Breakdown: 3 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Students Served: 8,047
School Breakdown: 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Credit River, Grainwood, Prior Lake
Mounds View PSD
Students Served: 11,362
School Breakdown: 13 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 15 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Shoreview, Arden Hills, part of Cardigan Junction, part of North Oaks, part of North Oaks
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196
Students Served: 27,926
School Breakdown: 22 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 12 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Eagan, Coates, Wescott
Eastern Carver County Public Schools
Students Served: 9,548
School Breakdown: 12 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 7 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Chaska, Kahlgren, Hazeltinee, Augusta
Top Employers in Minneapolis
Target is one of the biggest employers in the Twin Cities.
The Twin City’s thriving job market has work for professionals in all sectors of the economy.
Target
Target, every millennial’s favorite place to shop, has its headquarters in the Twin Cities, providing numerous corporate job opportunities.
Hennepin Healthcare
Hennepin Healthcare provides excellent medical care to residents of the Twin Cities, and employs over 7,000 people working in the healthcare sector.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is a major financial institution that has a large presence in the Minneapolis Area. It employs around 7,000 people, making it a major Twin City employer.
Hennepin County
Hennepin County is a major employer, providing over 6,000 government jobs to people in the Minneapolis Area.
Ameriprise
Ameriprise’s Minneapolis headquarters employs over 5,000 Twin City residents working in the finance sector.
Minneapolis Area Museums
The Wiseman Art Museum has even more exciting art inside!
Science Museum of Minnesota
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the Science Museum of Minnesota, where visitors can walk halls filled with dinosaur skeletons and fossils, conduct experiments and have hands-on interactions with science, and laugh at the exhibit of Questionable Medical Devices. This is one of the top museums in the area.
Weisman Art Museum
Housed in perhaps one of the strangest buildings you’ll ever see, the Weisman Art Museum is part of the University of Minnesota. It’s large collection includes modern artists, Native American pottery, and traditional Korean furniture, as well as many interesting traveling exhibitions throughout the year.
Mill City Museum
The Mill City Museum was built in the ruins of a former flour mill and National Historic Landmark, and as a result is a fascinating blend of the old limestone building and modern glass structures. Visitors learn about the history of flour milling, and outdoor concerts are held at the museum in the summer.
American Swedish Institute
The American Swedish Institute provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of Swedish-Americans, a prominent immigrant group in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, as well as participate in its wide variety of programming for all ages.
The Works Museum
The Works Museum is an interactive children’s museum, allowing children to learn about engineering and technology and have fun at the same time. It’s one of the most popular children’s museums in the area.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art’s massive collection spans 20,000 years and six continents, and the museum is visited by half a million people each year. Free admission, diverse exhibits, and classes for adults and children make this a fantastic place to learn about and admire art.
Minnesota History Center
Headquarters for the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota History Center has more than 1 million artifacts related to the state of Minnesota, and its exhibitions and programs offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of the area.
Great Parks in the Minneapolis Area
Reconnect with nature in Minneapolis’ fantastic parks.
Bloom Island Park
Right along the Mississippi River with fantastic views of downtown Minneapolis is Boom Island Park. The park has a playground, boat dock, walking and biking paths, and offers a quiet escape from the bustle of the city.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, located close to downtown Minneapolis, is a free 11-acre park that features many interesting sculptures. The most iconic sculpture in the park is a giant spoon holding a cherry, which rests over water and is lit up at night. The Sculpture Garden is a fantastic place to explore and relax.
Mears Park
Mears Park is an oasis in the heart of St. Paul, with stunning birch trees, a man-made stream, an area for music and theatre performances. The park also features seasonal flower gardens and many places to sit and enjoy the peaceful sound of the stream.
Fort Snelling State Park
Fort Snelling State Park is in the southern part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. In addition to the historic Fort Snelling, which visitors can tour, the park preserves forest, marshes, and fields, and offers a variety of recreational opportunities.
Phalen Regional Park
Phalen Regional Park is in northeast St. Paul along Lake Phalen, one of the largest lakes in the city. It is a popular park with a golf course, sports courts, paved trails, a swimming beach on the lake, and a China Garden.
Mill Ruins Park
Adjacent to the Mill City Museum and the Mississippi River is Mill Ruins Park, a unique park set in the remains of some of the former flour mills in this area. The park’s focus is preserving the ruins and educating visitors on the history of flour milling, and it provides a truly unique way to spend time outside.
Minneapolis Sports Teams
You Can Root On (Or Pretend You Don’t Care About)
Catch a game, and watch the Twins!
There are plenty of options for sports lovers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, as the area has a professional team for every major sport. Several large professional sporting arenas, including the Target Field for baseball, Target Center for basketball, U.S. Bank Stadium for football, and the Xcel Energy Center for hockey, offer high-quality amenities for sports-goers.
Residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul join together to root for the Minnesota Twins, the area’s Major League Baseball team. The Minnesota Vikings are the resident NFL team, and football fans love attending rivalry games against other big-name teams.
Hockey is another popular sport here – not surprising considering the cold winters – and the Minnesota Wild are a great opportunity to partake in the National Hockey League. The University of Minnesota is also located in Minneapolis, and the Golden Gophers football team is part of the Big 10 Conference.
Living in Minneapolis
Live a life you love in the Twin Cities!
The Twin Cities are ranked as some of the best cities to live in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. Locals enjoy all four seasons, and although the winters are tough, there are some perks: ice skating, hockey, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.
Warmer months bring festivals, sporting events, and an abundance of outdoor recreation activities. Due to the number of suburbs surrounding the cities, commuting to work is common, but the major interstates running through the area make it relatively easy.
Many neighborhoods are very walkable, and it’s common to see people out walking, running, and riding bikes on tree-lined streets. With each of the Twin Cities having its own unique personality comes even more opportunities in terms of jobs, housing, schools, and entertainment, and there’s always something to do.
Minneapolis Housing Trends
There are a variety of housing options in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. From sleek industrial apartments in the downtown areas, newly-built suburban communities, historic established neighborhoods, and peaceful getaways near lakes, there is something for everyone in the Twin Cities. The population of the metropolitan area has been growing steadily, largely due to the surrounding suburbs, making the housing market fairly competitive.
Median Home Price: $247,946
Housing costs in Minneapolis-St. Paul have been steadily increasing over time, and although the median home price is higher than the national median, it’s much cheaper to live in the Twin Cities than other major cities like New York and Chicago. This means you can still enjoy the amenities of a major metropolitan area without stretching your budget too far.
Growing Communities in Central Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis has a lot to offer to anyone wanting to live in a vibrant urban hub. You can live in a walk-able downtown community, and invest in your brand new dream home.
If a convenient and fun lifestyle in Central Minneapolis sound good to you, check out new home communities like Locke Pointe and Portland Tower, just two of the fantastic neighborhoods in this great part of town.
Growing Communities in Southwest Minneapolis
Eden Prairie has become a fun satellight city in the Twin Cities. This Southwest Minneapolis town is just a short drive to downtown, making it a great choice for families that want to build a comfortable and peaceful home, but still want to stay close to the city’s beating heart.
If you want to call Eden Prairie home, explore neighborhoods like West Park and Spring Creek, the perfect community retreat from the world.
Growing Communities in West Minneapolis
West Minneapolis has become a fantastic place for growing families looking to invest in their serene dream home in the Twin Cities. Plymouth and Brooklyn Park are two fantastic towns in West Minneapolis with a number of new home communities. Elm Creek and Locke Pointe are just two of the great neighborhoods waiting for you.
Growing Communities in East St. Paul
Woodbury and Lake Elmo are two great cities in East St. Paul. These vibrant towns have some of the best rated schools in the Minneapolis Area, while still providing residents easy access to the Twin Cities.
Home shoppers interested in settling down in East St. Paul should explore the new homes in Oak Hill and Savona neighborhoods.
Amazing Minneapolis Restaurants
Minneapolis-St. Paul’s food scene celebrates both the area’s Scandinavian roots and its modern blend of cultures.
Tour a brewery in Minneapolis!
Kramarczuk’s Sausage Company
Kramarczuk’s has been a Minneapolis staple since 1954, serving Eastern European food in their restaurant, bakery, and deli close to downtown.
Butcher & The Boar
Butcher & Boar is a modern steak and smoked meat house serving high-end craft food in a trendy atmosphere. This restaurant is perfect for a nice celebratory meal or a happy hour meetup on their patio.
Andale Taqueria Y Mercado
South of Minneapolis near Bloomington, you can find authentic tacos at Andale Taqueria Y Mercado, an inexpensive and popular Mexican restaurant.
Fika
Explore the culinary heritage of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area at the American Swedish Institute’s Fika cafe, where a mix of modern and traditional Scandinavian foods are served.
George & The Dragon
Grab a pint and some fish and chips at George & The Dragon, a British pub with a menu that will make you feel like you’re actually in the U.K.
Brasa Rotisserie
Who says soul food can’t be good in the Midwest? Brasa Rotisserie serves Caribbean-inspired comfort food near downtown Minneapolis.
Taste of Scandinavia Bakery & Cafe
Taste of Scandinavia is north of Minneapolis-St. Paul and serves authentic Scandinavian pastries, desserts, and breakfast items.
Matt’s Bar
Matt’s Bar is famous for its burgers and is the original home of the famous “Jucy Lucy” burger, a double-patty burger with a melted pocket of cheese in the middle.
Pracna
Pracna is the oldest tavern in Minneapolis, founded in 1890. It’s conveniently located on Main Street along the Mississippi River.
The Naughty Greek
Located west of the heart of St. Paul, the Naughty Greek serves authentic Greek food. They prepare their meats and other food fresh each day.
122 Eatery
For a more upscale meal, try 112 Eatery, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and offering a New American menu.
Red Cow
Another downtown Minneapolis staple is Red Cow, a gourmet burger joint with a good beverage menu and popular appetizers like beer-battered cheese curds and a one pound pretzel.
Black Sea Restaurant
Perfectly situated between the Twin Cities, Black Sea Restaurant offers authentic Turkish food for a low price.
The Buttered Tin
The Buttered Tin is a trendy breakfast and brunch spot in downtown St. Paul, with a focus on locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.
Moscow on the Hill
For a truly unique experience visit Moscow on the Hill, a traditional Russian restaurant with a vodka bar in a historic St. Paul neighborhood near the Cathedral of St. Paul.
Meritage
Meritage is an upscale French restaurant in downtown St. Paul with a classic French-style interior dining room, an Oyster Bar, and a terrace.
Hai Hai
Hai Hai serves Vietnamese street food in a vibrantly colored restaurant just north of downtown Minneapolis.
Pizzeria Lola
Give in to your pizza craving at Pizzeria Lola, one of the most popular pizza places in the area. They make their pizza dough in-house daily.
Great Attractions for Minneapolis Stay-cations
Explore Minneapolis’ exciting art scene!
Minnesota State Capitol
A trip to the Minnesota State Capitol is the perfect way to learn about the Minnesota government and the history of the area. Free guided tours are offered daily, and visitors can marvel at the second-largest self-supported marble dome in the world, legislative chambers, and the Quadriga, a group of gold horse statues that sit above the entrance.
Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair occurs at the end of summer each year, attracting Minnesota residents and people from across the country. Located on 322 acres between the Twin Cities, the fair includes livestock competitions, games, rides, concerts, fair food, and much more.
Cathedral of St. Paul
Close to downtown St. Paul, the Cathedral of St. Paul is a significant historical and religious landmark in the area. Built in 1907, the cathedral is on the National Register of Historical Buildings. Catholic services are held regularly, and the Cathedral also offers weekday guided tours of the building.
Minnehaha Falls
Just before the Minnehaha Creek meets the Mississippi River is a 53-foot waterfall in south Minneapolis. The falls are the most photographed site in the state. Visitors can walk behind the falls year round, and in the winter the falls freeze and form an ice cave.
Guthrie Theater
Guthrie Theatre is one of the top theatre performance centers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The theatre offers a mix of classical and modern productions and appeals to a wide-ranging audience.
Como Park Zoo & Conservator
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, located in northwestern St. Paul is city-owned and free to the public. Open 365 days per year, visitors can see and learn about a wide variety of animals in the zoo and wander through the many unique gardens.
Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway
The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway is a series of parks linked together by 50 miles of roads. The Byway circles the city of Minneapolis and offers a great way to experience nature in the heart of the Twin Cities area without even needing to leave your car. Of course, there are also trails and biking paths for those who want to get some exercise on this route.
Mall of America
Located in Bloomington, Minnesota just south of Minneapolis is the Mall of America – one of the most popular attractions in the entire state. It’s the fifth largest mall in North America and the 12th largest in the world, and sees over 40 million visitors each year. In addition to just about every retail store imaginable, the mall’s 4,870,000 square feet also hold an aquarium, mirror maze, adventure course, minigolf, ice skating rink, and roller coasters, to name a few.
Shopping
You don’t have to ride the roller coaster in the Mall of America but it’s a lot of fun!
While the Minneapolis-St. Paul area might be best-known for the Mall of America, there are also many other great shopping destinations in the Twin Cities. From the big name stores to specialty boutiques, indoor to outdoor, Minneapolis-St. Paul has it all.
Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue, in a historic area of St. Paul, offers 30 blocks of boutiques and specialty shops, as well as restaurants, cafes, spas, schools, and old homes. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon – or an entire day – shopping for unique items and relaxing at one of the numerous eateries with sidewalk seating.
Nicollett Mall
Nicollet Mall, in downtown Minneapolis, is one of the top shopping and dining destinations in the city. 12 blocks of Nicollet Avenue make up this popular shopping area, where you can find brand-name shops and department stores at a range of prices.
Midtown Global Market
Midtown Global Market is an international market with a variety of stalls and vendors representing cultures from around the world. Located in a large building that was once a big chain store, the market offers unique shopping, food, beverages, and often hosts cultural events and live entertainment.
The Mall of St. Paul
If you love browsing antiques and vintage items, The Mall of St. Paul is the perfect place to shop. Two levels of antiques can be found here, with items ranging from clothing to furniture, dishes to random collectibles. The Mall of St. Paul is a fun place to shop for antiques or just marvel at the plethora of vintage goods they have in every corner.
Places of Worship
Find the right place of worship for you and your family in Minneapolis.
Houston is the most diverse city in the United States, and has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
Church of Minneapolis
Church of Minneapolis is a vibrant faith community located in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. It offers a number of community outreach programs.
Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center
The Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center serves a diverse community of Muslims in Minneapolis, and has a peaceful environment for worshipers.
Temple Israel- Minneapolis
Temple Israel offers its congregation a true sense of community, religious services, and lifelong learning for people of all ages.
Clouds in Water Zen Center
The Clouds in Water Zen Center is devoted to awaking the heart of great wisdom and compassion though meditation classes, community events, and liturgy in the Zen Buddhist tradition.
Hindu Temple of Minnesota
The Hindu Temple of Minnesota has a large, sunlit prayer hall and over 20 shrines. It serves the Hindu community of Minneapolis with numerous religious events and festivals.
Congregation Bais Yisroel
Congregaton Bais Yisroel provides the opportunity for Jews to engage with the Torah and their faith, and offers Orthodox youth groups for boys and girls.
Masjid An-Nur
Masjid An-Nur has serves a diverse range of Muslims through its religious services and community outreach programs.
Sri Venkateswara Temple
Sri Venkateswara Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple in Minneapolis that offers community events and worship.
Minnesota Buddhist Vihara
The Minnesota Buddhist Vihara serves everyone interested in learning about the Teachings of the Buddha. Public meditation classes are also available.
The Urban Refuge Church
The Urban Refuge Church builds a network of compassion-filled urban churches that strives to walk humbly in the faith and serve others with mercy.
Other Minnesota Resources
Your Guide to Closing Costs in Minnesota in 2021 Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Minnesota The 10 Best Places to Retire in Minnesota in 2021 First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Minnesota Best Suburbs of Minneapolis Moving To Minneapolis? Our Relocation Guide Will Help
Lara Herreid has a BA in English and Sociology from Southwestern University and a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University. She currently works in higher education and enjoys writing in her free time.
Home Style Guide: Craftsman House
Karla Leibham
Please send any helpful info for a move from Kansas to the Minneapolis area.
Jamie Garcia
Hi Karla,
Take a look at the following articles on living in Minnesota:
https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/guide-closing-costs-minnesota/
https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/affordable-cities-minnesota/
https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/best-places-to-retire-in-minnesota/
https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/first-time-homebuyer-programs-minnesota/
I hope this helps!