Relocating to the Twin Cities Metro

Recently someone asked me why I loved living in Minnesota.  It’s a question I ask myself every winter, and last night as the snow gently fell outside my window, I sat nestled in front of the fire and counted the reasons I feel lucky I live here.

The Twin Cities Metro is an incredible place to live, work and play

US News Money rated St. Paul the #1 city for healthcare in American. Kaiser Health News said Twin City area residents are enjoying the best bargains in insurance premiums. Forbes awarded Minneapolis top honors as the healthiest city in the nation.  According to Forbes, “If you live in Minneapolis-St. Paul, you and your neighbors are less likely to have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma and are more likely to be in excellent or very good health.”

Minnesotans Are Fit

We have acres of open spaces and miles of trails so you see people walking and biking everywhere.  In the Twin Cities metro area, a high percentage of area is parkland, featuring ball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, dog parks, golf courses and recreation centers.  During our notoriously cold winters, area citizens maintain their commitment to fitness and exercise by skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing.  Is it any wonder that Time named Minneapolis-St Paul the fittest city in American for 3 years running?

In the Twin Cities, Minnesotans Take Play Seriously

Today’s world can be very stressful so taking the time to relax and play is critical to a balanced lifestyle.   Sperling’s Best Places named Minneapolis-St. Paul America’s Most Playful City.  “Minneapolis outshone all other cities in health and happiness, as well as social and emotional support,” said Sperling’s.  Guess there is something to “Minnesota Nice” after all.

We Work Hard in Minnesota

According to Fortune and Money in 2012, 19 companies in the Fortune 500 were headquartered in Minnesota, including United Health Group, Target, 3M, and General Mills. Cargill, the largest privately held company in the United States is located in Minnetonka.

So we have lots of jobs! Statistics published by the Department of Labor for December 2013 bear that out with Minneapolis-St. Paul boasting a 4.3% unemployment rate - lowest among major metropolitan areas in the United States.   The future continues to look bright on the business front when in 2013 Forbes named Minnesota the 8^th best state in American for business.

Art and Culture Abounds

Weisman Art Museum

We watch live theater, listen to live music and laugh out loud at comedy shows. Our number of theater seats per capita ranks only behind New York City with approximately 2.3 million tickets sold annually.

Perched on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis you find the world renowned Guthrie Theater.  Its 3 stages, full-service restaurant, and its amazing views of Minneapolis inspired Time Magazine to call the Guthrie  “a 21st-century dream factory”.

The Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra are both professional music ensembles that perform concerts in the Twin Cities.  We are proud of our Fine Arts Museums which include the Minnesota Institute of Arts, the Walker Art Center, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, and the Museum of Russian Art all located in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Students Shine

According to US News and World Report, Minnesota has one of the nation’s highest graduation rates.  Best High Schools rankings award Minnesota 6 Gold Medal Schools, 40 Silver Medal Schools, and 90 Bronze Medal Schools.

Plus, our students are ready for college! Minnesota students have achieved the highest ACT scores for 8 years running according to a recently issued report by the Office of Higher Education.

Minnesotans are so nice we hate to brag but…

Bicycling Magazine named Minneapolis the most bike-friendly city in the United States.

Central Connecticut State University named the State of Minnesota the second most literate state in the nation.

Sperling’s named Minneapolis-St. Paul the best US city for seniors in 2011.

Politico Magazine ranked Minnesota second in general all-around rankings for best states in America.

Rolling Stone Magazine named First Avenue the second-best rock venue in America

It's a really great place to work, play and raise a family. Come live here - Minnesota would love to have you!  Fellow Minnesotans, please leave a comment about what you love most about Minnesota!