The Good Life in Minnesota




The Twin Cities' fourth largest city, on the west bank of the Mississippi River, Brooklyn Park has a lot to offer; the river,1,600 acres of parkland, more than 120 restaurants, North Hennepin Community and Hennepin Technical Colleges, industry that ranges from printing plants to computer companies and heavy earth-mover manufacturer, and Edinburgh USA, a golf course that ranks among the top courses in the nation.  Within the city are 42 neighborhood parks, a system of trails, three nature areas, and over 400 recreational programs.  Housing, which is 72 percent owner-occupied, goes from modest to luxury, with some apartment buildings included.  Anoka-Hennepin, Osseo and Robbinsdale school districts serve Brooklyn Park.



Nine miles north of Minneapolis on the Mississippi River, "Friendly Fridley" was known as Manomin ("wild rice") until Abraham Fridely arrived in 1879, and the name was changed.  Once raviged by tornados that destroyed one out of every 4 homes in 1965, Fridely has grown in population and as a commercial leader with companies such as Medtronic, Inc., Minnseota's 2nd. largest medical technology company and United Defense.  The area has seen some new home construction but is mainly comprised of existing single family homes, twin-homes and multi-family homes.  These homes run from mostly moderate to some upscale corporate homes.  Students will belong to one of 4 school districts. ISD#11,13,14,16).



Maple Grove, northwest of Minneapolis, is one of the fastest growing communities in the area.  Since 1980, its population has more than doubled, and the growth continues because of its open spaces and progressive city layout. With new shopping and dining districts like Arbor Lakes and a good mix of single family homes, town-homes and condos, Maple Grove is the "In" place to live and play.  Convenience to the Interstate 94/494/694 interchange, and for public transportation make this a very accessible area, and a quick trip to both St.Paul and Minneapolis.  Because of it's accessability and shopping along with quality schools, this area continues to see strong new construction and re-investment, along with companies such as Home Depot and SciMed expanding.  The city's land includes five public lakes used for boating, fishing, wetlands and forest.  Also, one of the states premiere parks (Elm Creek Park) is located in Maple Grove, providing numerous options for you and your family to enjoy the outdoors.



The city of Minnetonka (Dakota Indian for "Big Water"), is a suburban community located eight miles west of Minneapolis in Hennepin County. The city has a land area of 28 square miles, and its 2000 population of 51,301 makes it the thirteenth largest city in Minnesota. Minnetonka enjoys an excellent location, with convenient access to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area via interstate highways I-494 and I-394. The city is just 25 minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Big Water is the states number 1 recreation lake. The head waters of Minnehaha Creek start here and run to the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.  1,100 acres of parkland and a 30-mile system of trails make this an ideal area to live.  Minnetonka is also the corporate home to Cargill and Fingerhut.  It is served by the Hopkins, Minnetonka and Wayzata school districts.  Two private schools are also located in the area.



What began as a farming area in the early 1900's is today a community with 23 parks and recreation areas throughout the city, a popular outdoor swimming pool, an indoor ice arena and a par-3 golf course.  New Hope is seven miles northwest of Minneapolis, with an easy commute downtown or to communities further out via Hwy. 169 on the cities western edge.  Housing in the city varies from single family homes, multiple dwellings and some senior housing.  Residents shop at several strip malls within the city, and at regional malls in neighboring communities.  New Hope is part of the Robbinsdale school district.



While this community of rolling hills and clear lakes 10 miles west of Minneapolis is cosmopolitan in nature, it exudes a quiet easiness and comfort.  Plymouth residents enjoy award-winning school system, miles of parkland, plenty of convenient shopping and an abundance of recreational opportunities.  The 36-square mile city includes 12 lakes, 38 parks and recreation areas, Elm Creek golf course, and 68-mile system of trials that links parks, neighborhood, commercial centers and schools.  The expansive variety of housing includes many new neighborhoods of single family homes, town-homes and twin-homes.  New construction is vigorous in this fast growing community.  The Hopkins, Osseo, Robbinsdale and Wayzata school districts serve Plymouth.




The Cities of St.Michael and Albertville are conveniently located halfway between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud on I-94. This ideal spot has brought about exciting business and residential growth. Yet the Cities have maintained, and are committed to, their small town amenities 3; excellent schools, lower crime rates, investment in parks and trails and much more.  Along with several parks, new commercial development including the expansion of the Albertville Outlet Mall and many walking and snowmobile trails make this an ideal location to raise a family.  Students living south of I-94 attend St. Michael Albertville ISD #885. Those students living north of I-94 attend the Elk River Area School District #728 area schools.