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 The
Minneapolis-St. Paul “Twin Cities” metropolitan
area is consistently rated as one of the best places to live
and raise a family. The nearly three million residents comprise
a multi-cultural community that enjoys a high quality of life,
superb medical care, beautiful natural surroundings, and a rich
array of cultural and recreational opportunities. Best known
for our extensive system of parks, biking trails and lakes,
the variety show A Prairie Home Companion, and the Mall
of America, the area offers something for everyone.
Education
Minnesota is a leader in education and the Twin Cities serve as the state’s
educational center. The University of Minnesota, with campuses in Minneapolis
and St. Paul, is one of the top 20 universities in the country. The area also
has over 15 colleges and universities, as well as a number of specialty trade
programs and vocational/industrial institutes. Elementary and secondary education
options include public schools with traditional, magnet, or language immersion
programs, charter schools, and private schools. Summer programs for children-toddlers
through teens- are numerous and allow children to explore camping, music, foreign
languages, arts, and sports.
 Culture
The Twin Cities metropolitan area is the cultural center of the upper Midwest.
Notable museums include the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center,
Minnesota Science Museum, Minnesota Children’s Museum, and the University
of Minnesota’s Weisman Art Museum. History buffs will want to visit the
Minnesota History Center, Museum of Questionable Medical Devices, Mill City Museum
and the many interpretive sites operated by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Those who favor opera, ballet, theater, chamber music, orchestra, jazz, or comedy
can enjoy performances by both local and visiting companies year round. The Guthrie
Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra have international
reputations. The diverse cultures in the area share their food and traditions
through festivals, fairs, performances, and ethnic restaurants.
 Recreation
Sporting events and recreational activities are plentiful in the area. The Twin
Cities are home to major-league sports teams: the Twins (baseball); the Vikings
(football); the Timberwolves (basketball); and the Wild (hockey). The rivers
and lakes, green parks and water parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities
provide access to a wide selection of sports such as fishing, biking, boating,
hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, skating, swimming, field sports, and
walking. The Minnesota Zoo and the Como Zoo, the Bell Museum of Natural History,
the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife
Refuge provide excellent opportunities to observe and learn about nature and
our environment. Shoppers will find stores and malls galore ranging from quaint
antique shops and specialty boutiques to nationally recognized stores and outlet
malls. Nearby Bloomington, just minutes from the Medical Center, is home to the
nation’s largest shopping center, the Mall of America. Both Minneapolis
and St. Paul have vibrant downtowns that are easily accessible by car or bus.
Housing
and Transportation
Housing options at various price ranges are readily available within commuting
distance of the Medical Center. The Twin Cities are easily reached from anywhere
in the world. The metropolitan area is served by the Minneapolis/St. Paul International
Airport, seven public airports, and the Amtrak passenger railroad. Travel in
and around the Twin Cities is facilitated by Metro Transit, an accessible and
efficient mass transit system with an extensive bus network and light rail line.
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