M inneapolis, Minnesota is a vibrant and sophisticated city. Minneapolis was designated "Most Literate City" by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, "Most Fun City in America" by Money Magazine, "Cleanest City in the Country" by Travel + Leisure, third most "Walkable Community in the U.S." by PBS and third among "Best Cities For Families" by Child Magazine. The city has a population of 382,618 residents. The population is young and active: nearly 60% is 34 years old or younger. Forty-one percent of the residents have a college degree.

A hundred years ago, the riverbanks vibrated with the hum of mills, the roar of trains and the sounds of hundreds of mill workers. With the construction of Fort Snelling in the 1820s, more and more Europeans were attracted to the area and began establishing businesses and homesteads. One profitable industry, flour milling, would give Minneapolis its foundation as a major industrial city. St. Anthony Falls, named after the patron saint of the first known European to see them, gave the milling industry the power it needed to turn the city into the flour milling capital of the world. Up to 1930, Minneapolis led the world in flour production. The industry established many major corporations that still exist today such as General Mills, Cargill, Pillsbury and more.

Today the metropolitan area has a healthy and diversified business environment including companies involved in manufacturing super computers, electronics, medical instruments, milling, machine manufacturing, food processing and graphic arts. These businesses, and others, have helped to make the area one of the largest commercial centers between the East and West Coast. The median household income is $37,974 per year. The average unemployment rate in 2000 was significantly below the national average at 2.2 percent.

Although the trend across the country is more and more people moving to the suburbs, Minneapolis residents are doing the opposite by living right in the heart of their downtown. The Minneapolis Riverfront is THE hot and trendy place to be. Over the past several years, more than 3,000 condos and townhouses have been built or converted from existing buildings within the Minneapolis Riverfront District. Uptown is another popular neighborhood with a young creative populace. A few blocks south of downtown, along Hennepin Avenue, is the center of this hip energy. Unique shopping, late-night dining, electric nightlife and up and coming bands can be found along the streets of Uptown throughout the week.

Lyn-Lake is another unique urban village and is home to major attractions like the Jungle Theater and Bryant-Lake Bowl. Intermedia Arts is located here and is one of the best galleries in the city. Located where the west suburbs border Minneapolis, 50th and France is home to upscale shopping and fine dining. With cobblestone streets, alluring street lighting and a distinctively elegant atmosphere, this neighborhood caters to the classy. On the east bank of the Mississippi next to the University of Minnesota, Dinkytown is embodied with the University's eclectic spirit. Sidewalk musicians, unique bookstores, music shops, coffeehouses, quaint eateries and energetic nightlife abound. Just south of downtown on Nicollet Avenue, Eat Street is a multicultural mecca jam packed with wonderful ethnic restaurants, cafes and markets. The median price for homes throughout Minneapolis is $127,009 and the average price for a single-family home is $163,967.

The beauty and sophistication of Minneapolis is enhanced by its striking seasonal variety. From hot summer days to brisk winter evenings, this is the place to relish in the four distinct seasons. There are endless outdoor recreational opportunities in the surrounding area of Minneapolis. Whether it's bird watching in the Minnesota River Valley, bicycling in the southeastern blufflands, exploring the mysterious ice-age geology of Taylor's Falls, or hiking in the footsteps of Native Americans and Voyageurs on the Grand Portage Trail, the possibilities for easily accessible adventure abounds.

With five major sports teams, three awesome venues and some of the wildest sports fans in the country, Minneapolis is a major-league city. The NBA Timberwolves finished the 2004 season by advancing to the Western Conference finals; the 2003's American League Central Champion Minnesota Twins are slugging through the season with a winning record; plus, Minneapolis' WNBA team, the Lynx, and the superstar women's basketball team at the University of Minnesota draw sell-out crowds and fevered fans.

Minneapolis Public Schools is the largest school district in Minnesota. The schools provide students with a truly international education that will better prepare them for life in a global community. More than 11,000 students who are currently learning English speak another language in their home. Minneapolis has 59 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 8 high schools, 37 alternative schools, and 6 special education schools. While many districts are cutting funding for arts programs, Minneapolis Public Schools has integrated the arts throughout the curriculum with its Arts for Academic Achievement initiative. This strategy has been shown to improve student attendance, engage children in learning and improve academic achievement.

Minneapolis is an energetic and dynamic play to live, work and raise a family. If you are considering moving to the area or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!