Community Information

Minnesota was ranked the ninth best overall state in the union by Forbes magazine. The ranking only means good things for Minnesota, which was put in the top ten for the second year in a row (though in 2013, the state was ranked eighth overall). 

The gross state product for 2013 was $312 billion, something that factored into the 2014 top ten ranking. The magazine ranked the states on a total of 36 factors, from economic climate to business costs to labor supply. 

Forbes cites Minnesota's great quality of life and strong economic climate as the main reasons for the excellent ranking. The quality of life in the state is measured by the health of the state's citizens, the low poverty rate and the well regarded schools. Though, quality of life surely doesn't measure the frigid temperatues in December and February as a factor. 

The state is home to the headquarters of companies like Target, General Mills, 3M and Medtronic. With a 92.4% percentage of adults with a high school degree, the state has has the fourth highest in the country. 

Minnesota continues to be a strong economic hub for the midwest region which bodes well for all the citizens of this great state. 

Photo by: Matthew Deery 

Did you know the Mall of America is drastically expanding? In the coming years, the MOA will more than double in size. Yes, you heard that correctly, the massive mall is going to double!

With the latest addition, Radisson Blu, the top-notch hotel connected to the mega mall, the MOA is set to expand by leaps and bounds in the coming decade.

A ‘Class-A’ office building will soon be connected to the MOA's north entrance, making a fantastic location for businesses who want to be near the airport, close to plenty of amenities, and be set up in brand new office space.

The first phase of the coming expansion will add on another hotel, more mall space by adding another mammoth atrium, and even an expansion to “Underwater World.” The sea life aquarium will see a $2 million addition, a 15,000 gallon sting ray exhibit which allows visitors to touch the many creatures of the sea.

All this growth plays in tandem with the upcoming Super Bowl that will be hosted in the state in 2018 – though the MOA’s expansion isn’t tied directly to the world event, with the media spotlight on the Twin Cities, having an even larger mall that will amaze all the visitors seems like a worthwhile upgrade. 

Photo courtesy of: DLR Group 

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. That day and those following are always filled with events to check out around the Twin Cities. While Thanksgiving is usually about family, food and football, the day can feature less traditional activities. Most are closed on Thanksgiving, but the Twin Cities offers plenty to do on the busy day.

The Depot in Minneapolis has a gorgeous ice skating rink that will host guests on Turkey Day. The rink opens November 23rd if you can't wait that long.

The Mall of America hosts a 5k Walk to End Hunger Thursday morning, before any lavish turkey dinner. The annual Life Time Fitness Turkey Day 5k kicks off from downtown Minneapolis in the morning as well. So, you can't do both, you'd have to pick one marathon or the other.

Phalen Park in St. Paul has over a million Christmas lights and lively displays from November 23rd until January 1st. Thanksgiving Day could finish perfectly, segueing nicely into Christmas.

And of course, you could spend the waning hours of Thanksgiving in line waiting for deals on merchandise early morning Black Friday. Bundle up!

Each year CNN Money compiles a list of the Top 100 places to live in the U.S. In 2012, Eden Prairie, MN ranked third on the prestigious list. The city is no stranger to the Top 100, having ranked number one overall back in 2010. Suffice to say, the city is a great place to live.

The list is generated by a number of factors including, but not limited to, median household income, average home prices, job opportunities, number of restaurants, number of parks and facilities, the quality of schools, and even average Summer/Winter temperature. Considering all those factors, Eden Prairie, along with many other Minnesota cities like Chanhassen, Savage, and Owatonna, have been ranking high on this list yearly. 

To check out properties in the area, check out our Eden Prairie section on Barker & Hedges.