Business Community Profile
In 2006, Morgan Quinto Press named the state of Minnesota the second best state to live in. The Twin Cities area has an especially high quality of life because of it strong economy, fueled by many diverse industries in the area including 19 fortune 500 companies.
Besides being home to many Fortune 500 companies, the Twin Cites area is among the highest in the nation for household income, and has one of the lowest unemployment rates. In 2004, Minnesota had the 5th highest income in the nation. The median income was $55,914.
The seven-county metro area, including: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties, with a population of 2.77 million. By the year 2030, the Met Council estimates that the population will increase by 966,000, to a total population of 3.6 million.
The seven-county metro area was also named one of the “Seven Coolest Cites” by Kiplinger’s magazine in 2005. Contributing to its “coolness” is all of its recreational and diverse activities that one can partake in. The Twin Cities area has more arts and theater venues than any other city outside of New York City. Some of these venues include the Guthrie, Mixed Blood Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.
The Twin Cities area also has an extensive park and trail system for one to explore the natural beauty of the region. The Twin Cities region is home to one of the countries largest systems, including 35 regional parks, 11 large regional park reserves, and 22 regional trails. Within the area are four State Parks: William O’Brien, Fort Snelling, Afton and the Minnesota Valley Trail.
The metro area is also home to the Minnesota Twins baseball team, the Vikings football team, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx basketball teams, the Wild hockey team and the University of Minnesota- Golden Gophers, a division I school.
Whether you are into arts and the cultural experience, exploring the great outdoor, or spectator sports- the Twin Cities area has something for everyone to enjoy!