While many think of Minnesota as nothing more than a state with mind-numbingly cold weather, Money Magazine has a different opinion and placed four Minnesota cities in the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2009. This guide to quality living in American small towns likely made some people take another look at Minnesota. The following entries from Money Magazine spotlights the four favored cities.
Coming in at number two on the overall list is Chanhassen. Unemployment is low, property taxes dropping, and median home prices rising. With a population just under 25,000, this small town has plenty for residents to do, with 11 lakes, 34 parks, and Minnesota favorites like ice fishing contests, skating, and hockey. The proximity of Minneapolis-St. Paul allows Chanhassen residents access to big city amenities while living in small town America. Keep in mind that Chanhassen is very cold in the winter.
Chaska, Minnesota is ranked at number 20 on the Money Magazine list. This small town of 23,900 sits 25 miles southwest of the Twin Cities area and, like Chanhassen, allows residents access to much larger job opportunities than a town that size would normally provide. Summer concerts and a community center contribute to the small town feel town leaders strive to cultivate. Once again, the outstanding benefit of being able to work in the big city and escape to a small town make Chaska one of Minnesota's best cities.
Lino Lakes is a town of 19,00 that offers excellent water-based recreational activities. Located squarely in the Land of 10,000 Lakes region of the state, Lino Lakes is 20 minutes from seven major bodies of water. The Twin Cities are nearby, but Lino Lakes offers plenty for residents.
Sneaking onto the Money Magazine list at number 97 is Owatonna, self-proclaimed "Jewel of the Prairie" for 24,700 residents. Surrounded by farmland and blessed with 24 city parks, the people of Otawonna keep busy hiking, snowmobiling and fishing in nearby Lake Kohlmier. With 500 retailers and 40 industrial firms employing more than 17,000, the local job outlook is good.
