ANOKA COUNTY
County Offices
2100 Third Avenue
Anoka 763-324-4000
www.anokacounty.us
Chamber of Commerce
9380 Central Avenue NE
Blaine 763-783-3553
www.metronorthchamber.org
Located just minutes away from the Twin Cities, beautiful Anoka County nestles against the banks of the great Mississippi River. Distinguished as one of Minnesota’s fastest growing counties, Anoka is drawing new residents and new or expanding businesses to its enviable blend of urban amenities with small-town friendliness and accessibility. Little wonder that this long-held secret north of the Twin Cities is now brimming over with quality development. Low taxes and a high quality of life combine with a favorable business environment to set the stage for Anoka County’s debut as a major economic force.
An expanse of scenic land traversed by the Rum River—which joins the Mississippi River in the city of Anoka—Anoka County was named for a Native American word that means “on both sides.” Bordering counties include Isanti to the north; Chisago and Washington on the east; and Ramsey, Hennepin, and Sherburne to the west. In recent decades, Anoka County has grown and evolved from a sleepy rural community into a thriving urban center that supports diverse industrial, commercial, residential, and professional development. As one of the largest and fastest-growing counties in the state, Anoka County follows Ramsey and Hennepin counties in population density.
Services
With award-winning schools, two major hospitals, and two post-secondary educational institutions, Anoka County provides outstanding services that are further enhanced by those available nearby in the Twin Cities. The split of Interstate 35 is especially advantageous for residents of Anoka County. Interstate 35W provides a quick trip into Minneapolis, while Interstate 35E efficiently moves traffic toward the resources in St. Paul. Two cities within the county serve as home to hospitals within the Allina Health System: Unity Hospital in Fridley and Mercy Medical Center in Coon Rapids. Both institutions offer a wealth of specialties including a breast care center, a contemporary birthing center, cardiac care, oncology, orthopedics, and neurology. North Memorial Medical Center is also located within a short commute from Anoka County in Robbinsdale, distinguished as a Level I trauma center and the Twin Cities’ only major independent hospital.
Parents will be pleased with the quality educational services provided by the Anoka-Hennepin School District, balancing basic skills with a wide variety of electives taught by specialists in their field. The elementary program features a strong reading-language arts program and an integrated math and science program that emphasizes hands on learning. High schools provide richly diverse programs that prepare students for higher education and real-world success. Education is a lifelong activity in Anoka County, where residents can choose from two-year community and technical colleges, career or vocational schools, or four-year public and private colleges and universities that are close to home. Anoka-Hennepin Technical College and Anoka Ramsey Community College offer a full spectrum of two-year degree programs, certifications, career training, and continuing education courses. Minneapolis is home to a campus for the University of Minnesota, recognized as one of the nation’s finest research universities. Metropolitan State University in St. Paul is especially well-suited for mature students who are looking for a good variety of major disciplines and individually designed baccalaureate programs.
Lifestyle
Situated in the northern portion of the Twin Cities metro area, Anoka County harmonizes the finest qualities of rural and urban lifestyles. With plentiful parks and lush open space, attractive bedroom communities, and award-winning schools, Anoka County appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees. Residents enjoy the benefit of low taxes, a healthy and rapidly growing economy, and a wide range of beautiful housing choices. Newcomers will find every imaginable home style, including two-story family homes, historic properties, condominiums and townhomes, country estates, horse properties, exclusive enclaves, and vibrant new construction in contemporary subdivisions.
Although residents are just a few minutes away from the stellar cultural attractions of the Twin Cities, they enjoy a surprising number of treasures just beyond the front door. Several talented theatrical companies and musical groups provide live-stage entertainment, including the theater departments at Anoka High School and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. The arts are well represented by several organizations including the Anoka County Arts Alliance, which publishes a directory of individuals and groups involved in the performing, visual, and literary arts.
Anoka County’s natural legacy of sparkling lakes, rolling rivers, and lush countryside remains as one of its greatest assets, thanks to the vision of civic and county planners. In addition to the recreational facilities developed within each community, the county offers a wide range of outstanding resources. Nearly 20 parks covering more than 8,000 acres and more than a dozen golf courses add to the county’s natural beauty and visual appeal. Campgrounds, biking and hiking trails, boat launches and canoeing opportunities, archery, golf courses, tennis courts, bridle trails and horseback riding, swimming areas, and picnic sites are all readily available for public use. The National Sports Center in Blaine boasts one of the largest soccer complexes in the entire world, joined by first-rate facilities for hockey, cycling, track and field, and junior golf. Premier competitive events that are held at the sports center attract more than one million visitors each year. Those who are looking for a fine balance of country and city—as well as progressive and homespun—will want to explore the growing cities and small towns of Anoka County.
Andover
Municipal Offices
763-755-5100
https://www.andovermn.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
763-421-7130
www.anokaareachamber.com
Situated just a few miles north of the county seat of Anoka and 20 miles north of Minneapolis, Andover has emerged as one of the fastest growing communities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Andover Community Center Complex serves as a recreational site and gathering place for many activities, special events, and annual celebrations including the Andover Fun Fest each July. Shopping is available at the Downtown Center or in the retail stores and services that dot the downtown district. Northtown in Blaine, Brookdale Mall in Brooklyn Center, and Ridgedale Mall in Minnetonka add to the shopping options. Other convenient services include Mercy Medical Center in Coon Rapids. Recent decades have seen tremendous growth in this community, driven by such desirable features as the area’s scenic rural setting and the many summer and winter recreational activities made possible by nearby lakes and parkland. Within the city itself, more than 400 acres of community and neighborhood parks include the 115-acre Kelsey Round Lake Park with facilities for hiking, skiing, and nature study. Beautiful homes line serene, tree-shaded cul-de-sacs and curvilinear streets, with some lakefront properties available in the Round lake and Crooked Lake areas.
Anoka
Municipal Offices
763-576-2700
www.ci.anoka.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-421-7130
www.anokaareachamber.com
Founded along the confluence of the Mississippi and Rum rivers, the historic river city of Anoka still retains a great deal of old-world charm. Retail businesses thrive in the city’s historic downtown district, while the outlying areas have attracted dozens of smaller industries. In addition to downtown district, major shopping amenities are available close to home at Northtown Mall in Blaine or Brookdale Mall in Brooklyn Center. Housing options range from turn-of-the-century starter homes, post-war bungalows, and ramblers to more expensive executive homes and upscale estates along the city’s picturesque riverbanks. One of the nation’s first communities to host a Halloween celebration in 1920, Anoka simply wanted to create a festival atmosphere that would dissuade the usual pranks. The tradition grew with the decades into a major holiday extravaganza. Today, Anoka enjoys a reputation as the “Halloween Capital of the World” with football games, parades, costume contests, block parties, and the Grey Ghost 5K Run. The city also hosts the Anoka County Fair each August. Anoka is one of a few Minnesota cities to operate its own electric utility, giving residents the advantage of lower rates.
Blaine
Municipal Offices
763-784-6700
www.blainemn.gov
Chamber of Commerce
763-783-3553
www.metronorthchamber.org
As one of the largest of the northern suburbs, Blaine is preserving its rural appeal by designating 4,500 acres of land to protected wetlands. Civic leaders and residents are dedicated to retaining the feeling of spaciousness and the outdoor opportunities that are so essential to Minnesota families. Blaine also boasts ten industrial parks and a National Sports Center Olympic training site with dozens of first-rate facilities that include an Olympic-class soccer, track, and field stadium. Another major sports attraction in the Blaine area is the Tournament Players Club of the Twin Cities golf course, designed by Arnold Palmer and operated by the PGA Tour. Although growth is rapid, the city still offers abundant room for expansion. Northtown Mall and Northcourt Commons provide local retail options, expanded by the shops of downtown Anoka and Brookdale Mall in Brooklyn Center. Mercy Medical Center in Coon Rapids and Unity Medical Center in Fridley provide healthcare services. Entry-level housing once dominated Blaine, but the ’90s saw a trend toward larger lots and more luxurious homes along the periphery of the wetlands and open spaces. Newcomers will find a pleasing variety of home styles, sizes, prices, and settings.
Circle Pines
Municipal Offices
763-784-5898
www.ci.circle-pines.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-783-3553
www.metronorthchamber.org
Nearly one-third of the land in Circle Pines is dedicated to parks and open spaces, which enhances the rural atmosphere and small-town flavor of the community. Preservation of nature is vital in this northern suburban city nestled between Baldwin Lake and Golden Lake, site of a city-county park. As a fully developed community in southern Anoka County approximately 15 miles from the Twin Cities, this residential haven is graced by fields of oaks and elms scattered throughout its two-square-mile area. Major shopping is available close to home at Northway in Lexington. The medical clinic and professional offices in Circle Pines is available for routine healthcare needs. Transportation efficiencies are important to Twin City commuters, and Interstate 35W provides easy access to the downtown districts and major employment centers of both cities. Most homes in Circle Pines were built after 1940, providing a majority of newer construction in a variety of architectural styles. Neighborhoods create an intimate feeling with homes that are built closer together than those in some of the outlying communities.
Columbia Heights
Municipal Offices
763-706-3600
www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
Chamber of Commerce
763-571-9781
www.twincitiesnorth.org
Characterized as an established inner-ring suburb of Minneapolis, the community of Columbia Heights enjoys the transportation efficiencies of several major thoroughfares that speed commuters to the heart of the city in a matter of minutes. Shopping is available locally at Columbia Heights Mall, although the world-class shopping centers of the Twin Cities are also convenient. Columbia Heights maintains a medical clinic and professional offices to meet most routine healthcare needs, with Unity Hospital in Fridley or a number of Minneapolis hospitals serving as convenient major healthcare centers. Residents also enjoy the full range of entertainment and cultural advantages of Minneapolis as well as Metro Transit commuter service. Tranquil neighborhoods are dominated by moderately priced homes on well-maintained properties. Along with established residential neighborhoods along tree-lined streets, the city boasts nearly 15 lush parks complete with amenities like ball fields and skating rinks, several picturesque lakes for expanded recreation, and a number of bustling retail centers.
Coon Rapids
Municipal Offices
763-755-2880
www.ci.coon-rapids.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-783-3553
www.metronorthchamber.org
From a modest population of 14,000 in the late ’50s, Coon Rapids has grown to claim the position of the second-largest suburb in the Twin Cities metro area. Located just 11 miles north of Minneapolis, this family-oriented community features moderately priced to upscale single-family residences in a variety of architectural styles and sizes. Shopping is available at the Coon Rapids Center locally or nearby at Northtown Mall in Blaine. Mercy Medical Center serves the healthcare needs of local residents as well as those who live in nearby small communities. Residents enjoy the scenic wonders and recreational amenities of the beautiful 446-acre Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, one of the most popular in Anoka County. Residents and visitors enjoy biking and hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and a boat launch. Bunker Hills Regional Park is another favorite destination with its campground, multi-purpose trails, and horse stables. Other developments for quality leisure enjoyment include an ice arena, two indoor swimming pools, an outdoor pool, acres of parks, and a municipal golf course. The city’s annual “Carp Festival” attracts thousands of visitors each summer.
Fridley
Municipal Offices
763-571-3450
www.ci.fridley.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-571-9781
www.twincitiesnorth.org
Experiencing steady growth since the late 1950s, “Friendly Fridley” has stabilized in construction activity. This pleasing city located just nine miles north of Minneapolis offers quiet, residential neighborhoods with homes that vary from modest to upscale in a variety of architectural styles. Shopping is available locally at Holly Center, although Northtown Mall in Blaine and Brookdale Mall in Brooklyn Center provide expanded retail opportunities close to home. Major healthcare needs can be met locally at the Unity Medical Center. Rich in recreational amenities, Fridley maintains nearly 40 municipal parks that are brimming over with athletic and sports facilities including outdoor skating rinks. The parks and recreation department also provides a full range of recreational programs designed to appeal to all ages and interests. Several Anoka County parks are also located within the Fridley city limits. Moore Lake Park offers a swimming beach and fishing pier, while other parks feature attractions like skating rinks, walking paths, bridle trails, tennis courts, and athletic fields. Fridley enjoys a thriving local economy that is anchored by a wide variety of major employers.
Ham Lake
Municipal Offices
763-434-9555
www.ci.ham-lake.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-434-3011
www.hamlakeareacc.org
Named for the shape of its lake, the community of Ham Lake has always enjoyed a reputation as a haven for those who enjoy small-town life and unspoiled natural beauty. Shopping is available close to home at Northtown Mall in Blaine. The retail districts and malls of the Twin Cities, as well as world-class cultural and entertainment centers, are available just 20 miles from the panoramic Ham Lake community. For healthcare services that include medical and surgical specialties, Mercy Medical Center in Coon Rapids is just a short trip from home. The pleasant community of Ham Lake provides a convenient commute to the downtown districts of both Minneapolis and St. Paul via Highway 65. New construction is significant, dominated by single-family homes that offer diversity in architectural style, size, and price range. Recreational highlights include Majestic Oaks Country Club, the largest employer in the city, as well as two county parks and public boat access to Ham Lake. Several other small manufacturing companies combine with basic services to anchor the growing local economy.
Ramsey
Municipal Offices
763-427-1410
www.ci.ramsey.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-421-7130
www.anokaareachamber.com
The picturesque, semi-rural suburban community of Ramsey is located about 25 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Two rivers, the Rum and the Mississippi, flow through its 32-square-mile expanse, which encompasses heavily wooded land and several working farms as well as cozy neighborhoods with urban-sized lots. Newcomers will also find opportunities for executive homes and country estates on sweeping lots as well as multi-acre properties. Shopping is available close to home at Northtown Mall in Blaine, Ridgedale Mall in Minnetonka, or the downtown district of Elk River. Home to several business parks and an industrial area along the major thoroughfare of Highway 10, Ramsey is welcoming an increase in economic activity. Coon Rapids serves as the regional healthcare center, anchored by Mercy Medical Center. Ramsey is home to lush golf courses and hundreds of acres of open space for parks and recreational activities. The two Anoka County Parks, Rum River Central Park and Mississippi West Regional Park, encompass more than 500 additional acres. Playgrounds, picnic areas, and athletic fields dot the landscape. Taking advantage of natural recreational opportunities, the river areas are equipped with fishing piers that also accommodate the handicapped.
St. Francis
Municipal Offices
763-753-2630
www.stfrancismn.org
Chamber of Commerce
763-438-5163
www.stfrancischamber.org
Situated on the northern edge of Anoka County, the city of St. Francis offers a small-town ambiance and access to the world-class urban attractions in the Twin Cities. Living along the picturesque Rum River, country pleasures, and the potential to own a hobby farm are a few of the factors that continue to draw newcomers to St. Francis. The blending of comfortable neighborhoods that feature urban-sized lots with large-acreage hobby farm developments has given St. Francis a unique appeal. More than half of the housing has sprung up since the mid-1990s, providing a good selection of beautiful yet affordable homes in a wide variety of price ranges and architectural styles. The recreational amenities in and near St. Francis are outstanding, including some of the finest canoeing and fishing in the Twin Cities metro area. Rum River North Park nestles in the very heart of the city, although a number of smaller parks dot the cityscape with green space and recreational facilities. Industrial parks and the Highway 47 corridor contribute to the local economy, and St. Francis serves as a small but important commercial center for northern Anoka County and southern Isanti County.
Spring Lake Park
Municipal Offices
763-784-6491
www.slpmn.org
Chamber of Commerce
763-571-9781
www.twincitiesnorth.org
Situated east of the Mississippi River between the communities of Blaine and Fridley, Spring Lake Park has already experienced the most intense period of its growth cycle and is evolving into a clearly defined community. Many people are drawn to this beautiful community for its open feeling and home lots that are wider and deeper than those found in most urban neighborhoods. Spring Lake Park leaders have also taken steps to preserve the urban forest in the midst of considerably growth and development. Shopping is available at Northtown Mall in Blaine or Brookdale Mall in Brooklyn Park. Fridley offers the nearest hospital, Unity Medical Center. While the ties of friends and family within the Spring Lake Park community tend to be strong, newcomers are readily welcomed. Most of the available housing consists of ramblers and split-level homes that were built from the 1950s through the 1970s. Spring Lake Park is an established residential community of small-town charm and friendly residents. The city straddles the counties of Anoka and Ramsey and is home to a variety of commercial and industrial development. Newcomers will find a dozen lush community parks filled with a wide range of recreational facilities and well-managed programs designed for all ages and interests. Spring Lake Park offers easy access to neighboring communities and the metro area via three major highways.
