Lakeville, Minnesota

Located 23 miles south of Minneapolis, Lakeville is a suburb that many consider to be a small town getaway from the ‘big city.' Lakeville, at one time was a rural town, but with its now easy access to Minneapolis and St. Paul, through two major interstates, Lakeville is growing, thriving, and now considered to be an urban suburb of the Twin Cities with a population just over 50,000. While it is growing, through its proud residents, the town's small town charm is still very evident and maintained throughout the town's growth. Such charm is most evident in Lakeville's adorable historic downtown neighborhood. Here one can do some shopping, eating, and participate in city events, such as the annual art festival held downtown every fall.

For residents, living here is easy because of the well-maintained residential areas and easy access to the rest of Minnesota for jobs. The major Interstate 35, easily brings residents straight to the Twin Cities as well as to other major Minnesota attractions for jobs and recreation, these include Mall of America, Minnesota Zoo, Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake Casino, and Valleyfair Amusement Park. For recreation in town, Lakeville offers numerous outdoor options; the town encompasses five lakes with three public swimming beaches and two public boat launches. There are also 47 parks complete with playgrounds, sporting fields, and 25 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails, access to cross-country ski, horseback, and snowmobile trails. For the true nature enthusiasts, there is also the Ritter Farm Park nature preserve and 2700 acre Murphy Hanrehan Park reserve. Lakeville also has four major gold courses for golf enthusiasts, and interestingly, for those who enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time, Lakeville has three huge beautiful buildings housing liquor stores.

While the city does have an Arts Center, and strives to bring culture in, it is still quite a small town with a major focus toward small town living and outdoor life. Most consider Lakeville to be a place to live a somewhat simpler life, and happily raise a family in a safe, thriving community.