Oakdale, Minnesota

Located in Washington County, Oakdale is an eastern suburb of the Twin Cities with a population of just around 27,000. Fairly similar to any major American suburb-Oakdale has all the typical conveniences -the suburb strives for a community togetherness and a better future for residents to come. To do this, Oakdale has created numerous community and government based programs to better its residents and the city. These include business and housing programs, community events, and a commitment to the environment with strong recycling programs and the Generation Green program. A major effort, Generation Green is designed to conserve energy and natural resources in the community by focusing on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the residential, commercial, and governmental sectors of Oakdale. The community works strongly to do this throughout the city and includes the residents in the planning.

While overall the aesthetics of the suburb, and its retail/restaurant options, may seem ‘typical', its location in Minnesota is what truly makes living in this suburb ideal. Oakdale offers close proximity to both Minneapolis and St. Paul so a resident can obtain a cultural, city experience, and on the other side of the suburb, a resident has easy access to one of Minnesota's' most beautiful natural settings, the Saint Croix Valley. This area, shared with Wisconsin, is a breathtaking natural landmark that offers up numerous recreational activities including swimming and canoeing on the St. Croix River, and in the Valley, camping, hiking, and simply exploring. Oakdale is also very close to Stillwater, one of Minnesota's most charming and oldest cities.

With much to offer in the way retail and business establishments, as well as such special events as summer concerts and a farmer's market, residents can work and live here easily; raising a family here is also encouraged.