Swell living: CNN Money regards Shoreview as one of the best places to live in the United States. The city was lauded for its high quality of life, with the presence of excellent recreational opportunities highlighted as one of the primary reasons why it outranked so many of its neighboring communities.
Shoreview is a small city located to the north of St
Swell living: CNN Money regards Shoreview as one of the best places to live in the United States. The city was lauded for its high quality of life, with the presence of excellent recreational opportunities highlighted as one of the primary reasons why it outranked so many of its neighboring communities.
Shoreview is a small city located to the north of St. Paul. Originally a part of the Mounds View Township, Shoreview was incorporated in 1957 after a group of dedicated residents realized that a township government simply wasn't enough to ensure a high quality of life for those living in the rapidly growing city. That growth continued through the next several decades, with the city reaching a population of 25,043 as of the 2010 United States Census. Although it's become a significant force in the Twin Cities since its 1957 incorporation, Shoreview retains the friendliness and small-town charm that set it apart from day one.
Shoreview homes are currently in high demand, even in the aftermath of the national economic recession. A number of developments were constructed in Shoreview in the late 90's and early 2000's; these homes are especially desirable for prospective residents. Would-be residents also find the area quite attractive due to the advanced nature of its transit system and the many recreational opportunities located nearby.
After making the choice to seek out a new home in Shoreview, be sure to collect all the required documents that will help aid you in your apartment search: your ID, letters of reference, proof of income and that all-important checkbook!
The majority of activity in Shoreview is based in the city's southern region, which is closest to Roseville, St. Paul and Minneapolis. However, all neighborhoods share gorgeous scenery, friendly residents and close proximity to a variety of excellent recreational amenities.
Snail Lake: Snail Lake is located in the south central region of Shoreview. It is a very scenic neighborhood, with the highlight being the gorgeous Snail Lake and its associated Snail Lake Regional Park. This vast park features a large playground, a beach and a long trail for walking and biking. Other highlights of the Snail Lake neighborhood include the Victoria Valley Orchard, the Shoreview YMCA and a shopping area complete with a Target, Cub Foods and Trader Joe's.
Turtle Lake: Given the prominence of major bodies of water in Shoreview, it is only natural that several neighborhoods are named after lakes. Such is true in the Snail Lake region and the case for Turtle Lake, which lies north of the Snail Lake and Tanglewood neighborhoods. Local recreational areas include McCullough Park, Turtle Lake Park and the Turtle Creek Open Area. Natural beauty is a prime reason why the Turtle Lake area remains in such high demand.
Tanglewood: Tanglewood Drive connects Hodgson Road to Lexington Avenue and is parallel to Highway 96. This area is sometimes referred to as the Shoreview Commons, as it houses the Shoreview Community Center, the Shoreview Library and the Shoreview City Hall. The Shoreview Community Center is a popular attraction for both residents and those from neighboring cities, as it features an indoor water park, an indoor playground, a fitness center and multiple outdoor sports fields. To the west of the Shoreview Commons is the Shoreview Mall, home to several of the area's best restaurants and shopping destinations.
Cardigan Junction: Cardigan Junction is named for a famous rail depot that served an important economic function in Shoreview's early days. Today, Cardigan Junction remains a thriving neighborhood. It is found in the southern region of Shoreview, bounded by the towns of Arden Hills and Vadnais Heights. Island Lake Park is one of Cardigan Junction's biggest attractions, especially as it hosts the annual Slice of Shoreview, a major event that attracts visitors from throughout the greater Twin Cities.
Rice Creek: The northwestern corner of Shoreview is in close proximity to the Arden Hills Army Ammunition Plant, which almost became the home of the new Minnesota Vikings stadium. Although the stadium is now set to be built in Minneapolis, Rice Creek is still a thriving neighborhood. Residents enjoy visiting the Rice Creek Off-Leash Dog Area, as well as the Rice Creek Fields, where locals gather for softball and baseball games when the weather is nice.
One of the reasons Shoreview consistently ranked as having a higher quality of life than most other cities of its size is that it is such a welcoming community. It is not unusual for pedestrians to wave to one another or to drivers passing by on the road. Likewise, friendly conversations between strangers, acquaintances and friends take place everywhere from the Shoreview Library to the local Rainbow Foods. This wonderful atmosphere makes it very easy for newcomers to adjust to life in Shoreview.
Shoreview: A Recreational Mecca
Shoreview is home to several bodies of water, including, of course, Turtle Lake, Snail Lake, Island Lake and Rice Creek. These bodies of the water form the basis for several of the city's most popular parks. At these parks, residents can partake in a wide array of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, playing softball or volleyball, skiing, swimming and, of course, simply goofing off on the playground. Every July, residents gather at Island Lake Park for the Slice of Shoreview, a huge festival featuring performances from local bands, pancake breakfasts, a massive parade on Lexington Avenue, an array of delicious concessions and plenty of carnival rides for younger attendees.
Indoor recreation is not to be ignored, of course, which is why residents make a point of visiting the Tropics Indoor Water Park at the Shoreview Community Center when cold weather strikes. Respite from the cold can also be found at the Shoreview Mall; although it looks a bit like your traditional strip mall from the outside, the destination's interior walking area makes it perfect for casual shoppers.
Getting Around In Shoreview
Driving a car remains the most prominent means of getting from one place to the next in Shoreview. Traffic is typically not a huge problem, perhaps due to a system of roads and highways that is easy to navigate. Shoreview is located right in between Interstates 35E and 35W, both of which are connected by Highway 96. Other major roads in Shoreview include Hodgson Road, Lexington Avenue and Hamline Avenue North.
Although the vast majority of transit takes place in the car, there are plenty of alternatives for those who do not drive, either by choice or necessity. Shoreview is a very bike-friendly city, with paths located along Hodgson Road and Highway 96. Bus route 62 is easily the most popular, beginning at the Shoreview Community Center and traveling down Rice Street toward downtown St. Paul. The express route 262 is a favorite among those commuting to downtown Minneapolis.
