Overview
Maple Grove is a city within the Twin Cities metro area, located 20 minutes from Minneapolis. With plenty of entertainment options and outdoor recreation, Maple Grove has all of the amenities of a big city while maintaining a small-town charm.
Climate & Geography
Maple Grove has a hot-summer humid continental climate type, which is characterized by four distinct seasons with drastic variations in temperature throughout the year. Summers are warm and wet while winters are snowy, windy, and very cold. The city claims the lowest average temperature of any major metropolitan area in the U.S., but in spite of this it also receives the most amount of sunshine during the winter months compared to other cities, even the ones in warmer climates. Residents of Maple Grove experience less rainfall but nearly twice as much snowfall than the national average.
Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, and there are 13 lakes within Maple Grove, covering over 1,000 acres. The city is directly bordered by six other cities, so most of the surrounding area is urban and residential, although there is a large nature preserve on the north side.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
The Maple Grove Farmers Market is held every Thursday through late October with an indoor market on various Thursdays in November, December, March, and April. At the farmers market fresh, local, seasonal produce and food are available for purchase.
For active adults who enjoy being outdoors, there are 36 miles of parks and trails with tennis courts and athletic fields. The Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area also provides a place to enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
At Minnesota’s largest casino, Mystic Lake Casino, golf, a spa, concerts, slots, bingo, blackjack, and pulltabs are offered.
There are various performing arts entertainment in Maple Grove; the Orchestra Hall hosts 175 concerts per season, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has many different musical events, and the Brave New Workshop Theatre features performers who showcase original comedy, improv, and satire.
Residents can find even more opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment by taking a quick trip to downtown Minneapolis.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Maple Grove is higher than the state and national average. Homes and housing are the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. The sales tax in Maple Grove is 7.525 percent.
In Minnesota, Social Security benefits are taxed at the same extent as it is on a federal return with a small, income-limited exemption. Most pensions are taxable with military pensions exempt. The income tax ranges from 5.35 percent to 9.85 percent.
Health Care
There is one medical facility within the city, Maple Grove Hospital, which is rated high performing in geriatrics, hip replacements, and knee replacements.
Mercy Hospital-Coon Rapids is located less than 10 miles from Maple Grove and is nationally ranked in pulmonology and lung surgery. The hospital is ranked No. 2 in the Twin Cities and No. 4 in Minnesota and is rated high performing in four specialties, and eight procedures and conditions.