Hopkins, located Just 20 minutes outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, is a charming suburb and one of the most sought after places in Minnesota to call home. With outstanding schools, an abundance of places to worship, and family-friendly events including Music in the Park and a weekly Farmers Market in the summer and fall months, Hopkins offers both the small-town feel of a close knit-community as well as the convenient proximity to all of the amenities and attractions in nearby Minneapolis.
Hopkins' origins began around 1852, when the first settlers arrived there, but the town didn't really begin to expand until 1887, with the construction of the Minneapolis Threshing Machine Company. In 1928, the city's name was changed to Hopkins after the community's first postmaster, Harley H. Hopkins.
Today, the population of Hopkins exceeds 17,000, and the suburban community's abundance of family friendly activities ensures that all of its residents can find recreational activities that will appeal to them. The Music in the Park event every Thursday night in the summer is a crowd favorite, providing a fun and free source of entertainment for everyone. From June to October, the city hosts a Farmers Market that features Minnesota grown vegetables, and fruits, as well as handmade soaps.
If you're looking to get in shape, you'll be pleased to know that the community offers a four week fitness boot camp type challenge from April-May called Step To It, as well as a number of ice skating rinks. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous parks and trails and Shady Oak Beach--a gorgeous park that offers a beach during the summer months.
Civically-minded residents living in Hopkins will appreciate the Citizens Academy every March, which gives residents a chance to look into the operations, facilities and services of the city, as well as National Night Out, which is an annual event designed to raise awareness regarding crime and drug prevention.
In terms of public transportation, the MetroTransit runs several bus routes through Hopkins, and the Transit Link, a dial-a-ride minibus or van service, is also available if you make a reservation in advance.
If you are a prospective student living in a Hopkins apartment for rent, there are plenty of options available to you. Some of the most popular choices include Hennepin Technical College, Anthem College and Normandale Community College. Since Hopkins is so close to the Twin Cities, there are also options available for residents who want to commute and take classes in a major metropolitan area.
Residents living in Hopkins apartments for rent can commute to the thriving metropolitan hub of Minneapolis for work, or stay in the local suburban community. Some of the top industries in the immediate vicinity include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare.