With a name like "Apple Valley," you might be expecting to find acres of green fields, mature trees, sparkling lakes, and perhaps even a red barn or two. And, while you wouldn't be far off the mark, there's much more to Apple Valley -- it is home to the Minnesota Zoo, the Valleywood Golf Course, and a busy shopping district. Apple Valley is perfectly located, directly south of the Twin Cities and bordering I-35 E for easy commutes. From your new Apple Valley apartment, you can reach Minneapolis in roughly 25 minutes and St. Paul in 20 minutes.
Apple Valley is actually named for Apple Valley, California. The city was founded in 1969 and has grown to become one of the state's largest cities. It even made Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live" list several times, starting in 2007. This is a beautiful city, filled with lakes, parks, and hiking trails. Be sure to visit Lebanon Hills Regional Park, the largest park in Dakota County.