New Brighton, MN

When Arden Hills was incorporated as a city in 1951, around one-third of its land belonged to the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. It was not until the 1990s that the Army formally declared more than 400 acres for private development and more than 140 acres for green space. A large chunk of Arden Hills continues to thrive as a training site for the Army.

Stemming from its youth as a city, Arden Hills doesn't house many cultural offerings like museums, but you can head to the concert halls and art galleries at Bethel University and Seminary and University of Northwestern - St. Paul to enjoy a night of classical music or stroll through modern art exhibitions.

Arden Hills' growing culture of conservation and eco living come into the spotlight during the annual Friends of the Park Tree Sale. Purchase some bargain-priced shrubs and trees for your yard, or donate one to your favorite park.

Just like Arden Hills presents a blend of Minnesota's outdoors and city living, the dining scene is a fusion of chic Chinese bistros, big-brand sandwich shops and local grills that deliver a small-town atmosphere with up-North casual dining. Head down to the southern portion of Lexington Avenue for the biggest selection of cheap eats and mid-priced local favorites.

Fine dining in Arden Hills is defined by Lindey's Prime Steak House, which has created a distinct north-woods feel while serving up premium steaks cut right in front of your table. You'll get a kick out of the hot dog buns made into crispy garlic bread, and the pickled watermelon rind adds a unique touch.

For low-cost Chinese takeout, stop into Green Ginger Garden to order up a big plate of their famous General Tso's chicken. Hidden in a strip mall, this friendly establishment serves up big portions, killer cream-cheese wontons and lunch specials that keep the locals coming back for more.

If you value food quality over atmosphere, head over to Welsch's Big Ten Tavern, a local-favorite hole-in-the-wall recognizable by the pink pig statue that greets you at the door. Enjoy homestyle plates like prime rib with dinner rolls and au gratin potatoes, and don't miss the Friday night all-you-can-eat fish fry and weekend comedy acts.

Other than the bars at Lindey's and Welsch, Arden Hills doesn't have much in the way of bars, clubs and live music. A much larger variety awaits in downtown Minneapolis, just a short drive away. If you want to enjoy some in-town nightlife, stop by Flaherty's Arden Bowl to test your bowling skills with the locals while downing beer from a plastic cup.

Living in Arden Hills may not come with the public transit of downtown Minneapolis, but residents can look forward to a 17-minute drive to the mid-city neighborhoods. Arden Hills lies at the Interstate 694 and Interstate 35W interchange, providing easy access to Minneapolis and St. Paul. At the end of the day, enjoy plenty of free street parking while you run your errands. If you need a quick ride to the airport, ditch the car and call Phoenix Taxi or Roseville Taxi Services for a quick pick-up.

A few buses make stops in Arden Hills, but most of the suburban lines run only during peak hours. If you prefer to walk or bike around town, keep in mind that most amenities lie far from the residential areas. If you're up to the challenge, enjoy bike-friendly roads throughout the neighborhoods or hop on the Elmer L. Andersen Memorial Trail, which snakes through several of the city's parks.

Living in Arden Hills means you're never far from beautiful lakeside parks, bike trails and recreational lakes. Explore Tony Schmidt Regional Park on Lake Johanna to kick back at the swim beach, watch your kids have a blast on the playgrounds or take a stroll down the waterfront walking path. Get your boat out on the lake to fish for walleye and bass, or let the kids angle for bluegill.

Locals also head to Floral Park during summer months to take advantage of the tennis courts, basketball court and soccer field. Your canine companion is welcome to explore the grassy park as long as he remains leashed.

You find only a few apartment options in this suburban town, but you can still find a one-bedroom dwelling in a modern building for around $1,200 a month. These below-average housing prices combined with affordable groceries and entertainment keep the cost of living relatively inexpensive for the metro area.

Arden Hills lies just minutes from some of Minnesota's biggest shopping areas, including Roseville and downtown Minneapolis. Arden Hills itself presents your standard amenities like grocery stores, hardware stores and big-name sporting goods retailers. Explore the town's retail center between Snelling and Lexington for a scattered sampling of mid-priced shops, or head to Roseville and other neighboring cities for an endless selection of upscale fashion boutiques and thrift stores.

Whether you have a scuff on your shoes or you're looking for some new kicks, stop by George's Shoe & Leather Repair, a store that has been serving locals since the early 1900s. Take advantage of fast and affordable shoe repairs, or purchase a new pair of Uggs for the winter season.

Mike's Pro Shop, another long-serving specialty retailer, stocks bowling balls, bowling shoes and customized sports jackets for hardcore sports enthusiasts. If you want to improve your game, Mike, the owner, also offers bowling lessons for a fee.

With Cub Foods situated along Lexington and several other grocery stores across the street, making your weekly grocery trip has never been easier. Be sure to check out the farmers market in neighboring Shoreview for local produce and homemade goods.