Minneapolis
Boasting an eclectic local culture that combines the best elements of Midwestern personality and metropolitan sophistication, Minneapolis has built a solid reputation as one of the most interesting and exciting cities in the region, and indeed the entire nation. A vibrant urban center in the land of 10,000 lakes, Minneapolis enjoys well-earned attention for its stress-free atmosphere, great bicycling trails, and culturally diverse population. The city’s robust economy has deep roots, with numerous major companies having operated corporate headquarters in the city for decades (in some cases a century or more). In spite of being a major economic hub, the city is full of surprisingly affordable apartments, condos, and rental homes. If you live in Downtown, getting around in winter is never a problem thanks to the skyway system. Connecting on the second floors of all major downtown office and apartment buildings, the skyway system is an innovative hallway network allowing you to walk for miles without ever going outside. The arts scene in Minneapolis is top-notch and wide-ranging. One of the city’s claims to fame is that it has more theater seats per capita than any city outside of New York, and the performing arts community in particular is as active and diverse as they come. Legendary venues like the Guthrie Theater and the First Avenue Nightclub are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to live music, and the city’s colossal network of museums (including landmarks like the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art) is among the best in the United States. Located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota has one of the biggest college campuses in the world, and it is surrounded by modern apartments and old mansions – many of which were previously owned by famous Minnesota families like the Pillsbury's – that have been turned into student housing.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, combines metropolitan amenities with wilderness adventures at its doorstep. Spanning 1,947 square miles between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, this remarkable city offers an extraordinary setting for urban living. The University of Alaska Anchorage anchors the academic community, while neighborhoods like South Addition feature historic homes along tree-lined streets. Downtown serves as the cultural heart of the city, and Midtown provides varied housing options from apartments to single-family homes, with current average rents ranging from $1,101 for studios to $1,914 for four-bedroom units. The rental market shows consistent growth, with rates increasing across all unit sizes - one-bedroom apartments average $1,299, reflecting a 3.6% rise, while three-bedroom homes now average $1,763, a 4.6% increase. With a population of 284,871 and a median household income of $91,017, Anchorage maintains a strong economic foundation. The city offers abundant outdoor recreation, from the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to nearby skiing destinations. The Alaska Native Heritage Center showcases the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's indigenous peoples, while Town Square Park hosts seasonal activities including winter ice skating. The Anchorage Market draws locals and visitors to downtown during summer months, celebrating local crafts and regional products.
Phoenix
Although surrounded by inhospitable desert, Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the United States, and the nation’s single largest state capital city. The area contains numerous galleries and museums, putting the people in contact with everything from the European masters to Native American craftsmanship to modern originals from Phoenix’s diverse artistic community. The Downtown cultural scene has developed into a top-notch feast of visual and performing arts, with symphony performances, live theater, and the popular First Friday exhibitions. Phoenix is also an excellent city for sports fans, being one of the few cities in America with local franchises in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Several thousand students attend the two Arizona State University campuses in the city, as well as the over-50,000 who attend the main campus in neighboring Tempe. Rental rates for apartments average around $1000 per month, but numerous more affordable options are available all over the city, from quiet houses for rent in the suburbs to downtown efficiency apartments. Getting around Phoenix is typically done by car for most residents, but a light rail system makes it easy to get across town without a personal vehicle; Downtown and its surrounding areas are quite walkable as well.
