The "Twin Cities" (Minneapolis and St. Paul) comprise the major cultural and economic metropolitan area for the Upper Midwest of the United States. It is often cited that there are more theater seats per capita than any other U.S. city aside from New York City. Also, many well known corporations are headquartered in the Twin Cities including General Mills, 3M, Medtronic, Cargill, and Ecolab.

Living in the "Twin Cities" allows for recreation activities to fit nearly everyone's taste. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are many lakes available to go fishing, boating or swimming. In addion, the area also has extensive and well-maintained biking trails which many people employ for the working commute and for the pleasure of the viewing the local scenery. For those interested in more material items, the largest mall in the United States (Mall of America) is always a short ride away on the local public transit system.

Public transportation is available in the area and consists of many bus lines and a light rail system which connects downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

The "Twin Cities" also host the main campuses for the University of Minnesota. The university is highly regarded around the world and has one of the largest international student bodies in the country.

Consistently ranked high in livability, health care, and quality of life, the "Twin Cities" represent a great place to live and work.