Living in Inver Grove Heights
Inver Grove Heights is a city located in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States. It is a suburban community with a population of approximately 35,000 people as of 2021. The city covers an area of about 28 square miles and is situated about 12 miles southeast of downtown St. Paul.
Inver Grove Heights offers its residents a mix of suburban living and rural charm. The city is known for its parks and open spaces, with over 800 acres of parks, 27 miles of trails, and several lakes and ponds for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The city is also home to several golf courses, including the prestigious Inver Wood Golf Course.
The city's economy is diverse, with major employers including the Inver Grove Heights School District, CHS Inc., and Flint Hills Resources. The city also has a thriving small business community, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and services located throughout the city.
In terms of education, Inver Grove Heights is served by the Inver Grove Heights School District, which operates six schools including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The city is also home to several private schools and is located near several colleges and universities.
Overall, Inver Grove Heights is a vibrant and growing community that offers a high quality of life to its residents.
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Inver Grove Heights is slightly higher than the national average but still comparable to other cities in Minnesota. Housing costs in Inver Grove Heights are the largest expense for most residents, with the median home value being around $313,000 as of 2021. Rent prices for apartments and homes in Inver Grove Heights are also higher than the national average.
Other expenses such as groceries, healthcare, and transportation are generally in line with national averages. However, the cost of dining out and entertainment in Inver Grove Heights can be slightly higher than in other cities.
The state of Minnesota has a higher than average tax burden, with state income tax rates ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%, and a sales tax rate of 6.875%. Inver Grove Heights also has a local sales tax rate of 0.5%, bringing the total sales tax rate to 7.375%.
Despite the slightly higher cost of living in Inver Grove Heights, the city offers its residents a high quality of life with a strong community and excellent amenities. The city has a low crime rate and is known for its excellent schools and parks, making it an attractive place to live for families and individuals alike.
2. Safety
Inver Grove Heights has a reputation for being a safe community with a low crime rate. The city has its own police department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law within the city limits.
According to the most recent data available, the crime rate in Inver Grove Heights is lower than both the state and national averages. The city has a lower rate of property crimes such as theft and burglary, as well as a lower rate of violent crimes such as assault and homicide.
The city has several community programs and initiatives in place to promote safety and crime prevention, including neighborhood watch programs and community outreach events. The police department also has a strong presence on social media, providing regular updates and information to residents.
In addition to the police department, the city also has a well-trained and equipped fire department that responds to emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
Overall, Inver Grove Heights is a safe community that prioritizes public safety and works to maintain a strong and secure environment for its residents.
3. Schools
Inver Grove Heights is served by the Inver Grove Heights School District, which operates six schools including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The district serves over 3,000 students and has a reputation for providing high-quality education to its students.
The schools in the district have a strong focus on academic achievement, with high standards for student performance and a commitment to providing a well-rounded education. The district has a number of advanced placement and honors courses available to students, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities such as athletics, music, and theater.
The district also has a strong commitment to technology, with a one-to-one device program that provides all students with access to a personal device for use in the classroom and at home. This program helps prepare students for the increasingly digital world and provides them with valuable skills for their future.
In addition to the public schools in the district, Inver Grove Heights is home to several private schools, including Salem Lutheran School and St. Patrick's School. The city is also located near several colleges and universities, including the University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University.
Overall, Inver Grove Heights has a strong and well-respected school system that provides a high-quality education to its students and prepares them for success in their future endeavors.
4. Job Opportunities
Inver Grove Heights has a diverse economy with job opportunities in a variety of industries. Major employers in the city include the Inver Grove Heights School District, CHS Inc., and Flint Hills Resources, which provide jobs in education, agriculture, and energy, respectively.
The city also has a growing small business community, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and services located throughout the city. The city actively encourages the growth of small businesses and has resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
Inver Grove Heights is located near several major highways and is within easy driving distance of downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis, providing easy access to job opportunities in these cities. The city is also located near several major medical facilities, including St. Paul Children's Hospital and United Hospital, which provide jobs in the healthcare industry.
In addition to the traditional job market, Inver Grove Heights has a growing gig economy, with opportunities for freelancers and independent contractors in areas such as IT, marketing, and creative services.
Overall, Inver Grove Heights has a diverse and growing job market with opportunities in a variety of industries, making it an attractive place to live and work for individuals and families alike.
Here are the Top 5 Employers in Inver Grove Heights:
- Inver Grove Heights School District: The school district is one of the largest employers in the city and offers a range of employment opportunities from teachers, administrators to support staff.
- CHS Inc.: CHS Inc. is a leading agricultural company that is headquartered in Inver Grove Heights. The company employs a large number of people in the city and offers jobs in various fields such as finance, marketing, operations, and more.
- Walmart: The retail giant operates a store in Inver Grove Heights and is a significant employer in the city, providing employment opportunities for both full-time and part-time employees.
- Target: Target also operates a store in Inver Grove Heights and provides a range of employment opportunities from sales associates to management positions.
- Inver Hills Community College: The college is located in Inver Grove Heights and offers various employment opportunities for educators, administrators, and support staff.
5. Weather
Inver Grove Heights experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The city is located in the northern United States, which means it can experience extreme temperatures throughout the year.
During the summer months, temperatures in Inver Grove Heights typically range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24 to 29 degrees Celsius). The city can also experience high humidity during the summer months, which can make it feel hotter than it actually is.
In the winter, temperatures in Inver Grove Heights can drop well below freezing, with highs ranging from the low teens to the mid-20s Fahrenheit (around -10 to -4 degrees Celsius). Snow is common during the winter months, and the city can receive significant snowfall totals throughout the season.
Spring and fall are generally mild in Inver Grove Heights, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit (around 4 to 18 degrees Celsius). These seasons can also be relatively wet, with rain and thunderstorms common during the spring and fall months.
Overall, Inver Grove Heights experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Residents should be prepared for both extreme heat and cold, as well as significant snowfall during the winter months.
6. Transportation
Inver Grove Heights is served by several transportation options, including major highways, public transit, and bicycle and pedestrian routes.
The city is located near several major highways, including Interstate 494 and Highway 52, which provide easy access to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis, as well as other destinations throughout the Twin Cities metro area. In addition, the city has several major arterials, including Concord Boulevard and Robert Street, which provide local access to businesses and residential areas.
The city is also served by several public transit options, including Metro Transit bus routes and the METRO Green Line light rail, which provides direct access to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. The city also has a Park & Ride lot located near Highway 52 and Upper 55th Street, which provides convenient access to public transit for commuters.
Inver Grove Heights is home to several bicycle and pedestrian routes, including the Mississippi River Trail and the North Urban Regional Trail, which provide scenic routes for recreational cycling and walking. The city also has a network of sidewalks and trails that provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Overall, Inver Grove Heights has a variety of transportation options available to residents and visitors, making it easy to get around the city and the surrounding metro area.
7. Culture and Community
Inver Grove Heights has a strong sense of community and a vibrant culture that celebrates diversity and encourages active participation in community events and activities.
The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Inver Grove Heights Days festival, which features a parade, live music, food vendors, and carnival rides. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities, including Veterans Memorial Community Center, which hosts community events, concerts, and theater performances throughout the year.
Inver Grove Heights has a growing arts scene, with several local theaters and art galleries located throughout the city. The city also has a strong history of volunteerism, with many residents actively involved in local service organizations and community groups.
The city is home to a diverse population, with residents from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This diversity is celebrated through a variety of cultural events and festivals, including the Hmong New Year celebration and the Cinco de Mayo festival.
Overall, Inver Grove Heights has a strong sense of community and a vibrant culture that encourages active participation and celebrates diversity. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a variety of events and activities throughout the year that showcase the city's rich history and diverse cultural heritage.
8. Healthcare
Inver Grove Heights has a variety of healthcare options available to residents, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical facilities.
One of the main healthcare providers in the area is HealthPartners, which operates several clinics and a hospital in the nearby city of St. Paul. HealthPartners offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, urgent care, and emergency care.
In addition, there are several other hospitals and medical centers located within a short drive of Inver Grove Heights, including Regions Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, and United Hospital in nearby West St. Paul.
For residents in need of specialized medical care, there are several specialized medical facilities located within the metro area, including the Minnesota Eye Consultants and the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Overall, Inver Grove Heights has a variety of healthcare options available to residents, including access to several hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical facilities. Residents can choose from a variety of healthcare providers to find the one that best meets their individual healthcare needs.
9. Distance from Friends and Family
The distance from friends and family will depend on the individual's specific situation and location. However, for those living in Inver Grove Heights, they are within reasonable driving distance to many areas of the Twin Cities metro area, which includes a variety of suburbs and neighborhoods where friends and family may live. The city is also located near several major highways, including Interstate 494 and Highway 52, which provides easy access to other areas of the Twin Cities.
For those with friends and family living further away, the city is also located near the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which provides convenient access to domestic and international destinations. In addition, there are several other transportation options available, including bus and train service, that make it easy to visit friends and family in other parts of the country.
Overall, while the distance from friends and family will depend on individual circumstances, those living in Inver Grove Heights have access to a variety of transportation options that make it easy to stay connected with loved ones, whether they live in nearby suburbs or in other parts of the country.
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