Coon Rapids

About Coon Rapids

Centered on the scenic banks of the Mississippi River, Coon Rapids is the largest city in Minnesota's Anoka County. It's conveniently positioned just 9 miles north of Minneapolis, making it a popular commuter suburb and one of the larger communities in the metro area.

The first settlers in the area arrived in the 1830s, drawn by the establishment of the Red River Ox Cart Trail. When construction began on the Coon Rapids Dam in 1912, the community's population increased as workers and their families flooded the area.

Living and Working in Coon Rapids

With its transportation network, numerous grocery stores and shops, and affordable house prices, Coon Rapids is a very desirable place to live and work. Local parks and recreational facilities, like the Bunker Hills Golf Park and Coon Rapids Regional Dam Park, provide plenty of space to enjoy the warm weather of the spring and summer months, and the city's many sledding hills and ice rinks give you something to enjoy during the chilly Minnesota winters.

Employment opportunities are plentiful, and many businesses have major operations in the area. Some residents also choose to make a daily commute to the Twin Cities, which isn't difficult given the well-developed transportation network. Several companies, including RMS Co., HOM Furniture, John Roberts Co.and ECM Publishers, are headquartered in Coon Rapids.

Getting Around Coon Rapids

Transportation facilities in Coon Rapids are excellent, with Minnesota State Highways 47 and 610 as well as U.S. Highway 10 running through the city. Northstar Commuter Rail Line operates a well-connected rail network that links Coon Rapids to downtown Minneapolis and the outer suburbs. Public buses also offer an affordable way to travel around the city. Air travel is easy, as Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is located 24 miles away from the city center and is a hub for many domestic and international flights.

Coon Rapids Schools

Schools in Coon Rapids fall within Anoka-Hennepin School District 11, which also covers schools in Dayton, Oak Grove, Andover and Ramsey. There are also a few private schools in the area and many more in the surrounding communities.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers both two- and four-year degrees, as well as continuing education, certificate and professional development programs.

Resources for Moving to Coon Rapids

As you prepare for your move to Coon Rapids, the following information may be helpful:

• Utilities: The area's primary energy providers include Xcel Energy, Connexus Energy and CenterPointn Energy. The city of Coon Rapids oversees water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: As a resident of Coon Rapids, you're responsible for arranging for your own waste disposal services. The city provides a list of licensed contractors to make the process as easy as possible.
• Transportation: Coon Rapids is very well-connected via public transit, and your options include a number of commuter rail and bus routes.

Coon Rapids Housing

From quiet suburbs to lively urban living in the center of the city, there are 15 constituent neighborhoods in Coon Rapids. For luxurious city living, start your house hunt in the upscale areas of Hanson Boulevard NW and 131st Avenue, or at Main Street NW and Foley Boulevard. If you're looking to get more value for your money, then the tree-lined streets in Northdale have a range of more affordable housing options. Home prices are much lower than the Minnesota average, but higher than the national average.