Edina

Edina is a city located in Hennepin County, Minnesota, and is a suburb of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The city is home to Centennial Lakes Park, Bredesen Park, and Strachauer Park, which offer various recreational activities such as walking, biking, and fishing. Edina is also close to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and the University of Minnesota, making it an attractive location for residents and visitors alike, including those affiliated with 3M, Target Corporation, and UnitedHealth Group.

Geography

Edina is situated in the western part of Hennepin County, Minnesota, and is bordered by the cities of Minneapolis to the north, St. Louis Park to the north and west, Hopkins to the west, Richfield to the south, and Bloomington to the south and east. The city has a total area of 15.99 square miles, and is located near the Minnesota River and Lake Calhoun. Edina's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Nokomis, which are popular destinations for outdoor activities such as boating and fishing, and are also close to the Minnehaha Falls and the Fort Snelling State Park. The city's terrain is relatively flat, with an average elevation of 925 feet above sea level, and is near the University of St. Thomas and the Macalester College.

History

The area that is now Edina was first settled in the mid-19th century, with the city being officially incorporated in 1888. The city's name is derived from Edina, Scotland, which was the birthplace of a local landowner, and is also near the Twin Cities and the Dakota County. Edina's early history was influenced by its proximity to the Mississippi River and the Minnesota and Pacific Railroad, which brought settlers and commerce to the area, including those from the University of Minnesota and the Carleton College. The city experienced significant growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the establishment of businesses such as the Edina Mill and the Morningside College, and is also close to the Augsburg University and the Hamline University. Edina was also home to the Basilica of Saint Mary and the Cathedral of Saint Paul, which are notable landmarks in the area, and are near the Minnesota State Capitol and the Fort Snelling.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Edina was 53,493, with a population density of 3,349.1 people per square mile. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees, including those affiliated with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. The median age in Edina is 42.4 years, and the median household income is $83,819, with many residents working in industries such as healthcare, technology, and finance, including those at UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and Target Corporation. Edina is also home to a number of schools, including Edina High School, Valley View Middle School, and Countryside Elementary School, which are part of the Edina Public Schools district, and are near the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

Economy

The economy of Edina is diverse, with a mix of industries such as healthcare, technology, and retail. The city is home to a number of major employers, including UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and Target Corporation, which have headquarters or major operations in the area, and are near the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and the Downtown East area. Edina is also a popular destination for shoppers, with a number of retail centers such as the Southdale Center and the Galleria Edina, which feature stores such as Nordstrom, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus, and are near the Mall of America and the Nicollet Mall. The city's economy is also influenced by its proximity to the Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota, which provide a highly educated workforce and a strong research and development environment, including those at Medtronic, Ecolab, and Land O'Lakes.

Culture

Edina has a rich cultural scene, with a number of parks, museums, and performance venues. The city is home to the Edina Art Center, which features exhibits and classes in visual arts, and the Edina Historical Society Museum, which showcases the city's history and heritage, and is near the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Walker Art Center. Edina is also close to the Orchestra Hall, which is the home of the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Guthrie Theater, which is a renowned regional theater company, and are near the First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry. The city hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Edina Festival, which celebrates the city's community and culture, and the Taste of Edina, which features food and drink from local restaurants, and are near the Minnesota State Fair and the Twin Cities Marathon.

Transportation

Edina is located near several major transportation routes, including Interstate 35W and Minnesota State Highway 100, which provide easy access to the Twin Cities and other parts of the state, including those at Mall of America and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The city is also served by the Metro Transit bus system, which connects Edina to other cities in the region, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, and is near the Union Depot and the Target Field station. Edina is also close to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and other airlines, and is near the Downtown East area and the University of Minnesota. The city's transportation infrastructure is also influenced by its proximity to the Minnesota River and the Lake Calhoun, which provide scenic routes for walkers and bikers, and are near the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway and the Midtown Greenway.