Diversity, opportunity, natural beauty, and a desirable cost of living are elements that have catapulted St. Paul to the top of several “best places to live” lists. Our city’s ethnic and economic diversity mirrors several California cities, so much so that some have labeled St. Paul “the Berkley of the Midwest.”

As Minnesota’s capital city, celebrating our diversity is a matter of pride. You’ll find events throughout the year marking a variety of heritages and ethnic traditions, from Scottish and Swedish festivals, to the state’s biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the District Del Sol, our city’s Hispanic area. Winter also brings festivities with our annual Winter Carnival, complete with artistic ice sculptures and a dazzling ice palace.

St. Paul has more Mississippi River shoreline than any other city along its course. Our city embraces its natural surroundings and our developments respect the beauty of the landscape by offering many spectacular views. 

Downtown historic buildings lend St. Paul its old-world charm. They include the capitol building and the famous Fitzgerald Theatre, home to Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” Victorian mansions and nostalgic riverboats add to our city’s celebrated appeal.

Hip jazz clubs, nightclubs, restaurants, and breweries offer evening diversions, while nature provides the backdrop for countless daytime recreational activities. We have over 160 parks and open spaces, with designated biking and pedestrian paths, as well as three, 18-hole golf courses. The Xcel Energy® Center brings sports indoors as it is home to the NHL Minnesota Wild hockey team. The stunning 19,000-seat arena also hosts national touring concerts and complements St. Paul’s many other celebrated regional theatre companies and live-performance centers.