Apple Valley, Minnesota is a rapidly growing town with a projected 2004 population of over 49,000, putting it among the top twenty- five largest in the State. Minnesota, known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" and whose motto encourages all to "Explore Minnesota," has a total estimated population of over 4,900,000. Regional resources include Minneapolis and St. Paul that are acccessible from Apple Valley.

Based on the most recent census information, Apple Valley has a very highly educated population with over 95% having graduated from high school and over 40% having obtained college degrees. Residents of Apple Valley have access to a respected system of schools and colleges. High schools include the Apple Valley Senior High School and Eastview Senior High School. The College of Saint Catherine, Hamline University, Inver Hills Community College, Normandale Community College, St. Paul Technical College, and the University of St. Thomas are among the local and nearby colleges.

Apple Valley created a concentrated area of office space within its "Ring Route" which surrounds downtown. Mixed office, retail and residential assets can be found in Harmony Commons in downtown Apple Valley. The business parks: Valley Business Park, Knob Ridge Business Park and the Apple Valley Business Park feature many corporations. This is part of Apple Valley's comprehensive plan for growth and development. Visit the "Community Development" section of the City of Apple Valley's web site listed above to learn more about "The Comprehensive Plan."

The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce has many events to promote the community of business in Apple Valley. Monthly meetings for networking and displaying your business include the Chamber Coffee Connection, Business After Hours and Chamber Luncheons. The Chamber promotes trade shows, sponsors fundraising events through the Chamber Golf Classic and there is much more to offer through the Chamber. Click on the link above to learn more. Among the members of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce are: Sprint PCS, AmericInn Hotel & Suites, Rainbow Foods, the Pioneer Press, Hiltner Computer Services, DBC Investments, Architectural Landscape Design, GR Promotions, Owens Corning, Best Buy, Closets for Life, Sun Newspapers, Bachman's, Home Depot, Metropolitan Media Group, Warner's Stellian, Edina Realty, Good Will - Easter Seals, Office Max, Valley View Golf Course, Ace Hardware and more. Go to the link above to see the complete list of fine businesses who are members of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Apple Valley has 5 major medical clinics, emergency center, chiropractic and dental offices, an ambulance service, and more health services available within a 20 miles.

The Camden News, The Business Journal, Star Tribune, The Community Reporter, Pioneer Press and St Paul Legal Ledger will provide you with information on news and events concerning Apple Valley, such as Apple Valley Real Estate, Apple Valley Schools and Apple Valley Homes for Sale. Area residents also enjoy participating in sports and following games of the Augsburg College Auggies, North Central Bible College Flames, University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, Bethel College Royals, College of St. Catherine Wildcats, Concordia University Golden Bears, Hamline University Pipers, Macalester College Scots, Northwestern College Eagles, University of St. Thomas Tommies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild.

The population of Apple Valley, of relatively average age, has access to several hospitals in the region. These include Abbott-Northwestern Hospital and Fairview Ridges and Southdale Hospitals. Apple Valley residents and visitors alike find many commercial and recreational activities and resources of interest in the Apple Valley area among Apple Valley MN and All Inclusive Resorts.

State and National award winning Independent School District #196 (14445 Diamond Path W.,Rosemount, MN 55068-4199, 651-423-7700) covers Apple Valley along with Eagan and Rosemount and makes Apple Valley the place to be for young families. There are 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools 2 senior high schools. Additionally, k-12 special education is available through Dakota Ridge Special Education and the Area Learning Center Alternative High School. A small portion of the city falls within the ISD #191 Burnsville/Eagan/Savage 100 River Ridge Court, Burnsville, MN 55337-0000, 952.707.2000) school district with 10 elementary schools, 3 junior high schools, 1 high school plus the BES ALC Sr. High Alternative School (Cedar Alternative). The Minnesota Zoological Gardens along with the School of Environmental Studies provides an option for high school juniors and seniors in the ISD #196 district. The school is located on 12 acres in the Gardens and near the Lebanon Hills Regional Park both of which provide outdoor laboratories for study. The school emphasizes group and individual study.

Higher Education in the area is available through The University of Minnesota, Dakota County Technical College. 1300 145th Street E, Rosemount, MN 55068-2999, 651.423.8301, St. Mary’s University,Twin Cities Campus, 2500 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404-4403, 612.728.5100; Inver Hills Community College, 2500 East 80th St., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076-3224, 651.450.8500, Dakota County Technical College,St. Mary’s University and Inver Hills Community College have joined together to share courses and other training classes at a facility located in the old Apple Valley City Hall Complex on Cedar Avenue now known as the Partners in Higher Education Campus.

Apple Valley has 48 parks with 60 miles of trails. Major park facilities include: The Apple Valley Community Center - 14603 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, 952.953.2300, Hotline: 952.953.8701. This is the location for adult athletic leagues. The Facility has gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, a full kitchen, an arts and crafts room, volleyball and basketball courts. Facilities are available for rent for tournaments and other events. The Redwood Community Center & Pool - 311 Elm Drive, 952.953.2300; this center is available for rent and is designed for group functions including wedding receptions, showers or any other gathering. It features a fully equipped kitchen and a stage. Groups of 10 - 100 people can rent the pool for their events. Visit the city of Apple Valley’s web site, listed above and go to Parks and Facilities, click on the Redwood Family Aquatic Center - 14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124, 952.953.2390; this facility features an 18,000 square foot pool, water slides, drop slides, a dinosaur tot slide, concessions, lockers and changing rooms, sand and water playground, 2 sand volleyball courts, picnic facilities and more. Click on the Aquatic Center link on the Parks and Recreation page for more information. The Teen Center - 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, 952.953.2385; this Center is a casual environment for teens, grades 6-12 and features a big screen television, PlaystationI/II, Dreamcast, N-64, movies, foosball, arcade games, and nearby are basketball courts, ball fields, the Aquatic Center and more. Click on the Teen Center link in the Parks section of the city web page listed above for more information. The Valleywood Golf Course - 4851 125th Street West, 952.953.2323; is an 18 hole golf course that features indoor hitting nets for winter practice. PGA instruction is also available during the winter. Call 952.953.2300 for more information. Click on the Valleywood Golf Course link in the web page listed above for more information. The Sports Arena (Apple Valley High School) 14452 Hayes Road, 952.953.2366; the arena is available for indoor hockey and skating lessons are also available. Click on the web page link for more information. Hayes Park Arena - 14595 Hayes Road (Apple Valley Community Center), 952.953.2365 providing ice for hockey and skating lessons. Call or click on the link for more information. The Senior Center 14601 Hayes Road (Apple Valley Community Center), 952.953.2345; offers a library, kitchen facilities, darts, a pool table and computers.

There are various publications to inform you more about Apple Valley including: the Business Watch Newsletter City News: Apple Valley’s official City newsletter, Explore Apple Valley Tourism Brochure - a pdf can be found in the City of Apple Valley link above along with the Stop Sign Brochure: Are they right for your neighborhood? Other sources of information about the city, activities and events can be found on several cable and television channels: Cable Channels 16 & 22 - government access community television through Charter Communications provided to Apple Valley, Farmington and Rosemount. Live and replayed City Council and Planning Commission government access community television through Charter Communications provided to Apple Valleymeetings and other programs of interest are telecasted as well as videotapes of the Dakota County Board meetings. Other channels available are: Regional Channel 6 providing public, educational and government access programming. Educational Access Channel 10 televises various events including sports and produces informational programming. Public Access Channel 12 is for general use by the public. Call 952.953.2502 for more information about cable TV service.

Apple Valley participates with the Dakota County Community Development Agency which promotes public sector housing through the Dakota County Cluster. Apple Valley is committed to creating a well balanced community that provides a variety of housing programs, employment opportunities, and varied, cost-effective municipal services. Go to the City of Apple Valley’s web site and look for the “about apple valley” section on the left. Click on “moving to” and then on “housing” to see more information about the many programs available.