Like all expanding cities with undeveloped surroundings, Minneapolis and St. Paul grew outward. Both cities expanded their initial boundaries several times, but the population outgrew the central cities. Expanding populations need access to the urban core, so transportation routes usually dictate the flow of suburbanization. Early suburban development followed the streetcar lines toward the recreational areas of White Bear Lake (north of St. Paul) and Lake Minnetonka (west of Minneapolis).
As the population of the Twin Cities grew, the population continued to build around the central cities. The completion of Interstates 94 and 35 and Highway 10 gave access to the northern suburban area. The northern suburban area begins at the northern boundaries of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The suburbs that are physically attached to the central cities are referred to as first ring suburbs. First ring suburbs included in the study area are Fridley and Columbia Heights (Minneapolis) and Roseville and Maplewood (St. Paul). Outside of the first ring suburbs are the second ring suburbs, which developed later than the inner ring suburbs but are, for the most part, already completely developed (examples: White Bear lake, Arden Hills, and Mounds View). The rapidly developing edge of the Twin Cities includes towns such as Blaine and Lino Lakes. These towns sit just beyond the second ring suburbs and are experiencing new residential and commercial development. Beyond the edge of the development are areas outside of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) boundary. The MUSA boundary is set by the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities to designate the extent of development. These areas are farther from the city and are not currently developed or experiencing development to the extent of the areas inside the boundary. Also in the study area are towns which have not been developed through suburbanization. For example, Anoka incorporated in 1878 and was an independent city removed from the metro area until it was engulfed by suburban development. Right: Movement of MUSA boundary 1975 - 2020 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|