Woodbury, Minnesota

Another past list winner from 2022, Woodbury is a growing suburb in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, popular for its outdoor recreation. 

Look no further than the M Health Fairview Sports Center (formerly known as the Bielenberg Sports Complex), home to 18 softball fields, two ice rinks (high school hockey teams often play here), and a volleyball court. Woodbury Parks & Recreation also offers a number of programs, classes, and activities to promote health and well-being for residents of all ages. There are adult athletic leagues and pickleball courts throughout the city, and 170 miles of nature trails for walking and biking. Woodbury also features 3,500 acres of parkland, from Carver Lake Park and Beach to Ojibway Park. And golf lovers can practice their swing at the Eagle Valley course.

There are three public school districts for kids. For parents, the biggest employment sectors in the area are education and health services; trade, transportation, and utilities; and leisure and hospitality.

And for those looking to participate, no matter their age, Woodbury offers many volunteer programs. Residents can help clean up the parks, serve on an advisory board, assist with recreation programs, and collect water samples from city lakes. Woodbury prioritizes the environment, valuing its open spaces and natural resources while trying to conserve undeveloped areas.