A large town of nearly 70,000 people, Apple Valley, is located in northwestern Dakota County, in Minnesota. Apple Valley with its beautiful sceneries, nice weather, and variation of things to see and do, is also a suburb of the Twin Cities and was titled the 17th best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine in 2018 (up from 28th in 2007, 24th in 2008, and 20th in 2013).
The area that transformed into Apple Valley was primarily established in 1858 as Lebanon Township, which remained a farming community for nearly one century. However, in the mid-1950s, the residential developments slowly started replacing farmland.
The real estate developer of the time, Orrin Thompson, managed the city’s early development, building the first houses and streets from the Brobacks—the city’s first four houses. The firm that chose this area was then located in Apple Valley, California. So, Thompson took that name for the development, and this stunning city was born.
Education in Apple Valley
Apple Valley is served by the Independent School District 196, with six elementary, three middle, and three high schools in the city. Alongside the comprehensive high schools, the city also features a magnet school—the School of Environmental Studies that’s open to 11th and 12th graders.
In 2007, Independent School District 196 further opened three elementary-level magnet schools—Cedar Park Elementary (which will become a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) magnet), Diamond Path Elementary (with an International Studies theme), and Glacier Hills Elementary (with an Arts and Science theme).
Homes for Sale in Apple Valley
Climate
May, October, and April are the most pleasant months in Apple Valley. The temperature varies from 33 degrees in winter to 98 degrees in summer.
Public Transportation in Apple Valley
Apple Valley is primarily car-dependent—driving is usually the most efficient and preferred means of transportation. Public transit is available with just a few options and a low service level. However, there are a few bus lines connecting the city, and bus stops are ordinarily located near all major residential communities.
The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority operates weekday commuter buses to and from Downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Furthermore, the recently established Red Line serves as a superior bus line with service to and from the Mall of America.
Living in Apple Valley
With quiet areas and low levels of noise from traffic, Apple Valley residents enjoy a calm ambiance 365 days of the year. All residential communities offer easy access to the 40 public green spaces spreading across the city, including Lebanon Hills Regional Park and Lac Lavon Park that are very well-situated.
Regardless of where their house is located in Apple Valley, homeowners appreciate the fact that schools, grocery stores, and other amenities are close by. According to statistics, most residents in this city will be able to travel to one of approximately ten grocery stores on foot. At the same time, others will have to rely on a form of transportation.
Homeowners occupy about three-quarters of the dwellings in Apply Valley, and the remainder is rented. The predominant housing types in this city are townhouses and single-family detached homes.
Things to Do in Apple Valley
Apple Valley is located near the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains on the edge of the Mojave Desert, with the Mojave River running along the west side of the town. These natural surroundings offer extensive opportunities for residents to participate in outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, a popular activity on a series of trails scattered all across the city.
Furthermore, Apple Valley is home to numerous restaurants, museums, and shopping areas, including Apple Valley Commons and Jess Ranch Marketplace.
The city is just an hour’s drive away from Barstow and less than two hours’ drive away from Los Angeles and San Bernardino. Meaning, the world-class attractions of these cities are ideal destinations for road trips from Apple Valley.
Want to put your thinking skills to the test? The Victor Valley Escape offers an interactive and entertaining experience where you will try to escape a locked room within an hour by solving puzzles and uncovering clues. The several unique rooms include Queen Anne’s Revenge, The Triton, The Royal Suite, and Revenge of Mosi.
Lastly, various festivals and events are held in Apple Valley throughout the year, such as the Freedom Festival and Apple Valley Round-Up.
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