St. Cloud, the "Granite City," is a wonderful city for life outside medicine. You are strongly encouraged to become an active member of the community. St. Cloud is a friendly area and a great place for families. It is the commercial center of the region, and is Minnesota's fastest-growing metropolitan area. With a metro area population of more than 111,000, St. Cloud has the amiable qualities of many small Midwestern towns as well as many big-city amenities, like a variety of shopping options and hotels for any budget. An abundance of restaurants, including those serving Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican and Thai cuisine, are also available.

Schools of higher education in the area include St. Cloud State University, St. John's University, College of St. Benedict and St. Cloud Technical College.

If you are interested in the fine arts, you will find an active network of arts enthusiasts who support an orchestra, theater, community center and several bands. Entertainment opportunities abound in St. Cloud.

St. Cloud has much to offer in sports and physical fitness as well. Within the city limits are several golf courses; YMCA and health clubs; an extensive network of walking, biking and in-line skating trails; acres of city parks; and a community recreational Civic Center. Several state parks are nearby, and it is a very short drive to fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, boating, skiing or skating.

Quality housing in St. Cloud is easy to find and moderately priced. You may choose to live in the city, near the woods, along the river, by a lake, in a new development or in a nearby small town. The public and private school systems are among the best in the state and are well supported at all levels.

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are only 65 freeway miles away. Among many attractions are the nationally famous Guthrie Theatre, the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Science Museum, Ordway Music Theatre and the Walker Art Center. Professional athletics, including Twins baseball, Vikings football, Timberwolves basketball and Minnesota Wild hockey, are also available. The Twin Cities area has world-class shops and restaurants, including those found at the Mall of America.

For more information about St. Cloud visit:
St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce
St. Cloud Times