Blaine Brings Business Opportunities and a High Quality of Life to the Minnesota Technology Corridor

The Minnesota Technology Corridor is made up of multiple communities along I-35 just outside of the Twin Cities. One of the newest towns to join the Corridor is Blaine, a community of 71,891 people located 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Blaine is a growing hub for software companies and medical technology (MedTech) firms, which makes it a significant asset to the Corridor. However, it is also one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Minnesota because of its lush wetlands and sports culture.

“Blaine is projected to grow by 21.4% between now and 2040,” says Ruth Tucker, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Blaine. “Our community continues to attract highly-skilled and educated professionals, which in turn attracts businesses who want to pull from our labor force.”

Learn more about Blaine and why individuals and enterprises continue to relocate to this part of the Minnesota Technology Corridor. 

Blaine Has Room for Commercial Investment and Redevelopment

While Blaine has been an integral part of the Twin Cities suburbs for decades, developers are just starting to explore this valuable town. Now is the time to invest in Blaine, which has ample space for commercial and residential development.

Tucker expects Blaine to be built out by 2040, which is why she is working with interested companies to find the right parcels that meet their size and zoning needs. The Economic Development team of Blaine is also focused on redevelopment so the city can repurpose high-potential sites for their next owners.

“Blaine has experienced an exceptional amount of development in the past 20 years,” says Greg Frahm-Gilles, Director of Economic Development for the Anoka County Regional Economic Development. “It is the largest city in Anoka County and one of the top 10 cities in the state. We are thrilled to include them in the Minnesota Technology Corridor because so many companies are already interested in moving there.” 

Blaine is an Ideal Location for MedTech and Manufacturing

Manufacturing is one of the main economic drivers of Blaine. Out of the top 10 employers in Blaine, four are manufacturing firms. This town is home to medical, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing companies that can pull from the ample workforce within this diverse community.

Minneapolis ranks second in the country for its educated workforce, with more than half of adult residents completing an associate's degree or higher. It is also home to the University of Minnesota, which is less than 20 minutes from Blaine. U of M is one of the largest universities in the United States, with nearly 55,000 students spread across 150 majors. Employers know they will be able to quickly fill positions with employees across a variety of specialties and skill sets.

Because of the efforts of the Minnesota Technology Corridor, more software companies are moving to the region. The recent Technology Hub distinction by the Biden Administration will also bring MedTech investment to Blaine and other parts of Anoka County. 

Blaine Attracts Young Professionals and Families 

One of the main reasons why Blaine continues to grow is that it appeals to people who want to leave downtown Minneapolis while still having easy access to the city. Blaine is a family-focused community that is made up of single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartment complexes. While major employers are moving to Blaine, so are restaurants, bars, and retail shops. These smaller companies want to escape the high prices of Minneapolis neighborhoods while tapping into Blaine’s customer base.

“Blaine has benefited from the remote-work era,” says Tucker. “Many residents now spend money in the community they live in because they don’t have to contend with a daily commute. Blaine has several cafes for lunch, restaurants for dinner, and recreational activities that are perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends.”

Blaine also attracts 7 million tourists each year. It is home to the National Sports Center, the Target USA Cup, and the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities. It is quickly growing in prominence as a sports destination for youth and adult clubs alike.

Nature lovers can spend their weekends exploring the wetlands of Blaine. There are more than 60 parks with hiking trails, playgrounds, and water access. The Blaine Wetland Sanctuary (BWS) is home to more than 500 acres of wetland and upland.

“There’s something for everyone in this part of the Minnesota Technology Corridor,” says Frahm-Gilles. “Young professionals can establish their careers here and start families. Blaine is a great place for the next generation of Minnesotans to grow up.”   

Invest in Blaine, the Heart of the Minnesota Technology Corridor

The Minnesota Technology Corridor has ample space for manufacturing, MedTech, software development, and other developing companies. Not only does the cool climate and ample infrastructure appeal to investors, but so do the people. Blaine has a high quality of life with sports, restaurants, and parks, which is why more people continue to move to the area. Your workforce is in Blaine, and they love it here.  

Learn more about the Minnesota Technology Corridor and why it is the best place to grow your business in 2024 and beyond.

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