5 Reasons Maplewood, MN Is The Twin Cities' Next Big Suburb (2025 Development Update)

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The City of Maplewood, Minnesota, is currently undergoing a significant transformation, positioning itself as one of the most dynamic suburbs in the Twin Cities metro area. As of late 2025, the community is seeing major infrastructure upgrades, ambitious housing projects, and a landmark cultural shift in its retail core, all contributing to a vibrant and forward-looking environment. This article dives into the most recent updates and what makes this Ramsey County city a must-watch location for residents and businesses alike. The recent focus on community investment, from the 2025 Street Improvement Project to the approval of major residential developments, signals a robust commitment to growth and quality of life. This guide provides an in-depth look at the latest happenings, key governance, and essential entities that define Maplewood today.

Maplewood City Profile: Leadership and Demographics (2025)

To understand the direction of Maplewood, it is crucial to look at its leadership and the diverse population it serves. The city operates under a Council-Manager form of government, where a Mayor and four Council members set policy for the city.

Current City Leadership Profile

  • Current Mayor: Marylee Abrams
  • Term: Appointed Mayor in 2019; ran for election in 2022.
  • Start of Council Service: January 2014 (elected November 2013).
  • Prior Experience: Over thirty-five years of experience in labor relations, serving as counsel.
  • Role: The Mayor, along with the four council members, holds the legislative power for the city.

Key Demographic Statistics (2024–2025 Estimates)

Maplewood’s population profile reflects a diverse and stable suburban community in the East Metro.

  • Population (2024 Estimate): Approximately 40,142 residents.
  • Median Age (2023): 39.3 years.
  • Racial/Ethnic Diversity: The largest groups are White (53.3%), followed by Asian (22.4%), and Hispanic (9.5%), demonstrating a rich, multicultural environment.
  • Median Household Income: Approximately $81,488 (for the surrounding 5-mile radius).

The city's demographic makeup is a key factor in its evolving commercial and cultural landscape, driving new projects designed to serve a broad range of residents.

Major Development and Infrastructure Projects for 2025

Maplewood is actively investing in its future through several high-profile projects that are shaping the physical and economic landscape of the city. These developments are the freshest and most unique aspects of the city's current narrative.

The Century Ponds Development

One of the most significant projects currently underway is the Century Ponds Development. This ambitious plan involves redeveloping the former Ramsey County Ponds golf course, which ceased operations in 2021.

  • Scope: A proposed 207-unit residential development.
  • Developer: DR Horton.
  • Impact: This project will transform a large tract of former recreational land into new housing stock, directly addressing the regional need for more residential options in the metro area.

2025 Maplewood Street Improvements

The city’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure is evident in the ongoing 2025 Street Improvement Project.

  • Key Areas: The project focuses on the Prosperity-Hazelwood area, including Prosperity Road (from County Road B to Larpenteur Avenue) and Hazelwood Street (from Frost Avenue to Ripley Avenue).
  • Status: The assessments for this project were approved by the City Council in late 2025, and the South Leg area of the project is already complete.
  • Entity Relevance: These projects are crucial for local commuters and businesses, ensuring smooth access across major routes like County Road B East and Larpenteur Avenue.

The Cultural and Commercial Transformation of Maplewood Mall

Maplewood Mall has historically been a major commercial hub, but its future is being redefined by a groundbreaking cultural integration project that is set to launch by 2025.

HmongTown 2 Marketplace

The most unique and culturally significant development is the introduction of the HmongTown 2 Marketplace within Maplewood Mall.

  • The Vision: This expansion is a major move to embrace Southeast Asian culture, creating a vibrant destination for shopping, food, and community gathering.
  • Economic Impact: It is not just a business venture but a cultural one, promising to draw visitors from across the Twin Cities and beyond, solidifying Maplewood as a center for Hmong commerce and cuisine.
  • New Businesses: The commercial landscape is also seeing new additions, such as a recent Wingstop location, reflecting a mix of local and national brand interest in the area.

Essential Entities and Topical Authority in Maplewood

A city’s true topical authority is built on its institutions. Maplewood is home to several key entities that provide essential services and define the community’s quality of life.

Healthcare and Wellness: M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital

Maplewood is a regional healthcare center, anchored by M Health Fairview St. John's Hospital.

  • Facility Details: A full-service, acute care hospital with 184 licensed beds.
  • Community Service: The hospital serves a massive patient base, treating over 41,000 patients in its emergency department annually.
  • Location: Located on Beam Ave, it is a critical resource for Ramsey County residents.

Education: Independent School District 622 (ISD 622)

The city is primarily served by the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District (ISD 622).

  • Scope: The district encompasses 42 square miles and serves over 10,000 students across grades PK-12.
  • Local Schools: Carver Elementary School is a notable local entity within the district.

Parks and Recreation: The Green Heart of the City

While the famous Maplewood State Park is located in Otter Tail County, Maplewood, MN, boasts its own significant local park system and trail network.

  • Local Parks: Hazelwood Park is a popular 50-acre community park, known for its grass soccer fields and youth sports.
  • Trail System: The Bruce Vento Trail is a key recreational corridor, popular for biking and walking.
  • Community Spaces: Robin Hood Park also provides essential community-focused outdoor recreational space.

The Future Outlook: A Connected and Culturally Rich Suburb

Maplewood's trajectory is clearly focused on blending suburban comfort with metropolitan accessibility and cultural depth. The ongoing 2026 Budget Hearing discussions and the consistent "FYI Update" from the City Council demonstrate proactive governance aimed at maintaining this balance. The completion of the 2025 infrastructure projects will improve connectivity, while the HmongTown 2 Marketplace will solidify the city's reputation as a diverse and welcoming commercial destination. From the new residential units at Century Ponds to the established excellence of St. John's Hospital, Maplewood is confidently building its future as a major East Metro hub.
5 Reasons Maplewood, MN is the Twin Cities' Next Big Suburb (2025 Development Update)
city of maplewood mn
city of maplewood mn

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