The suburbs northwest of the Twin Cities offer everything from dynamic urban communities to peaceful small villages to year-round lakeside resorts. The first ring suburbs -- Brooklyn Center, Fridley, Columbia Heights, and Saint Anthony -- are just northwest of Minneapolis. Brooklyn Park is a good-sized city in it's own right where residents can enjoy proximity to the Coon Rapids Recreation Area. Further north and west of the Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area are smaller communities that offer a friendly small town environment plus convenient access to urban amenities.