At surface level, it’s simple: I grew up in St. Paul and attended college in the Boulder/Denver area. I know the city geographies and cultures, and I have personal networks in both areas. And really, you can’t beat Minnesota summers, and you can’t top Denver’s . . . well, everything. (Unless you hate 300+ days of sunshine a year, four defined seasons and snow that sticks to the majestic mountains yet dusts downtown enough to glisten at sunrise and melt by noon).

Yet from a business perspective, these Mountain-West and Midwest metros have it goin’ in. Take The Twin Cities first:

• The 2nd most Fortune 500s per capita in the United States: 18 this year. Headquartered retail & CPG giants include Target Corporation, Best Buy, 3M, General Mills, among several healthcare and medical corporations.

• One of the country’s digital & interactive marketing meccas, driven by its digital-forward Fortune 500s and robust advertising epicenter (home to boutique digital agencies and full-service shops alike). It’s no wonder we’ve accepted the industry nickname, MinneAdpolis!

• Only 4.5% unemployment rate, one of the lowest in the country.

Then, there’s Denver:

• With Fortune 500s like Arrow Electronics, Dish Network, DaVita Healthcare Partners and Newmont Mining – not to mention Sports Authority and fun food & restaurant HQ’s like Noodles & Company and Einstein Noah – there’s something for everyone.

• Two hot business areas on the upswing: marketing agencies and high-growth tech startups. (If you want a taste of Silicon Valley’s next generation, check out the city of Boulder. Sitting above bustling college bars are small startups doing big things).

• An unemployment rate that’s been on a steady path downward, now at a respectful 5.5% and falling.

Then there’s quality of life for you transplants, or those contemplating it. First, see Paragraph 1.  Then, observe Minneapolis / St. Paul below:

• Yes, it’s cold in the winter, but in warmer months you can also canoe & swim amidst the downtown skyline, and stay active in one of the fittest cities in the country. (We’ve been rated this a few times now). If that’s not enough, hit one of the many spots in this foodie town, head North to the Boundary Waters outdoor area, or catch a show in the what’s deemed as the 2nd largest performing arts and theater scene behind New York City.

• Check out www.minneapolis.org to learn more.

Denver needs no introduction, but here’s a snapshot anyway:

• Also voted the fittest city in America multiple times, there’s no shortage of activities: hitting the slopes, climbing 14ers, summer volleyball, and jogging with the Rocky Mountains at your back. And if you’re a serious athlete, the elevation gives you an advantage (ask the many Olympians who train here).

• Walk anywhere outside at any time, look West, sigh and say “Ah, that’s pretty.” If that’s not enough, your palate will appreciate being treated to gourmet and health-conscious foods at every corner, and frothy and abundant microbrews.

Needless to say, these mid-sized metro gems are a pleasure to serve, and boast thriving, job-rich economies.