Settlers arrived in the area in 1852 and the town began to take shape in 1887. 41 residents signed a petition to form a village in 1893 for the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and the area became known as West Minneapolis. The name was changed to Hopkins in 1928 for Harley H.. Hopkins, the first postmaster and one of the first settlers in the area. His son, Chester L. Hopkins was the first mayor. January 1, 1984 Hopkins became a city.

Hopkins Schools are in the Independent School District #270 has 7 elementary schools, 2 jr. high schools and 1 high school. The Blake School, Hopkins Montessori School, St. David's School and St. John's Catholic School are private schools in Hopkins

Intensive redevelopment of various sites in Hopkins with mixed use retail in the works for Hopkins have included: Marketplace Lofts in the heart of downtown Hopkins. This project has 15,000 sq. feet of retail space and 42 loft style condominiums. The Regency Development Project with 38 carriage homes and 28 single family homes in the old Alliant Tech parking lot north of 2nd St. NE

Other redevelopment projects scheduled to begin building or in the planning are: Hopkins Honda mixed use condo/townhome/retail development: scheduled to begin construction early 2006, East End Redevelopment (Highway 169 to Blake Road, Excelsior Blvd. to Highway 7) which would involve developing the site into higher density, mixed use office, housing and limited retail uses. Supervalu North Annex project emphasizing office development focusing on job creation. Former Hopkins House/The Summit Condominiums. 6th and Main Condominiums mixed use housing and retail with 220 active adult condominiums with construction to begin 2006. Oak RidgePlace I & II, a luxury condominium project with 16 condos in the first phase and 14 in the second phase scheduled to begin construction in 2006.

There is a newly updated website (affiliated with this one) that gives the results of three models to predict listing prices for homes between $350,000 and $500,000 in Plymouth, Minnesota.  These models are based on a sample of 85 homes for sale in Plymouth, Minnesota with list prices between $350,000 and $500,000 as of August 14, 2006.   People looking to buy or sell a home in Plymouth, Minnesota may find it useful.

There are 18 parks in Hopkins through the Hopkins Park and Recreation Department, many providing playing fields, picnic tables, and walking trails. Some highlighted parks are; Downtown Park which is part of the downtown redevelopment. The project features a 20' x 40' entertainment stage for events such as the Music in the Park. Overpass Skate Park was opened in the Spring of 2000. The park is owned by the city of Hopkins and it is operated by The Third Lair. The Highway 169 overpass in Hopkins is the location of the 18,000 sq. ft. park which provides protection for skateboarders and rollerbladers. Though Shady Oak Beach is located in Minnetonka, it is owned by the City of Hopkins. The park was renovated in 1998. 40,000 people visit Shady Oak Beach each summer. There is a fee for admission and season passes are available from Recreation Services at Minnetonka City Hall: 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345, phone: 952.939.8202.

According to the US Census, Hopkins has a very highly educated population with over 90% having graduated from high school and over 35% having bachelor degrees. There is a respected system of schools and colleges in the greater Hopkins area. High schools include the Hopkins High School and The Blake School. The Alfred Adler Graduate School, Augsburg College, Hennepin Technical College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Normandale Community College, North Hennepin Community College, University of Minnesota, and University of St. Thomas are among the local and nearby colleges

The Camden News, The Business Journal, Star Tribune, The Community Reporter, Pioneer Press and St Paul Legal Ledger will provide you with information on news and events concerning Hopkins, such as Hopkins Raspberry Festival and Hopkins School District. For sports enthusiasts, Hopkins also offers the chance to track the games of the Augsburg College Auggies, North Central Bible College Flames, University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, Bethel College Royals, College of St. Catherine Wildcats, Concordia University Golden Bears, Hamline University Pipers, Macalester College Scots, Northwestern College Eagles, University of St. Thomas Tommies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild.

The population of Hopkins, of relatively average age, receives health care at area hospitals including Fairview Southdale Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and North Memorial Medical Center. Hopkins residents and visitors alike find many commercial and recreational activities and resources of interest in the Hopkins area among Hopkins Apartments and Hopkins City Map.

According to the US economic census, the 2000 median household income in Hopkins was over $39,000. This is slightly lower than the national average income, with the median house value in 2000 in Hopkins being over $130,000. The top sectors for employment in Hopkins, Minnesota are Educational, health and social services, Retail trade, Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services, Manufacturing. VirtualHopkins.com is a newly developed site about Hopkins, Minnesota that will be expanded during 2006, including Hopkins Minnesota Real Estate and Stages Theatre Company.

There are many events and gathering places that contribute to the great small town feel of Hopkins Such as: The Raspberry Festival, Mainstreet Days - food, motorcycle rally, pony rides, live music, arts & crafts fair. Call the Hopkins Jaycees at 952.931.0132 for more information. Music in the Park sponsored by the Hopkins Business & Civic Association and the concerts are free. Call 952.988.5350 for information. Hopkins Heritage Celebration. This is a free annual event with entertainment, food and activities from around the world. Hopkins Farmer’s Market featuring Minnesota grown produce plus soaps, crafts, jewlery and more. Call 952.922.7703. Mainstreet Jazz, is free and part of the Twin Cities Hot Summer Jazz Festival sponsored by the Hopkins Center for the Arts and the Cornerstone Group. The Depot Coffee House 9451 Excelsior Blvd., Hopkins, MN 55343, 952.938.2204 has Coffee in the morning for commuters and a safe, drug free youth hang-out to listen to local bands on Friday and Saturday evenings. It is available for business meetings or private parties with catering available. The Hopkins Activity Center is a gathering place for older adults and has been designated a Community Focal Point for older adults. There are activities of all kinds from seminars and recitals to sports activities, fitness, arts and crafts, travel and tours. Call 952.939.1333 The HopkinsCenter for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343, 952.979.1100 is a focal point for community arts, culture and entertainment. There is a 723 seat theater, a gallery, dance studios, classroom plus full kitchen facilities. The Hopkins Pavilion. 11000 Excelsior Blvd., Hopkins, MN, 952.939.1410 is an arena used for many activitties including ice sports, soccer, lacrosse, inline skating, baseball, concerts and more. There are rooms available for rent for many kinds of events.

Hopkins has premier public safety. The Fire Department is part of the State Regional Hazardous Materials/Terrorism and terrorism training is required for each specialized member of the team. This year the Police Department celebrates 100 years of service.