It's big enough to feel cosmopolitan but small enough to avoid that scene when you’re not feeling it. In other words, if you like a Hobbit lifestyle but want to reserve the right to mix with the erudite, arts-oriented crowd, the twin cities are good for you. You can get the city when you want it, and the quiet life when you don’t. 

Winter is a six-month grind in the Twin Cities that can be difficult to adjust to if you’re not used to winters. While the city does its best to mitigate the havoc this can wreak on city infrastructure, winter driving in Minneapolis has historically been more of an issue than in other midwest cities like Chicago. Brush up on your winter driving skills and pack a coat or three.



It's Just Right

LookyLOO Review of Minneapolis.

Minneapolitans are considered nice-ish, public radio listening, Prius/Subaru-driving, fashion-illiterate, hardworking, responsible, slightly judgmental and environmentally conscious. Locals are well educated and there is a certain ‘house mouse’ vibe (readers, walkers and urban monks), but make no mistake, Minneapolitans get loud for their pro baseball, football, hockey (of course) and basketball teams. 

Minneapolis is also serious about performing arts, none more so than theater, and the city is known for its quality craft beer scene. One common critique is that dating and making new friends is hard as it tends to be a standoffish culture (the term ‘passive-aggressive’ gets tossed around a lot in conversations about twin city dwellers).

If you want to see what locals get up to for fun and culture check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.minneapolis.org/calendar/).

Lifestyle 

There’s a ton of employment variety in Minneapolis for a mid-sized midwestern city. Big-name corporations like Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth headline the list of local Fortune 500s. Health and medical jobs are readily available as Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Upsher-Smith and the National Bone Marrow Donor Program are prominent local employers. Finally, industrial and food heavyweights 3M and Cargill round out the major employers. Generally, the average wage is slightly higher and the average cost of living slightly lower than national averages, so on balance it’s a solid economy. 


Worklife 

[**Minneapolis Public School District**](mpls.k12.mn.us) is above average, earning a [**"B" grade on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/minneapolis-public-school-district-mn/). College Prep, Clubs, and Diversity are its highest-performing characteristics. 

MPS assigns students to schools based on neighborhood but students can apply to any of the 50 community schools or 13 magnet schools that emphasize arts, STEM, or dual language. 

Higher-performing schools in MPS are extremely geography-centric, with the majority of schools receiving "A's" on the scoring sites primarily in the southwest corner of the city. The high-fliers include:
-[**Southwest Senior High**](southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us) receives an [**"A-" overall grade on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/southwest-senior-high-minneapolis-mn/). Southwest offers AP classes, IB, and Gifted Student programs. 
-[**Washburn Senior High**](washburn.mpls.k12.mn.us) is another high-performer, receiving an [**"A-" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/washburn-senior-high-school-minneapolis-mn/) with higher grades for Academics and College Prep. 

Schools

The job market in Minneapolis is excellent, with good wages and an unemployment rate well below the national average. That coupled with a smaller town feel makes Minneapolis a great place for youngsters or families to consider. 


Stable Market and a Cozy Midwestern Atmosphere

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**bigger_sky**
Living in Minneapolis
2y ago
✭✭✭

I moved here almost 3 years ago. Here are some of the things that I do and don’t like:

Like:

•great for outdoor activities at all times of year

•bike infrastructure is terrific by North American standards

•people are generally a lot more polite and courteous than where I grew up

•traffic is not too bad for a city this size

•pretty good craft beer scene

•bus system is one of the better ones in the US

•great art scene

•the summers here are insanely nice (even though locals will complain about the heat)

Dislike:

•for a major us city there isn’t a lot of street life in most places that you would think there would be (ie downtown)

•very car centric outside of a handful of neighborhoods

•people are much more reserved and shy toward strangers than what I’m used to

For more reviews of Minneapolis from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/minneapolis/reviews)


Winter is Coming

Reviews of Minneapolis from Locals

**The Good, the bad and the ugly**

Minneapolis is a city of dualities. First, Minneapolis is Minneapolis-St. Paul (referred to as ‘the cities’ not the city) and together -- it’s the big metropolis in The North Country. The twin cities love loners. Residents are largely well educated and there is a certain ‘house mouse’ reclusive culture (readers, walkers and urban monks) but they are also big participants in professional baseball, football, ice hockey (of course) and basketball and Minneapolis is serious about performing arts but none more so than theater.  There’s ‘Minnesota Nice’ and ‘Meannosota Ice.’ It’s ethnically diverse and has a history of taking in refugees (lots of ethnic restaurants) yet very segregated and has a strong Nordic thing going on. It leans blue but the outer burbs can be deeply red. Its spirit is very American yet kind of Canadian. 

Minneapolis denizens are hardcore public radio, Prius-driving ( or Volkswagen or Subaru), fashion-illiterate, nice but not friendly, hardworking, responsible, slightly judgmental and environmentally conscious. There may also be some underlying racism.

**The Best Thing About Minneapolis?** 

It's big enough to feel cosmopolitan but small enough to be able to get around that if you’re not feeling in the mood. It’s also best if you're prepared to embrace the winter.

**The Worst Thing About Minneapolis?** 

Winter is six months long and it can be very cold and snowy. If you’re not into that or used to that, that might be a problem for you.  Dating and making new friends is hard as it tends to be a standoffish culture (the term ‘passive-aggressive’ gets tossed around a lot in conversations about twin city dwellers.)


**How You Living?** 

The majority of Minneapolis residents are renters but millennials are still buying.  Demand for housing near downtown is driving a boom in both owner-occupied and rental housing in neighborhoods like the North Loop and Downtown West where luxury apartments are going up and driving crime down but rents are not cheap. In places like Whittier, near downtown, the majority of residents are renters and have been for a long time. Neighborhoods like Lynnhurst, by the shores of Lake Harriet, are largely single-family homes that tend to change hands from owner to owner. Single family homes are a combo of one-story ranch, two-story and split levels. Baby boomers looking forward to retirement years are choosing one story homes for their ease of accessibility but many people prefer the classic charm of the two-story --  foyers and such. Also, lofts.



Nicknamed “Twin Cities,” Minneapolis and St. Paul are close enough to connect by an easy to navigate rail system. Both cities are in the central northeast part of the state, close to Wisconsin. Minneapolis lies along the Mississippi and the Minnesota River, highlighting the importance of water to both the city and the state of Minnesota. As “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minneapolis doesn’t disappoint with 13 lakes, wetlands, rivers, creeks and waterfalls, and more all within city limits. Minneapolis and St. Paul sit tucked away from other major midwest cities. The closest major metropolitan area is Chicago, a 6-hour drive southeast.


The Area

Minneapolis locals can be a bit cold, so if you’re a young professional moving to the area, we hope you have an office where you can get to know some people your age or close to it. Getting settled and feeling welcome are important to a lot of people, which is why it’s crucial for young professionals to live in a neighborhood with a lot to do and a (relatively) friendly feel. We suggest checking out North Loop, a popular alternative to the recently underwhelming Uptown. It’s a decently walkable neighborhood with a ton of condos, coffee shops, cocktail bars, breweries, and restaurants. It’s full of young professionals so there’s a chance you’ll find it easier than most to make friends living here. Bonus points for being close to the river and the rail system. 
- North Loop
- Uptown
- Loring Park


Young Professionals

North Loop

Northeast is one of the newer LGBTQ neighborhoods and is home to a growing collection of LGBTQ+ owned and supportive art galleries, cafes, boutiques, microbreweries and overall community. 

If you're looking for a quieter choice consider Loring Park. Primarily residential the area is known for its beautiful green spaces, lake and extensive hiking and biking trails. It also has cool cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.
- Northeast Minneapolis
- Loring Park
- Powderhorn Park



LGBTQ+

Northeast

Although taxes in Minneapolis can seem high, the overall cost of living can seem downright cheap if you are moving from a large city like Chicago or NYC. We suggest starting your search in Northeast. If you are ready to start a family but can’t quite picture yourself in the suburbs, this is your spot. It’s a popular spot thanks to the breweries, yoga studios, and adorable houses. You’ll have a super short commute if you work downtown, since it’s nestled right near the northeast corner of Minneapolis’ downtown. 
- Northeast
- Loring Park
- Linden Hills


Young Families

Loring Park 

Linden Hills is a hit amongst families in Minneapolis. Located southwest of downtown, this neighborhood also borders two of the city's lakes: Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet, as well as Lake Harriet Bandshell Park and Lyndale Park Rose Garden. This neighborhood has access to some great schools as well as bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks for weekends out with family or friends. 
- Linden Hills
- Fulton
- Nokomis


Established Families

Linden Hills

If you recently retired and find yourself itching for a new place to live where you can really enjoy yourself, look no further. In Minneapolis you get two cities in one with St. Paul a quick train ride away. If you want to be close to the action, look no further than Loring Park. There are homes to rent or buy, it’s downtown adjacent, and it’s the spot to be for the huge spring/summer/fall festivals and events in the park.
- Loring Park
- Uptown
- North Loop


Retirees

Uptown

Minneapolis

**bigger_sky**
Living in Minneapolis
2y ago
✭✭✭

I moved here almost 3 years ago. Here are some of the things that I do and don’t like:

Like:

•great for outdoor activities at all times of year

•bike infrastructure is terrific by North American standards

•people are generally a lot more polite and courteous than where I grew up

•traffic is not too bad for a city this size

•pretty good craft beer scene

•bus system is one of the better ones in the US

•great art scene

•the summers here are insanely nice (even though locals will complain about the heat)

Dislike:

•for a major us city there isn’t a lot of street life in most places that you would think there would be (ie downtown)

•very car centric outside of a handful of neighborhoods

•people are much more reserved and shy toward strangers than what I’m used to




**TheMiddleShogun**
Living in Minneapolis
2y ago
✭✭✭

Pros:

It's believed MN will be a climate refuge (I know folks from the desert talking about moving up here since they're running out of water)

Relative to other major cities MSP is quiet and not a concrete prison.

Similar to above you can find a park just about everywhere

We are a smaller city but our transit is still pretty good. It's having driver shortage issues rn but when that wasn't an issue we had a very comprehensive bus network. It's shrunk but if you don't mind walking a few blocks for a connection in certain areas you can get to just about anywhere in city proper and surrounding suburbs. (rumor has it that metrotransit is seeing more interest in operator positions)

We've got loads or art, music, theater, entertainment options. On a spiritual level there's a decent amount of diversity in worship options. Plenty of mosques, synagogues and (mostly Lutheran) churches. there's even some Buddhist and Hindu temples but not as many.

Walkability and bikeable: we have dedicated bike paths and trails and lanes. Decent bike amenities, and generally people respect you when your on the road (generally...)

MSP stopped annexing territory very early on so many of the immediate suburbs have the same feeling as MSP, in some areas you wouldn't even be able to tell you left Minneapolis or st Paul. Those may also be good areas to look if you don't find a place in Minneapolis proper to live. All of them have good (non highway) access to the city.

Small metro area: you can get from the western side of Minneapolis to the eastern side of st Paul in about a half hour in a car.

**uberseed**
Living in Minneapolis
2y ago
✭✭✭

Edited 2y ago
Imma start with the other list and adjust for my own opinion. Pros:

People are nice and are generally more progressive. If you lean conservative then I'd say this is not a pro.

Walkability/bikability/close to everything - I live in downtown Minneapolis specifically for this. The skyway is great for winter. Public transit is decent. I sold my car (1 remaining in the household) and only have to uber a handful of times a month.

Restaurants: yes the food scene is very good here.

There are some grocery stores in downtown, but honestly they are kind of meh. Lund&byerly is expensive for good quality grocery, but that's unnecessarily expensive so I only shop there for last minute items. Target is generally expensive for the ok quality, and the fresh selections just arent very good tbh. Wholefoods is basically a bigger and more corporate Lund. They have $12/12 oysters on Friday though. Trader Joe's is good, but the meat is a bit pricey. My opinion on pricing is based off of Costco.

Lots of random events throughout the year, which is great when combined with the walkability.

**ravravioli**
Living in Minneapolis
7mo ago
✭✭✭

I grew up in Austin in the 90s, early 00's and have lived in the twin cities for the last 8 years. Part of it really reminds me of how Austin was 20+ years ago. Traffic isn't terrible, people live and spend most of their time in their neighborhoods, lots of family friendly stuff going on, people freaking love being outside, large college population, etc. It's a large city but with some small town feel.

The biggest "con" is winter, but it is what you make it. I personally love the winters, they make you really appreciate summer, which is a dream up here compared to Texas. Grocery stores are also not as good as HEB and Central Market and certain kinds of cuisine are not as abundant and great (but we do have a great food scene!) People are not as friendly, but they are kind. You may not meet your neighbor until they are helping you dig your car out after a massive snowstorm. I really like Minnesotans, but most of my best friends up here are also from out of state.

Pros for me come in the form of great social services. Free school breakfast and lunch for all kids, ratified human rights, solid infrastructure, investing in building out bike trails and public transit. For renting, one of the big pros is a lot of areas are trying to improve density, so there's lots of new apartments going up that aren't just luxury highrises downtown.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Cosmopolitan & Provincial

Looklyloo Score: 94

We're on it!