Choosing a place to live is not an easy thing. Asking locals is not as indicative as you would have thought because people are naturally inclined to have a good opinion about their hometown. People who moved there seldom had realistic expectations, so they’ll see their decision as either really good or bad. To make the long story short, other people’s experiences won’t necessarily translate to your own experience.
However, does this mean that all research is futile? Not at all! The key is that you focus on several objective metrics of why people move to certain locations. We won’t focus on the cost of real estate and the job market since these are the two big factors you’ve probably researched already. Here’s what else Minneapolis has to offer.
Pros:
There are many good reasons you should move to Minneapolis, MN, and here are some of them.
Food and drinks
Food in Minneapolis is amazing for all those who love Scandinavian cuisine. Since most settlers in Minneapolis are from these regions of Europe, this is what many local dishes are inspired by. However, make no mistake, Minneapolis is a major urban area where you can find anything from authentic Chinese to high-quality Italian food.
One thing that separates Minneapolis from other locations you’re probably considering for relocation is the density of breweries and distilleries. In this regard, Minneapolis is one of the best locations on the continent.
Nightlife
If your favorite pastime is going out to nightclubs and bars, the nightlife in Minneapolis has so much to offer. It’s a place filled with live music venues, regardless if you listen to hip-hop, jazz, or indie. As we’ve mentioned earlier, there are many breweries around the place, meaning many bars offer amazing craft beers.
For those interested in something more unorthodox, there are many rooftop bars (during the season that allows it) and late-night events. These events range from dance parties to themed parties. In other words, the nightlife is vibrant and unique.
Outdoors
Believe it or not, Minneapolis is often described as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. This means that if you prefer to cycle, this is one of the best available options.
The city has many parks and lakeside trails, which are great for long walks and running. People who love to stay in shape this way may be surprised at how pleasant it is. Even the climate, which many describe as cold, is perfect for these outdoor activities.
Since many lakes and rivers around the place, you can even go kayaking or fishing. In other words, there are so many great options that you want to explore.
Low unemployment
While the ability to find a job is generally subjective (in any market), the fact that Minneapolis can boast of low unemployment makes a massive difference in the place’s livability. Then again, you may decide to start a business there or move your enterprise to a new location.
Reduced poverty rates lead to fewer social issues and lower crime rates. The increased government revenue means that public services and infrastructure get more funding (although tax rates are high, which we’ll discuss in the cons section).
Also, since employment affects one’s morale and overall satisfaction, one might argue that cities with lower unemployment rates tend to be somewhat more optimistic.
Great schools
Another thing you need to keep in mind is that many people move with their families. Therefore, one of the most important things they research when moving is the quality of local schools. Generally speaking, dropout rates in Minnesota are quite low, and test scores are slightly higher than average. In other words, the system is quite decent. Sure, the school district matters quite a bit, but with higher averages, the odds are also higher.
Cons:
Of course, living in Minneapolis has either negative or unpleasant sides. Here are some of them.
Weather
The weather in Minnesota is not that great, generally speaking. While the warmer part of the season can be incredibly pleasant, extreme seasonal changes are more than a slight hindrance and this is one of the states with the longest winters.
Then, there are the driving conditions which, combined with the fact that winter lasts longer than usual, may lead to all sorts of commuting difficulties.
The weather can be unpredictable with sudden storms. This can disrupt many of your plans and even make household maintenance difficult.
Lastly, just because this is a state of heavy snowfall and extreme weather changes, this doesn’t mean that it’s spared from mosquitoes and bugs.
The locals are reserved
Now, this is the article’s most controversial point, considering how it’s completely subjective. The thing is that it all depends on the area that you live in, who you have as a neighbor, etc. However, the broader Midwestern culture is known for the so-called “Midwestern nice.” This culture is often seen as reserved or polite in a particularly cold manner.
Also, because of the weather, people are more likely to avoid outdoor activities during a large portion of the year.
Also, what some see as reserved, others see as polite. People in Minneapolis have a much higher respect for personal space.
High taxes
State income taxes in Minnesota are high, starting at 5.35%. This makes Minnesota’s income tax rates among the highest in the country. On the other hand, the average property tax is close to the national average.
Minnesota estate tax applies to estates over $3 million, a lower threshold than the federal estate tax.
Wrap up
As you can see, Minneapolis’s both good and bad, and it all comes down to how it all holds up in your equation. In the age of the internet, you have so many options to see actual examples and talk to the people who live here.
This way, you can ask for specific information to imagine what it would be like to live in Minneapolis. What new habits would you adopt, and which advantages would you exploit? At the same time, what problems would you have difficulty getting accustomed to, even after years of living there? Once you have your answers, you’ll know how good of an idea it is to move.