It's a a mid-size city city with about 427K people. With a population of 427K, Minneapolis is a mid-size city. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this?
58 upvotes
7 Replies
Violet
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Nevaeh M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Greenfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
26 upvotes
Avery
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 27, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in Greenfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
19 upvotes
Caroline S.
Came here for family and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Carson Castillo
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Gabriella B.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
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