Been meaning to ask this. I've been here for 5 years and With a population of 427K, Minneapolis is a mid-size city. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
8 Replies
Paisley
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
22 upvotes
Helen G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 1 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
David C.
thanks for sharing
16 upvotes
Eleanor G.
it depends on the neighborhood
16 upvotes
Jackson Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Bella
Saving this thread
5 upvotes
Allison Patel
big facts right here
5 upvotes
Nevaeh White
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
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