Candid review from a long time resident
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12/30/2020
I’ve lived in Mpls for 10 years and am originally from the Mpls metropolitan area. I’ve also lived briefly in Australia and Thailand so my comparisons are not National but here’s my take on MN.
The winters are simply too much. Even if you have the good fortune of heated parking at home and work and no pets that require daily exercise outside, the lack of sunlight and outdoor recreation for the majority of the year is very undesirable and to another reviewers point impacts our mental and physical health.
The city has also become combatively liberal particularly in the past 5 years or so. I’m a left leaning moderate but it’s even too much for me. The tolerance of criminal activity due to the deterioration of the police department in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death has been sad to see. Minneapolis has grown more unsafe each year over the past decade and there is much tension over wealth disparity and the lack of affordable housing. “Minnesota nice” is also a real thing, roots are deep and it’s hard to make friends with Minnesotans but we’re loyal so once you’re in you’re in.
Minneapolis though certainly has it’s merits. It’s a quaint city and the skyline in my opinion is one of the prettiest in the country. In the winter it looks like an ice kingdom. There are also quite a few restaurants and breweries and an art scene if you’re into that. There are also endless fitness options as Mpls residents are very health conscious, and the job market is good. MN is also lovely in the summer. Everyone comes back to life. The, “lake life” culture up in northern MN is why most people stay here. It’s truly unique and special. I’ll be moving in May for a change of scenery and milder winters but will miss Northern MN!
Jenny | Minneapolis, MN