Reviews & Comments
Minneapolis, MN
As underrated as they come! -
10/12/2020Minneapolis native here - after college I left the state, and have lived in the PNW, the South, and the SW. I'm reflecting on my time in each, and writing a review for my hometown.
Having lived and traveled to many places, I can say that MPLS is VERY underrated. The city has so much to do, and is often overlooked, or thrown into the "boring Midwest" bucket. That is a mistake. I'll get this out of the way, if you don't like the cold, don't move here. Ok now that we are past that, I'll list some other pros and cons.
Pros: Culture (I believe the most theaters after NYC), world class museums such as the Walker Arts Center, a really solid food scene (its not LA food scene quality, but there are some amazing options, and you'll rarely run out of options), and a pretty great craft beer / coffee scene as well. The best park system, and among the best cycling infrastructure in the US. At times cliquey, but mostly kind-hearted people.
Cons: Besides MN United, all of the sports teams suck (don't dislike this review just because your grandpappy and his pappy before him bled purple and gold, most of the sports teams WILL let you down). Nature - now this one is a pro and a con, and it is really hard to write because MN has some AMAZING nature, Voyageurs, camping in the boundary waters, Split Rock light house, Taylors Falls. But when you've lived in CA or WA, nothing can really beat it. I have also lived near the Great Smokies, and I'd say there and MN are more subtle, soft spoken beauty, while the West coast is EPIC beauty. Both are lovely in their own right, but I share because if you are looking for endless hikes and breathtaking beauty, MN has it, but it isn't in your backyard like other cities (the state is pretty flat). Let me redeem myself among the haters by saying that MN (and maybe Colorado) and among THE BEST places to experience the 4 seasons. The job market can be a pro and a con, there are plenty of Fortune 500 companies there, and if you can land a job at Target, 3M, Medtronic, US Bank, etc, you are going to live a nice life in MPLS. Besides that, it is not super easy to find great jobs.
Overall there really aren't a lot of cons, and as I said, I think the city is super underrated, and if you are looking for a smaller, more cozy Chicago, or NYC, MPLS is a great option!
Other perhaps helpful information to know:
- The state is extremely white, but actually has pockets of diversity and corresponding cuisine which is nice (particularly Somalian, and Hmong)
- The city is for the most part, pretty liberal, and welcoming to LGBTQ+ and people in general
- West of the city is very wealthy, and has huge, beautiful homes. Uptown is sort of "hip," but pretty lifeless compared to other "hip" neighborhoods around the country (besides Bde Maka Ska, which is beautiful!), the North Loop is a great place to live if you are used to downtown, hip neighborhoods in bigger cities. North MPLS has that grungy, hipster, coffeeshop, art gallery vibe which is great (if you're into that sort of thing). Also don't forget to consider St. Paul neighborhoods (to the west of that downtown - the actual downtown St. Paul is pretty lifeless).
I hope this has been helpful! If you have just received a solid job offer and relocation package to MPLS, I'd so go in a heartbeat!
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville is charming, but not much more than that -
3/11/2019Let me start by saying that Knoxville is a very charming place, and if you are looking for a new place to live that is quiet, has a growing number of "hip" things such as breweries, restaurants etc, and is affordable, then it is certainly not a bad place to call home. I have been here for about two years, and have at times really enjoyed it.
The problem is that it very often feels lifeless. I know many might disagree with this, stating that Gay street, Market square, and Old City are full of things going on. Yes there are events and parades, but the city just doesn't have a pulse. I have been fortunate to live in some bigger cities (MPLS, Seattle), and after a while I have found myself missing what bigger cities offer - art, culture, exploration, transit.
I think Knoxville will be a great city 20 years from now, but right now bike infrastructure is a joke when compares to other cities, the airport is a hassle with few direct flights, etc. I love taking photos and exploring a city, but after one photoshoot day around the city, you're done. Unlike some other cities with endless curiosity and places to explore with your camera. One nice thing about Knoxville is its location. I have been able to explore Nashville, Atlanta, Asheville, Cincinnati, Savannah, and Charleston. So that being said, Knoxville is a great base to explore the South, but after having done all that, I am ready for a new place to call home.
All in all I have tried my best to write a fair review for Knoxville. If you take it on its own terms, it is a charming, growing place to be. But it is not for everyone, and if you are looking for a place with a pulse, energy, design-focused, pedestrian-focused, etc then this is not a place for you.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a low-key, charming, friendly, maker (arts and crafts / furniture), affordable, everyone knows everyone kind of town, then I'd recommend considering Knoxville for your next home!
Feel free to reach out with any specific questions and I'd be happy to help.