Minneapolis, Minnesota, located just along the mighty Mississippi River, has 10,000 lakes and a million "M" alliterations.
It's almost like the city planners had a thing for the letter "M" — maybe they thought it would cement the city's money-making magic.
Or maybe it's just a marvelous marketing ploy. But one undeniable fact is that the city has majestic landscapes coupled with a burgeoning economy and job market.
Minneapolis also forms the "Twin City" with St. Paul, the state's capital. It is Minnesota's largest city, with just above 400,000 people living here.
But are these enough to make it a great city?
Is Minneapolis a good place to live?
From the cost of living to crime and entertainment, let's help you decide if Minneapolis, MN, is as good as it sounds.
How Friendly Are the Locals?
You've probably heard of "Minnesota Nice," and like many newcomers, wonder 'Is Minneapolis a good place to live?'
People in Minneapolis are genuinely friendly and helpful. Locals are happy to assist if you're asking for directions or need a hand with something.
However, some newcomers note that while people are polite, it can be challenging to break into social circles. But the truth is with Minneapolis, MN, you have to give it time, and soon, you'll have a contact list full of loyal friends.
- Population: 429,954
- Median Age: 32.8 years
Cost of Living – A Bang for Your Buck?
Minneapolis offers big-city perks without the sky-high living costs like New York or San Francisco.
The cost of living here is 2% and 8% lower than both the state and national averages.
What does this mean for your pocket?
- You pay 14% less than the national average for housing.
- 5% lower for utilities and goods & services each.
- Food and transportation costs are 1% and 3% lower than the national average.
So, is Minneapolis a good place to live on a budget? You judge for yourself.
For instance, a studio apartment will cost you about $1,098 monthly, while your energy and phone bills will run at $183.03 and $188.39. Healthcare fees are 1% higher than the national average — a doctor's visit can cost around $165.24 on average.
- Average House Rent: $1,675
- Median Home Value: $525,000
Taxation – The Not-So-Fun Part
Minneapolis's taxation laws mirror its general tax expectations.
Depending on your income, the state income tax is divided into four brackets: 5.35%, 6.80%, 7.85%, and 9.85%. Sure, the sales tax in Minneapolis is higher than the national average, but these taxes help fund top-notch public services.
You'll find out how good it is here when you call on any of the movers in Minneapolis during winter (for reduced moving cost), and you see the snow heaps have been shoveled away, thanks to your tax money.
Moreover, there's great news for fashionistas. You get a 0% sales tax charge when shopping for clothes in Minneapolis.
- Income Tax Rate: 5.35 - 9.85%
- Sales Tax Rate: 7.4%
- Property Tax Rate: 0.98%
- Food Tax Rate: 8.375%
Job Market and Economy: Do Opportunities Compensate For Expenses?
The city boasts of a robust job market, especially in healthcare, professional services, education, retail, and technology industries.
Companies like Target, Best Buy, and 3M have their headquarters in the area, providing plenty of employment opportunities.
Minneapolis's unemployment rate is typically lower than the national average, making it a solid choice for job seekers. Plus, the median household income is higher than the national average, also making up for the high taxes paid in the city.
- Median Household Income: $76,332
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
- Poverty Rate: 16.8%
Weather – A Tale of Two Extremes
While Charles Dicken was weaving a Tale of Two Cities, Minneapolis embraced the tale of two weather extremes.
Winters here are chilling cold. Think of icy winds and snowfalls that make you question repeatedly, 'Is Minneapolis a good place to live?'
The average winter temperature low can be 6°F in February, with about 37.1 inches of snowfall. You will feel the most cold here in January and February.
However, the city has created climate-controlled skyways in downtown Minneapolis so people can go about their day without freezing over. But for those who love winter sports, ice skating, and skiing are just some of the cold-weather activities locals enjoy.
On the flip side, summers in Minneapolis are glorious. With average summer temperatures in the 80s, it's the perfect time to explore the city's lakes or have a picnic in one of the many parks. With an average temperature high of 88°F, July is the warmest month in Minneapolis.
Art Scene and Recreational Activities
At this point, you've clocked that Minneapolis is affordable, brimming with job opportunities, can have brutally cold weather, and potential for life-long friends.
But what is Minneapolis known for? The short answer — it's an art scene.
Minneapolis has thriving artsy communities; for instance, top attractions here include:
- The Walker Art Center
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
- Guthrie Theater
Whether you're into contemporary art, theater, or live music, you'll find a great hobby here.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the chain of Lakes offers endless opportunities for kayaking and fishing. The city also has an extensive network of parks and trails, making staying active and enjoying the great outdoors easy.
Transportation Options
Minneapolis has a Metro Transit system that operates through the suburbs and downtown.
To make things even easier, the light rail lines connect key areas like downtown, the University of Minnesota, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
But if pedal power is more your speed, the city is bike-friendly with over 200 miles of bike lanes.
Is Minneapolis walkable, then? Yes, it is very much in the city center but not so much in the suburbs, where most residents drive to work.
Still, the average commute time here is 4 minutes less than the national average.
Crime and Unrest
A burning question for anyone who knows about Minneapolis's challenges in recent years, particularly in the wake of the George Floyd protests in 2020, is, 'Is Minneapolis safe?'
While the city has been working hard to address issues of crime, police brutality, and social unrest, crime rates have fluctuated, with certain neighborhoods boasting better safety rankings than others.
Generally, crime is high in Minneapolis.
A 1 in 80 chance of being a victim of a violent crime is not good news. There's an even higher chance of having your valuables snatched from you in this city with a property crime rate tottering values of 1 in 19 chance of being a victim.
|
per 1,000 residents |
Minneapolis Average |
Minnesota Average |
National Average |
|
Violent Crime |
12.45 |
2.81 |
4.0 |
|
Property Crime |
53.83 |
19.67 |
20.0 |
Final Verdict: Is Minneapolis a Good Place to Live?
With much said about one of the Twin Cities, is Minneapolis a good place to live?
Well, yes — especially when you pick the safest neighborhoods.
Sure, the winters are intense, crime is high, and the taxes aren't exactly low, but the city's many perks more than makeup for it.
The cost of living is quite reasonable, the job market is strong, and the community is welcoming, which is more than enough for a family, retiree, or a young professional.
Just remember this about Minneapolis: it's a mix of urban excitement, cultural richness, and natural beauty.
