By Melanie Ortiz Reyes - Content Specialist - PrimeStreet.io
Moving to Minneapolis
Where To Live In The Twin Cities
Are you looking to move to Minneapolis, MN? Keep in mind you're not the only one. As the biggest city in the state of Minnesota, Minneapolis has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, including the Mill City Museum and Forshay Tower, which was once the tallest tower in the world. Located in the northern part of the U.S., Minneapolis is part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, along with its neighboring city, St. Paul, and has a population of over 425,000 people. So if you want to move to a diverse and vibrant city that offers something for everyone, Minneapolis should be your top choice.
Residents are generally happy here, earning the city a spot in the top 20 happiest U.S. cities. Have you ever heard of Minnesota Nice? Minneapolis has some of the friendliest residents nationwide! According to the website WalletHub, Minneapolis has a happiness score of 62.63. Some people believe this is due to it being a hub for culture and arts, as creativity contributes to mindfulness and well-being.
The city has a thriving theater scene, including the renowned Guthrie Theater, as well as numerous museums and art galleries. Minneapolis does not lack things to do either. From exploring its historical sites and landmarks to swimming, boating, and fishing in the Chain of Lakes, there's always something new to see or do. The city is also home to one of the biggest malls in the entire world, the Mall of America.
Minneapolis is known for its French heritage, and they have a motto to honor it, "En Avant," which means to move forward. Many French-inspired restaurants and bakeries can be found here, including the award-winning cafe, Patisserie 46. Many of Minneapolis' historic buildings feature French-style architecture, including the Basilica of St. Mary, designed in the Beaux-Arts style. The American Swedish Institute also features French-inspired architecture. These two buildings attract thousands of visitors each year. The city also hosts an annual Bastille Day celebration, which includes French music, food, and cultural activities!
The climate in Minneapolis is characterized by its four distinct seasons. Winter in the city is cold and snowy, with temperatures averaging in the teens and 20s. The city experiences the heaviest snowfall in December and January. Getting more specific, Minneapolis receives around 54.2 inches of snow a year, compared to the national average of 27.8 inches.
Summers in Minneapolis are known to be warm and humid, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Heat waves are not uncommon here, and temperatures can occasionally reach the 90s Fahrenheit or higher. The record high is a sizzling 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
Locals enjoy the fall season, as it's pleasant. In springtime, Minneapolis is typically rainy, receiving around 31.9 inches of rainfall yearly. It's important to note that the city can experience occasional thunderstorms and tornadoes during the spring months.
While the weather can be extreme at times, the city has many indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy year-round.
Here are some of the reasons why the city of Minneapolis has become increasingly popular amongst buyers:
- Affordability: Minneapolis is considered affordable compared to many other major cities in the United States. Housing costs here are notably lower than in other major metropolitan areas.
- Quality of life: Due to its low crime rate, plenty of parks, and excellent schools, residents say Minneapolis offers a high quality of life.
- Transit options: Minneapolis has an excellent public transit system, including light rail and bus services, making it easy to get around the city and its suburbs.
- Solid job market: With a thriving job market in industries such as healthcare, education, and technology, Minneapolis has a strong economy. This has attracted many young professionals to the area who are looking for job opportunities.
- Outdoor recreation: Minneapolis is known for its abundance of lakes, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city offers excellent biking and walking trails, as well as opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Enhance your homebuying experience in Minneapolis by taking a gander at our library for buyers!
What's Special About Minneapolis?
Small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities!
The Minneapolis metropolitan area is home to approximately 3.6 million people, making it the 16th largest metro area in the United States. Some of the country's most important sights and landmarks are here! One of these is Stone Arch Bridge, offering stunning views of the skyline. This historical bridge attracts many history buffs throughout the year. The historical skyscraper, Foshay Tower, is another favorite.
There are many museums and theaters in Minneapolis; some of these are the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, featuring over 40 works of art, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Guthrie Theater, and the Walker Art Center. You must visit the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota for eye-catching architecture.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of options, including Minnehaha Park and Lake Harriet, a local favorite, featuring excellent walking and driving paths. And, of course, plenty of restaurants to enjoy fantastic food.
If you're looking to live in an area where the atmosphere is close-knit but offers big-city fun, look no further, you've found your next home.
Things To Do In Minneapolis
Plenty of activities for everyone!
No matter the season, there's always something to do here! The city offers a great experience not only for its visitors but for its residents as well.
For colorful views and photo-worthy scenery, make sure you visit the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, which spreads across 15 acres, and more than 120 species of birds can be seen here. If you love nature or are a hiking enthusiast, check out Minnehaha Creek Trail and St. Anthony Falls. If you enjoy fishing, we recommend Tony Schmidt Regional Park, Afton State Park, and Lake of the Isles Park.
If you're a golfer, you should know Minnesota is the leading state for more golfers per capita. So whether you're a new golfer or a seasoned pro, there's a golf course for you! With so many to choose from, you're sure to find a favorite. Some golf courses in the area are Fort Snelling Golf Course, Hiawatha Golf Course, and TPC Twin Cities.
Foodies love it here! Minneapolis has a diverse restaurant scene with lots of highly-rated restaurants offering a variety of different cuisines. Having won multiple awards, Spoon and Stable is known for its elegant atmosphere and creative dishes. Another popular restaurant in the area is Alma, which has an extensive wine list. Residents say it’s difficult to pick just one wine to accompany their dinner! More casual options are Pizzaria Lola and Young Joni, both known for delicious pizza and a laid-back atmosphere.
For history and art buffs, add Bell Museum, Minnehaha Depot, and the Mixed Blood Theater to your list. For stunning architecture, pay a visit to the Lumber Exchange Building, the American Swedish Institute, and Lakewood Cemetery. Open mic nights are popular here too! Favorite local venues include Gutt's Comedy Club and Strike Theater.
Get ready to shop your heart out! Minneapolis is home to stores and boutiques for all tastes! With record shops like Extreme Noise Records and Hymie's Vintage Records, music lovers will indeed find a piece of music history here. Also, check out the farmers' markets on the weekends! Popular ones are Four Sisters Farmers Market, Midtown Farmers Market, and Kingfield Farmers Market. There's always a market for you!
And, of course, we can't forget about Mall of America, where you can check out more than 500 stores!
The city also has plenty of things to do in the winter! There are several outdoor ice skating rinks here, including the famous rink at Loring Park. You can also check out the Wells Fargo WinterSkate rink in downtown St. Paul, which offers free skating and skate rentals. If you don't like ice skating, check out the festivals that take place around the holidays. The city hosts several winter festivals, including the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. They feature a variety of winter activities, including snow sculpting, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing races. Another popular festival is the Holidazze Festival. This annual festival takes place in downtown Minneapolis and features a variety of holiday-themed activities, including an outdoor market, live music, and a fireworks show.
Remember to say goodbye to the winter by participating in the famous Polar Plunge, a fun and meaningful fundraising event for the Special Olympics of Minnesota. It typically takes place in Lake Calhoun, usually in February or March, when the water is at its coldest. Anyone can participate in the Polar Plunge, regardless of their age, and you can sign up as an individual or as part of a team. Participants are encouraged to dress up in costumes and have fun with the event!
With so many things to see and places to explore in the city, it's great that there are several convenient modes of transportation so residents and visitors can quickly get around the city. So whether you want to get to work or go on an adventure, the transportation system in Minneapolis is quite convenient.
If you're looking to take a trip, the city has an excellent road network consisting of major highways, including I-394 and I-94. There's also a conveniently located airport, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, just a short 15-minute drive from Downtown Minneapolis.
Metro Transit, the primary public transit system in the city, operates light rails and buses. The light rail system, known as Metro Blue and Green Lines, offers service between Downtown St. Paul, Downtown Minneapolis, and many destinations in the metro area.
Minneapolis is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with a Bike Score of 82, according to the website Walk Score. The city is known for its bike-friendly culture and also a vast network of bike lanes and trails. In addition, the city has a bike-share program called Nice Ride, which offers rental bikes that can be picked up and dropped off at various locations throughout the city.
The city is also considered very walkable, scoring 71, making it easy to run errands on foot. It also has a skyway system that connects many of its downtown buildings!
Great Economy
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Paul, the unemployment rate is currently 3.2%, and the average annual salary in Minneapolis is around $68,000, or $32.69 an hour. Many people see this as a healthy salary considering all of the convenient amenities that can be found in the city.
The startup scene is growing here, with a number of tech startups and other innovative companies based in the city. In addition, the city offers several startup resources, including incubators, accelerators, and networking events.
Minneapolis has experienced steady economic growth in recent years, with a strong job market and a growing population. The city is also a hub for innovation, with many research institutions and technology companies based in the area. It's also known for its business-friendly environment, with a low cost of living and a high quality of life, making it an attractive place for businesses and employees.
The city is home to over 10,000 small businesses, encouraging young entrepreneurs to make the move to Minneapolis.
Although the cost of living is 3% higher than the state average, 0% tax on clothing and shoes, an excellent economy, and affordable healthcare keep attracting young professionals to this area. As a result, around 29% of residents are millennials, higher than the national average of 26%.
Thanks to initiatives such as investing in small businesses, public transportation, and creating more walkable neighborhoods, the millennial generation has become increasingly attracted to Minneapolis. We don't see this stopping anytime soon.
Some of the top industries in Minneapolis are:
- Retail: With so many shopping centers and malls providing thousands of jobs, the city is known for having a tremendous retail sector. Minneapolis is home to several major retailers, including Target Corporation, one of the largest retailers in the United States.
- Healthcare: With its strong healthcare industry that generates billions of dollars for its economy, Minneapolis provides employment to thousands of people each year.|
- Financial Services: Minneapolis has a thriving financial services industry with several large financial institutions headquartered in the city, including U.S. Bancorp, Wells Fargo, and Ameriprise Financial. The city also has many regional and community banks, credit unions, and investment firms.
- Technology: With many startups and well-established companies working in software development, e-commerce, and web design, Minneapolis is known for its growing technology sector.
- Manufacturing: Minneapolis has a long history of manufacturing, with many companies working in many industries, such as aerospace, food processing, and medical services.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Minneapolis had a gross domestic product of nearly $250 billion in 2021.
Minneapolis Loves Sports!
Residents love sports and the city is home to several professional sports teams! Fun fact: Minneapolis was ranked #16 as one of the best cities to be a sports fan by the website Bleacher Report.
Starting with the national favorite, football, the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League play in downtown Minneapolis at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Major League Baseball team, the Minnesota Twins play at Target Field, which is considered one of the best ballparks in the country!
Basketball fans can enjoy both Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx games at the Target Center.
The Minnesota Wild from the National Hockey League play at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. They have a strong fanbase in Minneapolis, even though they don't technically play there! A Wild game is only a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Minneapolis!
The city also hosts the Twin Cities Marathon, one of the biggest in the country, attracting thousands of runners from all around the world.
College sports also have fans here, with the Minnesota Golden Gophers being the local favorites.
Real Estate Market
Despite the pandemic, the real estate market in Minneapolis has remained relatively strong for the past couple of years, with home prices continuing to rise in many areas. This has led to increased competition among buyers and, in some cases, multiple offers and bidding wars.
According to the website Roofstock, The Minneapolis-St. Paul area has an affordability index of 5 out of 10. This means that while housing in the market is considered quite affordable, there is still a high percentage of residents renting in the city. However, the shortage in rental properties is encouraging many residents to decide to buy a home.
Minneapolis home prices are down 4.7% compared to last year, making the median price around $250,000 - $300,000. Since it's been a great place to find affordable homes, the real estate market is becoming more competitive, which is why new construction is selling for $450,000 on average.
If you're considering buying in Minneapolis, we suggest visiting the area to look at homes in February, as flights to Minnesota are less expensive during this time.
Although the cost of housing in Minneapolis is considered higher than the national average, it's still considered affordable compared to many other cities in the United States, especially in the coastal regions where housing costs are typically much higher.
Here are some facts about Minneapolis, according to the website Niche:
- The median home value is $284,000.
- The median rent is $1,159.
- Around 48% of residents are homeowners.
Where in Minneapolis?
The Minneapolis metropolitan area is a dynamic urban region with a diverse economy, rich cultural offerings, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it an ideal place to live.
With a wide range of neighborhoods, housing styles, and prices to choose from, it's imperative that you work with a real estate professional who is specialized in the Minneapolis metro area. They'll work with your budget and timeframe and answer any questions you may have.
These are some of the counties in Minneapolis you should consider:
Anoka
Anoka is known to be the first town in the U.S. to celebrate Halloween. In early 1920, residents worked together to try to put a stop to Halloween pranks. They put on a giant Halloween celebration in October of that same year, offering lots of entertainment and free candy to keep teenagers occupied. 12-year-old Harold Blair won a trip to Washington, D.C., and came black with a sweater featuring the Anoka Halloween patch.
Since then, Anoka has been known as The Halloween Capital of the World.
Anoka has several parks and trails, including the Mississippi River Trail and the Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park. These offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Residents also enjoy exploring the historic downtown area.
Make sure to check out Anoka's Main Street, which is lined with boutique shops, antique stores, and restaurants. It's a great place to stroll and browse.
With an overall B grade from Niche, Anoka is known for being an excellent suburb to raise a family and for having great, above-average public schools.
Consider these facts according to the website Niche:
- The median home value in Anoka is $229,400.
- The median rent value is $1,056.
- Around 44% of residents are homeowners.
Dakota
Dakota is well known for its cultural attractions and strong economy. Outdoor recreation is very popular here! The Lebanon Hills Regional Park and Dog Woods Dog Park are just a couple of favorite places to visit on the weekends.
For golf, check out the Emerald Greens Golf Course, a fantastic 27-hole championship golf course that features challenging greens and scenic views. For fun with the family, the Eagan Art House offers classes and workshops for all ages, as well as exhibits by local artists.
For a show, make sure to visit the Ames Center, a performing arts venue located in Burnsville that features concerts, plays, and other live performances.
The website Niche ranks Dakota #4 on its list of best counties to live in Minnesota! Schools have an overall A grade here and the area is known for being excellent for families!
This suburb is part of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District, which is one of the largest and most highly regarded school districts in the entire state. The district includes several award-winning schools, including Dakota Hills Middle School and Eastview High School.
There are many job opportunities in Dakota. The city's proximity to the metropolitan area also provides access to a broader range of employment opportunities.
Consider these facts according to the website Niche:
- The median home value in Dakota is $294,700.
- The median rent is $1,293.
- Around 24% of residents are homeowners.
Hennepin
Hennepin is one of the most populous counties in Minnesota and is known for being the home of several beautiful lakes, including Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun. Shopping and dining are some of the top things to do here, as the upscale Galleria shopping center can be found here, and the famous Mall of America is located just outside the county. Some of the top restaurants in the area are The Butcher's Tale, The Kenwood Restaurant, and The Capital Grille, all having ratings of almost 5 stars!
Things to do here also include visiting the Minnesota Zoo and touring the Mill City Museum. Located in Apple Valley, the Minnesota Zoo features more than 5,000 animals from around the world! The Mill City Museum is a museum that tells the story of Minneapolis' history as a flour-milling hub. The museum is located in the ruins of an old flour mill and features exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
Hennepin is also the place to be for sports! This county has several sports teams like The Minnesota Twins baseball team, the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball team, and the Minnesota Vikings football team.
With an overall Niche grade of A-, the Hennepin school district is highly desirable among new families.
Here are some facts about Hennepin, according to the website Niche:
- The median home value is $309,200.
- The median rent is $1,244.
- Around 63% of residents are homeowners.
Ramsey
Ramsey has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a population increase of over 20% by the year 2020. As a result, the city is home to a diverse and growing community with a great variety of amenities and businesses.
Ramsey is an exciting place to live in, with many events throughout the year, including the Corcoran Country Daze, an annual community festival that features carnival rides, live music, and other family-friendly activities. Residents love attending events at Bandshell Park, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the summer.
Ramsey is a favorite among nature lovers, with many hiking and biking trails to explore. The city is also located near the Rum River, which offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
This suburb is a very attractive option for families new to the area and first-time homebuyers because Ramsey is known for its relatively affordable housing prices compared to neighboring cities. Its public school system also has a B+ grade from Niche, and the crime rate is very low here!
Here's some information from the website Niche you should keep in mind:
- The median home value is $281,800.
- The median rent is $1,635.
- Around 85% of residents are homeowners.
Scott
Located in the southern part of Minnesota, Scott County is home to several working farms and is known for having a rich agricultural heritage.
Both the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve can be found here!
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a 14,000-acre natural area that is home to hundreds of species of wildlife. Visitors can hike, bike, and birdwatch on the trails and enjoy the beauty of the area. Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve is a beautiful park with over 10 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There are also areas for picnics, fishing, and camping.
Things to do here also include attending a horse race at Canterbury Park and checking out the Scott County Fair, which is an annual event held in Jordan, a city located in the western part of the county—the fair features live music, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and other family-friendly activities.
This county has a diverse economy with a mix of industries, including retail, agriculture, and manufacturing. Some of the major employers in the area are Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Park, and St. Francis Regional Medical Center.
Scott has several highly regarded school districts, including the Shakopee, Prior Lake-Savage, and Jordan districts. The county also has several private schools and post-secondary institutions, including St. Catherine University and Normandale Community College. Niche's overall grade for the school district is an A!
Scott County offers a range of neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics and amenities.
Here are some facts about Scott, according to the website Niche:
- The median home value is $332,900.
- The median rent is $1,282.
- Around 83% of residents are homeowners.
Washington
Located in the eastern part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Washington is known for its beautiful natural scenery and strong economy, making it a great place to visit or call home.
If you decide to move here, you’ll surely explore the St. Croix River, a designated Wild and Scenic River that offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. There are several outfitters in the area that rent equipment and provide guided trips.
This county is home to several colleges and universities, including Century College in White Bear Lake and Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. In addition, public schools in Washington are highly rated, receiving an A grade from Niche!
The real estate market in Washington County is strong, with a mix of housing options and competitive sales activity.
Here's some information from the website Niche you should keep in mind:
- The median home value is $326,000.
- The median rent is $1,465.
- Around 82% of residents are homeowners.
Ready to Make Your Big Move to Minneapolis?
PrimeStreet is here to help you get that exciting process started!
Now that you've learned about what the city has to offer and its most popular suburbs, you're probably wondering which one is right for you. We know house hunting in a new city can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially without professional help. That's where we come along! Let us introduce you to an expert who can answer any questions you may have regarding the different neighborhoods.
Call us at 855-531-5347 or click on "Find an Agent" below, fill out the form, and we'll quickly connect you to a local real estate agent expert in the Minneapolis area of Minnesota. A friendly team member will ask you a few questions about your house needs, expectations, budget, area of interest, and preferred timeline. After gathering this information, our innovative algorithm will match you with the perfect agent in Minneapolis with the right experience and knowledge of what you're looking for.
Make sure to get in touch with us and let us plan your perfect move to Minneapolis together!