Firstly why Minneapolis, Minnesota?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Minneapolis
• State: Minnesota
• Population: 429,606 people
• Minneapolis’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its extensive park system, the iconic Mall of America nearby, and vibrant cultural scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 50,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 60,000 annually
• Net Migration: -10000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 4,000
• Number of Homeless people: 4,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers extensive job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Minneapolis Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 54%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $80,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Minneapolis is $86,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Minneapolis’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,955
• Property Tax %: 1.25%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,500
• Rent for an average house: $2,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: North Loop
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Minneapolis, St-Paul, Bloomington, Edina, and probably could include Richfield
• Avg. Age of Homes in Minneapolis: 75 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Minneapolis’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Minneapolis are  Finance, Healthcare, and Education
• Minneapolis Job Scene: strong job market in finance tech and education
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub with strengths in finance, health tech, and retail technology
• Minneapolis Resident’s pay $1,800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Minneapolis: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 350 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 24

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Minneapolis

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $140 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-94 and I-35W run through Minneapolis providing critical routes
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on I-94
• Transportation Score: 78 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Minneapolis: 320,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 15 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Minneapolis: dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 78 of 100
• Local Airport: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Minneapolis’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Minneapolis is best described as enjoys a humid continental climate with cold winters warm humid summers and beautiful seasonal transitions providing picturesque landscapes
• Winter Weather in Minneapolis i’d describe as very cold with heavy snow
• Spring Weather in Minneapolis can be described as cool with rain possible
• Summer’s in Minneapolis are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Minneapolis is usually cool with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 4 days in summer
• Days in a row in Minneapolis below Freezing: 48
• Average Annual Rainfall: 30 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban development
• Minneapolis Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by urban emissions

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Minneapolis Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Minneapolis 18
• While the number of trade schools inside Minneapoliss’s city limits are 19
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Minneapolis Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Minneapolis Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Minneapolis only Doctors is about 800
• Local Hospitals here is  18
• Full-time Minneapolis only Police Officers is about 1,800
• Crime Rate Index: 65/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Minneapolis’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
• Minneapolis’s Monthly Gym Membership: $70
• Minneapolis’s Water Quality Score: 81

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Minneapolis

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 20 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban center known for its parks and cultural scene
• You might enjoy shows at the Orpheum Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Minneapolis  offers a vibrant nightlife featuring a mix of clubs bars theaters and local performances in a bustling environment

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Minneapolis

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a vibrant food scene with diverse options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 200 scattered around Minneapolis
• The Popular Sports Team is Minnesota Timberwolves
• Top Level Political Climate in Minneapolis can be described as progressively leaning urban center with strong activism
• Minneapolis’s Longer standing religious establishment is Minneapolis Convention Center Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Minneapolis Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Minneapolis has 160 Parks?
• Minnehaha Park is Minneapolis’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Minneapolis Farmers Market normally open Saturday 6am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, city parks, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Minneapolis Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Minneapolis can be described as fast-paced urban lifestyle centered on culture and business
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Minneapolis visiting the lake exploring parks attending festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Minneapolis are St-Paul 8 miles away Bloomington 10 miles away Edina 8 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Minneapolis or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on I-94. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Minneapolis’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If North Loop is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Minneapolis are St-Paul 8 miles away Bloomington 10 miles away Edina 8 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 65 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Minneapolis has 48 days in a row below freezing and 4 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Minneapolis people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   4,000 homeless people living in Minneapolis. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general progressively leaning urban center with strong activism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Minneapolis.

Retiree & Senior Life in Minneapolis

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access tax credits focusing on retirement income
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Waters of Minneapoils
• Minneapolis Senior Center offers diverse activities social programs and meal resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota?

If Minneapolis, Minnesota ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Minneapolis, Minnesota, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!