There are quite a few reasons why Minnesotans would consider moving to the big city of Minneapolis. There are more people, more business, and just a whole lot more going on no matter what you’re into. But while viewing the city from such a distance can seem like such a grand goal to achieve, there are a few things to consider before you decide to make the big move. So if you’re still mulling over making the big push to the big Minnie-apple, here are some pros and cons to consider about what it’s like living in Minneapolis.
Pro: Convenience of Restaurants
There’s so much within Minneapolis that is within walking distance, with quite the variety. Whether you’re in the mood for Thai food or modern Americana, there are so many options to choose from of all ethnicities. Walkthrough the skyways or stroll around Loring Park and you’ll find no shortage of fine establishments to meet your hunger demands.
Con: Transportation
A drawback of living within Minneapolis is that if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you’re going to have to venture outside the city. If you’ve been relying on public transportation, you may have to coordinate more of a plan for getting around the Twin Cities. Sure, most buses and even the light rail should get you to places of great commercial importance. But for the more specific items you seek, you may just have to seek out a friend with a car or buy one yourself.
Pro: Skyways
Though much within Minneapolis is within walking distance, the winter months can make this less appealing. Thankfully, when the temperature drops and the snow falls, there’s plenty of skyways about the city to get around without even setting foot outside. Whether getting into work or seeking lunch, the skyways can lead you everywhere from the government center to the convention center.
Con: City Hours
Though you can find quite a few eateries within the skyways, you’ll have to come there on certain days. Since the highest foot traffic comes during workdays, most places to get a bite to eat in the heart of Minneapolis are only open during office hours. So if you’re seeking something to eat on the weekend, you’re less likely to find it in the heart of the city unless willing to shell out for the more ritzy establishments.
Pro: Biking
For those willing to invest in a bike, Minneapolis can be quite the place to get some exercise for the legs. There are a number of biking lanes around the city that can make getting into work not only faster but a pleasing rush of giving the legs a workout. Not only that but you can also venture out further on bike trails that can lead you all over the Twin Cities area.
Cons: Traffic
For being such a packed city, it should not surprise that Minneapolis isn’t exactly known for speedy traffic. Come rush hour there’s plenty of backups and slowdowns around Hennepin and Washington as everyone seems to be scrambling out of work. And when there’s a baseball or football game at the stadium, one can expect quite a bit of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Pro: The Views
Minneapolis has a lot of skyscrapers and if you’re lucky enough to live in one of the apartments with rooftop areas, you’re in for some of the most amazing views. Whether taking in the illuminating city during the evening or looking out over the Mississippi River, there’s much to see. Even if not presented with an ariel view, there’s still a lot to love about Minneapolis’s many sights, especially with the Walker Art Center’s outdoor sculpture garden.
Cons: The Crowds
This probably seems obvious when mentioning the problems of traffic but even if you don’t plan on owning a car in the city, chances are you’ll be barraged by people during the more crowded times in the city. This is most obvious during the evening hours of people both racing home and going out for entertainment. But when a game is in town, you can expect an increase in people packing the streets, bars, and restaurants. Much like the weather, you’ll have to plan around such events.
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