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-cityscape
-pedestrian friendly
-weather
-spectator sports
-recreational sports
-friendly people
-public transit
-culture
-parks/recreational facilities/cycling infrastructure, etc.
-any other factors you think are relevant
I lived in Greater Vancouver for years. I've only been to Minneapolis once for a few nights, but a friend of mine lived there for a year and a half, and I've talked to him quite a bit about what it's like to live there. Personally, I prefer Vancouver, but that's just me.
Vancouver is Canada's portal to the Pacific and, while it's ALWAYS celebrated its being international, it has become more so. Vancouver is almost a world-city. Minneapolis is a regional hub. The only city in the Midwest that can be compared to Vancouver is Chicago, which is actually much larger, though Vancouver has captured the heart of anyone from the US or overseas I have taken there.
Here's another litmus test. In the East, you can ask someone "What are you?" (as in nationality) and they won't be offended. In fact, it's almost customary. In the Midwest, you might do that in Chicago, Detroit or Cleveland. In the West, you can really only do that in LA or Vancouver. In the homogenized cities like Seattle, I have been reprimanded for asking that question. I seriously think it's not a good Minneapolis question, either.
I think Minneapolis beats Vancouver in the spectator sports area. Teams in the major professional sports in North America. Target Field and the Excel Energy Center are both top notch facilities.
spectator sports - Mpls teams have great fan support, and more pro sports teams + major NCAA following
cycling infrastructure - Mpls is arguably tops in the US, with Portland. Vancouver doesn't come close
friendly people - ever spent time there? Twin Cities have "Minnesota Nice", Vancouver is known for the same type of 'coldness' as Seattle, having been to both places I thought the difference was noticeable
cost of living (which I deem relevant) - Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in the world, Mpls is quite affordable.
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