Moving from Phoenix to Minneapolis (St. Paul, Blaine: for rent, lofts, crime)

[kandj48]

My husband and I will be retiring in 2 years and are considering re-locating from Phoenix. We want out of PHX, and AZ all together because of unaffordable housing, escalating crime, and the illegal immigration invasion. Yes, an "invasion." If you lived here, you would know that this is an accurate description. We realize that Minneapolis has its share of societal problems, but it appears it would be a more comfortable place for us. Neither of us has ever lived in the Midwest, and the cold winters, of course, would need to be a consideration. We feel we could adjust to an opposite weather climate, but would take a trip out there in the dead of winter to see for ourselves. Then we could sort out our priorities. Are we insane for even thinking of moving there because of weather-related issues?

[StPauliGirl]

I don't know about weather issues (I've lived in AZ, though and I liked the heat...to a POINT) but affordable housing is not real plentiful here. At least not at what I make. AZ overall is cheaper for rent (not sure about Phx's rents but I know they WERE cheaper than here at one time), and homebuying here? You can't touch a 2 bedroom 1 bath rundown saltine box for under a quarter mill in a halfway decent area, it seems like.

Plenty of immigrants here, too, though I have no idea of we have an illegal immigrant problem? Large Hmong population especially in St. Paul. And there's crime here, more or less than Phoenix I don't know. It depends on the area of the city. Are you looking to live in the Twin Cities, the suburbs, or a more outstate area? That can be a factor in all the concerns you mention.

[yellowsnow]

When you visit in winter, remember it can be cold for half the year here. It doesn't go away fast. Ice and snow don't tend to be wonderful for older people. I think a lot of seniors just stay in all winter and that can't be healthy. Or they go to Arizona!

Minneapolis demographics are changing too. We have large Hispanic, Somali, and Southeast Asian populations.

[bro2327]

The winters here can be very cold, but its not something most people cannot handle. Other than December through March though, it is usually fairly pleasant, except for July and August when it can get too hot and humid. I would check it out and see for yourself. As for affordable housing, if you're looking to be in the city, it can be difficult to find. Also, I know of a lot of older people who live here in the spring/summer/fall, then live in AZ or Florida during the winter months.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I am the first person who can see why you would want to get out of Phoenix. Minneapolis is a pretty comfortable city. The weather is bad for a few months, but it has kept us from gorwing into a place like, well, Phoenix. The city has adapted to it quite well. Skyways, malls, haeted garages, coats. We have alot of immigrants, but they aren't exclusively Hispanic. There are alot of Somalis in the city, along with alot of Hispanics (but not an invasion number). Saint Paul has alot of Hmong and general Asians. Some of the inner suburbs have alot of Indians. It will be more expensive than Phoenix, but you can still find a place on the cheap. I think it is easier to cope with weather when you are retired. If you like to travel, do it in January. Europe is in offseason, San Francisco is 65 degrees, et. cetera. When you are here, you get world-class culture, a high quality of life, a strong community and everything else that makes Mpls. great. The best of luck with your future plans
---Minnehahapolitan

[betsi100]

Moved to Minneapolis from Phoenix two years ago and am regretting it. Yes Phoenix has problems with immigrants and other issues but the culture here is hard to adjust to. The people are NOT nice, (I find that a joke). I find them to be standoffish, narrowminded. and difficult. I miss the retail and amenties in Phoenix, people who know how to drive on freeways and I'll take the dry heat over this humidity any day. Also, the homes are overpriced and the companies are very old school. Plan to return to the Valley soon.

[Navelinski]

Now now, it ain't THAT cold up here. I moved here from Dallas about 12 years ago and I love it up here. Less pollution, lots of outdoor activities and things to do.

And while I think the idea of Minnesota Nice is overblown - people are just about as friendly here as they are in Chicago, Dallas, or other big cities. It all depends on where exactly in the Twin Cities you decide to move to.

Some areas like the Uptown area of Minneapolis are full of young people and that may not be for you. However, there ARE plenty of areas where there are detached townhomes or other developments that tend to have a large number of retirees. These communities would most likely be more welcoming than the more trendy parts of the city.

If you like urban living, there is the St. Anthony Falls area which has lots of lofts and many of them cater to retirees. If you like suburban living, there is Blaine, which has many of the detached townhomes and communities that include ammenities like the TPC (Tournament Players Club - home of the 3M Championship Golf Tournament).

Or if you like an area with lots of lakes, trees, bike trails, and natural area, try Lino Lakes.

And seriously, don't worry so much about the cold. The last 6 or 7 years haven't been that bad (global warming is starting to change our eco-system). Just get a good parka and make sure you learn what to carry in the trunk of your car "just in case" and you'll be fine.

[Lindenin]

Originally Posted by Navelinski

And seriously, don't worry so much about the cold. The last 6 or 7 years haven't been that bad (global warming is starting to change our eco-system). Just get a good parka and make sure you learn what to carry in the trunk of your car "just in case" and you'll be fine.

Agreed. The winters are not that bad. You know those images of Minneapolis on the weather channel with a blizzard and people being pelted in the face by snow? There is a reason it is newsworthy - it really doesn't happen very often!

The typical winter day is a low of maybe 15, a high around 30, quite a bit of sun, and a great day for a walk in your nice winter coat. I don't even wear gloves or a hat unless it is windy, or below zero. I love the refreshing feel of a bright winter day.

My birthday is December 20th. My gift to myself every year is a nice, long bike ride around our many trails. For 6 years and running, I've been able to do the ride without bad weather, cold temps, or snow on the ground.

My first long runs outside typically begin in late March (I'm not a snow runner like many). That leaves me with around 3 months of (running indoors? no!) Cross country skiing.

[Lindenin]

Originally Posted by betsi100

The people are NOT nice, (I find that a joke). I find them to be standoffish, narrowminded. and difficult.

It humors me how people can generalize like this. We're all narrowminded? really? None of us are nice?

That is like saying all New Yorkers are impatient and rude, or that all Californians are flaky and shallow. Or that all southerners are lazy, or that all people from Vegas are sleazy gamblers.

Minnesota Nice is one of the worst labels we could have. Sets the expectation that somehow we're all going to be June and Ward Cleaver. We are not inherently "nicer' than anyone else, and I wish that silly title could go away.

[Minnehahapolitan]

/\ Damn straight, anyways, I tend not to judge cities on their drivers and retail amenities. (And I completely fail to see how Phoenix is better in the former regard)