20-something transplants to MPLS? (Minneapolis, St. Paul: neighborhoods, university, live in)

[b007]

Hi all!

I'm contemplating moving to Minneapolis.

How is the scene for mid-20s transplants? The Catholic scene? (haha. No, but seriously) The outdoor scene (I've heard good things....despite the winter onslaught!!!)

Also, where are a lot of young transplants from? I'm assuming Nebraska, the Dakotas, Wisconsin? Any east-coasters ever pop up?

love to be somewhere that is vibrant and friendly and doesn't take itself TOO seriously.

Thanks so much for your perspective!!!

[uptown_urbanist]

I'm no longer in my mid-20s, but I know a LOT of east coast transplants (actually far more than people from the Dakotas, although that is probably just a fluke, and I can think of one person I knew in college from Nebraska), so I doubt you'll be alone on that front.

Not sure about the Catholic scene, but St. Thomas University in St. Paul is huge (more than 10,000 students, many of them Catholic), and Minnesota has a lot of Catholics, so I assume it's pretty easy to connect with other Catholics your age, if that's your goal.

It's a good place for the outdoors, with the caveat that there aren't (obviously) mountains or an ocean, but there ARE tons of lakes and rivers, and the changing seasons does help keep things interesting. The Twin Cities themselves also have really good parks systems.

[golfgal]

There is a huge Catholic presence in Minnesota, the most common religion in MN. You won't be at a loss to find a church that fits your needs. St. Thomas has just over 6100 undergrads. There are also several other Catholic Colleges around the state.

[b007]

Interesting that you know a lot of east coast transplants uptown_urbanist....very cool. I know virtually nothing about the midwest region or its cities (a tiny bit about Chicago but that's it) so that is surprising to me! And I did suspect there was a decent Catholic presence in the area. Cool!! (Literally......ha haha....)

[b007]

Also just doing research before--THIS neighborhood looks amazing, just for the sheer enthusiasm:

http://www.minnpost.com/line/2012/03/block-rocks

[west336]

Originally Posted by b007

Also just doing research before--THIS neighborhood looks amazing, just for the sheer enthusiasm:

The block that rocks | MinnPost

That's Kenny (where I grew up)!

I'm honestly surprised Kenny jumped out at you, as it's essentially a sleepy family-oriented n'hood in the SW part of the city with little to do that a 20-something would care about, but it IS pretty close to the lakes. I loved it......as a kid, but as an adult or possibly in your case, a single adult, I'd want to be where other 20-something were (particularly sexy ones!). I'd consider Uptown, Dinkytown, Northeast, Downtown, Loring Park or even Whittier before Kenny (again, not because Kenny isn't a great neighborhood). St. Paul and other suburban neighborhoods also adhere well to your demographic. If you really like the 1940's bungalow type of n'hoods, then consider the area around Lake Nakomis maybe instead, as there are actually decent restaurants (5-8 Club, Chris & Rob's Chicago Taste Authority) and the 3rd best lake in the city is there.

[uptown_urbanist]

That is funny. I live right near there now! Kenny is a GREAT neighborhood for families or those looking for a quiet neighborhood, but it's definitely on the sleepy side. Nice residents, good sense of community, block party-central, but I wouldn't recommend it for a single 20-something new resident.

I'd go for uptown or Northeast. Northeast has a ton of stuff going on these days, and it would be pretty easy to meet other interesting people if you get involved in the neighborhood. My guess is that it would be easier to throw yourself into that scene than in Uptown, just because it's smaller and has a stronger grass-roots energy.

[b007]

Oh yes, I realize Kenny is a family oriented neighborhood, that was probably confusing. I think it was more just the spirit of the area, the community-oriented feeling I like in general. Yes, I'd be looking for a good place for singles. Preferably sexy ones haha. Thank you for the n'hood suggestions!! I'm assuming some of those have access to public transit?

[gearedtowardssalad]

Move to uptown. It's the most exciting area of the city.

[ManBearPig1]

As a 20-something that grew up on the east coast, let me say, you'll run into people from all over. Most of the east coast transplants that I know live in either uptown, downtown, or northeast.

I'd suggest uptown or downtown if you move, depending on budget, etc.