Are Minnesota residents welcoming to newcomers? (Minneapolis, Eagan: apartments, rentals, houses)

[xz2y]

I've read several threads in the last month or so about the difficulty some folks have when they move to Minnesota; they have mentioned that they are not really welcomed into established groups, since they are not from Minnesota. I realize this will vary with each person's experience. But I wanted to get a feel for what other people have experienced when they have moved to Minnesota. My experience when visiting for short periods has been positive, and people are nice and very helpful. However, as an early retiree, I want to be in a place where people will be welcoming and not "cool and aloof" simply because I have relocated there from another state and have not lived there for the last 20 years. I plan to join clubs and go to cultural activities in the area when I move, but I'd like to know others' experiences if they have tried to become part of the community and whether they were successful.

[ozzie679]

Some people will complain about a free meal. Plus, this is a message board. It's easy to vent when hiding behind a computer monitor.

Which area of the state are you considering?

[xz2y]

I'm really looking seriously at Minneapolis and a few other cities in different states, but Minneapolis is near the top of the list. Any thoughts you have are appreciated.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

It depends where and what kind of effort you're making to meet neighbors. Alot of people are shy at first but once you get to know them they are very nice. I lived in Eagan for 13 months and felt totally isolated from my neighbors, nobody was ever outside or out and about and my interaction with them was VERY limited.

I've lived in the Corcoran neighborhood in south Minneapolis now for only a couple months and I already know a bunch of neighbors and they are all really really nice. However, it helps that I have gotten involved here with community and neighborhood events and I now have a yard to tend to so there are more opportunities to interact with those around me. In this neighborhood everyone is really connected on the block to block level with weekly scheduled activities and block parties and lots of opportunites to volunteer for various events. Those types of things seem to help alot.

[MnMomma]

If you make an effort and are active in your neighborhood you will meet people easily. Some neighborhoods are more friendly than others.

I'm in Southwest Minneapolis. Our little neighborhood in Fulton has an annual progressive dinner and block party that are both well-attended and do a lot for helping people get to know each other. Our old neighborhood just a few blocks down the road in Lynnhurst was more naturally social and friendly (partially because of the alleys--you just seem to meet people when taking out the trash!) but didn't have the organized events. Both neighborhoods are terrific.

If you run or do another sports, or have a dog, you'll meet people in no time.

-B

[p_U_c_K]

Originally Posted by Slig

It depends where and what kind of effort you're making to meet neighbors. Alot of people are shy at first but once you get to know them they are very nice. I lived in Eagan for 13 months and felt totally isolated from my neighbors, nobody was ever outside or out and about and my interaction with them was VERY limited.

I've lived in the Corcoran neighborhood in south Minneapolis now for only a couple months and I already know a bunch of neighbors and they are all really really nice. However, it helps that I have gotten involved here with community and neighborhood events and I now have a yard to tend to so there are more opportunities to interact with those around me. In this neighborhood everyone is really connected on the block to block level with weekly scheduled activities and block parties and lots of opportunites to volunteer for various events. Those types of things seem to help alot.

people live/move to the suburbs to be isolated, anyone in mpls is going to be inviting and nice to people, i was going to ask the thread starter what groups shes heard about because ive never experienced a snobby attitude anywhere i've gone,most people i know that meet people who are either new to mn or considering coming here just want to know what they think about the cold

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by p_U_c_K

people live/move to the suburbs to be isolated, anyone in mpls is going to be inviting and nice to people, i was going to ask the thread starter what groups shes heard about because ive never experienced a snobby attitude anywhere i've gone,most people i know that meet people who are either new to mn or considering coming here just want to know what they think about the cold

Oh, give me a break. Most suburban neighborhoods are very friendly, outgoing, we have block parties, chat with neighbors out doing lawn work, often have neighbors over for a beer on the deck, etc. Like others have said it all comes down to your effort in getting to know people. Not all neighborhoods are good, and it is easier if you can find an area with neighbors that have similar interests but that isn't always necessary.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

I have lived in both the suburbs and the city and I would opin that city living results in more human interaction. However, another element would be rentals versus owner occupied. I have lived in both areas where there are alot of rentals and areas where it is mainly owner occupied and owner occupied areas tend to result in far more openness and more interaction. The street I lived in in Eagan was all rentals on one side of the street and I never met any of those neighbors. I did meet the neigbhors on both sides of the house, which were both owner occupied. The other suburb neighborhoods I've lived in were all owner occupied neighborhoods and I felt the human interaction was much higher there, yet still shying in comparison to the interaction I've experienced in the city.

One quick example of something that creates more human interaction in the city - more people use reel lawn mowers. These mowers hardly make any noise so instead of just giving a neighbor a wave when you see them mowing, you can actually hold a conversation with them. I have never seen anyone use a reel lawn mower in the 4 suburban neighborhoods I've lived in, I would say nearly half of my current neighbors in the city use them, which is awesome.

[What!]

It truly depends on where you move. Puck made a good point when he said many people go to the suburbs to isolate themselves from others. That is definitely true. I am now thinking about places like Prior Lake, Farmington, Lakeville, Inver Grove Heights, and many others with long stretches of land and few houses in between. Many people I've met were significantly isolated from other people and as a result they could be very reserved. There are good places though. I guess. But I've come across a ton of examples of people who seem to specifically isolate themselves from the outside world by moving to distant suburbs and small towns. They are not entirely mean or cruel but they have a shut-off mentality toward anyone they consider outsiders.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by p_U_c_K

people live/move to the suburbs to be isolated, anyone in mpls is going to be inviting and nice to people, i was going to ask the thread starter what groups shes heard about because ive never experienced a snobby attitude anywhere i've gone,most people i know that meet people who are either new to mn or considering coming here just want to know what they think about the cold

My parents moved to the suburbs in the early 1960's so they could live with a group of couples who were buying their first houses and starting families on the same street for the first time. The street was a circle with no way in except one (no through traffic), and it was perfect for growing up in the middle of a dozen or more close families.

My wife and I live in the suburbs now in Atlanta because both of our workplaces are close by, because it was a lot less expensive than living in Atlanta proper, and because we found a place which just happened to fit our idea of a nice friendly neighborhood.

Some folks like being isolated. Some don't. I've seen both types of people both inside and outside of the city. You could be right that it's easier to be isolated in the suburbs, but I'm not sure I'd agree that it's a common reason for moving there. Although I will admit that I don't really miss the hustle and bustle of the college dorms and apartments I've experienced in the past, so perhaps my definition of "isolated" has changed over the years, too.