Minneapolis or St. Paul? (Dayton, Rice: to rent, neighborhoods, buy)

[Brssplr]

I would like to move to the Twin Cities in the future. I am trying to get as much insight as possible as to which city would be best. I wish to live in one of the cities; the suburbs do not interest me. I like a big city atmosphere, close to bus/train lines, bike paths, etc. But I also like areas that have good old architecture, with historic buildings and such. I've heard that St. Paul has more of a small town feel while Minneapolis has a big city feel to it. I don't know if that is really true, but someone has told me that. The presence of cafe's, pubs, grocery stores, etc. within walking distance is important too, but not essential if I live near a transit line. With gasoline prices being as high as they are, I wish to limit driving as much as possible.

What are some advantages and disadvantages to each city?

[knke0402]

Originally Posted by Brssplr

I would like to move to the Twin Cities in the future. I am trying to get as much insight as possible as to which city would be best. I wish to live in one of the cities; the suburbs do not interest me. I like a big city atmosphere, close to bus/train lines, bike paths, etc. But I also like areas that have good old architecture, with historic buildings and such. I've heard that St. Paul has more of a small town feel while Minneapolis has a big city feel to it. I don't know if that is really true, but someone has told me that. The presence of cafe's, pubs, grocery stores, etc. within walking distance is important too, but not essential if I live near a transit line. With gasoline prices being as high as they are, I wish to limit driving as much as possible.

What are some advantages and disadvantages to each city?

Well, many.

The term "Twin Cities" couldn't be further of a stretch, as they really aren't twins.

Minneapolis is more of a nightlife, technological, hip, young professional city. It has many parks and large shiny buildings and would probably be considered the bigger brother, not the twin of St. Paul.

Cool neighborhoods - NE Minneapolis, Downtown, Dinky Town, Uptown, Lakes areas...

St. Paul is more bluecollar, and based on neighborhoods and heritage. Its the capital city, and has more interesting (IMO) architecture and older buildings. More geography, with bluffs and hills, and less hectic in St. Paul.

Cool neighborhoods - Summit Ave area, Rice Street, Downtown, como...

I like this old saying "Minneapolis is the first city of the American West, and St. Paul is the last city of the American East"... - It makes a lot of sense.

Depending on what your interests are, both of them have many to offer.

[Brssplr]

Thank you for your reply. Is it fairly easy to get to downtown Minneapolis by bus for a night on the town, if one lives in St. Paul? In other words, do the buses run at regular intervals late in the evening and during the night?

[Camden Northsider]

Originally Posted by Brssplr

I would like to move to the Twin Cities in the future. I am trying to get as much insight as possible as to which city would be best. I wish to live in one of the cities; the suburbs do not interest me. I like a big city atmosphere, close to bus/train lines, bike paths, etc. But I also like areas that have good old architecture, with historic buildings and such. I've heard that St. Paul has more of a small town feel while Minneapolis has a big city feel to it. I don't know if that is really true, but someone has told me that. The presence of cafe's, pubs, grocery stores, etc. within walking distance is important too, but not essential if I live near a transit line. With gasoline prices being as high as they are, I wish to limit driving as much as possible.

What are some advantages and disadvantages to each city?

Hey Brssplr - both cities have areas that can feel big city and small town. Will you be looking to rent or buy and, as a number of areas in both cities could qualify on your above prerequisites, can you be any more specific with what you are seeking out?

[Brssplr]

I will look to rent, at first. I'm looking for an area that has art galleries and independently owned businesses, as well as cafe's, pubs, and other retail stores. So I guess it could be said that I prefer an artsy neighborhood in which to live.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by Brssplr

Thank you for your reply. Is it fairly easy to get to downtown Minneapolis by bus for a night on the town, if one lives in St. Paul? In other words, do the buses run at regular intervals late in the evening and during the night?

Generally, yes. The University bus would be the most frequent, but if you lived in the western half of Saint Paul it would be pretty easy. If you lived on the East Side, for instance Dayton's Bluff, it would be possible, but impractical.
The transportation for both Mpls. and Saint Paul is run by the same people.
metrotransit.com

[knke0402]

Originally Posted by Brssplr

I will look to rent, at first. I'm looking for an area that has art galleries and independently owned businesses, as well as cafe's, pubs, and other retail stores. So I guess it could be said that I prefer an artsy neighborhood in which to live.

Sounds like Uptown Minneapolis, or NE Minneapolis...Both have their share of unique shops and store fronts, as well as art galleries...

[mad420]

Originally Posted by Brssplr

I would like to move to the Twin Cities in the future. I am trying to get as much insight as possible as to which city would be best. I wish to live in one of the cities; the suburbs do not interest me. I like a big city atmosphere, close to bus/train lines, bike paths, etc. But I also like areas that have good old architecture, with historic buildings and such. I've heard that St. Paul has more of a small town feel while Minneapolis has a big city feel to it. I don't know if that is really true, but someone has told me that. The presence of cafe's, pubs, grocery stores, etc. within walking distance is important too, but not essential if I live near a transit line. With gasoline prices being as high as they are, I wish to limit driving as much as possible.

What are some advantages and disadvantages to each city?

I would have to vote for MPLS...I loved living there for the time that I did.

[Brssplr]

Originally Posted by knke0402

Sounds like Uptown Minneapolis, or NE Minneapolis...Both have their share of unique shops and store fronts, as well as art galleries...

After looking at several maps, I have yet to figure out where Uptown is. Where is it?

[knke0402]

Lake Street