Houston, Texas to Minneapolis, Minnesota? (St. Paul, Kent: renting, condos, crime)

[INeedATylenol]

Hi! .::waves::.

We're planning a move from Houston to Minneapolis (were previously considering Cincinnati, Ohio but changed our minds after realizing it probably wasn't right for us). Has anyone here lived in/visited both areas? Can anyone give me some information on how they compare and/or how they are different (aside from the obvious, I have done some research). I'm not sure I have too many specific questions, just kinda want to chat about the upcoming move and see what everyone thinks about it.

So hi, I'll be one of y'all soon!

[zeno44]

Yo Houston,

The Minneapolis/St. Paul area is far and away a superior place to Cincinnati, in every way imaginable. We were just up in Cincinnati yesterday, as a matter of fact. (I'm a native Minnesotan writing this message from Central Kentucky. Cincinnati's just up the freeway 70 miles.) Cincinnati is very old, dilapidated and rundown in most spots. They have a cool river front, two nice stadiums, and many new, overpriced condos along the river. That's about it. The rest looked like the worst parts of Detroit; so much decay and litter we couldn't believe it. Forget Cincinnati, move to the Twin Cities. More work, culture, parks, coffee shops, hip dining, education opportunities, you name it. There's a big outdoor community and plenty of pro sports also. Many vast areas in the metro and rural areas are free and open to the public...something many places can't claim.

One thing you don't have to worry about when moving to the Twin Cities is people snubbing you because you're "not from here." That does happen in quite a few places, we've come to realize as we've moved around the last few years. (Portland, OR is the worst offender in that way...but I digress.) In the Twin Cities, nobody cares if you're from a different state.
One thing you DO have to worry about, in MN as a whole, is the cold winter. Don't let it discourage you, but being Texan, you may have to brace yourself. A good coat, hat, gloves and scarf should take care of it. May take a while to adjust, but you will. Many hardy Minnesotans stay quite active all winter, and the snow will actually give you additional opportunities if you like to exercise. It'll give you a break from that Houston humidity, also. The Spring weather will eventually arrive and things start to get sunny and green. Then Fall rolls around in a few months and the change of colors is usually amazing. So anyway, the Twin Cities may be a great choice for you.

[What!]

Good job, zeno44. I can only add a few other things:

--colder. dress appropriately.

--people vary in personality like any other place. it wouldn't be fair to judge the entire state by a few negative experiences.

--get a boat.

--there are a lot more hills in here.

--twin cities is liberal. the suburbs away from the twin cities are conservative.

hope this helps.

[stan4]

My brother moved from Texas to Minn/St Paul to go to law school, and he LOVED it. Nice downtown, good cultural mix.

Back in Big D to work...happier about the weather.

[ciJay]

I moved from San Antonio to MPLS. Like it here, but miss SA.

Much better drivers here.

Less friendly people, in general.

Much colder. Where you'll wonder why everyone is complaining about how hot it is, when it feels pretty darn cool to you.

No good tex-mex to be found.

Lot lot lot less crime here.

Good luck with the move!

[INeedATylenol]

Thanks so much! I repped you all!

We're super excited about it, and can't wait to take the plunge. We were all born and raised here (my fiance, my mom and my toddler) so it'll be a big change, but one we are all looking forward to! I am a little worried about the weather (mostly because I am 26 years old and have NEVER seen snow)- "freezing cold" to me means 43 and a slight breeze! Yes, I'm serious!

We've started buying a winter wardrobe and I try to keep up on what's going on that way. We're bracing for ANOTHER hurricane this week, so being up there, next hurricane season will be a nice break!

Thanks again!

[BillyB]

Don't worry about a thing. You will love it here!

[What!]

Even though I've been to Texas, I highly doubt I've ever had Tex-Mex food. I have a suggestion. If you have the money, why don't you start a Tex-Mex restaurant since we're seriously lacking them up here? You'd have an advantage of having an authentic Tex-Mex restaurant, and if you put it in a great spot that will get you many customers, you'll be successful. Seriously, MN could use a Tex-Mex restaurant. I'd love to try it.

If you don't have enough cash for a restaurant then throw a party at your pad and have people eat Texas cooking from your grill. If you invite people and have them invite people, it might make you friends faster. Try to make an effort to meet people. Minnesotans are shy when it comes to meeting new people, which equates to being less friendly to some folks. If you make an effort to be a friend and you get nothing you can't blame yourself for trying.

Where are you moving to by the way?

[INeedATylenol]

Absolutely! We have actually put some serious thought into starting a Tex-Max restaurant where ever we move to (again, originally was going to be Cincinnati). I'm an awesome cook (if I must say so myself) and even down here people come to my place for authentic tacos and enchiladas! The financial aspect would be the most difficult, but I will look into MN laws and regulations when it comes to opening a business out that way! When we open a place, I'll be sure to let you all know!

[INeedATylenol]

Originally Posted by What!

Where are you moving to by the way?

Forgot to address this question. We're really not sure yet. We don't know anyone there, so I guess it will be around where we all get our jobs (I am a web designer/web mistress so I work from home). We'll be renting first, until we catch our snaps and get to check the area out a bit- then we will look into buying.