What is the appeal of Minneapolis/St. Paul? (Cleveland: low crime, houses)

[MNLaker]

I find it very interesting that Minneapolis/St. Paul is the 16th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the U.S. Why do you guys personally believe that this frozen tundra in the upper Midwest has been able to grow to 3.2 Million people? There isn't necessarily a huge out-state population to fuel the cities as Minneapolis (and Minnesota) is located in arguably one of the most sparsely populated areas in the U.S. being bordered by SD, ND, IA.

Additionally, I believe Minneapolis/St. Paul to be a city of extreme weather (such as many think of Phoenix) by being by far the coldest major U.S. city with an extreme 5 month winter which I feel would turn off many people.

My two cents would be that when the cities were formed and grew, people put a lot of thought into planning. It seems that Minneapolis/St. Paul is by far the best Midwestern city (over Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee, etc.) excluding Chicago becuase of the arts, quality of life, job opportunities, etc. available that most people in the Midwest value. Therefore, people across the entire Midwest look highly upon our city and can overlook the weather when considering to move here. Additionally, I meet very few people from who live here who are not from the Midwest. I feel that most people believe they can obtain the "Americana Midwest" American Dream (large house, two cars, three kids) if they live in the cities and can replicate how they grew up but on a larger scale.

What are your guy's thoughts... Sorry about the long post.

[What!]

I'll make it quick:
--high value of education
--economy stronger than other places
--arts scene
--more peaceful
--etc.

[JenLee]

These are the reasons I find the Cities so appealing: the quality of life; diverse job opportunities; the work ethic of the people here; the high emphasis on education and the arts; it's beautiful here; and the community involvement here (it often seems like many small towns rolled into one here if you get involved in volunteering here).

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by MNLaker

I find it very interesting that Minneapolis/St. Paul is the 16th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the U.S. Why do you guys personally believe that this frozen tundra in the upper Midwest has been able to grow to 3.2 Million people? There isn't necessarily a huge out-state population to fuel the cities as Minneapolis (and Minnesota) is located in arguably one of the most sparsely populated areas in the U.S. being bordered by SD, ND, IA.

First off I have to say that if you believe that Minneapolis does not have a huge out-of-state population than you are not paying attention.

I think that ultimately it has to do with the economy of the Twin Cities, which has always been strong. It's also fairly safe for it's size. While the education around the TC is the best in the nation, I do not believe that many non-college students are moving to the area simply because of the education. I mean how many parents move half-way across the country just to be able to send their children to the best public school?

[ifeeldope]

these are all the reasons i want to move to the Twin Cities, i dont care about the weather

[knke0402]

Weather sucks. (Nov - April)

- Education.
- Outdoors - Lakes, Rivers, Parks, "things to do"
- Cleanliness
- Job availability
- Women to men ratio
- Nice People
- Low Crime

A good example: While digging my car out of the snow in -10 degrees yesterday morning at 7am, a man walked 5 houses down with his snowblower and blew me out. And just turned and left. Thats MINNESOTA NICE BABY. NEver met the guy, never seen him, but walks 5 houses uphill, in snow, -10, at 7am to help someone.

I agree, that its odd how MN is so regarded as beign "one of the best areas" many people here find that hard to believe

[knke0402]

Go to youtube, and search "Atmosphere, shh"

Its a song from a group from the Twin Cities. It is a hip hop group, but it isnt the hip hop you would think. Give it a listen. Its a great song that gives MINNESOTA a great name. Listen at the end too, you might hear him say your hometown!

[HKB]

I'll be honest. If it weren't for my entire family being here, I would have moved to a warmer climate a long time ago. Although I hate the cold dreary winters, I could deal with it much better if it was just for a month or two instead of the four or five months that it is.

I love it here May thru September.

[Aylalou]

Beauty
Pristine lakes and parks
Lush with foliage
Lots of theater and universities/colleges
Very clean
Cozy atmosphere
Many relish their play time (hunting, fishing) over worktime
Money is not the be all and end all
Very easy life
Relaxing
More of family setting and activities versus singles lifestyle
Education

[kuan]

Biking in the summer.
Skiing in the winter.
Two major symphony orchestras.
Art.
Fishing.
Ethnic cuisine
Diversity in general (even among Scandis)
Work hard/play hard attitude
Green
Rivers, lakes, streams
No tax on clothes and food