Is the winter really THAT bad? (Minneapolis, Minnetonka: power lines, retirement, metro area)

[rgb123]

Originally Posted by Drover

I think familiarity with winters up there has made some folks a bit nonchalant about it. The average winter temperature in the Twin Cities is about 12 degrees colder than Indianapolis, and trust me, that 12 degrees makes a difference. The average temperature is at or below freezing in the Twin Cities for a full month longer each year than in Indianapolis. If you're prepared for that, fine. I just happen do disagree with those who claim that winter in the Twin Cities is not materially different than winter in Indianapolis.

ding ding ding!!! Indianapolis is even notably better than Chicago....and that is only halfway between MN and Indy

The thing that is a little better about MN is that it actually snows and it's drier....not as much slush and ice and bone chilling damp winter air.

MN has true winters where you can actually play in the snow....because it WILL stick around .....is that good or bad thing? you decide!

[rgb123]

Originally Posted by D-Towner

What about Texas to Minnesota? Is there anyone that has found a conversion from the Humid Subtropics to the Cold Continental temps doable?

I'm living proof it can be done (I've lived in Winona, MN and San Antonio).

I tend to prefer the warmer climate. SA is easier to deal with than Chicago even, it is less humid overall. the heat of the summer is harsh, but not as harsh as a chicago or minnesota winter.

For what its worth....I'm considering a move to St. Louis! Somewhere in the middle....

[JMS_9]

Some people act like it's zero degrees with 10 feet of snow here from October - April.

Believe me, the myths of Minnesota winters far supersede reality. Is there a period of very cold weather? Yes. Usually for a week or so in late January/early February. Are there blizzards? Obviously. Just like there are thunderstorms in summer.

But it amuses me to the point of annoyance the way people make Minnesota winters out to be the single worst spot on Earth at any given time.

[Sarimn00]

I think winters are worse for people living in Greater MN, than for people in the TC area. By that, I don't mean we necessarily get worse weather (although it can be colder and we're out in the open, so a blizzard can shut us down)Out here, we are lucky if we get the roads plowed a day after a snow fall, and we hardly get any sand. When they close the roads out here, they mean turn around and don't drive on the roads (you would be surprised how many still do, then get stalled out on the deserted highway during a blizzard). They close schools more often out here, too. I don't live in the middle of nowhere, but near the town of Willmar, and that is just my experience. It's cold as you know what everywhere though just can't get away from it.

[Sarimn00]

Originally Posted by JMS_9

Some people act like it's zero degrees with 10 feet of snow here from October - April.

Believe me, the myths of Minnesota winters far supersede reality. Is there a period of very cold weather? Yes. Usually for a week or so in late January/early February. Are there blizzards? Obviously. Just like there are thunderstorms in summer.

But it amuses me to the point of annoyance the way people make Minnesota winters out to be the single worst spot on Earth at any given time.

Exaggerated sometimes, maybe. But I personally think Minnesota during the winter can be the single worst spot on Earth. Our state breaks records every year for being cold. We haven't gotten a lot of snow lately, but according to my parents, winters in the late 70s were hell on earth. It also depends on where you live. The TC gets plowed out, they get the sand, they get all of that. The further west, south, or north you go, it can be a very different story and can turn very wicked and dangerous at times.

[Elialia]

regualr temps can get low. but watch out for the wind chill temps. they are the worst. though there have been some nights that you need to get up every couple of hours to run the car if you dont have it in a garage. also carry in your car(s) jumper cables. as well as blankets for the passengers.

[JMS_9]

Originally Posted by Sarimn00

Exaggerated sometimes, maybe. But I personally think Minnesota during the winter can be the single worst spot on Earth. Our state breaks records every year for being cold.

Talk about exaggerating....

8 of the 15 warmest winters on record have occurred since 1995, including three of the last four.

[fashionguy]

This sounds really scary. Move if you can.

Originally Posted by Sarimn00

I think winters are worse for people living in Greater MN, than for people in the TC area. By that, I don't mean we necessarily get worse weather (although it can be colder and we're out in the open, so a blizzard can shut us down)Out here, we are lucky if we get the roads plowed a day after a snow fall, and we hardly get any sand. When they close the roads out here, they mean turn around and don't drive on the roads (you would be surprised how many still do, then get stalled out on the deserted highway during a blizzard). They close schools more often out here, too. I don't live in the middle of nowhere, but near the town of Willmar, and that is just my experience. It's cold as you know what everywhere though just can't get away from it.

[toolate]

the summer is a good time to think about the winter

[fashionguy]

I have to admit that the winter here exceeded my expectations of what is being cold. I've never experienced more miserable winters. It also varies from year to year. Last year was really a hard time. The year before last was fine. Cold winter also brings lots of hassle for driving than hot summer. Cars are more difficult to start. They get covered with frost after you eat in a restaurant. You also see a lot more cars with problems on the sideways of highways during winter. It gets scary sometimes. In the TC generally highways are plowed well but sometimes the ramps leaving highway can be tricky and dangerous. They catch you off guard driving on highway thinking everything is fine. It takes bad luck to experience these dangers but if you experience it once, you will feel less confident and secure.

Originally Posted by casualsurfer

I grew up in SoCal (LA & OC) and moved to Indianapolis 3 years ago for work and the more reasonable Midwest cost of living. I'm going to be relocating to MSP shortly and I've read a few posts where people are complaining about the 6-months long winter. In Indianpolis, the winter starts around November and ends around mid March - it was snowing here yesterday. My wife's biggest concern is the winter in MSP, and I was wondering if people can sort of help me understand how "bad" the winters are in MSP vs. Indianapolis?

Thank you.