Non-US metropolitan areas most similar to the Twin Cities region? (Minneapolis: mall, transportation)

[mrconfusion87]

I'm just curious to see if there are any urban areas that are quite like Minneapolis-St. Paul outside the USA? In terms of NOT JUST weather, but layout, transportation systems, culture, environment amenities, economic/educational opportunities, activities, mindset, politics and other things?

Anyone! Feel free to enlighten me on that! Thanks!

[gearedtowardssalad]

To be honest, I don't think Minneapolis is comparable to anywhere outside of the US. Maybe Winnipeg, Canada.

[MplsTodd]

I also don't think there's much similarity with non-US metro areas--maybe a cold weather Perth Australia?? I think there's somewhat of a similarity with:

Calgary--skyways and lots of corporate HQ's
Toronto: an economically diverse metro area, with a notable regional form of government
Edmonton: has an oversized mall

[Haver]

Frankfurt? That's what I tell European friends what Minneapolis is like. It probably isn't, really, but at least it breaks through the New York/Los Angeles/whatever image and gives them something closer to associate it with. I've heard the skylines are similar.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by mrconfusion87

I'm just curious to see if there are any urban areas that are quite like Minneapolis-St. Paul outside the USA? In terms of NOT JUST weather, but layout, transportation systems, culture, environment amenities, economic/educational opportunities, activities, mindset, politics and other things?

Anyone! Feel free to enlighten me on that! Thanks!

The Twin Cities metro is almost unique in having two core cities which are of similar size, which are immediately adjacent to each other, and which are each large enough to be the central city of the metro in its own right if the other city did not exist.

Putting that aside, the Twin Cities is largely not limited by geography, though the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers are obstacles for transportation, so the TC metro spreads out almost uniformly in all directions (with growth spikes along certain interstates like I-94 and I-35).

The culture still has heavy scandinavian influences, which is why I think you see a mild socialist flavor in local politics as well as a pro-education bent.

Most of the roads are laid out in a grid-like manner, which makes it quite different from metros like Atlanta (where a map of the secondary roads resembles a plate of spaghetti).

How similar is Kansas City culturally?

Any cities in northern Europe that might qualify? I would think culturally you might find some matches, but even the Twin Cities are in a relatively flat area (though there are certainly river bluffs, glacial moraine, and other features in places to make the area more interesting).

[audadvnc]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

Any cities in northern Europe that might qualify?

You might compare it to Stockholm and environs. The Baltic archipelago off Stockholm is reminiscent of the lakes area of northern Minnesota - with more water, of course.

[northstar22]

Winnipeg is somewhat similar, culturally at least (and nearby).

[Citykid3785]

Denver and Kansas city. Same mix of old downtown with suburban sprawl. Both have 4 seasons, and are relatively clean with good economies. Many businesses will expand from one of these cities to the other because the business climate is so similar

[Camden Northsider]

I don't think Winnipeg is even a fraction as impressive as MSP in whatever indicator you're using. Toronto, although significantly larger, seems like a much closer Canadian fit culturally or otherwise. Winnipeg, with a metro area population of app. 675K, feels like a larger version (X 2.5) of a Sioux Falls, SD in population, skyline, sprawl, penchant for gaming, and general feel.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Winnipeg = A poor man's Minneapolis.