Looking to move from New England to Minneapolis

[Mdcastle]

Actually it can be close to 8% depending on where you are. There's a URL where you can plug in a zip code and find the local tax rate. taxes.state.mn.us/taxcalc . For example the non-downtown city of Minneapolis is 7.775% (6.5% base state + .275% state legacy [arts an environment funding for 25 years] + .15% county "Twins Ballpark" +.25% county transit + .5% city). Downtown Minneapolis also has a 3% food tax on top of everything. St. Paul is 7.625% (same breakdown minus the Ballpark Tax), but there's talk of implementing a Vikings stadium tax in Ramsey County. By contrast Shakopee, for one has only the state 6.875% tax. State Income taxes are 5.35%-7.85% and it should be noted there is no tax on clothing or groceries which mitigates somewhat the tax burden.

* Air pollution: A couple of days a year they discourage outside exercise and urge sensitive people to stay indoors, however it is not what I would consider "bad".