really clean? (Minneapolis: golf, pictures, summer)

[Squeamish]

As Golfgal describes, the TC is very clean and organized compared to most metro areas. I use the word "polished" to describe MN n general compared to most states. It's not my personal preference. I like some grit and run-down buildings. But it suits most people quite well. I've driven around most American cities, and the TC collectively is far cleaner than almost any other major city in the Midwest or the East, and perhaps on par with most Western cities, which are much cleaner. Even the worst neighborhood in Mpls is generally clean, which is a rarity in the Midwest.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Not sure about actual air or water pollution levels, but on the surface, anyway, Minneapolis is VERY clean. It's one of the first things I notice after returning to the city after living/visiting other cities of its size.

It's also very flat, so you don't get visible smog getting trapped and hovering over the city like you do in some cities. And the plentiful trees and parks really do make it feel more green, even if it isn't necessarily "green" in the ultra-environmentally friendly sense. (as far as I know the city isn't cutting-edge on that front, although it does have some real strengths, like its bike infrastructure)

That's ALSO caused by the intensity of the sunlight which, even if it's hot outside (and it CAN get HOT in MN), the angle of the sun isn't high enough much of the year to create substantial smog problems you find in the Southern part of the U.S.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by BobMane

' It has to be because for so many months it is covered in snow and ice."

even 'now"?? how many months a year is it freezing cold?

It's supposed to be in the low 80's today. "Many" months is about mid-Nov to Mid-March on average. Last year, 2011, we had about 84" of snow at our place, this past winter we had 12" and it was in the 70's and 80's for most of March.

Originally Posted by Min-Chi-Cbus

That's ALSO caused by the intensity of the sunlight which, even if it's hot outside (and it CAN get HOT in MN), the angle of the sun isn't high enough much of the year to create substantial smog problems you find in the Southern part of the U.S.

There is a definite ring of smudge around Minneapolis on many days, summer, fall, winter, spring. You can see it very well driving up various freeways.

[1stpontiac]

Those DID (Downtown Improvement District, I think?) workers who are always out cleaning up sidewalks and such downtown do a nice job. And, to top it off, they are incredibly friendly. It looks like a pretty thankless job, but every time I walk past them, they smile and say good morning, or hello, or something.

[rzzz]

Originally Posted by Squeamish

I've driven around most American cities, and the TC collectively is far cleaner than almost any other major city in the Midwest or the East, and perhaps on par with most Western cities, which are much cleaner. Even the worst neighborhood in Mpls is generally clean, which is a rarity in the Midwest.

Chicago is actually very clean. Probably the cleanest out of all the big cities in the USA. Western cities aren't clean by default. San Francisco has a number of extremely dirty areas, as do LA and Phoenix. On the east, NYC in particular is very dirty. Boston's not too bad, though.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by golfgal

It's supposed to be in the low 80's today. "Many" months is about mid-Nov to Mid-March on average. Last year, 2011, we had about 84" of snow at our place, this past winter we had 12" and it was in the 70's and 80's for most of March.



There is a definite ring of smudge around Minneapolis on many days, summer, fall, winter, spring. You can see it very well driving up various freeways.

The key word was "substantial".

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by rzzz

Chicago is actually very clean. Probably the cleanest out of all the big cities in the USA. Western cities aren't clean by default. San Francisco has a number of extremely dirty areas, as do LA and Phoenix. On the east, NYC in particular is very dirty. Boston's not too bad, though.

I believe Chicago is often rated one of the most polluted cities in the country...where do you get this info? Or do you just mean trashiness in places like downtown or other tourist areas?

[rzzz]

I was talking about the areas of Chicago I usually go to, which are very clean. Especially when compared to New York. But you are right, it is very dirty in other areas, and ranks poorly when it comes to pollution. I guess the west also includes places like Seattle and Portland, which are also very clean.

[StilltheSame]

Originally Posted by BobMane

' It has to be because for so many months it is covered in snow and ice."

even 'now"?? how many months a year is it freezing cold?

Seriously?
Who said anything about now?
Weather.com

[rwocmo]

IT'S THE SWEDES!!!! Seriously, it likely comes from the Scandinavian influence, where people are generally clean, friendly and well-organized. If you have a biblical turn of mind: Where 2 or 3 Lutherans are gathered in My name, they form a financial cooperative and organize a clean-up day.