Young Diverse Family possibly moving to Minneapolis (St. Paul, Bloomington: apartments, houses)

[gsrfamily]

Hello,

I am looking to get some input on Minneapolis. We have already done a lot of research on the area including rent, employment, etc. We are a young diverse family and looking for a place to live that fits us, currently we reside in Arkansas. I am looking to get some input on the below mention things. Thanks in advance.

1. How is the transit system, primarily the rail? Are there apts near those rail locations?

2. How is the food?

3. What is your favorite things about charlotte?

4. What is one thing you wish someone told you about Minneapolis before moving there?

[sparksals]

1. How is the transit system, primarily the rail? Are there apts near those rail locations?

If you live in the suburbs, there is not much in the public transportation dept. There are a few express buses depending where you live. The rail/LRT runs from Bloomington to downtown. Not a very long line at all. They are expanding to St. Paul and other areas.

2. How is the food?

If you like non-chains, the best are in St paul and Minneapolis. THe suburbs are notorious for chain restaurants all over the place with a tiny splattering of non-chain.

3. What is your favorite things about charlotte?



4. What is one thing you wish someone told you about Minneapolis before moving there?

I knew ahead of time it is challenging to make friends here. Found out it is VERY challenging, but if proactive, it can be done.

[uptown_urbanist]

If you plan on using public transportation as a primary mode of getting around, realistically you're also going to be using the bus a lot. As mentioned, rail is still very limited, although it's a nice line and there are apartments and houses by the stations. Public transportation varies by area. Realistically if you plan on using it for more than just commuting then life will be easiest if you live in one of the core cities or in a handful of suburbs.

It's a good city for foodies, but like any place, has its strengths and weaknesses. I've heard southerners complain about lack of good BBQ options. Chinese food options seem fairly limited. Lots of good SE Asian food, though. You certainly won't go hungry.

I grew up in Minneapolis so nothing was a surprise when we later moved back, but one thing that sometimes new arrivals don't fully anticipate is how hot and humid it can get in the summer. It may not be as bad as in some parts of the country, but it can be pretty brutal. I think sometimes that comes as a surprise because everyone focuses on the cold winters, but if you make the move, definitely don't toss out your lightweight summer clothes!

[sparksals]

So very true about the heat and humidity, UU. Today is nasty and I have a crew of concrete workers excavating our old patio with sledgehammers.

[gsrfamily]

Thank you so much to the both of you certainly have heard great things about minneapolis and appreciate the input