Minneapolis vs. Chicago to live (transplants, living in, restaurants)

[felixtiles]

Hi all,

I am considering both cities to live, each of which I have a different job opportunity. I am a young (30) professional single woman, and a minority (if that makes a difference in either city).

I feel like both cities have good things to offer, and are both super cold so that's kind of a wash.

I guess what's most important to me is having the ability to meet people---make friends and date, to live comfortably and affordably, be around nice/welcoming people, and for there to be a good amount of city life (restaurants, bars, events...etc) I'd also prefer for there to be at least some diversity in the population.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by felixtiles

Hi all,

I am considering both cities to live, each of which I have a different job opportunity. I am a young (30) professional single woman, and a minority (if that makes a difference in either city).

I feel like both cities have good things to offer, and are both super cold so that's kind of a wash.

I guess what's most important to me is having the ability to meet people---make friends and date, to live comfortably and affordably, be around nice/welcoming people, and for there to be a good amount of city life (restaurants, bars, events...etc) I'd also prefer for there to be at least some diversity in the population.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

I know a lot of people will cream me for this, but I think it is fair to look at Chicago as a larger and more urban version of Minneapolis. Chicago is somewhat more diverse and international, but neither Minneapolis nor Chicago are comparable to a New York or Los Angeles. They are Midwestern metropolises. I think you will run into more flakey and fake people in Chicago, but there is just so much more wealth in Chicagoland than there is in Minnesota. Dating in Chicago is expensive. However, I doubt MSP is much cheaper in that respect.

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by felixtiles

Hi all,

I am considering both cities to live, each of which I have a different job opportunity. I am a young (30) professional single woman, and a minority (if that makes a difference in either city).

I feel like both cities have good things to offer, and are both super cold so that's kind of a wash.

I guess what's most important to me is having the ability to meet people---make friends and date, to live comfortably and affordably, be around nice/welcoming people, and for there to be a good amount of city life (restaurants, bars, events...etc) I'd also prefer for there to be at least some diversity in the population.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Your ethnicity won't matter in either city and there's plenty of diversity in both. Being very familiar with MSP and to a much lesser degree Chicago, a couple things stand out. MSP in general is a much friendlier environment. When comparing the inner cities of both, MSP to me feels a lot safer. Once you get out to the outer suburbs, the comparison of the two places seems pretty even.

[daboywonder2002]

If money isn't an issue, go with Chicago. The reason is because you're young, single and have no kids. Also I looked at some of your previous posts and it looks like you never lived in a large city. Chicago is a Tier 1 or maybe Tier 1A city. I would move just to experience a large city. When you're ready to settle down and have a family then come to Minnesota

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by daboywonder2002

If money isn't an issue, go with Chicago. The reason is because you're young, single and have no kids. Also I looked at some of your previous posts and it looks like you never lived in a large city. Chicago is a Tier 1 or maybe Tier 1A city. I would move just to experience a large city. When you're ready to settle down and have a family then come to Minnesota

^This.

[WoodburyWoody]

Originally Posted by daboywonder2002

If money isn't an issue, go with Chicago. The reason is because you're young, single and have no kids. Also I looked at some of your previous posts and it looks like you never lived in a large city. Chicago is a Tier 1 or maybe Tier 1A city. I would move just to experience a large city. When you're ready to settle down and have a family then come to Minnesota

This is how I would look at it as well.

[felixtiles]

Thanks everyone. The one thing I do like about large cities is I feel like it might be easier to meet people if you don't have roots. I'm not sure there's a whole ton of transplants in Minneapolis, so I was a little concerned that it may not be as "accessible" in terms of other people in the same boat with the mindset of creating/expanding their social circle. Does anyone have thoughts/experience with that dynamic in Minneapolis? I know that with any place, you need to get out and work for it- but it's always nice when you don't have to work AS hard to find it.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by felixtiles

Thanks everyone. The one thing I do like about large cities is I feel like it might be easier to meet people if you don't have roots. I'm not sure there's a whole ton of transplants in Minneapolis, so I was a little concerned that it may not be as "accessible" in terms of other people in the same boat with the mindset of creating/expanding their social circle. Does anyone have thoughts/experience with that dynamic in Minneapolis? I know that with any place, you need to get out and work for it- but it's always nice when you don't have to work AS hard to find it.

TBH, many people have said they have found it difficult to make friends here. This is a more reserved and family oriented culture and, as such, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Personally,
I have made fewer friendships but they are deeper and longer lasting than the ones I had in my hometown.

[Milwaukee City]

As I age I find I have less and less tolerance for living in big cities, that being said I still like some of the ammenties so therefor and hour within any big city would be fine. I never thought I would say this but I really like the western and southern suburbs of Minneapolis.

[dnkw]

Take a look at the Meetup and Newcomers groups each has to offer. It’s a good way to start out whichever you choose.