Thinking of living in Minneapolis? This Minnesota city is the larger half of its “twin”, St. Paul, and one of the best big cities to live in the U.S.! Here are 17 things to know about Minneapolis.
Minneapolis At a Glance
- The city of Minneapolis has a population of 429,954, making it the largest city in Minnesota.
- With more than 7,000 acres of parks and lakes, Minneapolis is known for blending natural areas with urban living.
- Located along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, Minneapolis is part of the Twin Cities metro area, along with neighboring St Paul. Minneapolis is about a seven-hour drive to Chicago and a four-hour drive to Des Moines.
- Minneapolis is known for being the birthplace of musical artist Prince.
- The median age in Minneapolis is 33 years old.
Live Affordably in the City of Lakes
Living in Minneapolis offers the charm of a small town mixed with big-city amenities. Although the cost of living in Minneapolis is 9% higher than the state average, it’s offset by a thriving economy, high-quality and affordable healthcare, and 0% tax on clothing and shoes. The city also has various programs for Minneapolis housing assistance available for both homebuyers and renters to help find an affordable place to live! While median home prices sit at $350,000 and median rent prices at $1,675, plenty of safe, affordable neighborhoods in Minneapolis make it possible to find a suitable home that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Q: Is Minneapolis an expensive city to live in?A: The cost of living in Minneapolis is about 6.8% lower than the national average. Especially compared to other midwestern cities like Chicago, the cost of housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and goods and services is all below the national averages. Minneapolis is an affordable Midwest city to call home!
Find Great Minneapolis Jobs
Moving to Minneapolis in search of a new career? Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for MPLS jobs, and it stands as one of the best cities for young professionals! The average salary in Minneapolis is higher than the U.S. average, and the city’s unemployment rate is just 3.9%. Key Minneapolis industries include manufacturing, technology, retail, life sciences, and agriculture. Additionally, the state of Minnesota is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies, five of which are located in Downtown Minneapolis. Have a good work/life balance at the headquarters of the seventh-largest retailer in the U.S., Target. If you’re looking for jobs in finance, consider U.S. Bank, Ameriprise Financial, and Thrivent Financial. Assist patients’ needs and discover long-term healthcare careers at Hennepin Healthcare. Or seek employment as a field service technician or engineer at the city’s best manufacturing company, Ziegler CAT!
Q: What is the job market like in Minneapolis?A: Minneapolis’ unemployment rate of 3.7% is lower than the national average, making it easy to find a job in industries like retail, life sciences, manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. You can also find employment opportunities with major Fortune 500 companies such as Target and Ziegler CAT.
Make the Most of Minneapolis Public Transportation
With plenty of options for Minneapolis public transit, it’s easy to get around! Board bus routes, light rails, and commuter trains throughout the Twin Cities on MetroTransit. Many residents also ride their bikes on more than 200 miles of on and off-street bikeways. If you don’t own a bicycle, rent eco-friendly bikes throughout the city with the partnered scooter retailer, Lime. Explore Downtown Minneapolis shops, venues, and restaurants any day of the year via the Minneapolis Skyway System—a climate-controlled, above-ground walkway that stretches over 9 miles and connects 80 city blocks, making it the world’s largest network of second-level indoor bridges! Or take a quick 15-minute taxi from Downtown Minneapolis for domestic and international flights at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
Q: Can I travel around Minneapolis without a car?A: Yes, Minneapolis can be travelled easily without a car. Because of its large selection of public transportation options like light rails, commuter trains, buses, and bike trails, owning a car is not necessary in the Mini Apple.
Find Quality Education at Minneapolis Colleges & Universities
Those seeking higher education can find an abundance of colleges and universities in Minneapolis and the larger Twin Cities area. Become an Auggie at the private liberal arts college ranked among the best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in Minnesota, Augsburg University. Take notes for classes in social science, finance, math, and more—including highly-renowned public education programs—at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Pursue a degree in animation, graphic design, filmmaking, and more through Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Attend one of the best undergraduate entrepreneurship programs in the U.S. or study for programs like a Health and Exercise Science degree at the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis Campus. Or enroll in a faith-centered curriculum of education, business administration, marketing, and more at North Central University.
Q: What is the top university in Minneapolis? A: The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the area’s flagship public university, also ranking as one of the best universities in the nation. Other colleges and universities in Minneapolis include Augsburg University, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis Campus, and North Central University.
Enjoy Year-Round Outdoor Activities in Minneapolis
No matter the weather, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation worth enjoying in the Mini Apple. Minneapolis summers are warm while the winters are chillingly cold, with annual temperatures typically varying between 9 and 83 degrees. But below-freezing temperatures in Minneapolis don’t stop residents from enjoying the outdoors! Celebrate winter in Minneapolis by going snowboarding, snow-tubing, or sledding at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Play competitive hockey, broomball, or pond hockey at some of MPLS’ outdoor ice rinks or indoor venues like the Northeast Ice Arena or Parade Ice Garden. Enjoy ice skating or join a curling league while sipping Freewheeler, Road Rash, or Training Wheels drinks each Friday night at Sociable Cider Werks. Go for a walk, bike ride, or river cruise during the spring on the Stone Arch Bridge. Beat the heat by supporting local small businesses at the year-round Mill City Farmers Market. Or make the most of warm Minneapolis weather with events like Bike Nights, Movies in the Park, and Courtyard Concerts at the Meet at Mia Summer Series.
Q: What are some outdoor winter activities in Minneapolis? A: There are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities in Minneapolis to take advantage of during the winter season. Go sledding or snow-tubing at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, play a game of ice hockey at one of MPLS’ outdoor ice rinks, and more.
Travel Through the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis
Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes and is also home to over 90,000 miles of river shoreline. Minneapolis itself has over 22 lakes! One of the best ways to experience the MPLS waterfront is by weaving your way through five of the largest lakes in Minneapolis on the scenic loop at the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Take your boat on the water and go fishing for musky, bass, and more at Cedar Lake. Warm up during cold seasons by taking on cross-country skiing, ice hockey, or ice skating at the Lake of the Isles. Fill your beach vacation with log rolling and archery, or bask in the sunshine on the shores of North Beach at Bde Maka Ska Park. Spend the dog days of summer listening to beachfront concerts and signing up for sailing lessons, or visit in winter to participate in the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival at Lake Harriet. And suit up for freezing weather to spend time ice-fishing in Minneapolis for walleye and northern pike at Lake Nokomis.
Q: Why is Minneapolis referred to as the Chain of Lakes? A: Minneapolis is nicknamed the Chain of Lakes because it is home to over 22 lakes that are connected by parkways, trails, and waterways. This includes popular lakes like Lake Harriet, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake.
Explore the Many Parks in Minneapolis
With over 280 parks scattered throughout the city, 98% of Minneapolis residents live within a 10-minute walk from one—and the Minneapolis park system ranks third best in the U.S.! The abundance of parks contributes to the Mini Apple’s status as one of the fittest cities in America. Enjoy walking, biking, and rollerskating at one of many local Minneapolis parks like Mill Ruins Park. Settle down for a family picnic, get involved in summer activities, or bring the little ones to roam the playground at Boom Island Park. Go kayaking through Minnehaha Creek and get a close-up view of the 53-foot waterfall at Minnehaha Regional Park. Enjoy plenty of walking, hiking, and biking trails at Mississippi Gorge Regional Park. Or take a quick day trip to neighboring St. Paul to see Fort Snelling State Park and the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area.
Q: How many parks are in Minneapolis?A: Minneapolis is home to 180 parks, making it easy for residents to spend time outside hiking, playing with the kids on the playground, and biking.
Take a Day Trip to the Mall Of America
Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Minneapolis, you can spend a whole day shopping, eating, and exploring the Mall of America. With up to 500 stores, dozens of restaurants, and receiving roughly 40 million visitors per year, it’s the biggest mall in America! Shop for clothing and shoes while benefitting from the city’s 0% sales tax on these items. Grab a quick bite to eat from Bussin Birria Tacos or sit down for a meal at Twin City Grill. Enjoy an adult night out with shows full of laughs from Jimmy Kimmel, Chelsea Lately, and Conan O’Brien at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy. Simulate an aerial view through some of the most stunning U.S. landmarks by taking a spin on the fully immersive FlyOver America. Take the family to see their favorite Nickelodeon characters and ride rollercoasters inside the Mall of America at Nickelodeon Universe. Or watch thousands of tropical fish, sharks, and stingrays swim above you in the 300-foot-long underwater tunnel at SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Q: How far is Downtown Minneapolis from the Mall of America? A: The Mall of America is fairly close to downtown Minneapolis, about 11 miles away, or roughly a 20-minute drive by car. This gives residents easy access to a fun day trip of shopping, entertainment, and dining!
Experience Minneapolis Pride
In 1975, Minneapolis became the first U.S. city to pass a non-discrimination ordinance. The city embraces and celebrates diversity and inclusion every day of the year, but especially during the Minneapolis Pride Parade. Party through Minneapolis and St. Paul with food vendors, beer gardens, artist alley, and live music stages at Twin Cities Pride. This historic festival has been running for over 50 years and is one of the largest pride festivals in the U.S., hosting approximately 400,000 attendees annually. After the parade, head to an LGBT+ bar and nightclub for dance parties, drag shows, open-stage talent shows, and karaoke at The Saloon. See celebrity impersonators or FLAMboyANCE drag shows weekly while enjoying bubbly drinks at Roxy’s Cabaret. Watch entertaining drag queens perform fun seasonal themes like Boo-Yoncé, BEetlejuice, or Hocus Pocus during drag brunches at Union Rooftop. Or celebrate the power of music and inclusivity at a show by Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.
Q: Is Minneapolis LGBTQ friendly?A: Yes, as one of the first cities to pass a non-discrimination ordinance protecting the LGBTQ community, Minneapolis is very LGBTQ friendly. The city also hosts one of the largest Pride festivals and offers a vibrant network of LGBTQ-owned businesses and neighborhoods.
Attend Unique Minneapolis Fairs & Festivals
There are several events and festivals in Minneapolis year-round, which are perfect for a variety of age groups and interests. Celebrate the city at the Minneapolis Aquatennial—known to many as the “Best Days of Summer“—a four-day festival bookended by the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and the famous Target Firework Show. Appreciate one of the largest performing arts festivals in the Midwest with shows built around equity and fighting injustice at the Minnesota Fringe Festival. Browse specialty markets, check out a vintage car show, go dancing at the bridge, and more at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival. Rock out listening to Minneapolis concerts, including headliners like the Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows, and Phillip Phillips at Basilica Block Party. Stay warm with events like fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, at the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival. Or embrace winter at its finest with a 10-day celebration of the northern climate and culture—presenting food, art, performances, featured speakers, and more at The Great Northern.
Q: What are the most popular annual events in Minneapolis?A: Minneapolis has popular annual events in every season. During the winter, residents celebrate cold, creativity, and community during The Great Northern Festival. In May, enjoy attending the MayDay Parade & Festival. In the summer, get involved with the Stone Arch Bridge Festival or the Minnesota Fringe Festival. Or attend popular fall events like the Minnesota Renaissance Festival or the Twin Cities Marathon.
Check Out the Vibrant Minneapolis Art Scene
From art galleries to murals and performance venues scattered throughout the Twin Cities metro, the Mini Apple has plenty for art lovers to discover. Attend the country’s largest open studio tour for art demos, hands-on activities, live music, and more at the 30-year MPLS staple, Art-A-Whirl. Appreciate over 100,000 international artworks, plus featured exhibits on topics like Buddhism and Latin American art, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Attend Minneapolis events like immersive dance performances and explore the collections at Weisman Art Museum. Witness visually striking pieces across all mediums at one of the top art fairs in Minneapolis, Uptown Art Fair. Catch well-known shows like The Barber of Seville, The Snowy Day, and Romeo and Juliet from the Minnesota Opera at the Luminary Arts Center. Grab seats for classic and Contemporary plays like The Lehman Trilogy, All the Devils Are Here, and A Christmas Carol at the community fixture, Guthrie Theater. Experience everything from visual to performing art at the Walker Art Center—or head outside for iconic Minneapolis sculptures like Spoonbridge and Cherry, Arikidea, or the 25-foot-tall blue rooster, Hahn/Cock, within the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Q: Does Minneapolis have an arts scene?A: Yes, Minneapolis has a vibrant arts scene with a strong creative focus. Some notable art institutions include the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Weisman Art Museum. Minneapolis also has a dedicated performing arts scene with the presence of the Minnesota Opera and the Guthrie Theater.
Visit Top Museums in Minneapolis
Looking for history, culture, and science in the Twin Cities? There are plenty of Minneapolis museums to visit! Explore the ruins of Washburn A Mill Complex—once the largest and most technologically advanced flour mill in the world—at Mill City Museum. Tour a historic Swedish mansion, celebrate countless festivals, and enroll in programs like Nordic handcrafting or language learning at the American Swedish Institute. Learn about Black history, culture, and art in exhibits like UNBREAKABLE: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery. Make a stop-motion movie in the Spark exhibit, meet the mother of science fiction in Mary & Her Monster, and test out some of Ben Franklin’s favorite experiments in the Electricity Party room at the Bakken Museum. Come witness planetarium shows, interactive exhibits, and wildlife dioramas at the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum. Or explore 8.5 acres of exhibits covering space, physics, nature, dinosaurs, volcanoes, and more at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Q: What are the best museums in Minneapolis? A: Some of the best history museums in Minneapolis are the Mill City Museum and the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery. The best Minneapolis science museums are the Bell Museum and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Cheer On Your Favorite Minneapolis Sports Teams
Fans will love lining the stands for sports in Minneapolis! See the Minnesota Vikings (NFL) throw game-winning touchdown passes at U.S. Bank Stadium. Cheer as the Minnesota Twins (MLB) smash home runs out of the park at Target Field. Get rowdy for the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) or four-time championship winners Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) swishing no-net buzzer-beaters at the Target Center. Watch Minnesota Wild (NHL) players hit the ice and pass the puck at Grand Casino Arena Chant along with fellow soccer fans as Minnesota United FC (MLS) scores clutch goals at Allianz Field. Or get ready for the heated college football rivalry between the Minnesota Golden Gophers (NCAA) and the Wisconsin Badgers, dating back to 1890, in which the two teams fight for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
Q: What professional sports teams play in Minneapolis?A: There are six professional teams that play in Minneapolis: the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), Minnesota Wild (NHL), and Minnesota United FC (MLS).
Enjoy Fun Minneapolis Family Activities
Are you looking for fun family-friendly things to do in Minneapolis? Explore exotic animals and beautiful gardens and take classes at the Minnesota Zoo—or visit animals in neighboring Twin City at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Bring your little ones to entertaining and educational live shows like Zip Zap Circus, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Milo Imagines the World at Children’s Theatre Company. Have a fun family outing in Minnesota with rides, parades, art exhibitions, and delicious fair food at the second largest state fair in the U.S., Minnesota State Fair! Tee up for Minneapolis golf with 10 one-of-a-kind, artist-designed holes on the Walker Art Center rooftop with Skyline Mini Golf. Play a grand piano, listen to selections from over 15,000 albums in the vinyl record collection, or bring the kids to Storytime at the Minneapolis Central Library. Or browse endless shelves of fiction and non-fiction new and used books at local bookstore, Magers & Quinn.
Q: Is Minneapolis a good city to raise a family? A: Yes, Minneapolis is a good city for families to call home thanks to an excellent school system, family-oriented neighborhoods, affordable housing, and a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Bite Into Endless Food Options at Minneapolis Restaurants
Minneapolis’ diverse culinary cuisine is a food lovers’ paradise! Wake up for Minneapolis breakfast specials, including the Eggy’s Combo, Biscuit Benedict, and Bananas Foster Waffle at Loring Park’s Eggy’s Diner. Check out some of the best coffee shops in Minneapolis with fresh brews from local favorites like Sovereign Grounds, Cafe Ceres, and Wesley Andrews. Devour MPLS’ must-have staple, the original Jucy Lucy, at Matt’s Bar & Grill. Stop for authentic Cuban food in Minneapolis such as the Cubano, Ropa Vieja, and Maduros at Guava’s Cuban Cafe. Visit the Northeast Arts District for savory Vietnamese cuisine like Balinese Chicken Thigh, Coconut Shrimp Toast, and Pork Ribs Tocino at Hai Hai. Try Indigenous and Native American cuisine using natural ingredients like corn, beans, squash, and wild game from award-winning Chef Sean Sherman at Owamni. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a seasonal menu featuring delicious classics like a Strawberry Sorrel Eclair, Mango Coconut Rice Pudding, and a Peach Melba Sundae at Edwards Dessert Kitchen.
Q: What is the food culture like in Minneapolis?A: Minneapolis offers a diverse food scene, with cuisine containing Scandinavian, German, and Southeast Asian influences. The city is also known for its Midwest comfort food and farm-to-table culture.
Grab a Beer at Minneapolis Breweries
Beer and cider lovers will have their pick from over 80 breweries in Minneapolis! Sip beers like the Furious IPA, Before I Die lager, and other rotating taps every day at the 50,000-square-foot brewery, Surly Brewing Co. Gather in a taproom and beer garden to try European-style lagers and ales at Utepils Brewing. Enjoy one-of-a-kind alternative beers while participating in Game Night at Modist or Karaoke After Dark inside the custom-built brewhouse of Modist Brewing Co. Check out high-quality craft beers like Pyres Miraculum, Royal Raspberry, and Mass Haze-Teria with slices of wood-fired pizza at Pryes Brewing Company. Make your way to a family-friendly taproom at Lakes & Legends Brewing Company, known for its Farm Series beers, games, and non-alcoholic craft soda from the local Northern Soda Company. Try small-batch production beers like Cream Ale, Helles Lager, and Lime Peach Citra Sour, or visit a growler shop two doors down from Dangerous Man Brewing. Or grab a pint of Flavorwave IPA, Mexican Honey Light Lager, or Day Tripper Pale Ale at Northeast Minneapolis’ first production brewery with a taproom, Indeed Brewing Company.
Q: Is Minneapolis known for its breweries?A: Yes, with over 80 breweries in the greater metro area, Minneapolis is known for its brewery scene! Breweries in Minneapolis also often feature taprooms and beer gardens, along with live music and game nights, making them a perfect spot to socialize with friends.
Enjoy the Minneapolis Nightlife
Even after the sun sets, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun with bustling Minneapolis nightlife! Show up for eclectic rock concerts featuring acts like Yard Act, Hippo Campus, and Ivy Lab at the iconic First Avenue. Ride through Downtown Minneapolis or take a pub tour while singing and drinking on the U.S.’ original party bike, Pedal Pub Twin Cities. Experience over 20 rare and popular pinball machines along with craft beers, cocktails, and creative hotdog concoctions at the Minneapolis arcade bar, LITT Pinball Bar. Discover refreshing Micheladas, weekly salsa dancing, and live music in Minneapolis by visiting La Dona Cerveceria. Dance the night away and drink tequila as R&B DJs perform using state-of-the-art sound and light equipment at The Exchange & Alibi Lounge. Or attend sets like New Orleans Suspects, Mango Jam, and Bearly Dead at The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge—housed Minneapolis’ historic Firehouse #21.
Q: Does Minneapolis offer a vibrant nightlife? A: Yes, Minneapolis has a bustling nightlife scene. From live music to arcade bars and cocktail lounges, there is something for everyone—especially taking into account the city’s additional proximity to St Paul nightlife.
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