Why Move From California to Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is the largest city in the state of Minnesota, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful parks, and diverse neighborhoods.

With a population of over 425,000 people, Minneapolis is the perfect blend of city living and natural beauty, with the Mississippi River running through the heart of the city and over 20 lakes within its limits.

The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, making it a major business hub in the Midwest.

Minneapolis is also known for its rich history, from its indigenous roots to its role in the civil rights movement and the arts, with the renowned Guthrie Theater and Walker Art Center.

With a thriving food scene, lively music venues, and an abundance of outdoor activities, Minneapolis offers something for everyone, making it a dynamic and exciting place to live and visit.

The Reasons People Relocate From California to Minneapolis

People are choosing to move from California to Minneapolis for various reasons. Minneapolis offers many benefits such as its well-maintained infrastructure, which includes a comprehensive public transportation system and a variety of modern amenities.

The city’s walkability is also a draw for many, with its well-connected neighborhoods and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Furthermore, Minneapolis is renowned for its natural beauty, with its abundance of parks, lakes, and green spaces, providing residents with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

In contrast to California, Minneapolis offers a significantly different climate and cost of living. While California is known for its mild weather, Minneapolis experiences all four seasons, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more traditional change of seasons.

The cost of living in Minneapolis is generally lower than in California, making it an appealing choice for those looking to save money on housing and other expenses.

Cost of Living in Minneapolis

Understanding costs can help individuals and families make informed decisions about their move to Minneapolis as well as their financial well-being and lifestyle in this Midwestern hub.

National Average in Minneapolis

The national average cost of living in Minneapolis is slightly higher than the national average, with housing costs being the primary factor. The median household income in Minneapolis is around $76,332, which is higher than the national average. [1]

Public schools in Minneapolis are part of the Minneapolis Public School District, which offers a variety of educational opportunities for students.

As for private schools, Minneapolis is home to several highly-ranked institutions that provide excellent educational opportunities.

When it comes to colleges, the city offers a range of options, including public institutions like the University of Minnesota and private colleges such as Augsburg University and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

These institutions provide diverse educational opportunities, including research certificates and a culturally rich student population.

To live comfortably in Minneapolis, a household income of around $75,000 to $90,000 is generally considered necessary to cover the cost of living.

Some of the top public schools in Minneapolis include Southwest High School and Washburn High School, while private schools like Breck School and Blake School are highly regarded.

For colleges, the University of Minnesota and Macalester College are among the top-rated institutions in the city.

Cost of Living in Minneapolis Compared to California

The cost of living in Minneapolis is significantly lower compared to California. Salaries in Minneapolis are generally lower than in California, but the lower cost of living offsets this difference.

Home prices in Minneapolis are also much more affordable, with the median home price being around $300,000 as opposed to California’s median home price of $850,000. [2]

Cold Winters and Outdoor Activities in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, known for its extremely cold winters, offers a variety of outdoor activities to keep residents and visitors active and entertained during the winter months.

From ice skating on the many frozen lakes to exploring the beautiful snow-covered landscapes through cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, there are plenty of ways to embrace the winter wonderland.

The city boasts an extensive network of winter trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Whether individuals are fans of traditional winter sports or prefer exploring the winter landscape in a more leisurely manner, Minneapolis has something to offer for everyone looking to make the most of the cold season.

Twin Cities

The Twin Cities, consisting of Minneapolis and St. Paul, make up the largest city in the region. While Minneapolis exudes a bustling, urban feel, St. Paul offers a more laid-back vibe.

Minneapolis is home to a diverse population, with a higher median income and a larger number of college-educated residents.

In contrast, St. Paul has a slightly smaller population and a more diverse demographic, with a lower median income and fewer college-educated individuals.

One of the annual events that brings both cities together is the Twin Cities Marathon, which is held every October. This event attracts thousands of runners from around the country and features a scenic course that showcases the beauty of both cities.

North Loop, Light Rail, & University of Minnesota

In the North Loop neighborhood, University of Minnesota students have easy access to both the light rail and bus network.

The Green Line light rail runs through the North Loop, providing a convenient connection to the University of Minnesota’s East and West Bank campuses.

Several bus routes, including the 7, 14, and 61, serve the North Loop, offering students multiple public transit options for commuting.

Utilizing the public transit system, students can easily commute between the North Loop and the University of Minnesota campuses. The light rail provides a direct and efficient connection, while the bus network offers flexibility and accessibility for students living in the North Loop.

This accessibility is especially beneficial for students who reside in the North Loop neighborhood and need to travel to the University of Minnesota for classes or other activities.

City Blocks in Minneapolis vs. San Francisco

When comparing city blocks in Minneapolis and San Francisco, several differences stand out. Minneapolis is known for its grid system, with streets laid out in a logical, easy-to-navigate pattern.

The city blocks are generally uniform in size and organization, making it straightforward for residents and visitors to get around on foot or by car.

In contrast, San Francisco’s city blocks are characterized by their hilly, winding streets. The terrain can be challenging to navigate, and the size and organization of the blocks vary throughout the city.

While this adds character to the city, it can make walkability and ease of navigation more difficult compared to Minneapolis.

These differences have a significant impact on daily life and transportation in both cities. Minneapolis’ grid system contributes to its reputation as a highly walkable and bike-friendly city, with efficient public transportation options.

In San Francisco, the hilly and less organized city blocks can make it more challenging to get around, leading to a greater reliance on public transportation and more limited options for walking and biking.

If you are planning to move from California to Minneapolis, our professional movers at Matt’s Moving Company are here to help. We provide reliable, affordable moving services that will make your move hassle-free. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Sources:

[1] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Minneapolis city, Minnesota. (n.d.). Census Bureau QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/minneapoliscityminnesota

[2] Porter, T. (2023, October 6). California housing market: Everything you need to know. Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market/california/#trends