Big moves evoke a lot of emotions. They can be stressful and exhilarating at the same time. Excitement should outweigh any apprehension if you’re heading to Minneapolis, though — it’s a beautiful and friendly city with a lot to offer people of all ages. If you’re itching to have new experiences, experience a booming job market, and enjoy some stunning scenery, moving to Minneapolis can provide that and more.
As with any move, there’s always a lot of organization and research to do. We’re here to make it easier with all the information you need to know in a handy moving-to-Minneapolis guide.
The City’s Growing Popularity and Community Highlights
Human connection, community, and easy access to services that improve quality of life are vital for happiness and growth. We all want to live on our own terms — and when we find a place like Minneapolis that allows us to do that, moving suddenly becomes a lot easier. In this city, you can find:
- Vibrant neighborhoods: You have your pick of several unique neighborhoods full of culture and diversity. With so many options, it’s easy to find a community that fits your preferences.
- Activities for every lifestyle: There are numerous parks, lakes, and trails for those who love the outdoors, as well as a bustling urban environment full of diverse activities.
- Excellent educational institutions: Minneapolis is home to well-respected institutions, such as the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus.
Things to Know Before Moving to Minneapolis
Climate plays a key role in deciding where to move. Located in the upper Midwest region of the United States, this city experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. You can expect hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. In other words, you’ll be able to go from swimming in the lake during summer to ice skating on it in the winter!
This city has a diverse local population. It’s rich with a range of cultures, restaurants, and activities like festivals and music events. You can attend the Aquatennial in the summer with parades and events that celebrate this city’s bountiful rivers, lakes, and streams. In winter, you can enjoy various activities at annual events such as the Holidazzle, winter carnival, and more!
Looking for some interesting, must-know facts about Minneapolis? This city is:
- Full of lakes: You can enjoy more than 20 lakes within city limits and even more throughout the state, which is nicknamed the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
- Prince’s birthplace: Famous musician Prince was born and raised in Minneapolis, and the city holds events to celebrate him to this day.
- Home to the Mall of America: With over 500 stores, this is the biggest mall in the United States — it even has an indoor theme park.
- Connected by a Skyway System: Around 80 blocks of downtown are connected by enclosed walkways, allowing for comfortable commutes during winter.
Cost of Living and Salary Expectations
Bigger than climate, culture, and entertainment expectations, salaries and cost of living are critical in deciding where to move.
Understanding Minneapolis’ Cost of Living
Minneapolis is located in Hennepin County, where the following cost of living expenses are worked out for a family of three:
- Housing: Monthly costs for housing average out to $1,669.
- Groceries: Food costs even out to an average of $985 per month.
- Health care: The average monthly cost for health care is $567.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Minneapolis?
According to data from the Minnesota state government, the average yearly cost of living for an individual is $69,998. Your specific needs will vary, especially if you have kids. Before you move, you should look at more local prices for the area you will be in, as they fluctuate.
Transportation, Traffic, and Getting Around Minneapolis
It’s great to have multiple ways to get around instead of solely relying on your car. Fortunately, Minneapolis has numerous commuting options and a local government that keeps the infrastructure in great condition.
Public Transit and Commuting Options
Metro Transit provides light rail, two main lines between downtown and the Mall of America, and connections to the downtown areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul. There are also bus routes throughout the city and the suburbs.
This city has a bicycle-friendly reputation, with a network of lanes throughout the city. If bikes aren’t for you, the city also maintains pedestrian paths well, especially downtown.
Dealing with Traffic and Weather Adaptation
As in any other city, you’ll experience peak traffic hours and occasional congestion. Winter could bring new driving challenges if you aren’t used to snow. Be sure to change to winter tires when temperatures start to drop and give yourself some extra time in the morning to clear ice from your car.
Job Market and Career Opportunities
Multiple industries have consistent job offerings in this city.
Key Industries
The top sectors that see high demand year after year are:
- Manufacturing
- Finance and insurance
- Information technology and computing
- Health care and social assistance
Tips for Job Seekers Moving to Minneapolis
Job search platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed are good starting points for seeing what’s out there that fits your skill set. You can also look at local job boards and search social media or Google for specific networking events for your industry.
Next Steps for Moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota
Now that you know more about the culture, climate, entertainment, cost of living, and job opportunities, you can decide whether Minneapolis is right for you. If your answer is a resounding yes, your next step is to start looking for a moving company that offers stress-free, full-service moving solutions that you can trust.
At Daymakers, we provide the white glove, long-distance moving services you need. We are one of the most trusted movers in the nation, with hundreds of five-star reviews on Google and multiple awards for our services. We offer free quotes, boxes, and excellent customer support to guide you through the process, which means you can focus on what you’ll be doing when you get to Minneapolis instead of stressing about the move!
Contact us today to get your free estimate.
