15 Things to Know Before Moving to Minneapolis | AAA (2024)

Moving to Minneapolis? Exciting times lie ahead! Whether you're relocating for work, family, or just a change of scenery, preparing for your move to the “Land of Lakes” is essential for a smooth transition.

As your trusted moving partner, AAA Movers is here to guide you through the process with our top 15 tips before making Minneapolis your new home.

Things to Know Before Moving to Minneapolis

1. Yes, the Weather is a Thing: Minneapolis has a full spectrum of seasons, from snowy winters to hot summers. Invest in quality winter gear and learn to love outdoor activities like ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.
2. There are All Kinds of Neighborhoods: Minneapolis has more than 83 unique neighborhoods, including North Loop, Dinkytown, Longfellow, Northeast, Prospect Park, Downtown East, Whittier, and Ericsson. Each one has its own character and amenities, so take your time researching the spots that align with your lifestyle, commute, and budget.
3. Commute Your Own Way: The city offers a robust public transit system, including buses and the Light Rail. In fact, Metro Transit is one of the largest public transportation systems in the United States! If you prefer biking, we have plenty of bike-friendly streets and the Greenway traversing South Minneapolis.
4. We Have a Strong Job Market: Minneapolis has a thriving job market, with opportunities in industries like healthcare, finance, technology, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, and more. It’s also home to many Fortune 500 companies, including Best Buy, Target, 3M, and General Mills! In fact, there are plenty of reasons to move your business to the Twin Cities if that’s something you’re interested in.
5. We Love Our Arts: From world-class museums like the MIA to vibrant theaters like the Guthrie to music venues like First Avenue, Minneapolis is a cultural hub with something to do every night of the week. Take advantage of the city's arts scene, which has all kinds of events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year!
6. You Can Embrace the Outdoors: With numerous parks, lakes, and green spaces, Minneapolis is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and other recreational activities during the summer, and ice skating, ice fishing and hockey in the winter.
7. Get Involved in the Community: The city is known for its strong sense of community and civic engagement. Volunteer, join clubs or organizations, and attend local events to meet new people and make connections, no matter what you’re passionate about.
8. The Craft Brew Scene is Amazing: Minneapolis has a thriving craft brewery scene with diverse and innovative brews, unique taprooms (including Surly, Summit, Indeed, Fulton, and Insight), and a strong sense of community. If you’re a beer lover, don’t worry—we created a list of the best Minneapolis breweries!
9. Caribou Beats Starbucks: While we have plenty of Starbucks around time, locals are all about Caribou. Founded in Minneapolis in 1992, it remains a hometown favorite. The company's origins in the city foster a sense of local pride and loyalty among Minneapolis residents.
10. Prepare for Sports Fever: Sports fans rejoice! Minneapolis is home to professional teams like the Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB), Timberwolves (NBA), and Wild (NHL). Get ready to cheer on your favorite teams with fellow fans.

    College sports are huge here, especially the rivalry between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Wisconsin Badgers. Ski-U-Mah!

11. It’s Called Duck, Duck, Gray Duck: Look, we know the rest of the world calls it “Duck, Duck, Goose,” but we like to do things our own way. Don’t fight us on this one.
12. Get Ready for Plenty of Scandinavian Influences: As a city with strong Scandinavian roots, Minneapolis celebrates its heritage through festivals, traditions, and cultural events. Embrace the Nordic spirit and explore the city's Scandinavian influence all year long.
13. The Juicy Lucy is Our Local Food Novelty: The "Juicy Lucy" is a famous burger with a unique twist that originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The story behind this iconic burger dates back to the 1950s, with two different bars in South Minneapolis, the 5-8 Club and Matt's Bar, claiming to have invented it.

    According to local lore, a customer at one of these bars requested a hamburger with cheese cooked inside the patty rather than on top. The result was a juicy burger with molten cheese oozing out from the center, and the rest is history.

14. Purple Rain Reigns Supreme: If you’re going to move to Minneapolis, you might want to start studying the lyrics of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” It’s our anthem. Prince’s childhood home is in Minneapolis, and it’s not far to drive out to tour Paisley Park, his estate and studio.
15. The Cherry and Spoon is Iconic: Officially known as "Spoonbridge and Cherry," this sculpture is an iconic symbol in the Sculpture Garden. Designed by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, it was completed in 1988 and quickly became famous for its whimsical and playful design. Today, it’s a must-see tourist attraction.
    

How About Minneapolis's Cost of Living?

Minneapolis's cost of living is 1% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many other metropolitan areas. The average rent in Minneapolis remains slightly higher than other Midwestern cities, but it’s competitive compared to many urban areas across the country. Here’s a chart comparing our expenses compared to the national average.

Source: Payscale

AAA Movers Can Get You There

Moving to Minneapolis is an exciting adventure, and with these tips from AAA Movers, you'll be well-prepared to embrace everything the city has to offer. From navigating the housing market to immersing yourself in local culture, Minneapolis welcomes you with open arms.

Let AAA Movers be your partner in making your move to the Twin Cities a success! With our experienced team, efficient services, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we'll ensure a seamless relocation experience from start to finish.

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