Relocating to Minneapolis
Relocating to Minneapolis 🌆
Welcome to our amazing northern hub! Minneapolis offers everything from commerce, industry, and outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and fishing to vibrant arts, dining, and entertainment scenes. This guide is here to help answer common questions like where to live, what to do, and how to get around.
General Information
- Map of Minneapolis Neighborhoods A detailed map showing all neighborhoods in Minneapolis.
- Information on Crime in Minneapolis Explore crime statistics and safety resources by neighborhood.
- Getting Your License in Minnesota Learn about the process of obtaining a driver's license in Minnesota.
- Registering Your Car Instructions and resources for car registration in Minnesota.
- Registering Your Bicycle Protect your bike with registration through the City of Minneapolis.
- Snow Emergencies in Minneapolis Stay informed about snow emergencies and parking restrictions.
Public Transportation
Metro Transit operates the majority of Minneapolis's public transportation system. While efficient, planning ahead is recommended due to the city's specific schedules.
- Metro Transit – Light Rail/METRO Details on the light rail system, routes, and schedules.
- Metro Transit – Bus Comprehensive information on bus routes and timetables.
- Metro Transit – Northstar Commuter Rail Information about commuter rail services to the northern suburbs.
- Bike Map PDF A detailed map of bike paths and recommended cycling routes.
- Skyway Access-https://skywayaccess.com/
Recommended Apps
- Transit App A user-friendly app for navigating public transit in Minneapolis.
- OMG Transit A local app that combines transit, biking, and shared mobility options.
Finding a Place to Live
This section focuses on rentals (not buying). If you’re purchasing a home, consult a realtor for tailored advice.
Rental Search Sites:
Utilities and Other Services
- Xcel Energy (electric)
- Centerpoint Energy (gas)
- City of Minneapolis Utilities (water, sewer, trash, recycling)
- Comcast (cable/internet)
- CenturyLink (cable/internet)
- USInternet Fiber (internet)
Education
- Minneapolis Public Schools - Boundary/Walk Zone Maps
- Minneapolis School Finder
- University of Minnesota Extension Program
- University of Minnesota College of Continuing Education
Recreation & Museums
Enjoy the city's natural beauty and rich cultural offerings!
- Minneapolis ParksExplore the expansive park system within Minneapolis, featuring trails, lakes, and beautiful green spaces.Highlights include: * Minnehaha Regional Park: Home to the iconic Minnehaha Falls. * Lake Harriet: A hub for walking, biking, and enjoying live performances at the Bandshell. * Lake Bde Maka Ska: Known for boating, beaches, and stunning city views.
- Chain of Lakes Regional Park A network of scenic lakes offering year-round activities like walking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and ice skating.
Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) Free general admission, featuring over 90,000 pieces of art spanning 5,000 years.
Walker Art Center A contemporary art museum with innovative exhibits and performances. Adjacent to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, featuring the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Mill City Museum Discover Minneapolis’ industrial past in this museum located in the historic Mill District. Features interactive exhibits and breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.
Stone Arch Bridge A historic landmark perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls.
Weisman Art Museum Located on the University of Minnesota campus, offering free admission and showcasing modern and contemporary art.
The Bakken Museum An engaging museum exploring electricity, magnetism, and invention, located in the scenic West Bde Maka Ska area.
Foshay Museum and Observation Deck Experience the history of Minneapolis’ first skyscraper and take in panoramic views from the observation deck.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Adjacent to the Walker Art Center, this garden features iconic sculptures and a peaceful green space for visitors to enjoy.
Farmers Markets
Minneapolis hosts numerous farmers' markets from May through October. Use this Map of Minneapolis Farmers Markets to find one near you.
Local Media
- Star Tribune - Minneapolis daily paper
- Pioneer Press - St. Paul daily paper
- 89.3 The Current - Indie, commercial-free Minnesota Public Radio station
Local Happenings
Check out the Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Event Calendar for a comprehensive list of local events. From festivals to live music, there’s always something exciting happening.
Neighborhoods of Minneapolis
List of Neighborhood organizations-https://nrp.org/R2/index.html
City List of Neighborhoods- https://www.minneapolis.org/neighborhoods/
Neighborhoods
Minneapolis is a city of neighborhoods—each unique in its character and offerings. Here's an overview to help you decide where you might like to live:
Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska-Isles
Located in Southwest Minneapolis around Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), this area includes neighborhoods such as Uptown, CARAG, ECCO, and East Isles. Known for its vibrant and youthful energy, it is a higher-priced area with a focus on community life and access to the lakes.
Camden
Covering the northernmost part of the city, Camden neighborhoods are diverse and generally more affordable. With a mix of single-family homes and green spaces, this area appeals to those looking for value and a quieter lifestyle while still being connected to the city.
Central Minneapolis
Encompassing Downtown East, Downtown West, and neighborhoods like North Loop and Loring Park, this area is ideal for those seeking proximity to offices, entertainment, and urban amenities. Housing options range from luxury high-rises to historic buildings.
Longfellow
A blend of single-family homes and some multi-family units, Longfellow offers accessibility to trails, the Mississippi River, and light rail transit. It’s a peaceful area with a strong sense of community, appealing to families and individuals alike.
- Hiawatha: Quiet and green, this neighborhood offers direct access to Minnehaha Park and trails along the Mississippi River.
- Howe: Known for its single-family homes and easy access to transit.
- Longfellow: Features a mix of housing types with strong bike and public transit links to downtown.
- Seward: Proximity to the University of Minnesota and public transportation makes this area walkable and accessible, with a reputation for being family- and bike-friendly.
Near North
Comprising neighborhoods like Willard-Hay and Harrison, this area is undergoing significant redevelopment. It provides opportunities for affordable housing and community involvement while maintaining proximity to downtown.
Nokomis
With neighborhoods like Diamond Lake and Ericsson, this area offers well-maintained homes, access to Lake Nokomis, and above-average schools. It’s a popular choice for families and those seeking a suburban feel within the city.
Northeast
A mix of historic charm and modern development, Northeast features a variety of housing styles and green spaces. The area combines residential pockets with industrial zones and appeals to a wide range of residents.
Phillips
A centrally located area with diverse housing options and a focus on community resources. It’s a vibrant part of the city that includes both historic homes and newer developments.
Powderhorn
Known for its namesake park, this area is a cultural and artistic hub with a strong sense of identity. Predominantly single-family homes make up this neighborhood, which draws families, artists, and young professionals.
- Standish and Ericsson: Known for affordable homes, proximity to schools, and recreational opportunities like Minnehaha Creek and Lake Hiawatha.
Southwest Minneapolis
This region includes neighborhoods like Linden Hills, Fulton, and Tangletown, which are known for their picturesque homes, strong schools, and proximity to the lakes. It is one of the city’s more desirable areas for families and professionals.
University
Home to the University of Minnesota, this area includes neighborhoods like Cedar-Riverside, Marcy-Holmes, and Prospect Park. With a mix of student housing and single-family homes, it is an energetic area with easy access to downtown.