Minneapolis, MNBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Minneapolis is an artsy community full of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Diverse neighborhoods, a strong job market, parks and recreation, and a commitment to sustainability and affordability contribute to the laidback lifestyle in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis, MN, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Residents can enjoy the good life in Minneapolis, MN, where they have easy access to lakes and museums, plus professional sports teams to root for and a nearby mall so big it has its own area code. (Mall of America is 5.6 million square feet, giving new meaning to the phrase shop till you drop!) All of those amenities and many more, like a thriving arts and culture scene and cosmopolitan restaurants, make Minneapolis one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Minnesota invests heavily in its arts, and Minneapolis is a testament to that commitment, with art museums, galleries and colorful outdoor murals present throughout the city. Plus, did you know that the Minneapolis region has the second-most theater seats per capita, outdone only by New York City? It’s a reflection of the city’s lively performing arts community. Minneapolis is also home to the country’s first-ever sculpture garden (and it’s free!)
With more than 425,000 residents, Minneapolis is a major metro. But groups like “In Sisterhood, We Brunch,” which uplifts Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) women, help to create a sense of community among residents.
Minneapolis is known for welcoming immigrants and refugees, and the city’s melting pot of cultures is reflected in its culinary scene. Get a good taste of foods from around the world at Midtown Global Market, where you’ll find street foods from India and Nepal, flavors from Morocco, arepas, sushi and the Indigenous Food Lab, which focuses on education and food.
Health care is also prioritized in Minnesota, and Twin Cities hospitals are highly rated. More than 750 health and life science companies have a presence in the region, and United health care is a large employer headquartered in the Minneapolis region.
Ready to move to the Twin Cities? Consider a Jucy Lucy burger, summer lake days and biking along the Midtown Greenway all to be rites of passage for new residents.
Minneapolis, MN Quality of Life LivScore
Minneapolis, MN Top Categories
Amenities
Economy
Transportation
Minneapolis ranks highest for amenities, economy and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Minneapolis, MN
You’ll need a few hot-plate recipes for the winter when average highs are in the 20s. Summers are hot, so plan for days at the lake. (There are thousands of them in Minnesota.) The average highs and lows are 89°F and 62°F (summer) and 25°F and 10°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Minneapolis is 51 inches, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in December and January.
The average annual rainfall in Minneapolis is 31 inches, with most occurring in the warmer months of the year.
Minneapolis averages 201 sunny days a year.
A crown jewel of the community is Chain of Lakes Regional Park, which sits just outside downtown Minneapolis and is made up of five lakes. It’s a popular spot for biking, playing volleyball, kayaking and paddleboarding, and just hanging out on the beach. Hearty Midwesterners strap on snowshoes and cross-country skis in colder months to explore the winter wonderland.
Minneapolis Weather
201 days
Average Annual Sun
31 inches
Average Annual Rain
51 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis is Prince’s hometown. The city has a map of the places that shaped the musical legend, and there’s a 100-foot mural dedicated to Prince on the corner of First Avenue and 8th Street in downtown Minneapolis.
Take a stroll through Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which has more than 40 sculptures, including the photogenic Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Take a trip to the Como Zoo & Conservatory, where you’ll spot an Arctic fox and a Galapagos tortoise, plus the zoo regulars — lions, tigers and bears!
Head to Edward’s Dessert Kitchen for sweet treats like pies, cheesecakes and tarts.
The Local and State Economy in Minneapolis, MN
Health care, finance and retail are major industries in Minneapolis. In addition, several major companies have headquarters in Minneapolis, including Target Corporation, Ameriprise Financial, U.S. Bancorp and Xcel Energy.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Minneapolis is 8.03%.
Yes, Minnesota has a state income tax.
Minneapolis is home to several world-class hospitals that offer high-quality medical care, including Abbott Northwestern Hospital (ranked nationally for its neurology and neurosurgery program) and M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center (ranked nationally for its adult cancer and pediatric nephrology programs).
There are several colleges and universities in Minneapolis, MN, but the most notable is the University of Minnesota.
Quick Facts About Minneapolis, MN
- Median Household Income
- $71,423
- Median Home Value
- $341,644
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,767
- Total Population
- 426,289
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,186
- Average Commute
- 19.55 minutes
Solid health care and diverse amenities like a thriving arts and culture scene make Minneapolis one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about what makes Minneapolis special, including its beautiful greenways. Also, check out this great moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
