quote:
Has anyone lived there or spent extensive time there. May be looking at a work opportunity out there in a few months. I know the winters suck arse, but any other thoughts on the area?

Other questions:
-which suburbs would you recommend, job is in downtown Minneapolis.

-Cost of living is higher, but another things to consider?

-Things/activities you recommend?

-Minneapolis side or St. Paul side?

I've been several times for work/vacation but really considering heading up there. Any other thoughts would be appreciated? TIA

Lived there for a while. Cold winters but the place is heaven compared to Louisiana.

I worked right down town, but lived in Elk River. About an hour north west of the cities. It's growing bit still very much country. Most all of the suburbs are nice. I drove to Maple Grove and took the metro to downtown. As in any big city if you want to drive and park down town you'll pay for it. When I was there it was like $20 per day to park at my building garage. There is no shortage of out door fun to be had there, obviously in the better weather months. Little to no sales tax, but high AF property taxes, however you can see the tax dollars at work improving infrastructure. Not like here where you pay taxes and they vanish into the abyss while the whole shite house crumbles around you.
Snow and Ice on the roads is not usually a problem unless you get way out in the country. Yes they get a lot, but they've been around the block a time or two and they are prepared and as long as there is fair warning they keep it slated and plowed. I got caught once on the roads during a flurry, it wasn't that bad. You just drive smart.

The benefits definitely out weight the negatives for me. I plan to return as soon as I can. I returned home to be with and care for a sick family member other wise I would still be there.

eta. BTW coldest temp I saw there was -27 (~-50 with the wind chill). but that's not the norm.

This post was edited on 8/1/17 at 5:54 am