Well ... this is kind of an update and as an urbanophile ... I can't move to a new city without comparing it to my beloved Queen!

 

I've been living in St. Louis Park (neighborhood near uptown - about 5 minute walk from Lake Calhoun) since January 10th. I moved because of work ... there was an opportunity for me that I couldn't pass up!

 

One of the biggest differences I've noticed so far is how GD slow drivers are here. We're not even talking going the speed limit - these people go 5 sometimes 10 miles under the speed limit. It would be one thing if they local speed limits were high to begin with, but they're not. In Cincy if it says "65MPH" we go 70-80 depending on traffic. I find myself having to weave in and out of traffic ... very annoying and I'm sure I've been accumulating extra grey hairs from  this. Any Ohioan will go crazy driving there.

 

Architecture. Well, let's just say that there is absolutely no comparison. After being in the Cities' for a while and then going back to Cincy ... there's just so much apparent "Soul" here. Most of the folks on here will know what I'm talking about. I did my research a little on the city and I did read that the city wiped out about 40 blocks of it's urban core a few decades ago ... So I can see why it's lacking some character. The Downtown area is great though ... lot's of gems and even the modern skyscrapers create a perfect blend. I'll just say this ... Downtown Minneapolis is a f*cking beast overall and would challenge any major city in the U.S. on almost every category (aside from Chicago, NYC, etc.) ... livability, architecture, entertainment, diversity, progress, sports, etc. etc.

 

Minneapolis' first and second ring suburbs are what one would find in Cincinnati's fifth ring suburbs and to be honest some of Minne's building stock in it's urban core are what one would find in Cincinnati, but not until you get close to the 275 loop! lol

 

I've had a lot of conversations so far that are centered around me being from Ohio ... I'll share!

Girl: "Oh, you're from Ohio .... I know how you people are." (in disgust, assuming a bad breakup?)

My sales reps all are dead-set on the fact that Ohio is not in the midwest, it's an eastern state they say. Some have even called it an "Eastcoast" state! I'd expect to hear a lot more "Southern" comments, but believe or not I think I've only heard this once or twice. The general idea seems to be that Ohio is not Midwestern, but East or Eastcoast.

 

There's obviously a huge Canadian influence in the Cities. Seems like people love their Twins and are aggravated with their Vikings, but they love their Hockey. I've been to a lot of sports bars in the area and there are a few things that you will not find missing ... hockey, Summit Beer, and pull-tab lotto tickets covering the floor.

 

Ice-fishing is something that's "cool" and everybody does it.

 

One thing that I thought was pretty neat as I was driving along Lake Calhoun one day ... there was about 2 feet of snow, there were people out having lunch on picnic blankets (sitting on the snow), there were people ice-fishing and about 3 people wind-surfing with colorful sails floating in the sky.

 

Snow NEVER melts. In Ohio, we get snow ... but it eventually melts. I'm pretty sure the same snow on the ground is there from when the Viking's Metrodome collapsed.

 

Walkers/Commuters use snow-shoes.

 

It's seems that bob-cats are often used to clear sidewalks.

 

As far as temperature ... yeah there were a few days that were just ridiculous (one night it dipped -25 below and one -19 degrees), but other than that, it's "real feel" temperature seems to be on par with Ohio's. I met a lady from Pennsylvania and she said that I was right ... she said it's because of the humidity differences between the two regions. In Ohio, we have higher humidity which creates "freezing air." I guess that makes sense.

 

The people in Minneapolis seem more laid back … and I’ve been called a “fast talker.” They do seem easy-going and are over-the-top nice. My roommate and I were once stuck in the snow and someone passing by offered to help dig us out of the snow using his snow shoes. When we were done … I was expecting him to ask for money … or something. Surely this guy didn’t stop to just help without receiving anything in exchange. My roommate had similar stories. He (from Cleveland) said “yeah, it’s crazy around here … I was stuck one time on a hill and a couple sitting on a bench came over to help me get out of the snow.” … followed by another similar story when he ran out of gas. I shared the story with my Lead AM (Minne native) and his response was yeah - what’s the big deal? I told him you would never see this in Ohio. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone drove by in our state of helplessness and pulled the bully from the Simpsons … “Ha ha.” lol

 

The Twin Cities is such a massive cosmopolitan area with tons of progressiveness - with many small-town niche’s. It’s hard to explain, really.

 

Then there’s also the last call at 1:45AM, no alcohol sales on Sunday and the stop serving alcohol in convenient stores at either 8 or 10, depending on what city you live in. Very weird. They also have to sell liquor in separate establishments from their grocery stores … very inconvenient.

 

I asked about the local casino (Mystic Lake) and I wanted to make sure they had Roulette (my favorite casino game), and they can’t even have a real Roulette table … it must be video Roulette due to some law??? Maybe someone with ties to the Cities can explain better?

 

As some of you already know - that know me … I’m a big Electronica fan … and this is a GREAT scene for this music with great shows from big DJ’s. Unfortunately, I was a month too late for the Deadmou5 show, but I will be seeing Tiesto on 4/1/11 (he’s great live for those that haven't experienced it yet).

 

I haven’t really picked up on a dominant religion, but I’d assume Catholic? There seems to be a very strong Islam presence along First Ave.

 

Also, there isn’t very many black folks at all here … not even in the urban core. Asians appear to be the second dominant race aside from White.

 

There is a killer local pizza chain called Davvani’s which I’d recommend to anyone visiting.

 

This metro is CHAIN HEAVEN! Wow … no wonder the Twin Cities are so attractive to big name retailers … there are chains everywhere. It’d seem that no local retailers would be able to survive the wrath of retail-chain-hungry-shoppers of Minneapolis. The restaurant scene is hardly any different, but not as extreme. A lot of locals disagree with me on this, but this is because they haven't had experience with anything else. Examples so far I've heard Buca Di Beppo and Caribou Coffee as local joints ... ;)

 

We’re still getting snow and Spring hasn’t really shown its face yet, but from what I hear - it’s around the corner and nothing compares to Minneapolis’ summers. I keep hearing the same term used "In summer, this is God's country." I can imagine with the massive lakes that are plastered around the area …

 

I was driving down 35E South and ran into St. Paul … I had a Dayton-Cincinnati moment at first ;) … Some of you will get this.

 

In summary, I’m glad it’s Minneapolis over Atlanta. This city has a lot going for it. It’s very progressive and some of the conservativeness that brings back memories of my (MSU - Mississippi) days … well, hopefully they change some of these crazy laws. I’d like to see rail transit expanded.

 

The Queen City will always hold a special place in my heart and it goes to show you the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. There are scenes and a feeling that Cincinnati has that Minneapolis will never be able to experience no matter how progressive it is.

 

Spring - wtf are you?!?!

 

Ha!  Well, glad you're enjoying Minnesota.  Spring will be there soon.

Ha!  Well, glad you're enjoying Minnesota.  Spring will be there soon.

... and about six weeks later will come a short Autumn, and then eight more months of winter again! :-D

Columbus is actually like that too, with the liquor stores outside of the supermarkets. The first time I went to the Hyde Park Kroger or the St. Bernard IGA and saw liquor available right there in the store I thought, "I didn't know this was legal in Ohio". It's the same way with pony kegs -- in Columbus you can only get them from the beer distributor.

Interesting observations Cincinnatus...  Agree about the chains, but both Bucca Di Beppo and Caribou are both based there, so they probably think of them as local joints.. 

 

The lack of black folks certainly factors into some of the dynamics there.  Certainly less running to the newest whiter suburb. 

 

Yes it is more laid back there, but funny living in DC, coming home to North East Ohio, it seems all my experiences there involve people being ultra friendly and helpful.  I guess its all relative. 

You're on UrbanOhio and you chose St. Louis Park? I'll let it slide for the high irony factor. No wonder you're hearing mostly chains, though. Head to the plentiful business districts (especially all over the south side) and you'll find more than any Ohio city will have for a long time (and post some pics). Be sure to check out progress in the north side like 13th Ave NE & Donny Dirk's Zombie Den: a zombie-themed bar where a dangerous dive bar used to be. I'm jealous.

I was there in December and came away really impressed.  Nothing anywhere looked run down.  We drove up Snelling Ave from the airport to Roseville, and while it was nothing special, it was several miles of nice commercial street.  Any Ohio example I can think of has nasty stretches, and Snelling didn't.  I was told the north side is rough but didn't get to see it.  Didn't see downtown proper, except from a distance.  Did go through the UM area which is awesome. 

Well, I wouldn't say St. Louis Park was my "choice," but I'm right near Excelsior and France Ave. for now, which is just a hill away from Uptown and Calhoun District ... this area imo, will challenge anything in Ohio.

 

I agree that an abundance amount of "desired chains" in abundance is a healthy sign ... there's something missing ... and whatever it is that's missing, I can find within minutes in Cincy. You guys know what I'm talking about.

 

Another thing that I forgot to mention ... I was driving to Minne in a massive snow storm and noticed a couple of signs reading (and I'm paraphrasing ...) Warning Hill ahead and I'm thinking "Oh shit, what's around the corner?!?!" ... It was a "hump."

 

These people have no idea what a "hill" is. lol

 

So, I thought more about this in a different angle ... these cities: Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis ... all metropolis's known for successful planning ... One thing they lack heavily ... Gorgeous-amazing-topography. Cincinnati seems less planned and more it just happened. As a local Cincinnatian, one can take this for granted easily.

 

 

Given the heavy Scandinavian influence I'm guessing the largest religious denomination is Lutheran, or at least some form of Protestantism

I'm glad you are enjoying the Twin Cities!  I know how much you love Cincinnati, but I'm happy you are experiencing a modern city while you're still young.  Congratulations, I'll send you a PM.

Great update!  I wondered what happened to you!

 

BTW, what do you think about St Paul?  Have you been yet?  I'd love to hear your opinions and how it contrasts with Minn. and Ohio places. 

cooome baaaaack!!!

I was there in December and came away really impressed.  Nothing anywhere looked run down.  We drove up Snelling Ave from the airport to Roseville, and while it was nothing special, it was several miles of nice commercial street.  Any Ohio example I can think of has nasty stretches, and Snelling didn't.  I was told the north side is rough but didn't get to see it.  Didn't see downtown proper, except from a distance.  Did go through the UM area which is awesome. 

 

This is why I have my sights set on Minneapolis: it's a city where residents want their city to be the best it can be, not just one side of town or a handful of scattered neighborhoods, but every urban neighborhood regardless. You were on the very western end of the north side. It's a real up-and-coming area: not just talk: lots of action on all fronts: city government, residents, and plenty of entrepreneurs willing to open businesses in the worst part (the only bad part really) in the city. In Columbus, I just don't see the equivalent in similar neighborhoods which are just as desolate today as five years ago or more. When I move here Ill be looking at the north side for sure.

Keith, have you read this article?

 

http://www.newgeography.com/content/001110-the-white-city

Thanks for posting natininja, thats kindof what I was getting at above.

 

Keith, I hope you understand this aspect and how it plays into what you are trying to say (I mean really think about it).. 

It is a real factor, but also creates a very uneven playing field that likely cant be compared fairly.

I was there in December and came away really impressed.  Nothing anywhere looked run down.  We drove up Snelling Ave from the airport to Roseville, and while it was nothing special, it was several miles of nice commercial street.  Any Ohio example I can think of has nasty stretches, and Snelling didn't.  I was told the north side is rough but didn't get to see it.  Didn't see downtown proper, except from a distance.  Did go through the UM area which is awesome. 

 

This is why I have my sights set on Minneapolis: it's a city where residents want their city to be the best it can be, not just one side of town or a handful of scattered neighborhoods, but every urban neighborhood regardless. You were on the very western end of the north side. It's a real up-and-coming area: not just talk: lots of action on all fronts: city government, residents, and plenty of entrepreneurs willing to open businesses in the worst part (the only bad part really) in the city. In Columbus, I just don't see the equivalent in similar neighborhoods which are just as desolate today as five years ago or more. When I move here Ill be looking at the north side for sure.

 

There are very few cities where you can have this experience, and most of them are homogenous, new growth cities such as Minneapolis, Portland, etc.  If you look at the most successful/largest cities in the country (NY, LA, Chicago) they all have large swaths of run down, high crime areas where the average citizen does not venture. 

Great article, and the subject deserves its own thread.  I should note that my guide in Minneapolis unabashedly pointed this out. 

Great article, and the subject deserves its own thread.   

 

I agree. The article expressed some ideas that have been floating in my head for a while. I actually found Minneapolis to be more diverse than what I was expecting, but I did notice the black population seemed to be very small. From my observations, it appeared that all the blacks were generally cumulated in one specific part of town. Venturing downtown, there seemed to be hardly any blacks walking around.

 

 

well you will have several unique cultures to explore. the local minneapolis people and their jucy lucys (aka their version of cinci chili) is not too out there, but their scandanavian background is. also, the newer somali (south minny) and hmong people (st paul, check out the funky hmong market) is quite interesting. lots to explore with that. there is a bit of a hispanic population too, but as others observed not much local aa. oh and hipster culture at bryant park bowl. good town, good town i hope you like it!

Gentrification is a lot easier w/out the racial component that so bedevils Ohio Valley and East Coast cities.

Get the f out. You moved to Minneapolis?! What's an urbanophile; is that like an urban pedophile? Sounds kind of creepy.

The Urbanophile is Aaron Renn, and he has an account here at UO, and has posted on the forums. 

 

The question about "white cities" having a positive buzz and not the same level of urban problems that, um, 'non-white' cities do, would be a great topic for Stormfront.

So, has our thread parent visited the Mary Tyler Moore House yet? 

 

 

LOL, or at least thrown your hat in the air downtown

 

http://tinyurl.com/4lagbvf

 

The Urbanophile is Aaron Renn, and he has an account here at UO, and has posted on the forums. 

 

The question about "white cities" having a positive buzz and not the same level of urban problems that, um, 'non-white' cities do, would be a great topic for Stormfront.

 

 

The simple Stormfront answer to that question is probably that White People simply take care of their sh!t and spend money on remodeling instead of spinning rims. Hah! I hate to love Stormfront.

Sometimes I wonder how some ordinary citizens even know of Stormfront. I just recently found out what the hell that was. ^But anyway, the sentiment you just expressed is generally true. Completely different priorities unfortunately. I could go on for days about this,

Get the f out. You moved to Minneapolis?! What's an urbanophile; is that like an urban pedophile? Sounds kind of creepy.

Gentrification is a lot easier w/out the racial component that so bedevils Ohio Valley and East Coast cities.

 

This is a common misconception on UO and shouldn't be. It's a cultural component, not racial. Unless, you mean to imply that violent, ignorant gangsta-thug culture is based on race, which would be racist. I have black friends and acquaintances that want nothing to do with that, just like I don't associate with base "white culture" (meth lab rednecks, for example) with (most of) my race. 

 

Once again, it's an aspect of the local cultures that needs to change: there's a reason that south of W Broad in Franklinton only 49% of all adults 25 yrs and up have a high school degree and that crime is higher there: bad culture. Not because their descendants from a particular geographic location, but because the parents and community at large don't address problem children who become much bigger problems as adults. In the Short North, regardless of race, the problem of bad culture was swept aside where it was not addressed head on. The Near East side has plenty racial diversity and people from all backgrounds have been working to improve their neighborhoods whether it's Olde Towne East or King Lincoln. More residents who used to keep quiet are doing so no more as they see positive changes occurring and that they can make a difference.

 

This could be going on elsewhere, but like some visitors from SuburbanOhio pointed out, Columbus is right to dump more money into our sprawl so that people out there can have their cake (cul-de-sac galore) and eat it too (no traffic thanks to additional lanes/government bailouts for the suburban lifestyle). That's just fine and dandy: I'll just be moving to where the city invests in their urban neighborhoods (Minneapolis, not Columbus) and makes them economically desirable: enjoy extra-wide Hilliard-Rome Rd and Alum Creek Dr while I'm off enjoying newly revitalized urban neighborhoods that were brought back instead.

I'd recommend Zane Miller's book on the first couple attempts to fix Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati then follow up with some of the better coverage of the run-up to the 2001 Cincinnati Riot. I could go into too much detail on this in Philadelphia. Should that be the case? No. I'd actually say that my sense is that Columbus is probably more bedeviled by class than racial issues, but race certainly shapes the available options in many cities.

Glad you are enjoying Minneapolis.  Impressive place.  Two of my aunt's live there now, and I have failed in using that connection to visit the city more often.  I agree with your comment on the modern buildings.  They seem to "belong" with the older buildings downtown.

Jesus, David ... way to high-jack my thread. ;) ... j/k

 

No, no Mary Tyler Davidson house visits and as David, Chris and the many others that know me personally on here - you can bet your ass that I'll be tossing my JT hat in the air downtown while someone snaps a shot. ;)

 

David, to answer your question ... It's a pedophile that lives in an urban environment.

 

I'll post more as soon as I get some time!

Oh! Oops! I thought this was the Young, Dumb and leaving Columbus Thread. Sorry. Didn't mean to hijack your thread. Stupid mobile urbanohio; so easy to confuse threads. Hope Minneapolis treats you well. So what is it like? Does everyone sound like Sarah Palin? What's Mall of America like? Does it live up to the hype? Did you go ice fishing yet?! Hahaha.

Sorry, I think I hijacked it, in my response to Keith M.

 

Glad you're liking Minne so far. I've never been, but I want to!

Any state that elected a former WWF wrestler as Governor, has got to be aye-okay. :box:

LOL, or at least thrown your hat in the air downtown

 

...I was thinking he cut throw a Skyline Chili bowl or Reds baseball hat  up in the air or something

 

No, no Mary Tyler Davidson house visits

 

...I'm wondering if that house is a real no-kidding tourist attraction.  Maybe to only that generation that remembers the TV show. 

^^^^^ I wanna see that pic

 

Congrats on the move. It's been a while since I was up there but I remember it being a fun city. While the winters certainly are cold, it's a lot sunnier in winter making the season much cheerier.

 

Make sure you try the ludefisk!

By the way, you have to go by Minneapolisus now.

By the way, you have to go by Minneapolisus now.

 

LOL. That sounds vaguely like some sort of medical condition.

No, no Mary Tyler Davidson house visits...

 

Mary Tyler Davidson?  So does Mary Tyler Moore now have water shooting out of her fingers across from a Tiffany's?

By the way, you have to go by Minneapolisus now.

 

It's "Minneapolitus". And after a particularly sour St. Patty's night, I'm even more ready to join the ranks of the cosmopolitan Minneapolitans: try saying that 3x fast.

Cincinnatus, you do realize--just because you moved to Minnesoota, that isn't an excuse to start posting on UrbanMinnesota.com and ditch us. Hope you stick around :(

If you don't start UrbanMinnesota.com, please post threads of Seward, Phillips, etc and don't forget both of the bad neighborhoods there, like Hawthorne, for fans of grit. Actually, a challenge for you would be finding a blighted area that comes close to anything in the 3 Cs.

Keith, you tend to belabor certain things.  I beleive it was already addressed that Minneapolis lacks the blighted areas that you will find in Ohio or the majority of other large cities in the country that have large black populations.   

Forget the blighted areas.  We want to see the amenities!

Forget the blighted areas.  We want to see the amenities!

By "amenities", you surely mean gay bars.

Forget the blighted areas.  We want to see the amenities!

By "amenities", you surely mean gay bars.

 

LOL

 

Yes, please post some pics.  Especially of downtown.  I know little to nothing about Minneapolis.

Forget the blighted areas.  We want to see the amenities!

By "amenities", you surely mean gay bars.

 

So, here's how you put two and two together: large gay population + lots of gay amenities/bars = "gayborhood". Not Minneapolis' strength, for what it's worth; it would be a short thread.

Keith, you tend to belabor certain things.  I beleive it was already addressed that Minneapolis lacks the blighted areas that you will find in Ohio or the majority of other large cities in the country that have large black populations.   

 

Addressed incorrectly: you're saying that a large black population results in blight. I don't buy that. Minneapolis has the largest Somali population: they're black and they haven't blighted the city.