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So where does that leave us? Well, the possibility we’re really focused on is Minneapolis, MN. HUGE change from what we’re used to in Tampa, but we’re not only ready to be done with the humidity and constant heat (the nights here when I pick up my son from work at 11 pm are about 86 degrees with about 90% humidity. That’s at 11 pm, dammit!
So, obviously, with such a drastic potential change (still so many details to address to see if this is even viable), there are so many questions, especially about living in a very northern climate. We lived in Easton and Allentown, PA for 3.5 years so the adults have a clue about living in winter and my mom had to make several business trips to Minneapolis over the course of winter a few years ago (October to February), so she’s familiar with the area, a little and what Feb feels like in MN.
That said, living is a complicated thing. I mean in the 9 years we’ve lived in Florida, I’ve learned SO MUCH about living in a tropical climate that I had no clue about coming from the arid climate of SoCal.
So… is anyone from Minnesota? Can anyone give advice moving to a cold climate?
Mackeyser, small world! I live in Inver Grove Heights, MN now and I lived in Allentown, PA for about eight years. IGH is a suburb of Saint Paul, so I am here in the Twin Cities where you might resettle.
The VA Hospital is in southeast Minneapolis, very close to the MSP Airport. Sounds like you have researched the VA Hospital here, but in case you need a web link and phone numbers, here it is: Mpls VA The Minneapolis VA Hospital is on the Blue Line LRT, connecting downtown Minneapolis to the MSP Airport and Mall of America. Lots of other stops in between and lots of criss-crossing bus routes.
Adding to what ER said, the winters here are not as bad as they used to be, but it does last a solid four months here. Starts around Thanksgiving and lasts through March. We do not get as much snow (maybe 50 inches per year) or the prolonged below zero cold temps, but it’s still cold and it is often windy. When we get snow, it tends to stay around a while because the high temps may not get above freezing for several days. Minnesota Dept of Transportation is pretty good about plowing the state highways, the cities and counties less so. Gotta have a good snow brush/ice scraper for the car. We have a fairly large Somali and Hmong population here and they seem to have acclimated to the climate here.
Lots of winter activities in and around the Twin Cities. Several golf courses become cross country skiing trails, there is a new curling club north of the cities; Olympic teams from around the world train there. Winter Carnival in Saint Paul. All four major pro sports teams here plus pro soccer and new stadium (maybe) coming to Saint Paul. Lots of opportunities for continuing education, if you are looking for that; the University of Minnesota is in Minneapolis and there are several small private colleges in Saint Paul.
When looking for a home, be sure it has double pane windows and good insulation. An attached garage is also a big plus so you don’t have to go outside to get to your car, and the garage will be warmer than the outside. Being close to public transportation is also a plus in my book. Crime is an issue but mostly confined to north Minneapolis; that’s the only area where I do not recommend looking for a home. The Twin Cities is a big region; you can live in an urban area, suburbs or rural areas not more than 15 miles from both downtowns. Lots of locals have cabins in Wisconsin; many retired residents spend part of the winter in Florida or the desert to avoid winter here.
The Twin Cities is a very good place to live, despite the climate. Please let me know if you would like my help in researching a certain area of the Twin Cities.
Luv’n the new helmets.
Me too, but I wish they would make the horns a little bigger, bolder.
