Minneapolis #1 on Forbes Most Affordable Places To Live Well

[T.S.]

I have been thinking more about just relocating back to the Minneapolis metro area for my next move.

Originally Posted by Forbes

First among them: Minneapolis. It nabbed the top spot on our list of Most Affordable Places To Live Well. There, homes are relatively affordable, residents enjoy a high quality of life and access to choice arts, leisure and entertainment offerings.

More here.....

http://www.forbes.com/2007/11/05/hom...ealestate.html

1. Minneapolis

The "City of Lakes" is a case study in corporate social responsibility. A large variety of companies--from Target to Cargill--donate huge sums of money to the city's schools, cultural institutions and health services. This positively affects the quality of life and the arts and leisure choices. Housing and cost of living are both affordable, but aren't dramatically below national means.

The rest of the list.....

http://www.forbes.com/2007/11/05/hom...e_slide_2.html

[Wyody]

I've only been thru Minneapolis a few times and don't know much about it other than the hunting/fishing lodges on the far outskirts and a fantastic Greek Orthodox Dome - and that when I spent time there last, they won both, the Series and the Super Bowl - but my first wonderings are, "Are you certain you want to move back to those temps"?

[Curious George]

wyody
The nice thing about these temps or the myth of these temps is it keeps some of the riff raff out ,
You don’t see any panhandlers in the winter , very few Mexicans, hobos an homeless as they go south like the birds , an crime is ushely down in the winter, besides the winters have not been to bad the last 8 years or so , we still get our week of -20 but it’s not as bad as it sounds. we also get a week or 2 of 90+ in summer the four seasons, an most years we have a Wight Christmas an Christmas is not Christmas without snow . people from the south are such pansies when it comes to cold . me an the son wear in SC in January that day it was 50 out me an him are standing around with our coats open no gloves or hat an the people we wear with from down there all had hats gloves scarf’s big ol coats an there still freezing, they looked at us like wear nuts . 50 deg to us is almost summer.

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Wyody

I've only been thru Minneapolis a few times and don't know much about it other than the hunting/fishing lodges on the far outskirts and a fantastic Greek Orthodox Dome - and that when I spent time there last, they won both, the Series and the Super Bowl - but my first wonderings are, "Are you certain you want to move back to those temps"?

That must have been 1991/1992. The Minnesota Twins won the 1991 World Series and the Super Bowl was hosted at the Metrodome in January of 1992, but the Minnesota Vikings were not in it. The Vikings have never won a Super Bowl.

The cold temperatures are really not all that bad when you are used to them, especially if you get into some winter activities. I have probably spent more time indoors staying out of the heat and humidity during the past 2 summers in North Carolina and Florida than I ever spent inside during a Minnesota winter staying out of the cold. You can always add another layer of clothing in the cold, but you can only take off so much in the heat.

[Curious George]

Well if you come this winter, don’t forget the winter air in your tires,
An the new stile muffler bearings because of the ethanol.

[Panterro]

I may join you.. doing some research now.

Minneapolis Passes New Living Wage Ordinance
By: INGRID N. CULP
January 2006

Companies receiving contract or subsidy payments from the City of Minneapolis may need to pay a minimum wage of no less than $12.09 (or higher) per hour for all non-exempt employees beginning January 1, 2007.

On November 10, 2005, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak signed into law a new living wage ordinance. The ordinance requires companies that receive contracts or subsidies from the City of Minneapolis totaling $100,000 or more to pay their employees a living wage. The ordinance applies to any contract or business subsidy entered into or renewed after December 31, 2006. In the case of city contracts, the living wage must be paid for the duration of the city contract and for all hours worked on the city contract. In the case of city subsidies, the goal is for at least one living wage job to be created for every $25,000 of subsidy.

For employers that provide basic health insurance benefits, the living wage must be at least 110% of the federal poverty level for a family of four. For those that do not, the living wage must be at least 130% of the federal poverty level for a family of four. At current federal poverty levels, the living wage would be $10.23 per hour for employers that provide health insurance, and $12.09 per hour for employers that do not. The living wage is subject to change within one week of adjustments to federal poverty levels.

The ordinance includes approximately 16 exemptions, including exemptions for certain small businesses; companies bound by collective bargaining agreements; temporary internships or similar positions; contracts or subsidies for housing, job readiness, and training; or pollution control or abatement.

Recipients of City of Minneapolis contracts or subsidies are encouraged to contact legal counsel for additional information.

[Wyody]

Thanks George - for the update. I've done my cold - colder, mostly ... but drier. I did the Cincy winter two winters ago - didn't adjust very well even though I was raised fairly close to there. Then I came here in Feb and thought it was warm ... which caused problems 'cause I didn't bundle my throat and ears enough.
Sorry 'bout the mistake on the Super Bowl, T.S. I remember it wrong - and I think it was either 88 or 89. Hope I was right about the Series, at least. I do remember that I spent the entire fall and left as the last Maple leaf in the Iron Range was falling from the tree.

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Wyody

I remember it wrong - and I think it was either 88 or 89. Hope I was right about the Series, at least. I do remember that I spent the entire fall and left as the last Maple leaf in the Iron Range was falling from the tree.

It could have been 1988. The Minnesota Twins won the World Series in both 1987 and 1991.

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by T.S.

It could have been 1988. The Minnesota Twins won the World Series in both 1987 and 1991.

Ah, great! Now if I could only remember '88!
I was doing some extra reading from that "Top 10" list.

While I never would have said this 30 or 20 years ago, Indiana has made interesting strides and I currently recommend it to several of my friends and family in Ohio - and would only suggest that you cast a scouting eye at Indianapolis before fully focusing on Mindynapolis.

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Panterro

I may join you.. doing some research now.

Still doing research? We have multiple Minnesota natives on here to answer any questions.

[PDXnative]

Originally Posted by T.S.

Still doing research? We have multiple Minnesota natives on here to answer any questions.

There are a LOT of Minnesotans here in the Portland area. In fact, a couple of years ago , we even went to a Minnesota party where they had .... Minnesota stuff....

Anyways, it is probably cheap there as everyone is moving away.

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Wyody

Ah, great! Now if I could only remember '88!
I was doing some extra reading from that "Top 10" list.

While I never would have said this 30 or 20 years ago, Indiana has made interesting strides and I currently recommend it to several of my friends and family in Ohio - and would only suggest that you cast a scouting eye at Indianapolis before fully focusing on Mindynapolis.

I checked it out a little bit. Indianapolis has some better housing deals and slightly warmer winters, but the Minneapolis area seems to be ahead for me when it comes to jobs, culture, entertainment, nature, and lower crime. Sports teams in all major leagues except MLS is a plus and would be even better if they do get a MLS franchise in the future. I also have family and friends in MN, so that sways me towards it more too.

[Curious George]

The family would probably like that , your not so far away for them to visit , keeps them from getting lonesome or homesick., depending on how close families are it can be quite an adjustment.

[Wyody]

Yep, I agree. Sounds like you're on the right path, T.S.
And when they start playing tackle-soccer, give me a shout.

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Wyody

Yep, I agree. Sounds like you're on the right path, T.S.
And when they start playing tackle-soccer, give me a shout.

You might like Rugby.

[Wyoming53]

The winters ain't for everybody. But if you can embrace it instead of fight it, you are a jump ahead of most.

It get's cold. I mean cold. But when one figures out that they have a thermostate they can set, along with a "High Priced Vehicle' that comes with a heater, they can survive.

Up here, we don't really think about winter. It's just one of those times that the carharts come out and movement is slower. But we stay warm.

I'm not that familiar with the Twin Cities as far as weather. But I imagine the cold is there. Where I live, 40-50 below zero is ok. Just something you live with. I have a sister down in Minn and she complains when it's below zero. Wimp. We wouldn't be here if below zero was a problem.

But you should be fine in the city. Good luck.

[Curious George]

It was 3 above this morning around 8 , not to bad, I have remote start just point an push , truck is warming up wile I’m getting ready , best investment I ever made! The cities tend to be a tad warmer depending on wear you are , down town all those buildings give of some heat an block the wind some , generally the cold is not as cold or it comes latter in the night . one problem can be when it snows during the night , cars parked all over an the plows trying to get through , the suburbs are better for that then as you park in your gradge or driveway an the plow goes by generally with no cars on the street, but depending on wear you are in the city it can be a day later , emergency routs first an side streets last .

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Wyoming53

The winters ain't for everybody. But if you can embrace it instead of fight it, you are a jump ahead of most.

It get's cold. I mean cold. But when one figures out that they have a thermostate they can set, along with a "High Priced Vehicle' that comes with a heater, they can survive.

Up here, we don't really think about winter. It's just one of those times that the carharts come out and movement is slower. But we stay warm.

I'm not that familiar with the Twin Cities as far as weather. But I imagine the cold is there. Where I live, 40-50 below zero is ok. Just something you live with. I have a sister down in Minn and she complains when it's below zero. Wimp. We wouldn't be here if below zero was a problem.

But you should be fine in the city. Good luck.

It will be no problem for me. I spent 27 years there already before moving away. 40-50 below zero is good snowmobiling or ice fishing weather.

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Curious George

It was 3 above this morning around 8

We have had the air conditioning on for the past 3 days here.

My brother said it was 0 with -21 wind chill in Duluth today.

[Wyoming53]

We don't count wind chill here. Wind chill is computed as a factor of what it feels like on bare skin. CGeorge is the only one that runs around naked so he's the only one that figures wind chill. The rest of us ignore it.

I remember when we built Decker Coal. Christmas day, it was -58 degrees. No wind chill. Just bone cold -58. You know my truck started, but my furnace didn't.

[Curious George]

Originally Posted by T.S.

We have had the air conditioning on for the past 3 days here.

My brother said it was 0 with -21 wind chill in Duluth today.

Down town Duluth can get pretty windy , for those that don’t know Duluth is a city on the south west end of lake superior it sits in a hole with superior, an part of it is built in a hill side to the west , so the winds come off the lake from the north or east , I’m not sure if it ever completely freezes over but around the Duluth superior harbor area it is like a chain of lakes that do freeze. Use to truck on up there every Friday night to race in superior . very beautiful area up there but not a lot going on in the winter except snowmobiling some skiing an hitten the bars.

[Curious George]

Originally Posted by Wyoming53

We don't count wind chill here. Wind chill is computed as a factor of what it feels like on bare skin. CGeorge is the only one that runs around naked so he's the only one that figures wind chill. The rest of us ignore it.

I remember when we built Decker Coal. Christmas day, it was -58 degrees. No wind chill. Just bone cold -58. You know my truck started, but my furnace didn't.

Hay wait a minute there . first off I don’t count the wind chill , I think that came from all those weather man /women we have now days that came from down south.
To them 0 deg an 3” of snow is the end of the world. Heck when I was a kid we had to walk to school , about 9 blocks give or take an we only got a ride when it got around -10/ -15 an back then you needed about 3 ‘ of snow before they ever closed .
an as far as the necked part, I wear boots an underwear.

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by T.S.

You might like Rugby.

I do enjoy Rugby - but can only watch the scrubs.
I enjoy Yankee Football better - 'cause it's a cool mix of speed, agility, talent and smashmouth.
Soccer does have the occasional wreck but there's just way too much field to escape the bad-guys on.

George, just wanted to mention that I escaped a fatal chopper crash by quitting my job two days before the crash (knew it was coming) and rented a cabin up on Silver Bay - fairly near Duluth. Skipping stones on Lake Superior is one fine experience. Spent a couple weeks up there just chillin' (no pun intended ... but accepted) and didn't learn of the crash 'til I went over Michigan way to visit friends.

[Panterro]

Originally Posted by T.S.

Still doing research? We have multiple Minnesota natives on here to answer any questions.

Need a large body of water near by.. maybe a beach. Got anything to tell me?

[Wyoming53]

That's why I don't like chopper rides. Sh-48. 1975, Transmission failure. Got to swim for 5 hours. Didn't learn. Had another in 1985. Rear transmission failure.

Ever seen the glide path of a helo when you have a transmission failure???? Here, just push your coffee cup off the edge of your desk. It has the same glide path. Thank God I knew how to swim. First one was about a mile off of North Island. Second time we crashed was 70 miles out to sea. There's nothing like thinking of the sharks. Having them bump into your legs. In boot camp we learned to blow up our pants. I did that. I was afloat doing really good and then had sharks bump into my legs. There was times that I thought of just dropping down and swallowing water. Then I would think, "Hell no" and do what I could. Pilot was hurt and bleeding. We thought about abandoning him so we could stay out of the blood soaked, shark infested water. Then we'd change our mind and do what we could for him.

Pilot, co, 3 crew memebers, 4 riders. We all made it.

You know, from that point on, I've never went swimming in the ocean.

Originally Posted by Wyody

I do enjoy Rugby - but can only watch the scrubs.
I enjoy Yankee Football better - 'cause it's a cool mix of speed, agility, talent and smashmouth.
Soccer does have the occasional wreck but there's just way too much field to escape the bad-guys on.

George, just wanted to mention that I escaped a fatal chopper crash by quitting my job two days before the crash (knew it was coming) and rented a cabin up on Silver Bay - fairly near Duluth. Skipping stones on Lake Superior is one fine experience. Spent a couple weeks up there just chillin' (no pun intended ... but accepted) and didn't learn of the crash 'til I went over Michigan way to visit friends.

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by Panterro

Need a large body of water near by.. maybe a beach. Got anything to tell me?

I'll start. I spent some time up north. Even wrote "A Fugue for Mr George" up there (no, you never heard of it ... and now I wonder if that George and our George are .... nah).
There are thousands of lakes across Minnesota. Especially in the northern part. Many are tiny, however and not good water and sometimes leach infested. Some are also very salty - and I was using anodes staked into salty ground to do my work with.
However, there are some "nice size" lakes around. Loon Lake, Long Lake, etc.
The ones I saw were mostly "resorted-out" like lakes nearly everywhere have become - fishing-camp motels and the like.
But I never did see one really big - except Lake Superior - and I was disappointed in how calm it was ... placid. Don't know if it's like that near shore full-time.
One thing it was - in every lake and swamp and river I came across - and that was, Cold.
Good luck Pan. I enjoyed Michigan lakes better.

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Panterro

Need a large body of water near by.. maybe a beach. Got anything to tell me?

Lakes are all over. Some big, some small, many have beaches, especially in the metro area. Lake Minnetonka is a nice large one on the west side of the metro area. It is one of my favorite.

You are never really too far away from a lake.

[Panterro]

Naw man.. I am really looking at Galveston as my next home.. the Texas Gulf Coast some place has my number.. I just have to locate it.

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by Panterro