I moved from Milwaukee to Minneapolis in May, 2020 - during the peak of Covid and immediately before the murder of George Floyd. I would say the first 18 months were a honeymoon period, and the next 18 months were the reality.
Minneapolis offers an increase in economic opportunity without too much of an increase in cost of living. When comparing median household income and median home prices, my standard of living increased. I had major gains in walkability and modest gains in transit, although the city is still more car dependent than places like Chicago, and infrastructure prioritizes bicycles over pedestrians. Bikes are untouchable here, whether you like it or not.
Minneapolis lakefronts and riverfronts are public here, but I do miss having Lake Michigan instead of the Mississippi River.
Weather is slightly more unfavorable, I had winter in Milwaukee, but more light fluffy snow and less hard pack icy snow.
Milwaukee doesn’t wait until the snowfall ends to start plowing, and has modernized its highways to eliminate virtually all cloverleafs and most left exits.
Milwaukee drivers are more aggressive, Minneapolis drivers are more clueless and lack situational awareness, which can be equally unsafe.
The tipping point was moving from my apartment and buying my condo. Hell hath no fury like a Minnesota HOA. I rarely had any issues with my Milwaukee HOA, other than the occasional off leash dog. My Minnesota HOA is a major conflict of interest, gaslighting owners into thinking that it’s normal to contract services to themselves and transfer money into their personal accounts as compensation.
I made a point to welcome new neighbors into the building after me, but the biggest sacrifice was a sense of community.
Milwaukee is a very friendly and welcoming city. Minneapolis is very cliquey and insular.
My metaphor for the two is that Milwaukee is the coworker who never stopped drinking like they were in college, but they’re fun and everyone likes them. Minneapolis is the coworker with the good resume, but you would never want to invite them to happy hour.
I think since Milwaukee is an underrated city, we have a thicker skin about criticism, because we know our hometown is a best kept secret. I think since Minneapolis is an overrated city, they have a thinner skin about criticism, since they know they aren’t Austin, Portland, or Seattle.
If you are looking for an affordable city with friendly people, great freshwater resources, and comfortable summers with milder winters than Minneapolis, Milwaukee is your friend. :)