Minneapolis, MN Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Minneapolis, MN: What You Need to Know

Minneapolis and St. Paul are so close to each other that they’re known as the Twin Cities, but only Minneapolis can claim legendary musician Prince as its native son.

Minneapolis’ Climate

Residents sometimes joke that there are six months of winter in Minneapolis. Indeed, winters can be harsh with an average snowfall of 52 inches per year versus the U.S. average of 28 inches. Minneapolis gets only 198 sunny days annually, compared with the national average of 205 sunny days. The average summer high is around 84°F and the average winter low is 7°F.

The Cost of Living in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a midsize city (population: 429,606) that’s relatively expensive to live in. Its cost of living is 12.7% higher than the national average, plus Minnesota’s tax rates are among the highest in the U.S. State income tax rate ranges from 5.35% to 9.85% while sales tax rate ranges from 6.875% to 8.875%. Looking at the positive, food and transportation costs are 3.7% and 5.3% lower than the national average, respectively. Median gross rent in Minneapolis is $985 while median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,189.

Know Your Neighborhoods

About 51,000 people live in downtown Minneapolis. North Loop is the most popular downtown neighborhood where residents enjoy a full-fledged “live-work-play” lifestyle. It’s close to businesses with easy access to shops and entertainment. Elliot Park, in downtown’s southeast corner, is being developed and expected to see growth in the near future. Those who want the serenity of the suburbs are attracted to Lakeville and Delano for their affordable housing and great schools. Delano is also popular for its local events and access to Crow River for great fishing. 

The Local Sports Scene

Minnesota’s professional sports teams are all named after the state to keep the peace between the Twin Cities, but these teams play their home games in Minneapolis: Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), and Minnesota Lynx (WNBA). The Minnesota Wild (NHL) plays in St. Paul. The Twins have won two World Series titles, the Vikings one NFL championship, and the Lynx four WNBA championships. 

Getting Around in Minneapolis

Public transportation in the Twin Cities runs on the same fare system for a smooth commute. Metropass offers discounted and unlimited access to buses and trains. Travel from the city into the suburbs and vice versa is easy with the Northstar Commuter Rail Line, which runs from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis. The METRO Blue Line (light rail train) provides service between the Mall of America/MSP Airport and downtown Minneapolis, while the METRO Green Line connects downtown Saint Paul with the University of Minnesota East Bank campus and downtown Minneapolis. The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, only 13 miles away from Minneapolis.