Authentic Minneapolis: An Insider's Guide to Renting in the City of Lakes

Hello from the Twin Cities! I’m Stephanie — your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Minneapolis. I’m here to give you the inside scoop on this frigid, yet fascinating city.

Minneapolis may not be the state capital, but it is Minnesota's economic, cultural, and academic powerhouse, home to a world-class university, major employers, and lakes so beautiful, they'll take your breath away...or, at least, the cold air will.

Yes, the weather is a common topic here, but it's not all bad. In fact, we Minnesotans are proud of our hearty heritage and quick to embrace the cold, even as we complain about it. There's so much more to Minneapolis than the weather, though, and I'm excited to show you all that the western side of the Twin Cities has to offer.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Minneapolis

Current Pricing for Minneapolis Homes and Condos for Rent 

Popular Minneapolis Neighborhoods

From historic, lakeside communities to bustling art districts and, of course, exciting downtown areas, Minneapolis offers neighborhoods to satisfy all kinds of residents.

Here's what to know about the most popular affordable neighborhoods to rent apartments in Minneapolis:

The Warehouse District is arguably the trendiest spot in town, best distinguished by its large-windowed brick buildings, offering a definite nod towards the neighborhood's industrial history.

Nearby, Northeast draws the city's most creative residents, coming alive each spring with the beloved Art-a-Whirl but also attracting year-round hustle and bustle with the coziest breweries and coffee shops in town.

Nearby, St. Anthony Main captures the romance of the riverfront with historic structures and quaint cobblestone roads. A buzzier energy can be expected near the University of Minnesota, where Dinkytown captures the best of college life.

For lake enthusiasts, nothing beats lazy summer days in the quaint neighborhood of Linden Hills, which promises scientific insights within the underrated Bakken Museum, plus easy access to Lake Harriet. Lyn-Lake has plenty of lakeside appeal but adds nightlife excitement — not just sophisticated bars, but also arcade games and indie movies.

In Howe and Hiawatha, cute bungalows dominate, with most in easy walking distance of the captivating Minnehaha Falls. The Winchell Trail and West River Parkway stretch along the river, beckoning for a stroll.

A Brief History of Minneapolis

The present-day Twin Cities have long sparked awe due to the sheer majesty of the Mississippi. Long known by the Dakota as Owamniyomni, the iconic falls were later referred to as the Falls of St. Anthony, visited and named by Father Louis Hennepin. Tourists were soon drawn to the falls, which, soon after, sparked the rapid growth of the lumber industry.

Incorporated as a village in 1856, Minneapolis quickly became not only a lumber powerhouse, but also, the center of the flour milling industry. Massive mills popped up along the river, and, by 1880, Minneapolis was known as the Flour Milling Capital of the World. These mills sparked an incredible population boom, with the city reaching 165,000 by the turn of the century.

Growth eventually slowed, but the flour industry continued to leave its mark. Supporting industries grew alongside the flour business, and eventually, creative marketing initiatives did as well. Betty Crocker capitalized on the collective desire for low-effort baking, using a made-up persona to add warmth to a groundbreaking marketing campaign. This was followed by many other local marketing successes — including several notable campaigns from local legend Carmichael Lynch.

The mid and late 20th century saw an explosion of art in the Twin Cities, including the founding of the Guthrie Theater in 1963 and the opening of the Walker's sculpture garden in 1988. In 1996, Art-a-Whirl cemented the creative status of the Northeast neighborhood. During this time, First Ave shaped the city's musical identity, even becoming Prince's go-to venue.

Things have definitely changed through the years, but natural beauty and an appreciation for the arts continue to link the diverse residents who call Minneapolis home. This unique history isn't limited to local museums; it's evident with every casual stroll along tree-lined streets and whenever you set foot in local shops or restaurants. In these moments, Minnesota's long-held warmth and personality shine through.

Getting Around Minneapolis

Compared to other cities of its size, Minneapolis is reasonably driveable — yes, even in the winter. The snowplows are reliable and do a great job of clearing away the snow after blizzards dump on the city. Locals perennially complain about resistance to the zipper merge, but, all things considered, the average commute is reasonably short and often, stress-free.

Still, many residents prefer to skip the traffic and instead take advantage of public transit — especially the light rail, which provides easy connections to St. Paul and even the Mall of America. Bus routes link all corners of the city with express buses reaching some suburbs.

In a pinch, ridesharing should get the job done. Drivers are available at most hours and in most parts of the city, so finding a ride shouldn't be a problem. Carsharing is also a possibility, with unique services like Evie and HOURCAR making it possible to reserve a vehicle at your convenience.

When the weather cooperates, it's best to get around on two wheels. Minneapolis is consistently ranked among the nation's most bikeable cities, and, whether for fun or for commuting, trails like the Midtown Greenway make transport both easy and scenic. The city is also reasonably walkable, although this can vary greatly from one neighborhood to the next.

 A (Not-So-Touristy) Guide to Minneapolis Essentials

Even if you've never set foot in Minnesota, you've likely heard of the Mall of America or even the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. There's so much more to discover in the Twin Cities, however, and, while some touristy destinations are worth exploring, it takes a little extra digging to truly grasp this city's quirky culture.

The Spoonbridge is definitely on the must-visit tourist list, but it's beloved by many locals — and really, it's just one of many awe-inspiring sculptures you'll find outside the remarkable Walker Museum. Inside, you'll find thought-provoking contemporary art within galleries that draw attention to emerging creatives.

For a cost-effective alternative, head to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to examine great works, free of charge. This is one of my favorite stops on a cold winter day, and, while I love the paintings and ceramics, I'm especially fond of the onsite cafe. The Weisman Art Museum is also free to visit and worth a stop, if nothing else, for its eye-catching architecture.

History buffs may prefer the Mill City Museum, which details the area's fascinating flour milling history. It promises a poignant punch, in part, because it's situated in the ruins of a flour mill — once the largest in the world. For a memorable trip back in time, climb aboard the Flour Tower and ascend eight floors. The views on the observation deck are only rivaled by those at the Guthrie — stunning river vistas from within the theater's amber glass box.

As you make your way through Mill Ruins Park, take a moment to gaze at the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, or, better yet, cross it to enjoy a mesmerizing view of St. Anthony Falls. It's a true engineering landmark, not to mention, a clear link between the city's east and west neighborhoods.

Of course, any time spent near a Minnesota body of water is worthwhile, and, while this will be most pleasant during the summer, winter brings its own unique appeal. Minnesotans embrace the cold, taking to the ice on Lake Harriet for the annual Art Shanty projects, which reward hardy visitors with mesmerizing artistic displays and flying kites. In the summer, Lake Harriet hosts concerts at its whimsical bandshell.

For sanctuary within the heart of the city, visit the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden — the nation's oldest public wildflower garden. Nestled within the lovely Theodore Wirth Regional Park, this is a true birdwatching oasis. In the winter, Theodore Wirth is a recreational wonderland. Skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking...there are always opportunities for keeping active on bold days.

On the hunt for something a bit cozier? Stick with the city's cutest libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops. The Pierre Bottineau Library is an architectural marvel, but also, a great place to curl up with your favorite book. Magers & Quinn is a definite staple among local bookworms, although those with small children will be drawn to the wonderfully whimsical Wild Rumpus.

 A (Hotdish-Free) Taste of Minneapolis

Any tour of Minneapolis neighborhoods is bound to work up an appetite, but thankfully, there's always a delicious meal around the corner. The local culinary scene tends to feel cozy, casual, and welcoming, but with hints of global flair that keep things interesting. Keep in mind that, while Minnesota's tater tot hotdish has something of a cult following, there's far more to Twin Cities dining. I've always found the hotdish hype a bit overblown, but I love exploring other local specialties.

If you're intrigued by tourist staples, the Juicy Lucy should top your local dining itinerary. It oozes with cheese, which is built right into the patty. Many restaurants claim the Juicy Lucy, but you can't go wrong with a burger from Matt's Bar or the 5-8 Club. I think the Blue Door actually offers the best Juicy Lucy, but opinions vary and there's nothing wrong with trying all three.

Minneapolis might not live up to Chicago or Detroit's esteemed pizza reputations, but this scene is definitely underrated. From the uniquely-shaped pies at Football Pizza to the coal-fired wonders at Black Sheep, there really is something for everyone. I'm partial to Pizza Luce, but Parkway in Longfellow deserves a visit, if nothing else, for its quirky interior.

The brewery scene also warrants attention, with many craft breweries offering not only incredible beers, but also, serving solid appetizers or enjoying frequent visits from the area's top food trucks. Local icons include Fulton, Indeed, and Inbound, but personality-filled destinations like La Doña Cervecería and Bauhaus Brew Labs both have a loyal following. I'm not big on beer but can nearly always find a cider or a seltzer on tap, so local breweries continue to top my date night itineraries.

Another argument for hitting up the city's many breweries? They offer the best sense of the local culture, providing a place to relax, chat with locals, or even play board games. If nothing else, their importance should be evident based on the sheer prominence of the iconic Grain Belt sign.

For fine dining, you can't beat Demi or Spoon & Stable in the North Loop, although Alma — right across the river — has a solid reputation. Explore indigenous cuisine at Owamni by The Sioux Chef, where you'll enjoy yucca fries, bison ribeye, or even roasted crickets.

With many dining establishments, the food is just a small part of the experience. The view is often just as exquisite — especially at Sea Salt, which overlooks Minnehaha Falls. Bread & Pickle promises waterfront views at Lake Harriet while the Laotian wonder Gai Noi provides a lovely view of Loring Park.

Patio season is a big deal in Minneapolis, especially after surviving the worst of winter. Hot spots like Sea Salt and Bread & Pickle are strictly seasonal, but heated patios encourage locals to embrace outdoor dining throughout the year. Centro's colorful patio is always appealing, as is the spacious garden atrium at The Butcher's Tale.

An Urban Take on Minnesota Nice

Minnesota Nice can be a complicated topic. Minnesotans are polite but not necessarily hospitable — and believe it or not, that can be a real strength. Smiles and warm greetings can be expected, however, and, as you get to know Minnesotans, you'll discover that deep bonds are well within reach. This is especially true in Minneapolis, where you'll make connections with residents from all walks of life.

Ultimately, it's a matter of putting yourself out there and getting active in the community. Embrace the cold, the creativity, and the quirks that make Minneapolis feel special. Before you know it, you'll be a fixture of the community, surrounded by friendly neighbors who come to feel like family. I've seen transplants make friends quickly and I've seen lifelong residents keep to themselves, so I'm convinced that Minneapolis is what you make of it.

Moving Forward in the City of Lakes

Minneapolis residents are well-acquainted with the City of Lakes nickname and even feel proud of the natural beauty and outdoorsy culture it conveys. Less familiar to locals? The concept of "En Avant," which is actually the motto on the city's official seal. Honoring the city's French heritage, the phrase means "forward," which also feels apropos to the Minneapolis outlook.

Moving forward means different things to different residents. It's the gentle spring breeze that brings relief after a long, cold winter — or the sense of hope local sports fans feel at the start of a new season, even after years or playoff disasters. It's in the drive to improve the small details that make all the difference: adding Little Free Libraries on practically every corner, planting community gardens, or using colorful murals to transform blank walls into inspiring works of art.

Despite the cold temperatures, there's a lot to love about Minneapolis. Residents are more than willing to put up with a little wind and snow to score those perfect summer lakeside afternoons and gorgeous fall colors — and the creative community only adds to the appeal. Spend a little time in Minneapolis, and you'll come to realize that minor annoyances can be reframed as opportunities to find hidden joy. Moving forward really is the Minneapolis way.