Which city would you rather live in?

[Mr. Illini]

The "city by the lake" is the obvious choice for me, how about for you?

Minneapolis is a great city, but its culture, its festivals, its neighborhoods, it food, don't compare to Chicago's in my opinion.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Minneapolis by a mile. I love cold weather. Like super cold weather.

[Goldwater]

Neither (not a winter loving commie)

[Gass3268]

Very close, but there is more to do in Chicago.

[Miles]

Very close, but there is more to do in Chicago.

[traininthedistance]

Very close, but there is more to do in Chicago.

[muon2]

I have lived in both for significant periods of time as well as in a few other places around the country. My experience based on many cities is that there is a threshold of activities (restaurants, shows, shopping, etc.) such that once the threshold is reached in a metro area, going over and above that does add a lot to the quality of life. There's only so much one can take in with one's leisure time, so the raw number isn't going to make that much difference once one is over that threshold. Both Chicago and the Twin Cities are over that threshold.

That said, I like them both. A lot. But if you don't mind the tough winters, the Twin Cities are probably going to be more attractive overall. The activity issue is a wash unless you do nothing in life but visit a particular class of attractions and need to always try something different.  However, getting around the Twin Cities is much easier than in Chicago, so it's generally easier to get to an place of interest. Both feature diverse corporate and small business opportunities for work, though demand for workers is higher in the Twin Cities right now, so finding work should be easier than in Chicago.

OTOH, if a long cold winter where the snow that falls around Thanksgiving is often still around in March is not your cup of tea, then Chicago is an excellent choice. It is the global city of the Midwest and the transportation hub of the nation. There's little that one can't find in Chicagoland except predictable weather.

[TDAS04]

Minneapolis/St. Paul (though I am looking forward to my trip to Chicago next week).

[Rockefeller GOP]

Very tough choice, voted Chicago.

[DC Al Fine]

Twin Cities because they're somewhat smaller and their economy is a bit better

[Knives]

Isn't violence in Chicago a big issue?

[Mr. Illini]

Isn't violence in Chicago a big issue?

It is, but there are also many incredibly safe areas.

[pendragon]

Chicago, but it would have to be a very good job to convince me to move there.

[Clarko95 📚💰📈]

Isn't violence in Chicago a big issue?

It is, but there are also many incredibly safe areas.

It's a concern only if you're in a gang or in the few bad neighborhoods on the South and West sides. Crime and violence in Chicago is overrated. It's not like random people are randomly getting gunned down everywhere. It's just like any other city: bad parts, and don't go down dark alleys at night.

Chicago trumps the Twin Cities for me. More to do, more diverse, global city, larger but not NYC/LA insane, better weather, you name it. I will always pick the Second City.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the whole world, and I used to have relatives there.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are in the state that elected Jesse Ventura as governor and where Stuart Smalley stole a Senate election.  So yeah, pretty easy to guess my vote.

[Kushahontas]

Twin Cities.

[CountyTy90]

I grew up an hour and a half outside Chicago in a small town, so going to the city every year was a treat. I love Chicago. Yeah it's got it's bad parts, what city doesn't? I think the Chicago skyline is the best out there. I would argue that with anyone. Put the Sears Tower, Hancock Center, etc. behind the bright blue waters of Lake Michigan and I don't think you find a better skyline anywhere truly.

That being said, plop me in the Twin Cities right now. I like the climate there more than Chicago's and it's smaller and seems easier to navigate and live. Chicagoland interstates are confusing AF simply because of the metro area's massive size and I've been driving them for years and still get nervous going "up there", but I don't get that feeling when I drive around the Cities. Also the economy seems better for a recent college grad like myself.

Now let's look at the states. Where would you rather live? Umm... not Illinois. I'd pick Minnesota over this state any day of the week. People are nice, standard of living is higher, climate is better, politicians are better... need I go on?

I've been counting the days until I can move to Minnesota! #FaveStateEver

[SNJ1985]

Neither, since I don't like cities; but if I absolutely had to choose, the Twin Cities.