Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one-half of the famous twin cities and among the most gay-friendly cities in the United States. But it’s home to more than just beautiful lakes and delightfully messy hamburgers (we’re looking at you, Juicy Lucy!).
This Mississippi River hub has one of the most progressive LGBTQ communities in the upper Midwest. Boasting vibrant neighborhoods, eclectic nightlife, and great food and entertainment, there’s a lot that makes Minneapolis the perfect place to call home.
A Brief History of Minneapolis
Originally home to the Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples, Minneapolis was settled by French fur traders in the 1600s. The United States eventually purchased the land and, in 1819, built Fort Snelling military post to defend the territory.
The dense forests surrounding the fort and its proximity to the Mississippi River attracted a booming sawmill business. Settlers arrived in droves, establishing the township of St. Anthony on the east side of the river and Minneapolis on the west side.
Minneapolis was incorporated as a city in 1867, later absorbing St. Anthony in 1872. Thanks to St. Anthony Falls, the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi River, flour mills replaced sawmills and the city was known as the “flour-milling capital of the world” from 1880 to 1930.
Today, Minneapolis is a thriving metropolis home to a diverse population intent on preserving the city’s history.
Key Facts and Figures
Minneapolis stands because of its strategic location and vibrant population—plus, it’s a welcoming and inclusive city for the LGBTQ+ community.
Proximity to Major Cities
Minneapolis is conveniently located just 9 miles from St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota.
It's also 230 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, and 409 miles from Chicago, making it a central hub in the region.
Population Insights
Minneapolis boasts a vibrant population of approximately 420,000 residents, outpacing its sister city, St. Paul, which has just over 311,000 residents.
LGBTQ+ Community:
According to recent available census data, Minnesota is home to nearly 10,000 same-sex couple households, reflecting the state's diverse and inclusive community.
Ever-Vibrant LGBTQ Community of the Twin Cities
Minneapolis has a long history of gay rights and LGBTQ+ activism; its current inclusivity is built on a past full of historic wins. In the 1970s, it was the third city in the United States to prohibit housing or employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 1975, it was the first US city to pass a non-discrimination ordinance. In 2013, the state of Minnesota legalized same-sex marriage, solidifying it as one of the most gay-friendly states.
Support for the LGBTQ+ community runs deep in Minneapolis. OutFront Minnesota, the state’s largest organization that fights for LGBTQ+ justice and equity, was founded in 1987 and has been instrumental in passing legislation protecting gay and trans rights. To provide queer and trans youth access to much-needed mental health services, the Twin Cities non-profit organization RECLAIM started in the early 2000s.
Today, 4.2% of the Twin Cities population, about 112,000 people, identify as LGBTQ+.
LGBTQ Events in Minneapolis
Residents of Minneapolis take advantage of the outdoors year-round, but the city ramps up its LGBTQ+ activities during the warmer months.
Minneapolis hosts one of the largest free Pride festivals in the country every June, attracting almost 400,000 people to the 2-day event. It features 400 vendors, four music stages, 40 food stalls, the Twin Cities Pride Parade, and a fireworks show.
The Pride festival may be just one weekend, but the entire month of June is dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ people in Minneapolis. Pride Beer Dabbler combines Pride and one of Minneapolis’ other major draws: its craft breweries. There are also plenty of family activities, drag shows, and smaller Pride parades throughout the Twin Cities.
Come July, the GALA Choruses Festival attracts around 7,000 LGBTQ+ singers from choruses around the world. They gather in Minneapolis for a five-day festival of singing, workshops, events, and more.
For year-round celebrations of the gay and trans community in Minneapolis, Flip Phone Events hosts regular drag brunches, shows, and parties throughout the city. From suitable-for-all-ages to don’t-bring-the-kids, there’s something for everyone!
How About the Nightlife?
Minneapolis is home to many bars, dance clubs, theaters, and venues celebrating gay culture. A Bar Of Her Own is one of the hottest spots in town. This lesbian sports bar has been a huge hit since it opened its doors and continues to be one of the most popular spots in town. If you’re searching for an inclusive place to hang out, add this establishment to your list of places to visit.
The Black Hart
The Black Hart of St. Paul opened in 2018 in the space occupied by the former Town House Bar. Just down the way from Allianz Field, The Black Hart is a fantastic venue that calls itself the “spiritual home for soccer in the Twin Cities.” Even if you aren’t a soccer fan, you can enjoy the bar’s fun drag shows, karaoke, and bingo.
The Gay 90’s
Long known as a safe space for queer and trans people throughout the state, The Gay 90’s is a quintessential Minneapolis bastion for gay culture. It’s home to drag shows, concerts on their circular stage, and an impressive meal menu.
Penumbra Theatre
If bars aren’t your thing or you’re interested in a different type of nightlife entertainment, check out Penumbra Theatre. Home to Minnesota’s only professional African-American theater company, Penumbra's productions focus on racial healing and equity. The company welcomes people of all backgrounds to experience its shows.
Nicollet Diner
Craving something hearty to finish up your night out? Check out Nicollet Diner, a queer-owned restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. This Minneapolis staple is one of the most popular 24-hour eateries in the city, and it serves true American diner-style food.
The Best Gayborhoods in the City
Whether you want the activity of a busy downtown or the tree-lined streets of a quieter community, Minneapolis has a neighborhood for you!
Loring Park
This downtown neighborhood in Minneapolis shares its name with the actual Loring Park at its center. Here, you can celebrate the history of gay people in the city. Home of Twin Cities Pride and the end-point of the annual Pride parade, Loring Park is perfect for those drawn to modern condos and apartments nearby to a quaint city park and lake. The neighborhood boasts an extensive park system, fantastic restaurants, and opportunities for biking and hiking.
Powderhorn Park
Three miles south of downtown, Powderhorn Park is another of the city’s many neighborhoods known for having a large park at its center. Also home to Powderhorn Lake, this neighborhood is the site of the annual Powderhorn Arts Festival and the May Day Festival. The neighborhood includes single-family homes, apartments, and duplexes. With one of the most diverse populations in Minneapolis, Powderhorn Park is a favorite neighborhood for LGBTQ+ residents.
Uptown
Unsurprisingly, the neighborhood immortalized by the famous Prince song (written for and about the artist’s hometown) is a bustling, hip place to call home. Nestled on the shore of Lake Bde Maka Ska, Uptown is filled with quaint bistros like French Meadow Cafe, vintage clothing stores, and historic buildings. Every August, the community hosts the Uptown Art Fair, and recently, the unique and charming Uptown Dog Fair in October has attracted dog lovers throughout the city.
Northeast Minneapolis
Named the city’s gayest neighborhood, Northeast Minneapolis is one of the newer LGBTQ+ areas, drawing residents in with affordable homes. Northeast has a thriving arts district with galleries and outdoor art installations, many queer-owned businesses like Wild Things Antiques, and diverse eateries. This is a welcoming community for the city’s growing gay population.
Highlights of Moving to Minneapolis
A Cold Weather Destination
If cold and snow is the life for you, Minneapolis may be your dream city. Winters can get brutally cold, with an average January high of 22 degrees. The city’s many lakes often freeze over for months, and residents can ice skate, ski, and ice fish.
People who aren’t as enthusiastic about the arctic blast can use the famous Skyway System, made up of enclosed sky bridges that connect buildings throughout the city. The Skyway System is actually the largest continuous second-story bridges not just in America, but in the world.
Plenty of Summer Sun
Despite the extreme winters, residents can take advantage of Minneapolis’s extensive parks during the mild, humid summers. Minneapolis has one of the country’s best-maintained park systems, including hiking trails, cycling paths, many lakes, and plenty of places for a picnic. Summer months are chock-full of tours at Longfellow Gardens, activities at Minnehaha Falls, and outdoor dining at the city’s huge selection of restaurants.
Easy to Get Around Town
Another benefit to living in Minneapolis is the well-developed public transit system. There’s an extensive light rail and bus system, so you may not even need your car to live in this city comfortably. Transportation costs about $2.50 for a one-way ticket and $90 for a monthly pass.
Impressive Purchasing Power
The cost of living in Minneapolis is comparable to smaller metropolitan areas in the Midwest. Before rent, the average monthly expenses for a single person are $1,196, and for a family of four, they are $4,327. Essential utilities, including electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage, are approximately $168 monthly for a 915-square-foot apartment.
A Thriving Job Market
Employment opportunities abound in Minneapolis, with The Mayo Clinic, Target, Cargill, and United Health Group among the city’s largest employers. The city is also home to other Fortune 500 companies, the University of Minnesota, and various colleges. The city has a large, well-educated workforce with an average monthly salary of $4,604.
The State of the Real Estate
Minneapolis’ housing market is similar to the current state of housing throughout the country. According to Redfin, home prices have increased by 7.1% since 2023, with the average home selling for about $360k after 20 days on the market and receiving about 3 offers. It’s a competitive market, with 46.1% of houses selling above asking.
The average rent in Minneapolis is $1,304 per month, which is about 12% less than the US average. While renting is an option, particularly in one of the many apartment buildings in up-and-coming areas, Minnesota is one of the best states to buy a house in a gay community.
Homeownership
Those interested in buying a home in Minneapolis should know that although the market is extremely competitive, it’s slightly easier to buy houses in Minneapolis than nearby areas. Home prices here follow the same trajectory as the United States, but Minneapolis’s average home price is 17% less than the US average.
Renting is cheaper than buying a home in Minneapolis, with the 2023 average rental price for a single-family home just $2,381 a month. That same home would have a monthly mortgage of $2,852.
However, buying may still be a better choice in many cases than renting. Homeowners receive tax breaks and build up equity, whereas renters may only see increasing monthly rent through the years without the benefits of owning a home.
Houses require a significant upfront investment. However, we understand that. That’s why our experts can help you enjoy lower minimum down payments. Our lenders can match you up with programs like the 3.5% down payment loan program for well-qualified buyers or a 5% down payment loan. It’s important to understand that even though homeowners often expect to put at least 20% down to avoid mortgage insurance, our lenders will work with you to help you find a solution that meets your needs
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The City of Minneapolis provides up to $20,000, 30-year deferred mortgage financing to eligible buyers based on their household income. Additionally, statewide programs can offer $18,000 in deferred loans for any buyer or up to $53,000 for first-time homebuyers depending on eligibility. Pride Lending works with a variety of national down payment assistance programs as well.
Before launching an in-depth home search, contact Pride Lending so you’re prepared to make an offer when you find the perfect place in your ideal neighborhood.
Investing in Real Estate
Buyers looking at investment properties in Minneapolis should know that economic growth and city revitalization make this city the perfect candidate. The retail sector is thriving even though many businesses prefer to lease smaller spaces to avoid higher rent costs.
Investors can take advantage of the 3% growth rate in retail rentals with an average lease rate of $16 per square foot per year. The growth in the retail sector is stronger than in the office building sector. Post-pandemic work-from-home numbers are still keeping office spaces open and rental rates low.
Minneapolis's vital economy and active gay-friendly community make investing in Airbnb properties another lucrative option. Loring Park, a community that sees an uptick in tourism during Pride, had an occupancy rate of 71% during 2023 and an average annual revenue of $36,672 for a two-bedroom, two-bath rental. Uptown is even stronger, with a 77% occupancy rate and an average revenue of $38,412 for the same home size.
Start Your Minneapolis Home Search Today
With its rich history and growing gay community, Minneapolis has a lot to offer. At Pride Lending, we’re excited to help you begin your search for your dream home in one of the country’s most gay-friendly cities!
Pride Lending is a fierce advocate for marginalized buyers; all of our staff are allies or members of the LGBTQ+ or BIPOC communities. We aim to help everyone, no matter their race, sexuality, or gender, afford their dream of homeownership. We’ll match you to the right programs for your needs and help you every step of the way, ensuring you’re always supported throughout your mortgage journey.
Before you start searching for your next home or investment, start with our free and easy pre-approval process, available right from our website. This is the first step to discovering which loan options are available for your circumstances. From there, we’ll compare mortgage rates and terms and find the home loan that’s best for you. You can easily reach us at Andrew@pridelending.com or 727-591-7909.