Sometimes You Need an Outsider to Remind You How Great Minneapolis Is

How do outsiders see Minneapolis? It's all about perspective ...by Joe Grunnet

It was one of those perfect Minneapolis summer afternoons. A Wednesday, about 80 degrees, sun out.

I had a 4:30 showing at The Ivy Residences downtown. I got there early, valeted my car at The Ivy and walked down Nicollet Mall for a quick bite.

When I got back, I sat down at the lobby bar for a glass of water before the showing. An older couple was sitting near me, talking about their trip.

"What a great city."

As I got up to leave, I asked where they were from.

"New Jersey."

They asked where I was from. I told them, "Right here."

Then they said, "What a great city."

I laughed. "I know. It's not burning down, right?"

They chuckled, but then they got serious. Based on what they had seen and heard outside Minnesota, they expected Minneapolis to be burned out, unsafe and going downhill.

They said it couldn't have been further from the truth.

They had a great time downtown. They loved the hotels. They spent an afternoon in the North Loop, had drinks on the patio at Monte Carlo and an amazing dinner at Porzana.

Their only complaint was that they didn't stay longer.

That conversation stuck with me.

The story that doesn't get told

Yes, Minneapolis has issues. I'm not going to pretend it doesn't. But every major city in America has issues. That doesn't mean the whole city is falling apart, and it definitely doesn't mean there aren't a lot of great things happening here.

We have some of the best restaurants in the country. We have the lakes, the river, great parks, professional sports, theaters, historic buildings and neighborhoods that keep growing and getting better.

That Wednesday, the North Loop was packed. Nicollet Mall had people walking around. Downtown hotels were full of visitors. People were outside enjoying a beautiful summer day.

That is also the story of Minneapolis. It just doesn't get told nearly as often.

Proud to sell it

I have lived and worked in Minneapolis for most of my adult life. I have built my business here for 20 years, raised my family here and spent my career helping people buy, sell and rent homes here.

I know the city isn't perfect. I also know it is nowhere near the place some people make it out to be.

Sometimes it takes a couple from New Jersey to remind you how good we really have it.

I'm proud to promote Minneapolis, proud to sell it and proud to be part of it every day.

Thinking about downtown living?

Condos, lofts and townhomes in the North Loop, Mill District and across downtown Minneapolis. Let's talk.

Joe Grunnet
Broker and Owner, DRG Minneapolis
Joe@DRGMpls.com  |  612-244-6613