Why Minneapolis Ranks Among the World's Happiest Cities

Outdoor Living,” said Gordon in an email.
With its strong ties to Scandinavia, as well as cultural and environmental commonalities with the top-ranking Nordic countries, Minneapolis fits that profile. Minnesota is home to more Norwegians, Finns and Swedes than outside of Europe. This heritage of its Nordic roots informs the city’s culture and values to this day. People in the region are used to the long winters and warm summers, and they generally say they believe that the four changing seasons make them happier.

The region is sunny for many days of the year, a big plus for outdoor activities, said Steven Rothberg, a resident since 1988. Minneapolis has become one of the country's most bike-friendly cities, promoting fitness and wellness. The city has 21 miles of protected bike lanes and 106 miles of off-street trails, most notably the 51-mile Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, which connects neighborhoods with the Mississippi River and Chain of Lakes.

Converted rail-to-trails track routing makes it simple to get around this city safely by bike — a fact Rothberg takes advantage of nearly every day.

Minneapolis routinely posts among the highest rates of bike-commuting and more than two-thirds of its residents ride bikes for travel, school or errands.

Parks, Schools and Local Pride
Minneapolis received solid marks on environmental measures like access to green space, pollution and sustainability efforts, too, according to the Happy Cities Index. The city has 22 lakes and 180 public parks — nature is never out of reach. Local photographer Kristine Barron knows this firsthand, often striking a pose in scenic locations like Minnehaha Falls or Lake Harriet. She also praised the city of caring about community health with the support of libraries, trails and recreation centers.

Minneapolis ranked fourth globally for its economy, thanks to innovation, balanced cost of living and a focus on education. Almost 25 percent of residents have a master’s degree, and one in five speaks more than one language. "It's not unfriendly, people there are very welcoming of everyone, no matter your background, and make you feel at home," says Kristen Montag, a communications manager from nearby St. Paul. Resilient, hardworking and a community ‘like no other’ Barron adds that Minneapolis’s residents are resilient and community-oriented.

On the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, the city holds the Rise & Remember Festival, a series of events to foster healing through art and activism. This creative energy percolates in every season. Concerts, street festivals and patio dining are in full swing in the summer. Winters offer sauna culture, cross-country skiing and coziness in cafés as well as events like the Winter Beer Dabbler. Spring and autumn also have pretty colors and outdoor charm.

Special Food & Culture and Local Favorites
Local residents suggest starting at the Stone Arch Bridge to get a wide view of the skyline and riverfront, particularly at sunset. It’s one of the favorite photography locations for Barron, and she enjoys the way its strong vibe reflects the spirit of the city.

Minneapolis also glimmers with its food culture. Owamni, a Native American restaurant and 2022 James Beard Award winner, serves a menu in the “decolonized” vein: ingredients like wheat, dairy and cane sugar are kept off the plate. Dishes like bison ribeye and huckleberry-cured salmon honor Native American culinary traditions.

You can’t visit and not taste the “Jucy Lucy,” a cheeseburger with melted cheese inside the patty. Both Matt’s Bar and 5-8 Club Tavern & Grill lay claim to its invention.

Though the Mall of America, which features over 580 stores and an amusement park at its center, is a magnet for tourists, residents recommend avoiding it to go for something a little less ordinary (think: the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden). With more than 60 works of art (including the beloved Spoonbridge & Cherry), it provides all sorts of photo opps. The Walker Art Center is here too, offering contemporary exhibitions and no-charge admission on Thursday nights.

“The city is a powerhouse for mentors, people who show up and mentor you in a way that’s profound,” Barron says, “and the strength of the city is in the creative and the small joys of life.” From art and music to nature and inclusiveness, it’s another sign that Minneapolis is developing a reputation as a happy, thriving place to be.