Saint Paul People

There was a work event last night that I skipped-out on, passing on the opportunity to win one of the newest BlackBerrys, all because it was held at some swanky club in the Warehouse District of Minneapolis.  "Warehouse District" being the trend-setter's way of giving credence to partying in a downtown area that used to be industrial and worn down, but is now modern-ish and hip...kind of like Manhattan's Meat Packing District.

It made me think of something a cousin said at our wedding reception in Utah.  Jenne and I were told that we, "seem more like Saint Paul people".  

To which both of us quickly responded, "Thank you!"

I never knew the wonders of Saint Paul before a couple of years ago and I don't hold anything against Minneapolis (if anything, its existence keeps Saint Paul how it is), but if they are twin cities, they are fraternal twins who grew up in different households...like The Parent Trap.

As a comparison, here are my two takes on Minneapolis/Saint Paul.  I'll try to be fair.

Minneapolis

Downtown–If you have a lot of money, want to look like you have a lot of money, or are in your early-20s and hope that you'll someday make a lot of money, you hang out here.  If you work here you get the hell out as soon as possible if you know what's good for you.  If you want to be "seen" you go to bars and clubs Downtown or in the Warehouse District.  

Northeast–If you are now, or recently were, a student at the U of M you hang out here.  Of course, if you are around the age of 30 and know better than you used to but you're still "hip", you've crossed the river and you hang out and possibly live here.  Some of my favorite restaurants are here.

Uptown–Artists, students, hippies, punks and dog owners live here.  The community is pretty young and hip, but also sometimes very hipster.  Many theaters, galleries and museums are in or near Uptown.  Uptown borders the lakes-area of Minneapolis so there is a constant influx of money but it does carry a lot of spill-over of youth from Downtown and Northeast too.

South Minneapolis–Pretty much an inner-ring suburb.  Aside from pockets of "bad neighborhoods" the most livable area in Minneapolis for this old curmudgeon.  Most of the lakes in the city are here creating more peaceful, park-like neighborhoods.  If you have a lot of money you can live on a lake or across the street from it while still living an urban existence.  It's still Minneapolis but mostly family neighborhoods and quiet living.

North Minneapolis–Violent crime capital of Minnesota.  People are constantly trying to improve the neighborhood but it will likely never happen.  I spent six months here, rather peacefully.

Saint Paul

Midway–Named because it is "midway" between the two cities.  Close to some colleges and universities, also the busiest shopping area of Saint Paul.  Midway is next to Frog Town which is the highest concentration of Hmong and Somali immigrants in the state, sprinkled with immigrants from all over the world.  I work and go to school in this area.

East Side–Poorer, blue-collar area of Saint Paul and a higher crime area than most.  It would be the equivalent to Minneapolis' North side, but there isn't enough violence.  In the past there were large Mexican and Lebanese populations here leaving the heritage behind in the neighborhood.  Unfortunately, there's not much here but a few good restaurants and a lot of poverty.  The first Charter Schools began in Saint Paul's East Side.

Summit Hill/Highland–If you are the governor, have a lot of money, or if your family has a lot of money, chances are you live in Summit Hill.  If you want to live in the city, have some money but can't afford Summit Hill, you live in Highland.  Many private universities are in the area (I think four), bringing a bit more pretension to Highland...unfortunately.  Wonderful neighborhood when most students are absent.  Jenne's favorite restaurant is in Highland.

Downtown/7th St.–The state capital grounds and Saint Paul Cathedral next to a smaller downtown make it somehow seem big-city urban and small-town quaint at the same time.  7th street seems like it's always busy with restaurants and bars, but no more busy than a suburban main street.  The downtown area, on the other hand, is tumbleweed-empty after 6:00.  It barely feels like a big city.

Como/North End–The State Fair and Como Park (including Como Zoo) live here.  The U of M's Saint Paul campus is just inside this neighborhood and is the best looking section of the University.  If you are lucky enough to live near hear you can hear the lions roaring from the zoo.

Overview

I guess it's hard for me to be fair.  I have become a Saint Paul person and in comparison to Minneapolis I cannot be swayed.  Granted, the best meal I've had in years came from a bistro in Uptown, The Bulldog is in both Northeast and Uptown, The Twins play in Minneapolis and nearly all of my family and friends live on the west side of the river. 

I think the difference comes in that Minneapolis is all glitz and glam to me and Saint Paul is humility and history.  There are wonderful reasons to live in either place and plenty of great shops, restaurants, schools, parks, museums, etc. on either side of the Mississippi, but there is one difference that can't be argued with.  Most west-siders turn their nose up at the thought of crossing the river for any reason, claiming how much better Minneapolis is.  East-siders will venture to the other side, quietly, and unlike Minneapolis natives we won't argue how much better life is on our side of the river.

When the Republican National Convention crashed into Saint Paul all the delegates stayed and spent their money in Minneapolis.  I think it's common misconception that Minneapolis holds the capitol of Minnesota, when really it's just where the capital is.  Let them have the money, we'll keep the good life...and the good secret.