I like where I live now, but I would have no problem moving to Saint Paul if the situation arose.  I have lived in Saint Paul for a total of five years of my life, and I love it.  I'd love to live in Hamiline-midway, Saint Anthony Park, Como, Grand Avenue, or Highland Park.  In fact, that is where my wife and I are "musing" to spend our retirement.  (I would be a little worried about exposing my kid to the "influences" in the local public schools there, but I have met some real go-getters when I student taught at Highland Park and Central.  However I am a bit more confident in the Monticello system.)

That said: if you choose to live in a larger city, it is wise to choose among the nicer neighborhoods to live in.

For instance: Marcie Holmes and Nokomis are reasonably nice neighborhoods in Minneapolis.  Uptown is interesting for young people, but not necessarily a place for families.  The area around Minnehaha Falls is pretty nice too.

Of course, I'd much rather live in Saint Paul than Minneapolis.  I know my way around better, plus it is more aesthetically pleasing.

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Somewhat of a change of topic: The best Minnesota city to live in is?

My vote goes to Roseville.