I was born and raised in northern Minnesota, but lived in the Twin Cities for 16 years. Now I've moved back up north to live the "country life". I think you could make a worse choice than Minneapolis. The quality of living is very good, the people are nice, and it seems like there is a hospital or clinic on every block. Many people ski and do other winter sports, but snow can be a problem. Global warning I guess. Our downhill ski hills make snow so there good all winter. Warning though Minnesota is not known for its great downhill ski hills. In the summer bicycling is popular as well as any watersport. By the way I always thought northern California would be nice.