I just read a long thread that appeared here about 6-8 months ago, and now I'm terrified to go there! Is Mankato really such a hellhole? Should we try to live elsewhere and commute to Mankato? (If so, where?)Is there a nice part of Mankato in which to live? The lack of culture doesn't frighten me much--most of America is a cultural wasteland, let's face it. But the description of the locals as foul-mouthed rubes is a long way from what I've heard about "Minnesota nice." Anyone have anything good to say? If not, please give me advice on how to survive there!

OK, I feel compelled to add a plea: if you post a reply, please don't exaggerate your criticism, and please don't post just to bash hicks. It's sad how many threads here get hijacked by semi-trolls.

I lived in Rochester for many years. Most of Minnesota is very nice and the people are genuinely good, kind, likeable people on average.
There are a few towns which are just lacking in any redeeming qualities IMO. Mankato is one of them.
I'm no fan of Albert Lea either.
I wouldn't go so far as to generalize that the people of Mankato are foul mouthed rubes, but they are much more basic, shall I say, in their lifestyle than people in most of the rest of the state.
Why must you move there?

Good question, Shawn! I'm reluctant to answer here for privacy reasons, but move there I must. But thanks very much for your input...
So now I'm trying to identify nearby towns--say, within a 45 minute drive of Mankato--that would be preferable to live in. I'm concentrating on the areas north and east of Mankato, to be that much nearer the Twin Cities. What do you think of Northfield? I'm attracted to it b/c of Carleton and St. Olaf's colleges' being there...do you have other suggestions? Would living on, say, the southwest side of Minneapolis make for too long a daily drive to Mankato? Thanks again!

Mankato is a lovely town. It is on the river, lots of trees, an educated population, two colleges and low crime. It has mostly white people (98%), so I would not move there idf I were a minority.

Northfield is a pretty college town with a lots of faculty residents. St. Peter is closer to Mankato and is the home of Gustavus Adolphus College - probably not as sophisticated as Northfield, but has a few nice restaurants and some culture, if that's what you're looking for. I wouldn't want the Mpls-Mankato commute every day.

Northfield is a wonderful little town. Very picturesque, big, rolling hills, lots to offer for a small town due to the colleges, but no big city hassles like traffic and crime.
Also, it's very convenient to I-35.
It's the best town south of MPLS and west of Rochester IMO.
If you're going to be in MN for any significant length of time I'd at least look into it (if you can handle the drive).
Minnesota is a really great state overall. I miss many things about living there.
Best wishes.

Thanks very much for the input, and for the kind wishes, everyone! My fears are somewhat assuaged, although I'm still puzzled by the anti-Mankato virulence of that 6-month old thread (you can find it if you search under "Mankato"). I think our plan will be to view Mankato with an open mind, and also strongly consider Northfield, St. Peter and other nearby towns. Thanks again...