The Star Tribune just published an article on having a shorter commute. Here's a link. I'm in agreement on living in the city. I currently live in a great neighborhood of South Minneapolis with great neighbors, a wonderful character-filled house, and lots of closeby amenities. We can walk to two different parks within 3 blocks, Minnehaha Creek and trails are just 2 blocks away, Kowalski's is just 4 blocks, Turtle Bread and Pepitos are just 6 blocks away, and downtown is just a short 10 minute bus ride.
Even the Bloomington Strip and MOA are under 10 minutes away, as well as the airport. We have many elements of Traditional Neighborhood Design built right into our traditional Minneapolis neighborhood, like sidewalks, and lakes, and parks, and local grocery stores.
If you are considering a home, why not check out Minneapolis? Here is information about some of the character you can find in these old houses, and here you can find houses listed for sale in various areas of Minneapolis, among other areas.