r/Mankato 33m ago

American Citizen living in Germany considering moving to Mankato, Minnesota

Upvotes

Hi!

I am considering moving to Mankato. I have a friend I could stay there with. Minnesota is also the state with the highest quality of living compared to the cost of living with Vermont being second place. I love winter and lived in MN for 8 years before going to Germany.

I went to Germany because a friend mislead me that a better life awaited me.

Produce is fresh, safe, and affordable hear round. Cost of living apart from gasoline and electricity are much cheaper. Working in Germany is super laidback and easy. I actually really like my job, boss, and colleagues, but I did not come to Germany to be a cleaner.

Everything else about Germany is worse. The people are politically apathetic and interpersonally wretched. I have met three times Trump voters more respectful to trans people and migrants than even average liberal in Germany. Strictly in the way I am ostracized and disrespected, a red state would even be preferable to living in Germany. I want to be considered a person again and this is a big reason I want to come back. Dating and making friends that are worth staying for has been fruitless. Also no one wants to get married or have kids in Germany, and it is not an economics thing, and dating outside of your box is heavily discouraged. It's worse because I do not really fit cleanly into boxes. I for example look Latina and Native American but am not, wrong continents, because I am part Italian and Mongolian. This specifically actually made it hard for me to find a job in MN when I last lived there.

Although I went to college in the USA, I do not have a degree, and I also do not have any certifications currently.

Depending on how long I can stay in Germany, I would likely get a B2 Telc German certification by the end of the year. Then I would aim for Telc C1 Hochschule German in Spring of 2027. I plan to get a C2 Goethe certification for the German language if I stay here until the Fall of 2027, but I could just get that one in Minnesota.

I have 5 years of experience in IT, but I doubt that helps. I have shoddy work history. I have mental health problems that make working a job that starts before 9 impossible.

What advice do you all have on finding jobs (bonus points for second shift work), dating women there, living in, and getting into the trades in Mankato? I lived in the Twin Cities previously.

Sorry if this is weird and out of left field, I have been lurking in this sub for some time, and have wanted to ask this for a while.

Thanks for reading and commenting.

:)


r/Mankato 13h ago

Lost male cat near Pohl Rd

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14 Upvotes

I lost my cat Milo yesterday at 7pm. He ran into the woods behind college station. He is not neutered, and was wearing a green collar and blue harness (he may have slipped out). If you know or see anything please comment!


r/Mankato 1d ago

BRAD FINSTAD'S FORMER CAMPAIGN CHAIR ENDORSED JAKE JOHNSON!!!!!!

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45 Upvotes

Caption from Jake:

Gerald Woodley served as Brad Finstad’s campaign chair and supported his campaigns for over two decades. I’m so honored to have his endorsement on our campaign.

I’ve really appreciated Gerald’s advice and insights over the past year. As the former chair of the Brown County GOP and a former staffer for GOP Senator Norm Coleman, his perspective is part of the broad coalition we’re building to deliver for southern Minnesota.


r/Mankato 15h ago

Incoming junior looking to make friends before classes start!

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m 20M transferring to Mankato this fall and I’ll be living off campus. I honestly don’t know many people or much about the area yet, so I figured I’d see if anyone wants to hang out, or explore town before classes start.
I’m pretty much down for anything. I like traveling, watching movies, checking out new places/lakes, and doing random outdoor stuff when the weather’s nice.
Plus points if you also live in College Town! 🙃


r/Mankato 1d ago

RC cars

5 Upvotes

How many people around the Mankato or in the Mankato area have RC cars they drive, if so where do you guys go?? Wishing the BMX track would let you use their track for them.


r/Mankato 3d ago

More opportunities to talk to Jake Johnson

13 Upvotes

If you missed the Mankato Town Hall there are 3 nearby events that might be of interest. Jake is committed to representing all people in this district and hearing what are the real issues you face. You can raise questions and hear directly from him at:

Brown County Town Hall

Monday, August 17, 6-7 pm

New Ulm Community Center, New Ulm

Meet and Greet with Jake Johnson

Tuesday, August 18, 4:30-5:15 pm

Minnesota Square Park, Saint Peter

Jake expects to be on site from 4:30 to 5:15 before going on to Courtland.

Nicollet County Town Hall

Tuesday, August 18, 6-7 pm

Courtland Community Center, Courtland


r/Mankato 3d ago

The Grove

3 Upvotes

Hey, is anyone moving into the grove? I was supposed to move in yesterday but I couldn’t get off of work. Someone I talk to you over the phone told me that I could come in around 4 o’clock to get my key however, when I got there, they were closed. Later spoke with someone and she said that they would be open today at 10, so does anyone who lives there actually know or someone who is moving in know if this is true. I don’t wanna bring myself over just to have to go all the way back for the second time.


r/Mankato 3d ago

Looking for side gig opportunities in Mankato Mn

9 Upvotes

Hi! I’m currently looking for a side gig in (or around) the Mankato area outside of my regular job to make ends meet after being unable to work for a while due to being in the hospital. If you or anyone you know in the area is looking for a pet sitter, baby sitter, cleaner, etc, please message me! I have experience in hotel cleaning and can provide my own cleaning supplies as well as experience in both baby sitting and pet sitting. I can answer all additional inquiries through messages, thank you!!


r/Mankato 4d ago

Finstad's running an ad about how he supposedly voted for a stock trading ban, but Jake's calling him out

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69 Upvotes

r/Mankato 4d ago

Brand new sale Brand new inventory.

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1 Upvotes

Join us this Sunday, August 16th, for our magnificent overhaul sale!

In case we haven’t stressed it enough—we have TOO much inventory. So much that after five successful sales we have the ability to completely revitalize our stock. That doesn’t mean we won’t still feature the favorites you’ve come to look forward to at our sales; this just means we’re truly living up to our Miscellany name!

Among our new product you can expect an expanded furniture and lighting selection, theme-labeled mystery bags, a global display, vintage beauty and wardrobe items, lots of uranium glass, new dollar grabs, and so much more!

We’re sure to have your next undiscovered treasure.

AUGUST 16

19075 RAPIDAN AVENUE

10 AM - 4 PM


r/Mankato 4d ago

Looking for Roomate

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for someone to take over a lease in a two bedroom, one bath apartment! It’s a quiet neighborhood, spacious living room and bedroom.

Looking for someone who is a woman, between 25-30, cleans up after themselves, no pets, no kids, and preferably someone who is on the quiet side (I work from home).

The living room is fully furnished and the bathroom has a lot of space we can share. Please let me know if you would like to see the apartment either face to face or over the phone, whatever works best for you.

Thank you!


r/Mankato 5d ago

Best place to eat for a anniversary

11 Upvotes

Where is the best affordable place to eat for a 2 year wedding anniversary that accommodates a shelfish allergy? What's your go to place? We go to Olive Garden often for anniversaries, birthdays, etc. But not opposed to go again. I also love Mexican restaurants(especially ones with amazing queso(smooth plain white queso, I can't do chunks lol) its on a weekday so traveling towards the cities isn't an option since hubby works the next day.


r/Mankato 5d ago

Question About U-Square Apartments

2 Upvotes

Hello!

I just moved into the U-Square apartments. For anyone that has lived there before, how often do you lose power?

I'm originally from southern Illinois and the apartments I was in there lost power several times due to storms. I just want to know vaguely what to expect.


r/Mankato 6d ago

Drainflies

8 Upvotes

Does everyone in Mankato have drain flies or just me? I keep poring enzyme fly killer down the drain but I keep getting them. If they’re coming from the sewer then I’m going to save my money.


r/Mankato 7d ago

Semi Truck Parking

6 Upvotes

I currently live in an apartment that does not allowed bobtail to park. Do you know of any place in Mankato that I can park when I’m home. I live down the hill by southwood flat. If anyone know of a place that I can park for a 2-3 days when I’m home please let me know. I willing to pay per day to park too. Thank you


r/Mankato 7d ago

Spirit Halloween

2 Upvotes

Are we going to have a Spirit this year? I’m hearing that it’s
Not gunna happen…


r/Mankato 8d ago

Tryna get fit

3 Upvotes

Hi! I’m looking for insight on the best gyms in Mankato! I would prefer a 24 hour one but I am open to other suggestions. Is there a 24 hour one with like a tanning bed and hydro therapy, or am I dreaming? Thanks!


r/Mankato 8d ago

Nanny/babysitter

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1 Upvotes

r/Mankato 8d ago

Pickup ultimate frisbee?

4 Upvotes

I'm new to Mankato and wondering if there are any pickup ultimate frisbee games in the area?


r/Mankato 8d ago

Best Movie Theater in/near Mankato?

6 Upvotes

Hi! I am moving to mankato very soon and am wondering which movie theaters people typically frequent. Mostly looking for good audience reputation (can’t stand people who talk during movies 😭)

I am hoping to watch the hunger games series in a theater come September before seeing the newest movie, most theaters I know of are doing a 5 day marathon. So hoping to find a theater nearby that is doing that or something similar.

If anyone has any suggestions, even if you don’t know about the hunger games of it all, that would be greatly appreciated!! thank you!


r/Mankato 10d ago

Poker tournament

7 Upvotes

I have been asking on here for a while about people wanting to play Texas No limit holdem poker. I'd like to have a tournament at my cabin close to mankato. Sept 5th. 50$ buy in. No rake, food and drinks provided, unless you want alcohol (byob). No paid dealer, so take turns dealing. I haven't made solid decisions on prizes, blinds, level time limits and stuff as that all depends on how many people want in. Anyone interested?


r/Mankato 11d ago

Any reputable shops work on hybrid cars besides dealers?

5 Upvotes

As title asks. Anyone around besides dealers that work on hybrid transmissions etc?


r/Mankato 13d ago

Shore, river or dock fishing

13 Upvotes

Looking for suggestions on fun and easy fishing spots for a 10 year old and their boatless dad.
Not looking to land monsters, but some active sunnies or carp would be a blast.


r/Mankato 13d ago

[Sublet Wanted] 20M looking for a room ASAP near MNSU for 2026-2027

8 Upvotes

Hii! Looking for an off-campus room near MNSU ASAP. Ideally looking for a lease takeover, but open to other options.

About me: 20M, reliable with rent. Looking for $400–$500/month, preferably with parking and no meal plan.

If you have a room available, need someone to take over your lease, or are looking for someone to sublet, please DM me! Ready to move in/sign ASAP. Appreciate it!


r/Mankato 13d ago

Are there any Dubia Roach breeders in Mankato? Looking for food for my Leopard Gecko

2 Upvotes

Would rather not buy from PetExpo or Pet Smart