Minnesota is famous for its numerous lakes, rivers, forests, and clear air. With over 5.700 million people and being located in the midwest region of the United States, moving to Minnesota sounds appealing.
However, living in Minnesota is not for everyone. Just like many other US states, residents face some challenges in this area. Thus, when examining the reasons to move to Minnesota, you must weigh the pros and cons.
This article includes the most critical considerations before deciding to move to Minnesota, such as the cost of living, crime rates, housing costs, tax burdens, and outdoor activities. It sheds light on the advantages and disadvantages of living in this state to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you and your loved ones.
Pros of Moving to Minnesota
In addition to being known as “The Land of Lakes,” Minnesota has a lot to offer. This state has something for everyone, from the rich farmland and prairies to various theater companies. Its capital is Saint Paul, and Minneapolis is the largest city in this state.
Sounds interesting so far? Wait until you discover the most intriguing advantages of moving to Minnesota and what makes it the fourth-best state to live and raise a family in America:
Captivating Nature
There is one thing no other state can overshadow Minnesota with – and that is the naturalistic value it provides. The best views every Minnesotan must see at least once in their lives are from Lake Superior, Voyageurs National Park, and North Shore’s Superior Hiking Trail. So, if you decide to become a resident of this state, you will have the opportunity to see the beauty of clean and untouched nature.
Inviting Community
Have you always struggled to connect with other residents by finding similar interests? You won’t have that problem in Minnesota. Here, most people are friendly and kind, without looking at outsiders differently from locals.
Booming Job Market and Economy
Thanks to Minnesota’s flourishing and fast-growing economy, employment opportunities in industries such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and education have recently increased. Also, the state’s unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Cultural Value
Minnesotans mix ancient and contemporary cultures to create an inclusive and inviting environment for all residents. They cherish their cultural values and highly respect art, classical music, and history. In fact, residents often celebrate their cultural heritage and legacy at the Minnesota State Fair.
High-Quality Education Opportunities
As a family-friendly state, Minnesotans made sure to build an impressive education system. Thanks to the high reputation of the public schools in this area, this state has some of the most highly educated academic residents in the United States.
The best education facilities in this state include:
- Math and Science Academy in Woodbury
- Nova Classical Academy in St. Paul
- Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater
- The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis
- St. Olaf College in Northfield
Low Cost of Living
Minnesotans praise their state for the unmatched quality of life it provides. The largest metro area in Minnesota, Minneapolis-St Paul, is also the most affordable, which makes it convenient for residents to save on transportation.
The cost of living in this state depends on the county. However, people can afford to purchase necessities in Minnesota if they earn a good monthly salary.
Affordable Housing
The housing costs in this state are 15% below the national average. For example, the average home value in the capital city is a bit over $300,000. Also, a monthly rent in Minneapolis costs nearly $1,400.
Many Things to do
If visiting shopping malls and witnessing scenic drives is your vibe, Minnesota won’t disappoint you. But, if you are more into outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and fishing, you will find Minnesota’s long trails and crystal lakes very inviting.
This state also cares about satisfying art lovers who need proof that living in Minnesota is exciting and fulfilling. The numerous art institutes, museums, and sculpture gardens will take your artistic breath away!
The must-visit attractions for residents in Minnesota are:
- Gooseberry Falls State Garden
- Split Rock Lighthouse
- Valleyfair
- Aerial Lift Bridge
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Special Culinary Experiences
This state’s residents enjoy the mix of Mexican, Mediterranean, and Scandinavian cuisines in the numerous restaurants where they are accompanied by their families. There are also many craft breweries and local bars for casual hangouts with friends.
The most popular dishes in Minnesota include:
- Tater Tots
- Wild Rice Soup
- Honeycrisp Apples
- Smoked Bison
- Juicy Lucy
Great Healthcare System
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, one of the most famous and highest-rated medical facilities worldwide, is located in Minnesota. Thus, residents have constant access to medical care and enjoy health insurance coverage privileges.
As one of the best healthcare systems nationwide, Minnesota has many local health agencies, tribal governments, and state health boards. Due to regular quality improvement incentives, the Minnesota healthcare system is constantly improving.
The state’s health department provides the following services for its residents;
- Vital Records
- Infectious disease monitoring
- Water and food safety evaluations
- Epidemic outbreak responses
- Immunization programs
- Addressing obesity concerns
- Clinical care quality control, etc.
Cons of Living in Minnesota
Every US state, including Minnesota, has benefits and drawbacks. Finding an ideal place to live without any flaws or problems is almost unrealistic (even if you believe dreams come true). Keep reading to discover why the cons of moving to Minnesota are worth considering:
Poor Weather Conditions
Although Minnesota’s weather is enjoyable during the spring and summer months, it takes a turn for the worst as soon as winter comes. The weather conditions during the cold season are harsh, which may be a significant drawback for new residents.
Minnesota’s winter temperatures drop below 0, increasing heating costs for many households. Residents often face heavy snowfalls during Minnesota winters and must spend time and effort cleaning their streets to clear passages.
Distance Issues
If newcomers decide to reside in the rural areas around Minnesota, they might face some distance issues when attempting to reach larger cities for work or shopping. Living in these areas also makes it harder for Minnesotans to access urgent healthcare and education facilities.
Violent Storms
Minnesota residents are no strangers to tornadoes and violent storms, especially during the warmer months of the year. These natural disasters cause issues like flooding, power outages, and material damage.
Thus, Minnesotans must prioritize property and personal safety by preparing shelters for themselves and loved ones beforehand. Thankfully, the state provides safety protocols and warnings to alert residents of the danger early.
Ineffective Transportation System
Minnesota’s road infrastructure is outdated, making it more complicated for residents to commute, especially during heavy snow and freezing temperatures in winter. Road maintenance and construction are regular practices in this state, further complicating regular commutes.
In addition to road issues, the public transportation options in this state are limited. So, residents without personal vehicles struggle to get to school or work on time.
High Taxes
Minnesota’s sales taxes for clothing and other goods are high in the Metropolitan areas. In addition, the property taxes in this state are higher than the national average, which puts a heavy burden on residents who don’t earn high salaries.
Mosquito Swarms
The Minnesota summer weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. However, many mosquitos infest the state during this season, causing discomfort for residents. Mosquito swarms are most common around the lakes and rivers in Minnesota, where many residents spend their free time relaxing under the warm sun.
These insects also appear in Minnesota during the evenings, requiring residents to wear protective clothing pieces and have insect repellents on hand at all times to avoid catching the attention of pesky mosquitoes.
Allergy Risks
The gorgeous greenery with forests and large trees provides picturesque scenic views. But you won’t appreciate Minnesota’s rich flora if you struggle with seasonal allergies. If you have pollen sensitivities, you would have to avoid spending time in nature, especially during springtime.
High Crime Rates
Many people wonder why move to Minnesota specifically instead of other US states. The crime rates in this state are generally low, which is a significant factor for families planning to raise their children there.
However, recently, it has become higher than the US average due to the increased number of carjackings and robberies in most cities. Thus, state officials should work on improving public safety to protect their people.
