‘Why should I move to Minnesota?‘ You might have asked yourself this question. There’s Colorado, Washington State, Texas, or California, so why Minnesota? Well, the answer is simple. You’ll want to move there primarily because of the community. The people of Minnesota are some of the friendliest and most welcoming in the world. Top it with the state’s beautiful scenery with lakes and mountains stretching far as the eyes can see. But more than that, here are ten solid reasons why moving to the Gopher State is easily one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
1. Minnesota Has a Low Crime Rate
If there’s one thing you should prioritize, it’s safety. No one wants to live where you’ll constantly have to watch your back. Fortunately, crime rates in Minnesota are among the lowest in the country. In fact, SafeWise named the state as boasting some of America’s safest cities with lower occurrences of violent events than the national average. This is a place where you can let your kids play outside in the sun and socialize with the neighbors without fear. What’s an even better deal than the safety of your family, right?
2. Small Town Living is a Choice You Can Make
Sick of city noise, pollution, and bustle? Minnesota is dotted with hundreds of small rural towns and peaceful suburbs. Each one offers you the chance to get back to nature and enjoy life in a place where everyone knows your name. This is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds — living near bigger cities without actually residing there.
3. The People are Warm and Friendly
Everyone has heard horror stories about people scouting for blood donations …or meeting up on Craigslist for free kittens yet never showing up. But here in Minnesota? Everyone shares a common love for the community. You’ll find friendly individuals, open-minded folks, and down-to-earth personalities everywhere you go. Of course, don’t expect every stranger you meet to treat you like a saint. However, you can always count on them to beam not to be rude or violent. Be inspired by this warm atmosphere and easily adjust to life in the great North!
4. The Landscape is Stunning
Minnesota may be known as “the land of 10,000 lakes,” but that’s just scratching the surface. This state also boasts rugged forests, rolling hills, and sparkling waterways. There are many options to explore these views, including canoeing along the St. Croix River or hiking through Itasca State Park near Bemidji. Enjoy the strong breeze at North Shore Scenic Drive, fish in the clear waters of Paddle Voyageurs National Park, or meet new furry friends at the International Wolf Center. Never a boring day in good ole Gopher State!
5. It’s Pretty Affordable
It’s ironic how Colorado is blessed with unmatched natural beauty, yet the cost of living is so high there. Meanwhile, Minnesota also features breathtaking natural attractions but it’s considered to be one of the cheapest states to live in! According to bestplaces.net, the overall cost index is around 3% lower than the national average. To be more specific, the median housing price sits at $307,644, which means you might just buy yourself a home, after all.
6. You Can Enjoy Dozens of Winter Sports
Winter is a special time of the year in the North, and Minnesota is no exception. In fact, the residents often consider the cold a blessing. Winter sports are huge in the state–from ice fishing to snowboarding to skiing. There’s no shortage of things to do when temperatures drop. Many residents even enjoy going on cross-country ski trips with their friends and family every weekend. If you’re from the south and haven’t experienced the full potential of snow, living in Minnesota will surely complete your childhood dreams.
7. The Schools Are Outstanding
If you’re concerned about sending your children off to school each morning, then the following fact should come as good news. Education consistently ranks among Americans’ top priorities, and for a good reason too – it’s what sets us apart from other countries. As it turns out, Minnesota has some of the best school districts around, with Minnetonka Public School District leading the pack. Not to mention its universities like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or St. Cloud State University, known for their excellent math and science programs.
8. You Can Be as Healthy as You Want to Be
In addition to providing exemplary education, Minnesota is also home to some of the country’s best hospitals and healthcare systems. Leading these institutions is the famed Mayo Clinic in Rochester which has been ranked as one of the top 10 hospitals in the country. Couple this with the beautiful scenery and abundance of outdoor activities. With plenty of fresh and organic produce, it’s not hard to take care of your body.
9. You Get to See the Northern Lights in Minnesota
Minnesota Is Way More Than Just Winter, Snow, and beautiful views…Did you know that the state boasts a high frequency in seeing aurora borealis? That’s right. This amazing phenomenon is visible almost certainly during the winter months. Sounds like a dream come true!
10. The Mall of America Has Everything You Need
Minnesota might sound like a rural place but believe it or not, you can find the largest mall in the entire country here! Introducing The Mall of America with a gross leasable area (GLA) of 5.6 million square feet and over 500 stores to choose from. You’ll definitely spend hours inside and still leave wanting more. With a wide variety of shops, diners, and fun activities, to choose from, chances are high that whatever your passion may be, there’s something at MOA for you.
In all honesty, Minnesota is such an underrated state. It’s the perfect example of ‘there’s more than meets the eye.’ With ten valid reasons to make you stay, it’s time for you to get packing and plan your move here!