Minnesota is most infamous for its frigid winter, something you’ll hear about regularly if you’re moving to the North Star State. But honestly, it’s not something the locals really mind since the trade-off is some of the best winter recreational activities. And, of course, the kids will love the snow days.
Minnesota has a growing economy, and there’s a lot going for it. Healthcare and technology are its most promising sectors, which is pretty great for young professionals. The state ranks in the top ten for infrastructure and opportunity, which is probably why it sees growth in population. There are many other reasons that Minnesota is a great place to live; let’s look at a few.
The People Are Friendly
Whether or not you’ve heard of the term “Minnesota Nice,” it’s a real thing. The term first appeared in a newspaper in 1986, and it just sort of stuck. For non-residents, the meaning and behaviors it describes may be confusing. Essentially, it’s a cultural stereotype that implies residents of Minnesota are unusually courteous, reserved, and mild-mannered.
To be fair, this can be seen as both a good and bad thing, depending on the circumstances. On the one hand, everyone is pleasant and friendly, which is why Minnesota is very family-friendly. On the other hand, it’s a bit difficult to read the locals since they tend to maintain a polite demeanor and avoid confrontation.
One thing is for sure; it’s a great place to raise a family regardless of where you decide to settle down in the state. Even in the bustling metro of the Twin Cities, locals are very amiable, and it’s not difficult to fit in.
There Is Water Everywhere
Minnesota is also known as The Land of 10,000 Lakes, although there are actually well over 11,000 lakes. It has about 90,000 miles of coastline, more than Florida, Hawaii, and California combined – a surprising fact considering it’s an inland state. With so many lakes, there are tons of recreational activities to enjoy in or by the water.
Even if you’re not into water sports, you can enjoy many other resorts, parks, and recreational spots. Golfing, horseback riding, or just lounging by the shore is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.
There Are Lots of Fairs and Festivals
The North Star state has a festival for everything, and that’s not an exaggeration. Many counties in the state hold fairs, and there are beautiful festivals in the state all year round. Though most of the notable fairs and festivals take place in the summer, you can look forward to some great winter events such as the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and Holidazzle parade.
Of course, the biggest attraction has to be the annual Minnesota State Fair. It regularly competes as the State Fair of Texas for having the largest daily attendance. With an average of over 2 million attendees, you can tell it’s a big deal for the locals considering that’s almost 40% of the total state population.
The State Offers Excellent Health Care
Rochester, Minnesota, has the honor of being home to The Mayo Clinic. Being one of the most renowned medical facilities in the world, the nonprofit focuses on integrated health care, education, and research. On top of that, there are almost 150 hospitals and lots of medical centers and urgent care facilities. The University of Minnesota has been credited for completing the world’s first open-heart surgery.
It’s clear that the North Star state takes health care programs very seriously and with a lot of pride. Minnesota also has a program for low-income residents to ensure all its citizens have access to affordable healthcare coverage.
Minnesota Loves Sports
No matter what type of professional sports you enjoy, Minnesota has a home team for it. But because of the infamous winter season, it’s no surprise that ice hockey is a big deal in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. When the lakes freeze over, it’s the perfect place for outdoor ice skating and everything that goes with it.
The NFL’s Minnesota Vikings play in a beautiful new stadium in Downtown Minneapolis called U.S. Bank Stadium, which was the venue of the 2018 Super Bowl. Also playing in or near Minneapolis are MLB’s Minnesota Twins and the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves. There is also a professional women’s basketball team, a professional soccer team, and many great college sports.
Moving to The North Star State
If you’re ready to brave the Minnesota winter, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for the relocation. The good news is that most local moving companies in the state offer long-distance services. Sure, you can always go with a preferred mover you’re familiar with from wherever you are coming from. But getting local movers means you can be sure they understand the place better than anyone.
Although it’s always best to get a mover from personal references, the internet is full of resources making it an easy way to find a Minnesota moving company. Of course, you want to make sure that you cover all the bases when picking a long-distance mover. So make sure to do your research before committing to anything. Remember that Minnesota Nice behavior isn’t always apparent and can be confusing for newcomers.