Moving to Minnesota: What You Need to Know

Minnesota is a wonderful place to live. It is bursting with culture, entertainment, and fun, yet at the same time offers gorgeous natural scenery and plenty of outdoor adventures. Whether you prefer the bustle of city life or the peace and serenity of rural living, Minnesota has much to offer.

What's It's Like to Live in Minnesota

The first thing that you need to know about Minnesota is that the people are very friendly. The diverse cultures that originally settled in the state have come together to form a truly amicable and sociable population.

The state has a continental climate with hot and humid summers and extremely cold winters. The diverse weather makes a variety of popular activities and pastimes popular. There is no shortage of entertainment options spanning from shopping to theater, to natural parks.

Outside Adventures

Outdoor activity is popular and most Minnesotans are active and take advantage of the walking trails and lakes. With over 11,000 lakes in the state, water sports and leisure are a favorite for many residents. Fishing, and even ice fishing in winter, are popular activities. Others prefer to canoe, boat, or simply swim and enjoy the water. Lake Minnetonka is one of the largest and most well-known, but there are plenty of smaller, out-of-the-way places to enjoy if you prefer to avoid the crowds and noise.

The number of outdoor parks is astounding. The Superior Hiking Trail includes 310 miles of trails to enjoy. Paul Bunyan State Trail is another favorite. Hiking and bike trails are fantastic ways to exercise and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Social Activity

Minnesota has a thriving social scene. You can find anything from music festivals to county fairs to fill your days. All you need to decide is if you prefer to spend your day in the city or in the country. You can soak up some of the history and cultures at one of the many art exhibits or museums. The next day, perhaps you check out a remote location that boasts a popular park or visit a waterfront event to cool down.

The food Minnesota is known for is good, old-fashioned comfort food. A warm and hearty casserole at the end of a day spent outside in the snow and cold is deeply satisfying. The food choices don't stop there. From traditional Scandinavian cuisine to Artisan ice cream, you can find any number of delicious treats to satisfy your taste buds.

Affordable Cost of Living

A huge benefit to life in Minnesota is that the cost of living is relatively low when compared to the national average. Apartment rates are generally affordable. It's important to note that the largest and busiest of cities will still have a higher housing cost, with a standard apartment costing around $1,500 per month.

With a lower cost of living, Minnesotans have the time and the freedom to enjoy a higher quality of life. They are able to afford vacations, day trips, and night's out more easily, and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to do so.

Growing Job Market

This gorgeous state was previously dependent on farming and logging as the primary occupations. The vast number of waterways made transport and trade easy. While farm country still makes up a large part of Minnesota, its economy has evolved quite a bit.

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to 19 Fortune 500 companies, including Target. There is no shortage of opportunities for growth for those educated and holding a number of degrees. Job creation remains strong as new companies are formed all the time.

Rich Culture

The welcoming people of Minnesota offer a warm sense of community. There is no shortage of places to go and things to do. The area is steeped in tradition with residents celebrating their roots with heritage festivals and other events, while still being open and friendly to newcomers.

The earliest settlers of Minnesota were typically from Scandinavian and German heritage. In the present day, the population is a mix from all over the world, although many are from Asian and Latin American origins.

One of the wonderful things about living in Minnesota is that you can easily take a break from the city and head out to the countryside for some rest and relaxation. Cabin life is popular for Minnesotans. On summer holidays, extended breaks, and even weekends, many choose to temporarily leave the city to head to a peaceful cabin on the lake or river. This type of balanced lifestyle between city and rural living makes for happy and relaxed people.

Best Cities and Towns

There are some fantastic and exciting places to live in Minnesota. If you prefer a fast-paced lifestyle with limitless options for things to do, check out these great picks for city living:

• Minneapolis
• St. Paul
• Duluth
• Eden Prairie
• Rochester
• Ossco
• Chanhassen
• St. Michael
  

For a quieter life, a small town can offer a sense of close community and a slower pace. They still offer the comforts of city life, and most are within a convenient distance to make a visit when the mood strikes. You might enjoy these top choices:

• Grand Marais
• Stillwater
• Grand Rapids
• Excelsior
• Biwabik
  

With so many opportunities for both work and play, Minnesota is the perfect place to build a life full of success and satisfaction. You won't regret your decision to move. In fact, you may find yourself wondering why you didn't make the change before now!

If you are planning a move to Minnesota, then contact Allied Van Lines. With 88 years of professional experience, they can make relocating simple. Allied can save you time and eliminate your stress by handling each phase of the household move. They can even go beyond traditional moving services that simply load and transport your belongings. You can opt to have Allied pack up your household and even take care of the unpacking and reassembly at your new home. With the help of a licensed and insured company that offers great customer service, your move couldn't be easier.