Minnesota’s high quality of life, low cost of living, and natural splendour make it a great place to live. Whether you are from the States or overseas, Minnesota can be a welcoming place for everyone searching for a better quality of life.
There are eight untold secret guides that we compiled for you to follow. These moving to Minnesota guides can help you during the relocation, and they can also advise you about living in Minnesota. So, make sure to read through this information before you pack your bags or call the moving company.
1. Everything You Need To Know About Moving To The North Star State
Minnesota has several nicknames, and one of them is The North Star State. The reason is that it is the translation of the original name of this state, which is found on the state seal. Originally this state was called L’Etoile de Nord.
Just like the name, Minnesota is known for the beauty of its nature. You can find 10,000 lakes in this state. Besides that, there are festivals, food trucks, and skywalks. There is plenty to explore once you are here.
More importantly, the friendly cost of living might just make moving to Minnesota your best long-term decision. This state is also suitable for everyone, from the freelancers to the retired, as well as for the hipsters!. In Minnesota, you’ll find the cool kids lifestyle before it becomes a trend.
2. The Pros & Cons Of Living In Minnesota
Wherever you decide to move, there will always be pros and cons. Even though these pros and cons can be different for everyone, overall, these are what you have to consider when deciding to move to Minnesota.
Pros Of Living In Minnesota
1. Affordable
Minnesota is one of the 25 Best Affordable Places to Live based on U.S. News & World Report. This factor will help you during the early stages of settling in. Therefore, this is a state that suits young professionals who are just starting their careers. Usually, people will need three to six months to settle and stabilize their finances after relocating to another area.
2. Many Things To Do
You will love the park system in this state. Once you are in Minnesota, you can enjoy open areas with stunning scenery. Green spaces are easy to find. You can enjoy yourself doing activities like jogging and hiking. During the winter, you can skate outdoors while having a good time with the crowd.
There are also festivals, such as arts festivals and Minnesota city fairs, that you can visit. During these events, you can get closer to the local people and cultures.
3. Mall Of America
Besides outdoor activities in nature, Minnesota also lets you enjoy some fun time at the Mall of America. This mall is huge and complete with the best brands in the world from clothing, electronics, toys, and entertainment!
There is also an indoor theme park, aquarium, and Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy. It would be best if you had more than a day to explore everything inside this mall.
Cons Of Living In Minnesota
1. Harsh Winters
Make sure to get your coat ready before moving to Minnesota. Minnesota winters, especially in the northern area, experience harsh snowfall. You may even be required to stay at home for several days due to the storm or the thick snow.
The temperature during the harsh winters can reach -20°F (-28.89°C). That being said, you don’t have to worry. It is still possible to live here even if you are initially from tropical areas. You need to adjust by keeping yourself warm during wintertime.
It may take a bit of effort, but every cloud has a silver lining, right? In this case, when the weather is not harsh, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating or ice fishing on the frozen lake!
2. Adapt To The Traffic When You’re Living In Minnesota
During rush hours, you may get stuck in the traffic. The streets are clogged with vehicles in the morning and afternoon. The best way to avoid traffic jams is to leave early. If you are driving, it is essential to learn an alternative route to your destination.
Those are a few of the pros and cons that you will find when you live in Minnesota. You may find another plus and minus, but you will adjust. Things will get more manageable when you have your colleagues or community helping you to adapt to the North Star State.
3. Show Us The Money… A Quick Look At Minnesota’s Economy
There is word going around about Minnesota that says, “You will not find unemployment in Minnesota”. Is this statement entirely true? Let us take a look at the overall condition of the economy in the North Star State.
Minnesota is one of the wealthiest states in America. They have a low poverty and unemployment rate. That means this is an excellent area to open your business because they have the buying ability.
Nevertheless, it is always wise to move when you already have a job or plan on how you will earn your income. There are always options here. You can dive into the job market and work as a part-time, freelancer, or open your own business.
For a state with a high median household income, $74,593 in 2019, you already have good prospects.
4. Find Out The Cost Of Living Before Moving To Minnesota
On top of the high median household income, Minnesota is known to have a friendly cost of living. Based on the county, the highest yearly cost of living is $66,889, which belongs to Isanti County. The cost of living in other counties on average is between $49,000 to $55,000.
This number is still lower compared to the U.S. average. Low cost of living will allow you to settle in smoothly because you make up for the expenses you paid during the relocation process. You can spend less money and have the chance to save for future use.
5. Delicious Food Spots You Cannot Miss
For many people, local culinary attraction is one of the most important factors to make them comfortable in one place. The cuisine in Minnesota is influenced by Scandinavian and Italian tastes. Some of the famous local dishes are Swedish meatballs, wild rice soup, and hot dishes.
Minnesota has a strong food culture. The establishments of culinary industries take up 10% of the state’s employment. This shows that if you want to move here, you should be ready to eat. Food trucks and food halls are the hotspots for everyone to get delicious food at an affordable price.
Besides the food, you cannot miss the craft beer. You can enjoy yourself at the Minnesota Craft Beer Festival that is held yearly. You may want to visit this state to join the craft beer festival. Aside from the unlimited pours, you can bond with the local communities during festivals or gatherings like this.
6. Great Outdoors In Minnesota
Have we mentioned that Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes? Living surrounded by many lakes can be a dream come true if you love nature. Wouldn’t it be nice to have easy access to beautiful scenery every day?
Besides admiring the view, you can do other outdoor activities like cycling, kayaking, hiking, and jogging. If you want to enjoy a lake with a more natural vibe, then Mille Lacs lake should be a perfect place. This lake is the second largest lake in the state. It is also a conservation area for wildlife threatened bird species like terns.
No doubt that Minnesota is a state with great outdoors.
7. Are People In Minnesota Nice?
A healthy community will result in a better life. Minnesota is known to have the nicest people around. People will give you a helping hand whenever you need them. Therefore, it is essential for you to get involved in local activities, whether it is volunteering, joining festivals, or simply finding local clubs that share the same interests as you.
Getting in touch with the local communities can be a bit awkward for foreigners. You can start by visiting local shops, taking public transport, or visiting local restaurants. Once you feel comfortable, you can join activities that are held by local communities. There are a lot of ways to avoid living in an expat bubble.
8. Relocating To Minnesota In Smart Ways
Find smart ways to move to Minnesota. Plan and prepare your relocation process starting from packing to settling. Here are some tips you can follow.
Winter Wear
We cannot stress enough about the winter in Minnesota. If you are from warm or sunny areas, you can consult your moving company about what you have to pack. You can also buy your winter gear at local shops in Minnesota. Take your local friend to do the shopping together, so you can have all you need.
Pack Less
Packing less is a smart way to move anywhere. You can categorise your stuff into three priorities, “things you need”, “things you need, but you can buy again later”, “things you do not need”. By having these categories, you will find out what to pack first, and you do not have to pack things you do not need.
You Don’t Have To Do It Yourself
Always get help from a moving company when you want to relocate to another city, state, or even country. A moving company, like Sanelo, will help you pick up your packages and deliver them to your new home.
Conclusion About Moving To Minnesota
Minnesota is a great state to live in. Its cost of living is relatively low, there are many things to do there, the food is awesome, and as the land of 10,000 lakes, the scenery here is beautiful.
Even though everything seems perfect, you still need to plan your relocation process thoroughly.
It is always a good idea to keep a note on a checklist that you have to do. If you want the relocation process stress-free, you can reach out to a professional moving company. You can consult about what you have to do. They will also make sure your packages arrive safely at your new home.
Want to find out more about moving to Minneapolis? Or perhaps about neighbouring states like North Dakota and South Dakota? Check out our guides!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Minnesota
Is It Worth Moving To Minnesota?
Considering all the pros that overpowered the cons, the answer to this question is “yes”.
The environment in Minnesota itself is quite healthy, with a lot of green areas and lakes. You can build a healthier lifestyle by spending more time outdoors in nature. A healthy lifestyle is also good for you financially. You can cut costs on physical or mental illness treatment, which generally can take up 30% of your monthly income.
How Much Minimum Wage Do I Need To Live In Minnesota?
If you have children, then at least you need $88,000 to $111,000 annual income before the income taxes. On the other hand, if you are single, having a yearly income of $33,089 before income taxes is already enough.
How Do I Get Help To Move To Minnesota?
First, you can get your employer to give you the information about the documents you need before moving. It is important, especially if you are from overseas. Second, hire a professional mover company. A mover company, like Sanelo, will help you to pick up and send your packages. So you do not have to worry about carrying your packages during your flight, especially if you are from somewhere that is far from Minnesota.
Do I Need To Contact Anyone Before Moving To Minnesota?
Before moving, do not forget to contact your real estate agent to give details about your relocating process to Minnesota. If you have children, make sure to contact local public schools or private schools to make their school transfer process easier.