Pros and Cons of Living in Minnesota

If you’re considering a move to the land of (more than) 10,000 lakes (yes, we’re counting), you’re in for a treat. Minnesota isn’t just another state; it’s a vibrant tapestry of seasons, culture, and community. Grab your favorite hot dish and let’s dive into the pros and the not-so-dreadful cons of calling Minnesota home!

Pros of Living in Minnesota

Four Beautiful Seasons!

Minnesota is famous for its cold winter weather, but that’s just one of our seasons.  Summers are a big deal around here.  In fact, there is one recreational boat for every six residents!!  And Minnesotans can’t get enough of the gorgeous weather we have in Spring and Fall as well.  We can’t wait to break out the shorts in Spring and sip cocoa around a bonfire in Fall.

Snow, Sweet Snow

Yes, we get snow, but it’s tough to know how much we’ll get from year-to-year.  In the Winter of 2022-2023, we got about 90’ of snow from October-April.  However, during the same months in the 2023-2024 season, we only got 29½’ of snow—a huge disappointment to winter sports enthusiasts.  And remember- snow doesn’t mean you’re locked inside!  There are really fun things to do in the Winter- like ice skating, hockey, tubing, cross-country skiing, and sledding!  Not to mention the beauty of softly falling snow on New Year’s Eve- there’s nothing better!  Bonus: mowing the lawn and pulling weeds isn’t year-round here!

Crazy Good Arts & Culture

Home to a vibrant arts community, Minnesota boasts a rich tapestry of music, theater, and visual arts. You can thank native Minnesotans Bob Dylan, Winona Ryder, and Judy Garland for putting us on the cultural map. And rock icon Prince was born and raised in Minnesota, living in Chanhassen until his death.  And don’t forget about our amazing state fair, where you can munch on everything from cheese curds to deep-fried candy bars!

Minnesota State Fair

Our state fair is so incredible that it needs its own bullet point.  Billed as “The Great Minnesota Get Together,” it’s an event that’s not to be missed.  It’s the largest state fair in the U.S. by average daily attendance and is the second largest by total attendance- beat only by Texas, which runs twice as long.  It’s the Minnesota way of closing out Summer, running 12 days up to Labor Day.  With 300+ food vendors, you can try anything from deep-fried candybars, Pronto Pups (not to be confused with the inferior corn dog), deep-fried alligator, and hotdish on-a-stick.  The grandstand hosts mega-acts from around the world each night and the Mighty Midway, Sky Glider, and Giant Slide are just a few of the ways to keep yourself entertained!  There are also huge buildings dedicated to horticulture, ecology, fine arts, and education.  Minnesotans take time off work for the fair, often visiting several days, for 6, 7, or 8+ hours/day!

Sports Galore

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just enjoy the thrill of the game, we have SEVEN professional sports teams to keep your adrenaline pumping. Cheer for the Vikings, Timberwolves, or Twins—there’s no shortage of excitement here!

Nature’s Playground

With so many lakes and stunning state parks, outdoor adventures await at every turn. From kayaking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to biking on scenic trails, nature lovers will feel right at home. And yes, you can absolutely try fishing while simultaneously making small talk with the loons.

Job Opportunities

With a strong job market and opportunities in various sectors, you’ll find plenty of ways to support your future goals (or your coffee habit).  As-of July 2024, Minnesota was home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, including United Health Group, Best Buy, 3M, Target, General Mills, and Land O’Lakes.

Target, We Love You

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good Target run? As the birthplace of this retail giant, you can count on finding everything from essentials to the latest trends—all under one roof.

 “Minnesota Nice”

You’ll find that Minnesotans are generally friendly, helpful, and always ready to lend a hand. Just don’t be alarmed if someone offers you a hot dish or a slice of pie; it’s a warm welcome, trust us!

Tax-Free Shopping

With no tax on clothing and most groceries, your wallet will thank you. The price you see is the price you pay- very handy when keeping up with the latest fashion or feeding your family.

Cons (But Not Really)

Cold Weather

Although the cold can’t be ignored, it can be over-hyped.  Yes, winters can be brisk, but they can also be mild.  The good news is that even the blood of a native Floridian will thicken over time, helping their body adapt to the colder weather.  Trust me- I’m a native Minnesotan who moved to Florida for four years.  When I first got there, my blood was accustomed to Minnesota weather so I was fairly sure I’d drop dead in the street from heat exhaustion.  Fortunately, my body adjusted and the heat didn’t bother me like it once had.  Unfortunately, just when I was getting used to the heat, I moved back to Minnesota and was freezing cold all the time until my blood adjusted, again. Ah, the human body.  What a wondrous machine.

Mosquitoes

Summer brings warmth—and those pesky little bugs. The good news is that they only live 24 hours.  The bad news is that they thrive in humidity and hatch in stagnant water.  So…pony up some dough for bug spray and get used to ‘em.

The “Fargo” Accent

Some folks might say we have an accent, but we think everyone else has the accent.  You betcha.

High Income and Property Taxes

Yes, we’ve got some of the highest income and property taxes in the country. But remember, those taxes help fund our fabulous parks, schools, and infrastructure—like the impressive skyways throughout downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul!

Short Days in Winter

While winter’s snowy charm is delightful, the short days can be a bit of a downer. You’ll need to get used to those early sunsets—perfect for cozying up with a good book or binge-watching your favorite series!

Heavy Traffic

As with any bustling metro area, traffic can be a bear—especially during rush hour.  Public transit is available for those who like to read during their commute but for those who don’t, driving to/from work each day is a great opportunity to catch up on your favorite podcast!

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Minnesota is a place of stunning beauty, friendly faces, and a culture that’s as rich as our famous hot dish.   

Ready to dive into the Land of 10,000 Lakes? We can’t wait to welcome you!