Top 6 Reasons to Move to Minnesota and Why You’ll Love Living Here

Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and the “North Star State,” moving to Minnesota offers residents a friendly atmosphere, plenty of natural beauty, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Whether you’re considering buying a home in St. Paul or renting an apartment in Minneapolis, Redfin has the top 6 reasons to move to Minnesota.

1) Natural wonders

Although Minnesota’s state nickname claims the state has 10,000 lakes, there are actually nearly 12,000, each offering iconic beauty. One of the state’s most awe-inspiring places, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, features 19,000 acres of wilderness with 1,500 miles of canoe routes. This beautiful, remote region is perfect for camping, hiking, and most of all, canoeing. Residents and visitors love to fish, swim, and boat across the state. Minnesota boasts hundreds of parks, ranging in size and amenities. Whatever outdoor activities you’re interested in, you can find them in Minnesota.

2) Affordable living

Minnesota as a whole offers a favorable low cost of living, making it an appealing state for residents. The median sale price for houses in Minnesota is $341,700, which is below the national median sale price of $418,000. This affordability extends to major cities within the state as well. The cost of living in Minneapolis is 2% lower than the national average, providing a financial advantage for residents. St. Paul also offers an attractive cost of living, with expenses being 3% lower than the national average.

3) Minnesota’s thriving food scene

Minnesota offers a wide range of cuisine, and as a resident, you can find nearly anything you’re craving. There are Scandinavian roots in Minnesota, which come out in the food scene. Be sure to try the Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, and lefse. Wild rice is the state grain of Minnesota and is found in various foods, from burgers, pancakes, and soup. Another popular dish is “hot dish,” a casserole made of ground beef, mushroom sauce, and tater tots.

4) Rural and urban living

Minnesota is home to bustling cities like St. Paul and Minneapolis; each offering residents green spaces, bike trails, and clean spaces. If you’d rather live somewhere more rural, you can find small charming towns all across the state.

5) Things to do

There’s a fair or festival for nearly every occasion in Minnesota, and you’ll never run out of things to do or see. You can find country fairs, car shows, art crawls, music festivals, and more. Plus, the world-famous Minnesota State Fair hosted in the fall is a must-see event. The state also has tons of biking and walking trails for residents to enjoy the countryside.

6) Weather

If you’re a 4-season type person, you’ll love Minnesota. Summers are warm, with a high of around 81 degrees in July, while winters can get quite cold and snowy, with a low of two degrees in January. As seasons change, so do the popular activities that come with them, keeping residents busy and entertained year-round.

Methodology: Median home sale price data was pulled from the US Housing Market resource during April 2022.