It feels like people are always looking to move to the coasts of the U.S. Big states like California and New York are hubs for culture, finance, and entertainment. If you look deeper and broaden your horizons, you might just see there is plenty to enjoy in the Midwestern part of the country.
Minnesota is one of those middle states that you might have heard about, but hardly ever looked into. There’s a lot more than just snow and lakes in the region (although there’s plenty of harsh weather to consider before moving). Minnesota is a growing state for education, commerce, and healthcare.
Minnesota home insurance is also very affordable compared to states like California and Florida. The lack of natural disasters in the region, such as flooding, earthquakes, etc. brings home insurance costs down. We’ll talk about several of the pros and cons of moving to Minnesota so you can decide for yourself.
Pro: Social Progressivism
When considering a move to Minnesota, it’s important to know whether the state is accepting of all types of people. The simple answer to this question is a resounding yes. The state has voted for the Democratic nominee for President of the U.S. since the 1970s.
This is important to note because the Democratic Party has typically been the party that brings socially progressive bills to the table to vote into law. The state has one of the most prominent Native American communities in the country, which demonstrates the diversity of the state.
The Minnesota Human Rights Act was signed in 1967 to prevent discrimination on account of racial makeup at jobs and other public settings. LGBTQ rights are also very positive in Minnesota, especially compared to the rest of the Midwest. Minnesota has had anti-discrimination laws in place for queer people since the early 1990s.
The George Floyd murder in 2020 was a landmark moment that brought awareness to the issue of police brutality in the area and around the country. The backlash against the murder showed the people of Minnesota aggressively pursuing justice for black people and people abused by the police.
Con: Snow and Cold Weather
Winter storms are one of the most famous cons of living in Minnesota. Most estimates have Minnesota accumulating over 50 inches of snow each year on average. This makes getting around the state very difficult in the winter and leads to some dangerous roads and potential leaks in your home when the snow melts.
Trying to find cheap auto insurance might be a little harder in the regions of Minnesota with a lot of snow. When you move to Minnesota, it’s more important than ever for you to drive safely, find a vehicle that moves well in the snow, and stay off the road if you can’t handle the weather.
Be careful to check for leaks in your home when major snow storms start to melt. All of the ice and water on top of the roof of your home can lead to leaking. Cold weather can also cause pipes to burst. You need to talk to your real estate agent about the best ways to combat these weather-related struggles before moving into your new home.
Pro: Big Companies Means More Jobs
Minnesota is home to some of the biggest companies in the world. Target and Best Buy are two of the largest retailers in the world, and they employ hundreds of thousands of people in the Minnesota area. This means if you don’t have very much education and you’re in need of employment, these brands are very willing to hire.
Minneapolis is also one of the leaders in healthcare jobs in the U.S. UnitedHealth Group is a major health insurance company based in the state. They provide the population with tons of different jobs in the healthcare industry, health finance industry, and other related fields.
Their relevance means Minnesota is one of the most innovative states in the country when it comes to health and safety. The importance of healthcare and safety in a state contributes to whether it’s one of the best places to live, and Minnesota is as good as any other state in the country.
Con: Entertainment Is Lacking Compared to the Coastal States
Because of the amount of snow and inclement weather, there isn’t as much fun to be had in Minnesota during the non-summer months as in a state on the West Coast. On the bright side, there is plenty to do if you love skiing or snowboarding. Minnesota is a beautiful state, but there are not a lot of people going there for amusement parks and lying on the beach.
The state has many forested areas and beautiful natural settings you can explore when the sun comes out. You’ll have to develop a lot more indoor hobbies if you want to have some fun in the winter months. Stay close to your family and friends and go out to restaurants or play some video games. Watching the Minnesota Vikings is a great cultural event for football fans.
Pro: High Rates of Education
The state of Minnesota ranks very highly compared to other states when it comes to education. How do you determine if a state is doing well in this area? One important metric is the number of people who have a four-year college degree. People who have attended a university are more likely to get high-paying jobs and other career opportunities.
The University of Minnesota is a great place to enroll in the state. It consistently ranks among the most prestigious colleges in the world in a variety of ways. Many of the alumni have gone on to make discoveries in agriculture, food, science, technology, and healthcare. If you are a parent wanting your child to receive a great education, the state of Minnesota is great.
While there are struggles with finding entertainment and sunshine in the winter in Minnesota, you shouldn’t be discouraged from moving there. A large number of job opportunities, great educational institutions, and diversity in the region mean it’s one of the most underrated locations to move to in the U.S. Try it out and find out what Minnesota can offer.
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, Clearsurance.com. He wants to help people understand whether Minnesota is the right place for them to move.
