Yes, Minnesota is one of the best places to live in the United States if you’re looking for economic stability, nature, and strong community values.
So why don’t more people move to the North Star State?
Maybe it’s the reputation for cold winters. Or the idea that northern states are all the same. But here’s what the data actually says: Minnesota ranks in the top ten for both economic opportunity and quality of life according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It has one of the lowest poverty rates in the country and outperforms the national average in education and income.
In this guide, we’ll break down what living in Minnesota is really like—from the perks and trade-offs to the best cities for families, young professionals, and retirees.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
Why Minnesota stands out for jobs, education, safety, and natural beauty
What to expect from winters, taxes, and transit gaps
Which cities and towns are best for families, professionals, and retirees
Overview
Living in Minnesota could be a good option for someone seeking economic stability, nature, and community, but it might not be ideal for those who dislike cold winters or are concerned about high taxes.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Strong Job Market and Economy
Minnesota offers a diverse and stable economy with low unemployment rates and higher than average median household income.
Excellent Educational Opportunities
The state boasts high graduation rates, top-ranked public school districts, and respected colleges and universities.
Abundant Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Minnesota is home to thousands of lakes, numerous state and national parks, and offers a wide range of outdoor activities year-round.
Safe and Friendly Communities
Many of Minnesota's small towns and suburbs are known for their low crime rates and a culture of community-mindedness, often referred to as "Minnesota Nice."
Urban Centers with Public Transit
The Twin Cities area provides a reliable public transportation system, making it easier to navigate without a car.
Harsh Winters
Minnesota experiences long, cold, and snowy winters with very low temperatures and significant snowfall.
High Tax Burden
The state has a progressive income tax system with high rates, as well as higher than average property and sales taxes.
City Crime in Some Areas
Certain urban centers in Minnesota have higher violent crime rates compared to the national average.
Limited Transit Outside Cities
Public transportation is primarily available in the Twin Cities, making car ownership essential in other parts of the state.
Seasonal Expensive Utility Bills
Residents often face high heating bills during the cold winter months due to the extreme temperatures.
Best Places to Live by Lifestyle
Specific cities and towns cater to different needs, such as families seeking good schools, young professionals seeking job markets, and retirees seeking quiet living.
Other Notable Considerations
Minnesota Accent: The state has a distinct accent influenced by Scandinavian and German roots.
Tornadoes: Minnesota does experience tornadoes, particularly in the southern and central regions.
Cost of Living: Overall costs are close to the national average, but certain areas have higher housing costs and specific seasonal expenses.
Population Growth: The state is experiencing slow population growth, mainly concentrated in the Twin Cities area.
Pros of Living in Minnesota
From steady jobs and strong schools to beautiful lakes and close-knit communities, living in Minnesota has a lot going for it. Here’s what stands out.
Numerous Employment Opportunities
Minnesota’s unemployment rate was 2.7% as of early 2024, compared to the national average of 3.8% Bureau of Labor Statistics. This low number shows a strong job market across different fields.
Top major industries include:
Healthcare: Mayo Clinic, UnitedHealth Group
Retail and logistics: Target, Best Buy
Manufacturing and tech: 3M, Polaris, Optum
Finance: U.S. Bank, Thrivent
Whether you're in a trade, corporate role, or healthcare, Minnesota offers stable career paths with upward mobility.
A Strong and Diverse Economy
Minnesota’s economy is diverse and stable. The state’s GDP reached $483 billion in 2023, ranking 17th nationally Bureau of Economic Analysis. It doesn’t rely too heavily on one sector, which helps protect workers during economic shifts.
The median household income is $84,313, which beats the national average of $75,149 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). So for many people, living in Minnesota can mean better financial stability.
Great Schools and Colleges
Minnesota has a 93% high school graduation rate, one of the best in the country. It ranks in the top 15 states for K–12 education thanks to strong test scores, access to resources, and college readiness, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
Top-rated public school districts include:
Minnetonka Public Schools
Edina Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools
Rochester Public Schools
Families living in suburban and rural areas also benefit from quality schools that prepare students for college and careers.
For higher education, Minnesota has respected options such as:
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Minnesota State University, Mankato
St. Olaf College, Carleton College (Northfield)
Macalester College (Saint Paul)
Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter)
Beautiful Outdoors
Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it actually has over 11,800 lakes. For outdoor enthusiasts, that means unlimited chances for outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, and boating in the summer—and ice fishing and winter sports in the cold months.
Top natural destinations include:
Lake Superior and the scenic North Shore
Superior National Forest
Mississippi River
Leech Lake
Itasca State Park (headwaters of the Mississippi)
Voyageurs National Park
Whether you’re hiking, paddling, skiing, or relaxing by the water, Minnesota offers unmatched access to natural beauty across all four seasons.
Safe and Friendly Small Towns
Many of Minnesota’s small towns and suburbs are peaceful and close-knit. For example, Eden Prairie has a violent crime rate of 0.8 per 1,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 4.0, according to NeighborhoodScout.
Other safe towns include:
Stillwater
Mankato
Park Rapids
These places often reflect what’s known as Minnesota Nice—a culture of respectful, helpful, and community-minded behavior. Many Minnesota residents get involved in community events, local causes, and neighborly support.
City Transit That Works
If you're living in the Twin Cities area, transit is a plus. The Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area has a reliable public system that includes buses and light rail. Metro Transit serves more than 1.5 million people, making it easier to get to work, school, or downtown events without a car.
This can help reduce housing costs by allowing people to live farther from the city center while still keeping a short commute.
Cons of Living in Minnesota
Living in Minnesota has real advantages—but it's not perfect. Here are some of the most common downsides to be aware of, with facts and figures to back them up.
Harsh Winters
Minnesota winters are long, cold, and snowy. In many parts of the state, winter lasts from early November through April. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, here’s what Minnesota’s climate looks like in the colder months:
Average January lows in Minneapolis: 7°F
Average highs in northern Minnesota in winter: 8°F to 12°F
Duluth gets up to 86 inches of snow per year
Wind chills in parts of northern Minnesota often hit -30°F or colder
Statewide snowfall ranges from 37 to 70 inches, depending on region
These cold winters bring extra challenges: longer commutes, delayed travel, and increased risk of seasonal depression. While many locals embrace the cold with winter sports and indoor events, it’s a lifestyle shift that not everyone enjoys.
High Tax Burden
Minnesota has a progressive income tax system with four brackets, topping out at 9.85%—one of the highest in the U.S. Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Here’s how the high tax burden breaks down:
Income tax: 5.35% to 9.85% based on income level
Property taxes: About 1.05% of assessed value—higher than the national average of 0.99%, according to Tax Foundation
Sales tax: State base is 6.875%, with local rates pushing it higher in many major cities
For high earners or those on fixed incomes, these costs can make living in Minnesota less affordable than in nearby states like South Dakota or North Dakota.
City Crime in Some Areas
Crime isn’t a problem everywhere, but it’s higher in some urban centers. In Minneapolis, the violent crime rate is about 9.4 per 1,000 residents—more than double the national average of 4.0, as per NeighborhoodScout.
Crime tends to be concentrated in certain neighborhoods, especially in parts of Minneapolis–St. Paul. This pushes some people toward suburban and rural areas, where safety is a bigger draw.
Limited Transit Outside Cities
Public transportation works well in the Twin Cities and the Paul metropolitan area, but that’s not the case in southern and central regions, western Minnesota, or small towns.
If you’re outside a metro zone, owning a car is essential for work, errands, and school. This adds fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs that residents in better-connected states might avoid.
In winter, driving can be especially hard—snow and ice reduce visibility, slow down traffic, and increase accident risk.
Seasonal Spikes in Utility Bills
Cold months also bring high heating bills. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Upper Midwest homes spend between $1,200 and $1,500 each winter to heat a 2,000 sq. ft. home, depending on the fuel source.
Other cold-weather costs include:
Electric bills for space heaters
Roof heating cables and snow removal
Furnace repairs and tune-ups
Emergency backup power systems
These costs affect all parts of Minnesota’s climate, especially in northern Minnesota and less insulated homes in suburban and rural areas. For many families, it’s a key part of budgeting for life in the state.
Best Places to Live in Minnesota by Lifestyle
Minnesota offers something for everyone—whether you're raising a family, starting your career, or enjoying retirement. Here are some of the best places to live in Minnesota, grouped by lifestyle, with real data to help you compare.
For Families
If you’re looking for safety, great schools, and strong community programs, these towns stand out:
Eden Prairie – Safe neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and strong local job market
Woodbury – Highly rated schools, parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods
Edina – Excellent public schools, walkable communities, and close access to the Twin Cities
These areas are known for their high quality of life, quality schools, and community events that make it easier to connect and settle in.
For Young Professionals
Minneapolis – Major job market, nightlife, arts scene, and efficient transit
Saint Paul – More affordable than Minneapolis, historic charm, and great for government or nonprofit work
Rochester – Home to Mayo Clinic, strong healthcare industry, and vibrant downtown
These urban centers give you easy access to public transport, job opportunities, and culture—especially in the Twin Cities area.
For Retirees
If you're seeking quiet living, low crime, and healthcare access, try:
Duluth – Beautiful views of Lake Superior, strong hospital system, and active senior programs
Stillwater – Small-town charm on the Minnesota River, walkable downtown, and relaxing pace
Mankato – Affordable homes, strong medical services, and peaceful neighborhoods
Many retirees also look at Minnesota’s small towns, where the pace is slower, and the costs are more manageable.
Sources: Zillow (2024), NeighborhoodScout, Niche, U.S. Census Bureau
Is Minnesota the Right Place for You?
So—is Minnesota a good place to live?
If you value a strong job market, high quality of life, and easy access to nature, Minnesota could be a great fit. Families benefit from great schools and safe neighborhoods. Young professionals find opportunity and culture in the Twin Cities, while retirees enjoy peaceful living in Minnesota’s small towns.
But the trade-offs are real. The cold winters, high tax burden, and limited transit outside cities may not work for everyone. It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how much snow you’re willing to shovel.
If you’re someone who thrives in four seasons, values community, and wants both city life and outdoor space—living in Minnesota might be exactly what you're looking for.
Ready to Move? Let Us Handle Your Vehicle
If you’ve decided that Minnesota is a good place to live, the next step is planning the move—and that includes how to get your vehicle there safely.
That’s where AmeriFreight Car Shipping comes in. We specialize in reliable vehicle transport for individuals and families relocating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do people from Minnesota talk different?
The Minnesota accent comes from Scandinavian and German roots. You'll hear long "o" sounds and polite speech, often tied to the culture of Minnesota Nice.
Does Minnesota get tornadoes?
Yes. Minnesota averages 30–40 tornadoes a year, mostly from May to July, with the highest risk in southern and central regions. Emergency alerts and sirens are standard across the state.
Is it expensive to live in Minnesota?
Parts of the state—like Minneapolis–St. Paul—have higher housing costs and a high tax burden, but other areas are more affordable. Overall, costs are close to the national average, with winter heating bills being a major extra expense.
Is Minnesota growing or shrinking?
Minnesota’s population is slowly growing, now at about 5.76 million. Growth is focused in the Twin Cities area, while some rural towns are seeing declines.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, real estate prices, commute times, and community features are subject to change. We recommend consulting with licensed Minnesota-based real estate professionals, local government sources, or community organizations before making any housing or relocation decisions.
