Located right on the US and Canadian border and nestled east of Lake Superior is the naturally rich and diverse state of Minnesota. For those seeking an exceptional quality of life in a place that seamlessly combines big-city amenities with the great outdoors, there’s simply no better choice than the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
Minnesota’s climate and geographic location play a key role in shaping the area’s culture, allowing residents to make the most out of every season. There’s ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and hockey in the winter and a multitude of outdoor music festivals and extraordinary recreational opportunities in the spring, summer, and fall.
Among the best places to live in Minnesota is the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Known as the Twin Cities, it consistently ranks as one of the best places to call home in the US due to its thriving economy, top-quality education, incredible recreational opportunities, and approachable, laid-back Midwestern feel.
Thinking about living in Minnesota? Read on to discover the many reasons why it’s an incredible place to live.
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THRIVING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Located less than nine miles apart from one another, Minnesota’s Twin Cities is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies. It’s a hotbed for top corporations, with 3M, Target, Best Buy, Land O’ Lakes, Mayo Clinic, General Mills, and UnitedHealth Group being among the many major private companies with corporate headquarters based in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota was recently ranked seventh in CNBC’s list of top states for business. The state has one of the brightest economies in the US, marking 12 straight months of employment growth last September 2022. At 2.4%, the state’s year-to-date job growth remains at a level above the national rate, generating the most gains in different employment sectors including business, construction, education, manufacturing, and leisure and hospitality.
According to data collected by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the state gained almost 94,000 payroll jobs, reflecting an increase of 3.3%. Additionally, Minnesota managed to keep a low 2% unemployment rate in September 2022 – a significant improvement compared to the national unemployment rate of 3.5%.
Living in Minnesota is an excellent choice for remote workers, as well. It currently ranks among the top states in terms of internet connectivity based on factors like speed, coverage, and availability, making it easy to stay connected. A wide selection of excellent coworking spaces has recently popped up in the Twin Cities, too, giving remote workers added flexibility.
TOP-PERFORMING SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Families living in Minnesota can enroll children in many renowned public and private schools throughout the state. Minnesota boasts a top-ranked public education system characterized by high test scores, low student-teacher ratios, and low dropout rates.
Among the top public school districts serving Minnesota is Wayzata Public Schools, considered one of the best school districts in the country. Located in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, Wayzata Public Schools is rooted in academic excellence, with a student population of over 12,900 routinely recognized for their stellar academic achievements.
For those looking to enroll in higher education, living in Minnesota gives you access to many exceptional colleges in universities. In the Twin Cities, there are several nationally ranked colleges such as:
- University of Minnesota
- University of St. Thomas
- Bethel University
- Augsburg University
- Hamline University
- St. Catherine University
- Macalester College
Outside the Twin Cities, there’s a varied mix of mid-sized and large colleges and universities in cities like Mankato, Winona, and Duluth.
CONVENIENT, HIGHLY ACCESSIBLE TRANSIT OPTIONS
Minnesota’s Twin Cities consistently rank among the safest, most walkable, and bikeable cities in the nation. Both Minnesota and St. Paul feature a system of enclosed and heated skyways connecting buildings in downtown areas, making it easy to go from Point A to Point B.
Further enhancing convenience and accessibility in the Twin Cities are buses and light rail trains with routes connecting the entire area. From Downtown Minneapolis, you can take the Blue Line to get to the Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with ease. The Green Line provides a convenient way to travel between the Twin Cities’ downtown areas.
User-friendly car and bike-sharing systems are available in the Twin Cities, as well, offering even more convenient commuting options.
DISTINCT SEASONS
Summers in Minnesota – though humid at times – are very pleasant, inviting Minnesotans to indulge in outdoor activities throughout the state’s many parks, trails, and waterways.
Fall is an attraction on its own and is always a great time to gather around a fireplace or visit one of the many lively festivals happening at this time of year.
Although winters may be harsh, there’s still plenty to enjoy in Minnesota like outdoor parades, festivals, and activities such as ice fishing, skiing, riding a snowmobile, and snow tubing.
Finally, spring turns the state into a lush haven with blossoming flowers and trees and pleasant temperatures, perfect for recreational opportunities like biking, hiking, and boating.
AFFORDABLE COST OF LIVING
Minnesota’s cost of living consistently measures below the national average.
Despite increasing housing prices throughout the country, the state’s affordable cost of living continues to pave the way for high homeownership rates. Over 75% of Minnesotans own their home (14% above the national average) as of the second quarter of 2022, placing Minnesota among the states with the highest ownership rates in the country.
STRONG REAL ESTATE MARKET
Over the past year, the Minnesota real estate market has remained very competitive, with homes selling within 12 days on average. In October 2022, the average sale price of a home in Minneapolis was $323,000, reflecting an increase of 2.4% since the previous year.
For more in-depth updates on Minnesota’s real estate market, take a look at our news and market updates on YouTube. If you’re searching for the best neighborhoods in Minnesota, be sure to check out our Twin Cities neighborhood tour videos.
AMAZING ACTIVITIES AND DESTINATIONS
Minnesota offers a well-balanced mix of diverse recreational attractions from outdoor music festivals to beautiful outdoor destinations, world-class restaurants to massive sports arenas, and a whole lot more.
Here are some of the top activities and destinations you can look forward to when you’re living in Minnesota:
The pristine lakes and incredible outdoor attractions
Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” (although it’s actually 11,842), Minnesota boasts miles of picturesque shoreline from Lake Superior’s North Shore to Lake Minnesota, making it a haven for a plethora of water-based recreation.
Fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, canoeing, ice fishing – name it and you can engage in your idea of water-based fun in Minnesota’s array of lakes. No matter where you live in Minnesota, you’re always a quick drive away from the nearest body of water. allowing you to enjoy your favorite activity anytime.
Residents of Minnesota take pride in their lakes, rivers, and streams, working together to protect these natural wonders from pollution, misuse, and deterioration. They are, after all, a large part of what makes Minnesota home to many people.
Many of Minnesota’s lakes are part of the BWCAW, a vast preserve of lakes and woods extending for over a hundred miles on the US-Canada border. Signed into law in 1978, the BCWA Wilderness Act exists to preserve, protect, and enhance all lakes and forested areas in Northeastern Minnesota.
Living in Minnesota means you’re always minutes away from picturesque destinations where you can soak in the views, reconnect with nature, and let all your stress melt away. In addition to its array of gorgeous lakes, Minnesota features scenic hiking trails, beautiful natural parks, rivers for kayaking and rafting, and many more.
Below are just some of the many great spots to check out if you’re looking forward to discovering Minnesota’s best outdoor destinations.
Lake Superior’s North Shore
A two to three-hour drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul takes you to the North Shore of Lake Superior, which features miles of hiking trails traversing through eight different parks.
Among the most popular trails here is the Superior Hiking Trail. This is a picture-perfect hiking trail running for more than 300 miles along a ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior and extending from the Canadian border all the way to Wisconsin. This trail takes visitors on an incredibly scenic journey across a stunning landscape highlighted by waterfalls, lakes, stream crossings, mountains, and an abundance of wildlife. This is the perfect path for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. The Superior Hiking Trail is a designated trail strictly for hikers only – no bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed.
Cuyuna Mines
Experience an unforgettable adventure at the Cuyuna Mines, one of Minnesota’s most unique recreational attractions. Originally a series of iron ore mines, the Cuyuna Mines is now a top destination for activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and scuba diving.
Mountain biking is an especially popular activity to enjoy at the Cuyuna Mines. There’s a 30-mile network of single-track mountain biking trails for all skill levels, taking bikers through a breathtaking environment filled with turquoise-hued mine lakes and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Gunflint Trail
Minnesota is packed with cross-country skiing trails, and one of the best ones in the state is the Gunflint Trail. Located in Cook County in northeastern Minnesota, it features over a hundred miles of trails across three groomed systems.
The Gunflint Trail is perfect for a weekend of skiing or a multi-day cross-country skiing excursion. There are plenty of services offering lodge-to-lodge skiing equipment, as well as yurts for accommodations. Take note that you’ll need to purchase a Great Minnesota Ski Pass if you’re planning to ski on the groomed trails of the Banadad system. Both the Central and Upper Gunflint trail systems are not maintained by the state, which means you’ll need to purchase a ski pass from one of the hotels and resorts in the area.
Exceptional dining
Over the past several years, the Twin Cities have slowly established a well-deserved reputation as one of the hottest culinary destinations. St. Paul and Minneapolis are populated by both award-winning chefs and promising homegrown chefs, creating a vibrant dining scene with an abundance of exceptional venues.
Restaurants in the Twin Cities come in all shapes and sizes, from popular food trucks and casual bistros to upscale fine dining restaurants, all combining to create one of the most dynamic culinary scenes in the country. Despite the diversified mix of options, all restaurants share an appreciation of the area’s rich bounty and a deep understanding of Minnesotans’ passion for delicious cuisine.
Here’s a small sampling of some of the best restaurants you can find in the Twin Cities.
Fogo de Chao
645 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Located in the Hennepin Theatre District just a few steps away from the Target Center, Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse treating diners to the unique flavors of centuries-old “churrasco” (Portuguese for “barbecue”) grilling tradition in a casual atmosphere.
This is the perfect place to visit if you’ve worked up a mean appetite – Fogo de Chao is all-you-can-eat meat at its finest, where guests can look forward to chowing down on an endless stream of filet mignon, lamb chops, bacon-wrapped chicken, sausage, pork loin, and other delicious, flavorful meats cooked to perfection.
5-8 Club
5800 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis
5-8 Club is famous for being the home of the Twin Cites’ award-winning “Juicy Lucy,” a burger stuffed to the brim with melted cheese and grilled to sizzling perfection before being served on a freshly baked bun.
In addition to their iconic burger, 5-8 serves up an array of delightful dishes as well including salads, house-made chili, wings, specialty sandwiches, and a variety of appeptizers/
Soul Bowl
520 North 4th Street, Minneapolis
From being a humble pop-up back in 2018, Soul Bowl has since captured the attention (and appetites) of countless foodies with its incredible customizable food bowls. Created out of Chef Gerard Klass’ unique concept of “reimagined soul food for the urban millennial,” Soul Bowl treats diners to classic soul food favorites with a twist, crafted from unique flavors and modern techniques.
At Soul Bowl, you can start with bases like yellow rice or mac and cheese, top it with veggies like smoked mushrooms, candied yams, or sweet plantains, and then add meats like Cajun salmon or barbecue chicken as the finishing touch to your creation.
Meritage
410 St. Peter Street, St. Paul
Meritage is one of the Twin Cities’ most romantic restaurants, with its stylish glass-paned storefront and elegant old-world Parisian ambiance. Established in 2007, Meritage has become an iconic destination of Downtown St. Paul and a popular gathering place for artists, writers, musicians, and travelers.
Be sure to order one of the bestselling dishes from Chef Russel Klein’s menu, like the grilled octopus drizzled with a black garlic-shoyu glaze, Au Bon Canard foie gras, or honey and thyme-glazed duck breast – all of which are well worth their price tags.
World-class outdoor music festivals
Music enthusiasts living in Minnesota can look forward to a stellar lineup of incredible music events every year. The state’s signature music festivals are the hottest tickets around, especially during the summer and fall.
With excellent venues, the best performers, food trucks with mouthwatering dishes, and electric crowds pulsating with energy, the best outdoor music festivals are right here in Minnesota!
Below are some of the many signature music festivals you can look forward to when you’re living in Minnesota:
- Twin Cities Jazz Festival
- Rock the Garden Festival
- Nershfest
- We Fest
- Twin Cities Summer Jam
- Winstock
- Lakes Jam
- Lakefront Music Fest
- Boats and Bluegrass
FIND YOUR HOME IN MINNESOTA TODAY
Ready to begin the search for your dream home in Minnesota? The Carmack Real Estate Group is ready to assist you in making your real estate goals a reality!
Take a look at some of our featured properties or get in touch with our team today at 763.291.8083. You can also send an email or leave a message here.