Minnesota is a beautiful state with a wide variety of cities, towns, and communities to choose from. Whether you’re looking for bustling urban areas or quiet, rural communities, Minnesota has it all. But with so many options, it can be challenging to know where to start your search. That’s where our ultimate guide comes in.
Are you looking for the best place to live in Minnesota? We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best places to live in Minnesota. So whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, our guide has everything you need to find your perfect home in Minnesota!
Hey! Are you thinking about a move to Minnesota?
Well, as a lifelong resident I have a few suggestions of cities…plus, I’ll let you know what town in the Land of 10,000 Lakes my wife Kitty and I decided to make our home…and the answer might shock you! Keep reading.
Hey guys it’s Jack from Travel with Jack and Kitty. Today we’re talking about my favorite subject: Minnesota.
Do you ever find yourself wondering…is Minnesota a good place to live? Read our pros and cons post from a local and find out now: https://jackandkitty.com/2023/04/is-minnesota-a-good-place-to-live-2023-pros-and-cons-honest-opinion-from-local
Where to Live in Minnesota
Minnesota is a beautiful state with many great places to live, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Here are a few cities and towns that you might want to consider if you’re planning a move:
1. Minneapolis
The largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful parks, and a thriving economy. It’s going to be the most expensive city in Minnesota but it’s still a lot more affordable than other cities of this size in other parts of the country…especially on the East or West coasts.
2. St. Paul
The state capital of Minnesota, St. Paul is known for its historic architecture, diverse neighborhoods, and excellent schools. You can think of St. Paul as the more laid-back twin in the Twin Cities. It’s not nearly as hectic as Minneapolis, and the downtown is a bit more historic, prettier and cleaner.
3. Duluth
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth offers stunning natural scenery, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a strong arts community. Just a word of warning: if you live in Duluth plan on experiencing a LOT of snow!
4. Rochester
Home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester is a thriving city with a strong healthcare industry and a high quality of life. Kitty and I went to Bible College in Rochester so we lived there for a few years. It’s actually – by far – the most boring city I’ve ever lived in. It’s also one of the most boring cities in Minnesota. So, if you love nightlife and fun things to do, you may want to stay clear of Rochester. It’s a great city, but it’s kinda like a boring, dependable uncle.
5. Stillwater
Located on the St. Croix River, Stillwater is a charming small town with historic architecture, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. It does get crowded with tourists every summer.
6. Eden Prairie
A suburb of Minneapolis, Eden Prairie is known for its excellent schools, parks, and community events. If you’re looking to be close to the Twin Cities, but want a life in the ‘burbs this is a good city to look into.
7. Ely
If you’re looking for a more remote location, Ely is a great choice. Located in northern Minnesota, it offers access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and other outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s small and gets a ton of tourists in the summer, but winter is like a magical wonderland.
A few benefits of living in the Twin Cities
Most people moving to Minnesota end up in the Twin Cities area. Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a wide range of benefits for those who choose to live there. Here are a few:
1. Job opportunities
The Twin Cities is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Target, Best Buy, and General Mills. The region has a strong economy and offers a range of job opportunities in industries such as healthcare, technology, and finance.
2. Culture and entertainment
Minneapolis and St. Paul both offer a range of cultural and entertainment options, including theaters, museums, art galleries, and music venues. The Twin Cities are also home to several professional sports teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves.
3. Education
The Twin Cities is home to several excellent colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota, Macalester College, and St. Catherine University. There are also many excellent public and private schools in the area.
4. Outdoor recreation
The Twin Cities offers many parks, lakes, and trails for outdoor recreation. The Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis and the Mississippi River are popular spots for hiking, biking and boating.
5. Quality of life
The Twin Cities consistently ranks high in national surveys for quality of life. The area has a strong healthcare system, low unemployment rate, and a high median household income. Additionally, the Twin Cities are known for their bike-friendly infrastructure, walkability, and excellent public transportation system.
DON’T MISS THIS RELATED POST!! Are you considering moving to Minneapolis but don’t know where to start looking for a place to live? Choosing a neighborhood can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the city. But don’t worry! In this ultimate guide to choosing a great neighborhood in Minneapolis, we’ll take you on a tour of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, highlighting their unique features and amenities to help you find the perfect place to call home. From family-friendly suburbs to trendy urban enclaves, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started on your journey to discovering the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis! READ NOW: https://jackandkitty.com/2023/04/where-to-live-in-minneapolis-2023-the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-a-great-neighborhood
Why We Live in Winona, Minnesota
So, Kitty and I have lived all over the country. We’re from Minneapolis but recently moved down to a tiny river town called Winona. It’s about two hours south of the Twin Cities. This was our pick for a place to call home in Minnesota.
Why? Well, here are some reasons why you might want to consider living in Winona:
1. Natural beauty
Winona is situated in a picturesque area surrounded by bluffs, valleys, and the Mississippi River. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and boating.
2. Education
Winona is home to several colleges and universities, including Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University, whose English program I proudly flunked out of. These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to a vibrant intellectual community.
3. Culture and Community
Winona has a rich cultural scene, with several theaters, museums, and galleries. The city also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Great River Shakespeare Festival and the Frozen River Film Festival. Winona has a close-knit and friendly community. The city is known for its volunteerism, civic engagement, and strong sense of community.
4. Affordable cost of living
Compared to larger cities in the region, Winona has a relatively low cost of living. Housing prices and other expenses are generally lower than in nearby cities like Minneapolis or Rochester. We’re saving about $500 bucks a month in rent just by living two hours south of the Twin Cities.
5. Winona is weird
Winona is Minnesota’s weirdest city. There’s a lot of hippies, artists and eccentric weirdos living in our town. Duluth has hippies, sure, but they all drive Subarus and shop at North Face. Winona’s hippies are barefoot, riding bicycles and building puppets or houseboats. Every summer we have a secret festival which offers nothing but wrestling matches in a pool of creamed corn. What else would you want in a city?
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Conclusion…
So, ultimately, the best place to live in Minnesota depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider factors such as cost of living, job opportunities, schools, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions when choosing a location. And if you wanna live on a houseboat or compete in creamed corn wrestling, consider a move to Winona.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or what city in Minnesota you’d like to call home. Thanks for visiting.
Have a super day!
About the Authors
Jack and Kitty Norton are Emmy Award winning travel experts. They have spent a lifetime on the road: as traveling musicians, documentary filmmakers and television producers. They now focus on writing for their travel blog (JackAndKitty.com) and making fun videos for their YouTube channel. Jack and Kitty offer travelers fun and quirky things to do in Minnesota, the Midwest and beyond. High school sweethearts turned married soulmates, the couple lives in the small college town of Winona, Minnesota and would love to have you over for some hotdish.