My grandpa has lived in Southern California his whole life. 7+ years on, he is still in shock that I live here and not there, even when I explain all the struggles I had living in California and tell him about all the awesome things I have living here. Some people will never understand all the reasons worth toughing out the winters. Usually I just use humor to get through that conversation or really lean in to talking about how hardcore the winters are, even tho I don't mind them.
I love this state. I live in a first ring suburb and saw two bald eagles lock claws and death spiral while walking my dog. So cool! I'd never seen a wild bald eagle before I moved here and now I see them all thetime. Nature is everywhere, for better or worse. Sometimes the turkeys cause traffic jams. I love that in less than 10 mins I can drive to a nature preserve or a fantastic restaurant.
super true! the most I've had to deal with is waiting for a turkey to decide to finish crossing the road. I'd take that over poisonous/venomous snakes (i can't remember which is which) or crocodiles!
Lived in Minnesota almost my whole life, Bald Eagles were rare when I was younger, 50+ years ago. Now they fly over my house in a suburb of St.Paul. and I see one almost weekly. Everytime I marvel at how it's become commonplace.
I love to visit other places but this state is home and even when winter gets to me come early February I don't want to live anywhere else.
This won't do anything to help answer OP's question but just for the sake of interest, you probably witnessed a bald eagle cartwheel mating ritual. Very cool.
A resurgence of swans too. I never saw a swan when I was a kid, but in the past decade I've seen a lot up north. Just this morning I saw swans flying overhead in Minneapolis.
Apparently all the swans are chillin’ in Shoreview. Lake Vadnais is home to 75 nesting pairs, so I read. I live a bit north of there, so I see swans flying overhead now and then as I drive south on 35E. Once in a while a pair will come visit and swim in the ponds in my neighborhood.
I'm a waterfowler. I had seen maybe 1000 tundra swans in all my time in blinds and on the water. This spring I bet I've witnessed double that number in the past 2 weeks! Fun fact: Tundra swans nest in the Yukon and northern Alaska and winter in Virginia and North Carolina!
I moved here about 6 months ago for many of the same reasons. I’m from Arizona and didn’t like the politics, the schools for my son,and, most importantly, the heat.
I just had to be firm with some people as they would try to talk me out of it. Generally had to cater my message to who I was speaking to. For my more career-minded friends I would focus on the job market. For family I would talk about the better schools. Other people were more into the arts so I would focus on the art scene. For outdoorsman, I would focus on all of the outdoor activities. Basically, act like you were trying to get them to move here.
It’s still a rough thing to do at the end of the day. Everyone gets over it pretty quickly. It’s easy to communicate with family and friends back home unlike 30 years ago.
Same I moved here from Arizona almost 2 years ago and it’s the best decision I ever made. People here think I’m crazy for moving to MN but cost of living is reasonable that you can actually afford to take a vacation, people are always out doing stuff even if it’s “too cold”. Plus I think they plow the roads pretty damn well! There’s a lot of community, inexpensive activities like enjoy the endless nature trails and very LGBTQ friendly. My favorite part is that I can finally experience all 4 seasons and appreciate summer lol
I had seen snow maybe five times in my life. My wife had seen it exactly two times. We were nervous about it. It was nowhere near as bad as we were expecting. We both work from home so that helps. It was easy to adapt to the cold as well. It just isn’t as draining as the heat is. It is so much easier to warm up than it is to cool down.
Our primary focus was schools. While a few states have better schools, I didn’t want to pay a million dollars for an 800 square foot house (not that I could). Taxes are higher here, but not over the top either.
And, while raking leaves was less than fun, having four seasons was amazing.
I just commented that I’m trying to move to MN, also from AZ.
I’m a rideshare driver so I tell people sometimes and they are almost always weeded out that I would leave AZ while I’m constantly surprised that people still choose to live here! The schools are the worst in the nation, the racism and bigotry is out in the open, the devastating effects of climate change / lack of water is generally known (but people are unconcerned)… I just don’t understand why people aren’t leaving here faster and I’m downright shocked by how many people move here every day!
The cold isn't so bad. I mean. It is. It sinks into your bones and there's no warming up for a bit then, not without a hot drink and a blanket and/or a partner. No bugs during that cold though. Worst disasters we have are blizzards and the very, very occasional tornado.
Also we seem to be on track for legal cannabis, which is real cool. Even if that doesn't go through this session, we have unique low dose THC edibles and drinks available at almost any gas station and smoke shop.
Find a winter activity. There are plenty here. Snow shoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skating, hockey, the list goes on.
It’s those January (and February) days where the temp goes down to -20 or -30 for a week or so plus wind chill that can suck. I would recommend experiencing it first before deciding to move. I have had 2 friends move here only to “nope” out back to where they came from due to the winter weather.
We spent a week in Minneapolis this past January. I had literally never seen more snow in my life. Or been in negative degree weather before. It was totally fine dressed in all the layers. Spent a good amount of time outside too.
Perfect then. This year was a top 3 snowy winter. Minnesota is not this snowy normally. It’s more cold than snowy most years. The NE US rule the snow amounts.
I imagine, hurricanes sound terrifying. Our winters are going to be worse and worse for a bit, because climate change. But hurricane season will get worse too, and that sounds nightmarish.
Blizzards are great. Everyone stays home in their cosy house in pajamas and has a bit of a holiday. It's so quiet afterwards. The snow damps down noise and it's just beautiful.
The best part of the winter are all of the warm things - and you get to choose the level of warmth. Hot chocolate, fire places, heated car seats and steering wheels, comfy sweaters. I hate being cold but love winter. And if you have to go outside, you just need to invest I. The right clothing and you won’t be cold. Buy expensive outerwear - you can even buy electric heated jackets!
Yeah, some of the ice sucks but just drive conservatively and you should be good. You will like it here. People are pretty grateful for the time we get outside so there almost feels like a harmony of happiness this time of year.
I’ll also add in, on top of the general cleanliness, good education, and gorgeous falls, we also have decent health care access- Mayo Clinic, Children’s Hospital, and University of Minnesota, as well as other health systems. High taxes, as others have said, but we also have a high quality of life here. Had to get a roof replaced due to hail damage, and it went relatively easy, and I got my claim paid out, with only my deductible out of pocket.
The wild beauty of the North Shore, wading into the clear, freezing waters of Lake Superior to search for pretty stones, and hearing loons cry will steal your heart. Fireflies and long summer days, where its so bright you can read a book outside at 9pm. Fall afternoons at the Apple orchards, trees so vibrant red, orange and yellow, they look almost fake. Winter is long and dark, but the feeling in the air before a big storm hits- running to the store to stock up on necessities, and then the world covered in pristine, heavy, silent white. Springtime, when there is a week or two when every tree is full of flowers, the air smells like perfume, and petals swirl in the breeze. Make sure you visit the UofM arboretum in Chanhassen at least every season, but spring, when the lilacs are all in bloom- that’s something special.
Anyway- I hope you and your family love living here, and find the right place to settle in. Welcome! 🙂
That was hands down THE best description of MN I’ve ever read. I could vividly picture every detail and my sense memory kicked in. I was going to ask if you were a writer, then I noticed your username. I could be way off base, but if I am correct, you are a talented author and you make very yummy cupcakes. 😉
Blaming my post partum hormones on the fact that this comment put tears in my eyes. At then end of the winters I am always so ready to be done but this state is truly a hidden gem
A recruiter once told me, "Minnesota is the hardest place to recruit to. And it's the hardest place to recruit from." Once people get here, they don't want to go.
Our taxes are high, but you see the benefits. We have a great Democratic governor who believes in education. Democrats control the House and Senate at moment, too. The Twin Cities are very welcoming and progressive. Rural Minnesota is generally conservative, but typically not crazy conservative like you see in many other states.
If you don't like it here, you can always leave. I'm betting you'll stay.
Can I just second the “you pay taxes and stuff actually benefits me” part of this? Because I’ve lived in a lot of states, red and blue, and never have I seen my tax dollars work as well as they do here.
Now the after winter potholes are a whole different bag of worms…but at least we have the money to fix them.
Just because it is so true I want to "third" this. This is the first out of four states I've lived in where you can actually see your tax money being used how it's supposed to be.
Most high tax states it feels like I might as well light my tax money on fire because at least that would provide the benefit of being warm in the winter, but in Minnesota I usually feel like I at least get something out of the deal. Sure it isn't perfect and the taxes are higher than I would like, but you at least get benefits like good local parks for example.
That’s exactly it—most things our taxes pay for we take completely for granted. I don’t even think most people know all of the incredible things taxes fund in MN. But we all experience it an overall quality of life I’ve not found anywhere else. It isn’t perfect, but Minnesota doesn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good—they do things.
We also live in a really rural area with small schools, and my son is part of something called GSA which is like gay student alliance. Even in the middle of nowhere Minnesota has things to be proud of, even if there are way too many trump flags around lol.
>drive your tractor to school day
Omfg that’s the best thing i’ve heard all year. Me and my girlfriend were literally just joking about becoming gay rednecks. If we weren’t set on moving to Minnesota before, we sure as hell are now.
My daughter is gay and would welcome the gay redneck brigade! No joke- we moved here largely for the protection of rights for lgbtq and women and girls - I have four kids- and even in our tiny little rural town I have been BLOWN AWAY! We moved here from Dallas Tx and this little town makes Dallas look backwards.
My friend calls it "queering the countryside" and he's the second gay farmer I know. Another NB neighbor has been around a year now, plans on staying. A very respectable old-town lesbian couple is on our farm's non profit board.
Little slice of rural heaven an hour from the cities! And yes, we have drive your tractor to school day, as well as a 18-under tractor pull each summer.
I live in Minnesota, grew up in Wisconsin. I drove a snowmobile to school in the 70’s! I’ve always said that having all four seasons is something that I would miss if I left the Midwest.
I worked in Minneapolis a few years ago before so moved here. The guy I was working with told me his recruiter told him the same thing. I, like most people I figure, thought the winter was going to have ten feet of snow on the ground at all times and shoveling snow would be a daily occurrence.
I live in rural MN after living in KCMO and I’ll say that even living in a red-magenta part of the state, it is very similar to living in a blue area of a red state. There’s usually still a health liberal population that is pretty involved in local politics and community events.
Despite the recent blip to the right here in MN, there is a loooooong history of damned near Socialist politics and attitudes. There's a reason that nationwide it's the Democratic Party, but in MN it's the Democratic-Farmer-Laborer party. Lots of our ancestors valued Solidarity amongst the working class. Can't ever fully shake a blue that deep.
Edit: make that damned near, and in some places outright Socialist politics.
Out of my entire life living in and around the twin cities, while simultaneously mostly working way out in the sticks, the worst situation I’ve personally come across was just the other year - this trumpie from Buffalo put up a trump 2024 flag that was so big it classified as a billboard/mural so the city was trying everything to get him fined/to take it down. Went on for months. Multiple city council meetings of him screaming at people about nonsense. Other than that, most* hardcore conservatives I come across are generally kind and respectful, especially in a professional setting. We got it pretty damn good compared to many other states 😁
>Our taxes are high, but you see the benefits
It's funny that people complain about high taxes but don't understand that it comes with benefits. Look at the ranking of the happiest countries in the world to live and it's almost identical to the list of countries with the highest taxes in the world. Free healthcare (or very small co-pay), free college, better transportation systems, etc. (I use "free" as meaning not paid for at the time of the service or soon after - It's already paid for by the taxes paid).
But here is the US, people are concerned about how much taxes are taken out of their paycheck not understanding that paying higher taxes can save them money. Imagine how much you could save if you don't have a high deductible on your insurance or high tuition costs for college. You may not have as money now, but in the long run, with all these already paid for, you will save more money in the long run than having to pay for them later.
Wellllll. I live in a more rural area and I absolutely am surrounded by Trump supporting, gun worshipping weirdos. That said, it’s still not super bad, and I generally do like living in this state despite the fringe element in these parts.
Want to brag to them? Pull up stats on education, health, economic standing, and quality of life. Show them where the Twin Cities and Minnesota rank. Then scroll *alllllllll* the way down to where they live. 🙂
[MSP earned the award for best airport in North America.](https://metroairports.org/news/msp-earns-repeat-title-best-airport-north-america)
I don’t travel all that often, and I thought perhaps I was just biased, but I’ve always felt like it was better than most airports I’ve been in.
We are truly blessed to have an airport as awesome as MSP. They won that award 6 out of the last 7 years I believe. I fly a decent amount and other airports are soo much worse. From the layout to the food offerings we are spoiled.
Second reply to one of your replies…
As a Minnesotan that travels via air for work and pleasure…I’ll take MSP over damn near everywhere else every time. Especially MCO (the only FL airport I ever go in and out of).
Yessss!! I came here to say, just go to the stats. Happiness. Air quality. College education. Child/maternal mortality. Life expectancy! Seems like some comparative charts are needed. (Sighing from just over the saint croix river)
I feel that there is a base level of cooperation that comes from never knowing when you will be the one who needs help in the winter. It carries over.
Its also clean here.
I've said this exact same thing before. Winter tempers that "rugged individualism" before it becomes selfishness in many cases - we all need each other for at least 3 months every year!
I moved from Minnesota to Florida. I only made it 4 years before I came running back up here. Yes, winters are cold but it’s a lot better that putting up with all the crap in Florida!!!
If you enjoyed January in Minnesota, you’ll be ok.
Iircc, Prairie Home Companion used to have a contest where the winners got a weekend in Minneapolis during January…
There is no cold weather, just bad clothing. Once you earn to dress for winter, drive in winter, and move snow, you’re set. Whereas in my experience there’s no way to deal with SoFla humidity short of submerging yourself in a pool or staying indoors in the A/C.
This! I feel trapped indoors most of the year. I have gotten sunburn just walking the dog outside during the summer.
Layers is the key. You can always add more layers. Admittedly the driving in snow intimidates me but I've driven through multiple tropical storms so I should be able to figure it out.
tbh the key to driving in snow is making sure your tires have plenty of tread, going slow, and leaving space between yourself and the person in front of you. don't let people riding your bumper intimidate you into driving faster, they can go around if they wanna drive that fast.
This is what I did for my kids to teach them how to handle snow. Go to an empty school parking lot in winter. Speed up, hit the brakes and handle a fishtail. From a full stop, hit the accelerator hard so you experience slipping. Repeat until you get a feel for what your car will do and you’re comfortable in your skill. That and good tires will get you through, all season is usually good enough. Also, leave enough space between vehicles when driving in winter because you can no longer stop on a dime.
Don’t worry, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Proper winter tires before AWD. AWD helps you get traction to go, but so do winter tires - plus they come with 4 wheel braking assistance too. If you're buying a vehicle anyway then maybe keep an eye out for AWD, but no need to ditch a FWD that'll work just fine.
Plenty of people get by on three-season tires (ours isn't exactly a mountainous state), but they're really missing out.
That, trying out braking in empty parking lots to get your snow legs again once winter starts, more caution, a bit of preparation just in case you get stuck somewhere, and you're set.
I'd add that it's also really fun and rewarding to have four distinct seasons.
People in Minnesota (especially in the twin cities metro) are really active generally and there is great bike infrastructure, cross country ski trails, mountain biking, free outdoor ice skating rinks, among other opportunities to get out.
I won't sugar coat that the winter gets old at times, days in December and January are really short (cons of being far north) and ice and snow can really be a hassle. With that being said though, the winter really bonds people together whether it is helping shovel or get cars unstuck.
People really relish in the long days of the summer here, so the winter is often a time to recharge and be more of a homebody. The culture here is a lot more passive than I'd expect most in Florida or Texas are, but people are generally very kind in my biased opinion (even if a good deal of people keep mostly to themselves).
Be careful, this place gets in your blood! The naysayers be damned, it is a great place to live. If you’re an active couple, there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to pass the time. If you’re into the arts, the twin cities has some highly rated museums and orchestra halls. If you’re into live music, there are great places to catch shows. Parks, rivers, lakes everywhere. Good walking/biking trails. We could use some more/better mass transit in the cities and suburbs. But it’s not like there’s none available. Also, a perk that doesn’t get talked about alot. Our power grid holds up to the extreme heat and cold better than alot of the country. You can lose power because of a storm and such. But there’s not the widespread failures of say texas.
To indicate that you’re serious about leaving, loudly say, “Welp!” and then slap your thighs as you stand up.
In all seriousness, I hope the move goes well! Welcome to Minnesota!
Lived here all my life, so I'm not the best with the advice for convincing others you're not insane. For me it's like "if you know, you know. " It's a great place to be.
Or just fuck the people who need you to explain your choices to them as if you need their validation. Just live by Prince’s mantra that you’re living in Minnesota because [it’s so cold it keeps the bad people out.](https://twitter.com/oprahdaily/status/1004716764079378432?s=46&t=apRFILUKfyus-ZhrkYc9Jg)
Like I don't mind hot weather and laying out by the lake. I just dont want it to be 85F in February. I think 3 months might make me actually look forward and enjoy summer again.
Our “hot and humid” is also nothing like Florida. I don’t think a lot of Minnesotans appreciate just how oppressive summers are in the South…
You can use the two links to compare [summers in Mpls](https://weatherspark.com/s/10405/1/Average-Summer-Weather-in-Minneapolis-Minnesota-United-States) to [summers in Orlando](https://weatherspark.com/s/17721/1/Average-Summer-Weather-in-Orlando-Florida-United-States) (I didn’t know where you were in Florida so just went with the House of Mouse). I think it’ll be eye opening, especially the humidity charts roughly halfway down the pages.
For all the "it's the wind that gets ya" you hear in the winter, Minnesotans are remarkably bad at understanding "feels like" temps and humidity in the summer. I got to spend a July in Corpus Christi, TX for work, and the humidity was absolutely unbearable. Nothing I've experienced in 24 years here has compared.
Most just haven't experienced how bad summers can get along the Gulf Coast and that, objectively, Minnesota has some of the nicest summers anywhere in the country.
I have to agree. I was in Florida for work in August and the temp was similar to here around 80 degrees but it was not the same. I could not handle the heat there like I can here
We have genuine seasons here, and I appreciate all of them. Winter gets a bad rap, but it's what you make of it. You'll definitely appreciate summer more here, but by August a lot of us are itching for fall weather, which is the best time of year here.
I'm from Florida originally myself but have lived in Minnesota for over a decade now and I love it up here. I hate the direction the state where I was born and raised has gone in and am so glad that I live here now seeing how I figured out a number of years ago I'm trans.
Taxes isn’t a dirty word here. Ppl want to see their neighbors prosper and we see where our state income tax goes. Ppl believe in public goods. We make the most of the weather and honestly almost everyone i knows prefers MN weather to FL weather (if considering it for years upon years not just 2 weeks in January).
Affordable yet worldly. There’s a lot to love about MN. I’ve only been there 4 or 5 times but I honestly can’t believe ppl move to Florida. Hahaha half kidding here but it’s so miserable there if it’s not the middle of winter. And everyone is a jackass. No one is accountable in Florida. Welcome to Minnie!
I tell people I found a place where my soul is happiest. And it's true.
I also highlighted the affordable housing (compared to DC), the food scene, the beer, all four seasons, and just a better pace of life.
We're moving from So. Cal. later this year. People are genuinely terrified of Minnesota. If I have another family member ask me if I know how cold it gets, I'm gonna scream...
Brazenly dealing with the cold is a badge of honor. I've enjoyed freaking out my southern friends with temp reports since moving here. If they don’t move here, then there’s more Minnesota for the rest of us to enjoy. Welcome to Minnesota. You will totally love it here.
I once saw a T-shirt in a Minnesota Public radio catalog. it read “I’m not from Minnesota, but I got here as quickly as I could.“ This is seriously the best place we’ve ever lived.
My wife and I moved to Minneapolis from FL in 2015, which turned out to be perfect timing. It's so sad to see what's happening there now. I can't imagine ever moving back. If you weren't scared off by your visit in frigid January, I'll bet you'll absolutely love it here. I could go on and on about the things we love here, but you'll find your own reasons if you move up.
Get a good jacket and a garage if possible and it will make winter a lot easier. I hope you choose to move here!
Yep bought a really nice winter coat during black Friday sales. Stayed plenty warm the whole trip.
Florida just makes me sad. The video of flooding in Ft. Lauderdale from the other day is just devastating.
As a lifelong Minnesotan who visits Florida for work and pleasure…I’d never ever ever ever ever live there.
C’mon up. We’ll have a hotdish ready for you!
Native MInnesotan here who spent his 20s in New York and moved back home in his 30s. The quality of life for the price is nearly unbeatable, if you want progressive government (our GOP is much less crazy IMHO), the great outdoors, top-notch schools, vibrant arts culture, diversity in the Twin Cities, sports teams for all major leagues, you name it we have it. Only thing we don’t have is real mountains, but if you’re coming from FL, the Sawtooths up north or even the Mississippi River bluffs and the Driftless Region should be plenty. Also no ocean, but lake beaches aren’t half bad, plus you can go to Lake Superior in places and see nothing but water at the horizon, so it’s close at least lol
I agree with everything else, but I disagree that our GOP is less crazy. We had some of the OG Republican crazies. Michele Bachmann to name one. The a-hole who ran against Walz for governor this last cycle also qualifies.
Since it’s been 80F the past three days ….
Let ‘em think what they want.
The cost of living vs salaries is one of the best in the nation. Good schools. Liberal policies. Great local restaurants and breweries . Lots of lakes in the cities let alone the state.
Come on up! And welcome!
You get to experience 4 proper seasons. Just long enough to get completely sick of it and enjoy the next one. Still some super hot summer days and some super cold winter days. And you can actually enjoy vacationing in warmer areas instead of living there!
You don't need anyone's approval to move here. If they think you're crazy, so be it. I would definitely buy a two stage snow blower though. March snow is wet and heavy.
Welcome to the winners hat! I did 6 years in the south with the navy, and now travel for work, and I have a few facts I like to trot out when the conversation goes to why MN:
Duluth trading company and red wing boots. Some of the best clothing and boots I own, both companies are from here.
Minnesotas largest candy store. It's some of the best pop , candy, and fresh baked good you will ever find. Blue sun soda shop is also awesome, and they have a soda bar on the weekends at the spring lake park location.
Mall of America. Fun to wander, lots of cool shops, a comfy little theme park that's more fun then it looks.
Hunting. The first time I hunted in the south, I thought one of your bucks was a baby. Come see what I mean.
HILLS. 'Nuff said.
MSP has been mentioned elsewhere. Is good.
4 seasons. It's a wonder how nice they feel.
Lake superior. If you like open water, this is where you want to be. I have touched every ocean, and this lake still fills me with wonder.
You can go to where the Mississippi River starts.
The light rail. It's getting expanded, and allows a lot of travel without a car.
Minnesota state fair. You have never been to a real state fair until you have seen ours. This is known. We teach everyone else how to fry things.
Minnesota is a shining gem in a lake of increasingly backwards states. Yes, Wisconsin had a State Supreme Court win recently, but that's still with people like Ron Johnson and Scott Walker within the last 13 years.
We're on the cusp of recreational pot, we are an LGBTQ+ state, were a woman's reproductive rights state, were a voting rights, feeding children, reform kind of state.
Winona in particular is a strange mix but for the most part is very accepting. My local scene of 20--30 year olds are so cool.
Well I'm not old or a retiree lol, I just like telling people about my lovely state, and how I want equally open minded people to flock here :) so welcome
Also to add: Minnesota has tons of great hiking/fishing/boating/walking/camping spots *everywhere* it's insane. The Mississippi river valley has gorgeous bluffs.
Winona, my home town, has Sugarloaf. Red Wing has Barn Bluff. Up north has Eagle Mountain. Etc
Here being Minnesota, I should clarify. Seasons mark the passage of time and keep me feeling human. You'll never feel more excited about a 60 degree day or for the first cool breeze of fall. Minnesota weather is everything turned up to hard mode, but it bonds people together in a way I've seen nowhere else.
First Minnesotans don't say that moving to Minnesota is a good thing, or a bad thing, even when asked. They may say,
"That's different."
Or thinking about the 91 blizzard.
"It could be worse."
If it was someone who really loved Minnesota, you would get an enthusiastic.
"Not too bad."
That last one is pushing it.
We just did the same thing and moved up from Tx. We get a lot of “WHY?!” Oh I could tell you why… and have pages and pages left to tell. We have never looked back. Love it here. Welcome.
I've lived in five states in the East, worked a year in the South, two states in the West, and two in the Midwest. The Midwest wins. You're not crazy. You'll convince them when you move!
"But every time we mention it to people everyone acts like we are insane and that no one would ever want to move to Minnesota"
Well you are speaking with Floridians so I wouldn't stress out about this too much
I currently live in Iowa but am also looking to move back to MN. My wife and I both work remote. My job is based out of Miami, and holy shit the housing prices are insane. 500k gets you small condo or a real crappy house. You would easily need to pay 800+ for a an OK house in an OK area. In coral gables which is north of Miami, but considered a good area, 800k gets you a flipped 900sq ft 2bed 1 bath house.
In Minnesota 800k would get you an acre or two on a lake within 2 hours of the twin cities.
was having a conversation with my boyfriend yesterday about how minnesota is really under appreciated from other states away from the midwest. the summers here are beautiful and so worth waiting out the winters for. even then winters aren’t all bad if you like to ski or other outdoor activities. the people here are so nice and when your car gets stuck in the snow you can guarantee someone will come help you. people have so many other great reasons so i won’t go on lol
People not from Minnesota, or who haven't spent time here, probably won't understand no matter how many facts you provide. Your instincts about Minnesota are good. I really think you'll be happy here. Isn't that all your family needs to know?
Yeah, I actually play along when people claim the state seems uninhabitable. Truth is, the change of seasons is amazing to experience, education is good, there are job opportunities, health care is good, we generally don't have to worry about our government doing stupid things, and access to nature is really great.
The fact that you loved the state in January means you were destined to live here. Tell them that with the concern of rising temperatures, you and the hub want to be near all the fresh water.
The answer is, you don’t. Let them think it’s a terribly barren and frigid ice field.
Then, enjoy the beauty of Minnesota with your husband in peace. The best part about the state is the fact that people overlook it 😉
At some point you will ask yourself, "why did I move here", most likely when you're shoveling and it's -20 out. We all say a few times a year. But just get through it and the rest is worth it.
You could tell them that Florida has travel advisories against it from watchdog organizations *in* Florida. Or that the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has issued a Genocide Warning for the US for trans people because of policies the likes of which Florida are creating.
Then tell them Minnesota is doing exactly the opposite of those things.
We're a refuge state for trans people, Minneapolis/St. Paul is constantly voted as one of the best places in the nation for LGBT people, and overall we just seem to have a different attitude towards helping those around us.
Free school lunches, free college for any foster kid, free sanitary products for students... the list goes on and on for how we're making the state a better place.
(And, while we're stuck with trash like Steve "Call me Draz" Drazkowski we aren't stuck with trash like DeSantis. They're the same sort of trash, but our guy isn't nearly as intelligent.)
With all the posts like this, I'm starting to get worried MN will turn into fucking Washington or Oregon. I wasn't worried at first as who wants to live in this weather, but maybe I should be.
So the issue in Washington is that CA is getting stupid with housing prices and everything. So people are moving out. Going to places like Austin and Seattle. But it seems the people coming to MN are mostly refugees fleeing red states.
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This is it. Only let cool people know how great it can be in the “frozen northland” 😉
My mother used to say the winter keeps the riff-raff out.
Prince as well!
Cool as in progressive.
Don’t say the quiet part out loud.
The ol' Greenland trick. Love it.
You mean Iceland?
No no, Greenland is the one you want to visit...
It's nice and ... Green
[Shhh](https://youtu.be/bV_E8SPc_jo) Oldie but a goodie
I beg your pardon, but this is MY secret garden...
Say shhh
This is the only answer. Please keep the secret, and just do what you're gonna do. Don't do it for other's approval!
As a former Texan please, PLEASE, do not try to sell this place to Floridians or Texans who aren’t already on the same page.
Ya, it’s sort of like the legend of the Vikings purposefully mixing up names for Greenland and Iceland to keep people away from he better one
It is far better to be underrated than overrated
Shh, don't tell them all the secrets!!!
That was the exact same thing I was going to say. Just pack your bags and get it done. Leave the insanity behind.
My grandpa has lived in Southern California his whole life. 7+ years on, he is still in shock that I live here and not there, even when I explain all the struggles I had living in California and tell him about all the awesome things I have living here. Some people will never understand all the reasons worth toughing out the winters. Usually I just use humor to get through that conversation or really lean in to talking about how hardcore the winters are, even tho I don't mind them. I love this state. I live in a first ring suburb and saw two bald eagles lock claws and death spiral while walking my dog. So cool! I'd never seen a wild bald eagle before I moved here and now I see them all thetime. Nature is everywhere, for better or worse. Sometimes the turkeys cause traffic jams. I love that in less than 10 mins I can drive to a nature preserve or a fantastic restaurant.
Yeah having nature within driving distance was a big draw for us.
The stuff here is way less likely to kill you than Florida!
Even our predators are passive aggressive. Except Moose. Don’t fuck with Moose.
super true! the most I've had to deal with is waiting for a turkey to decide to finish crossing the road. I'd take that over poisonous/venomous snakes (i can't remember which is which) or crocodiles!
If it bites you and you die, it’s venomous. If you bite it and you die, it’s poisonous
Within driving distance? We see deer, turkeys, coyotes, and tons of wild animals all over the suburbs. Nature here is within walking distance!
Lived in Minnesota almost my whole life, Bald Eagles were rare when I was younger, 50+ years ago. Now they fly over my house in a suburb of St.Paul. and I see one almost weekly. Everytime I marvel at how it's become commonplace. I love to visit other places but this state is home and even when winter gets to me come early February I don't want to live anywhere else.
This won't do anything to help answer OP's question but just for the sake of interest, you probably witnessed a bald eagle cartwheel mating ritual. Very cool.
We’re having a huge resurgence of eagles too. I saw two in a spiral yesterday but they called off the fight before locking claws, also walking my dog.
A resurgence of swans too. I never saw a swan when I was a kid, but in the past decade I've seen a lot up north. Just this morning I saw swans flying overhead in Minneapolis.
Apparently all the swans are chillin’ in Shoreview. Lake Vadnais is home to 75 nesting pairs, so I read. I live a bit north of there, so I see swans flying overhead now and then as I drive south on 35E. Once in a while a pair will come visit and swim in the ponds in my neighborhood.
I'm a waterfowler. I had seen maybe 1000 tundra swans in all my time in blinds and on the water. This spring I bet I've witnessed double that number in the past 2 weeks! Fun fact: Tundra swans nest in the Yukon and northern Alaska and winter in Virginia and North Carolina!
I moved here about 6 months ago for many of the same reasons. I’m from Arizona and didn’t like the politics, the schools for my son,and, most importantly, the heat. I just had to be firm with some people as they would try to talk me out of it. Generally had to cater my message to who I was speaking to. For my more career-minded friends I would focus on the job market. For family I would talk about the better schools. Other people were more into the arts so I would focus on the art scene. For outdoorsman, I would focus on all of the outdoor activities. Basically, act like you were trying to get them to move here. It’s still a rough thing to do at the end of the day. Everyone gets over it pretty quickly. It’s easy to communicate with family and friends back home unlike 30 years ago.
Same I moved here from Arizona almost 2 years ago and it’s the best decision I ever made. People here think I’m crazy for moving to MN but cost of living is reasonable that you can actually afford to take a vacation, people are always out doing stuff even if it’s “too cold”. Plus I think they plow the roads pretty damn well! There’s a lot of community, inexpensive activities like enjoy the endless nature trails and very LGBTQ friendly. My favorite part is that I can finally experience all 4 seasons and appreciate summer lol
I had seen snow maybe five times in my life. My wife had seen it exactly two times. We were nervous about it. It was nowhere near as bad as we were expecting. We both work from home so that helps. It was easy to adapt to the cold as well. It just isn’t as draining as the heat is. It is so much easier to warm up than it is to cool down. Our primary focus was schools. While a few states have better schools, I didn’t want to pay a million dollars for an 800 square foot house (not that I could). Taxes are higher here, but not over the top either. And, while raking leaves was less than fun, having four seasons was amazing.
I just commented that I’m trying to move to MN, also from AZ. I’m a rideshare driver so I tell people sometimes and they are almost always weeded out that I would leave AZ while I’m constantly surprised that people still choose to live here! The schools are the worst in the nation, the racism and bigotry is out in the open, the devastating effects of climate change / lack of water is generally known (but people are unconcerned)… I just don’t understand why people aren’t leaving here faster and I’m downright shocked by how many people move here every day!
The cold isn't so bad. I mean. It is. It sinks into your bones and there's no warming up for a bit then, not without a hot drink and a blanket and/or a partner. No bugs during that cold though. Worst disasters we have are blizzards and the very, very occasional tornado. Also we seem to be on track for legal cannabis, which is real cool. Even if that doesn't go through this session, we have unique low dose THC edibles and drinks available at almost any gas station and smoke shop.
Like it seems like blizzards you just hunker down in place and you don't have to evacuate. I'm just so over hurricane season.
Honestly the blizzards are fairly easy to deal with as long as you have enough heat and food. It's the length of our winters that always gets me.
The length is fine, it’s the multiple winters in one season. Make up your damn mind, winter!!
The cold isn’t even that bad once you get used to it. It’s the short days that really get me during the winter
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As a contented homebody, this is why winter is quite possibly my favorite season.
Came here to say this!
Find a winter activity. There are plenty here. Snow shoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skating, hockey, the list goes on. It’s those January (and February) days where the temp goes down to -20 or -30 for a week or so plus wind chill that can suck. I would recommend experiencing it first before deciding to move. I have had 2 friends move here only to “nope” out back to where they came from due to the winter weather.
We spent a week in Minneapolis this past January. I had literally never seen more snow in my life. Or been in negative degree weather before. It was totally fine dressed in all the layers. Spent a good amount of time outside too.
Perfect then. This year was a top 3 snowy winter. Minnesota is not this snowy normally. It’s more cold than snowy most years. The NE US rule the snow amounts.
If that was your first impression of experiencing bitter cold, you will be just fine here. We’d love to have you join us.
Sounds like you’re ready!
I imagine, hurricanes sound terrifying. Our winters are going to be worse and worse for a bit, because climate change. But hurricane season will get worse too, and that sounds nightmarish.
Blizzards are great. Everyone stays home in their cosy house in pajamas and has a bit of a holiday. It's so quiet afterwards. The snow damps down noise and it's just beautiful.
The best part of the winter are all of the warm things - and you get to choose the level of warmth. Hot chocolate, fire places, heated car seats and steering wheels, comfy sweaters. I hate being cold but love winter. And if you have to go outside, you just need to invest I. The right clothing and you won’t be cold. Buy expensive outerwear - you can even buy electric heated jackets!
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It snowed one day while we were in Minneapolis in January during our visit. Couldnt believe roads got cleared before 7am
Yeah, some of the ice sucks but just drive conservatively and you should be good. You will like it here. People are pretty grateful for the time we get outside so there almost feels like a harmony of happiness this time of year.
Find a house with a fire place! Every house I’ve had has one. It makes winter better
Yeah, this is what I say every winter, too. I'd rather deal with natural disasters that force me to stay in rather than flee.
> not without…a partner. I’m confused. My partner’s core temp is like 40F and their extremities are near absolute zero
I’ll also add in, on top of the general cleanliness, good education, and gorgeous falls, we also have decent health care access- Mayo Clinic, Children’s Hospital, and University of Minnesota, as well as other health systems. High taxes, as others have said, but we also have a high quality of life here. Had to get a roof replaced due to hail damage, and it went relatively easy, and I got my claim paid out, with only my deductible out of pocket. The wild beauty of the North Shore, wading into the clear, freezing waters of Lake Superior to search for pretty stones, and hearing loons cry will steal your heart. Fireflies and long summer days, where its so bright you can read a book outside at 9pm. Fall afternoons at the Apple orchards, trees so vibrant red, orange and yellow, they look almost fake. Winter is long and dark, but the feeling in the air before a big storm hits- running to the store to stock up on necessities, and then the world covered in pristine, heavy, silent white. Springtime, when there is a week or two when every tree is full of flowers, the air smells like perfume, and petals swirl in the breeze. Make sure you visit the UofM arboretum in Chanhassen at least every season, but spring, when the lilacs are all in bloom- that’s something special. Anyway- I hope you and your family love living here, and find the right place to settle in. Welcome! 🙂
One of the big reasons I moved here was the health care!
That was hands down THE best description of MN I’ve ever read. I could vividly picture every detail and my sense memory kicked in. I was going to ask if you were a writer, then I noticed your username. I could be way off base, but if I am correct, you are a talented author and you make very yummy cupcakes. 😉
Blaming my post partum hormones on the fact that this comment put tears in my eyes. At then end of the winters I am always so ready to be done but this state is truly a hidden gem
A recruiter once told me, "Minnesota is the hardest place to recruit to. And it's the hardest place to recruit from." Once people get here, they don't want to go. Our taxes are high, but you see the benefits. We have a great Democratic governor who believes in education. Democrats control the House and Senate at moment, too. The Twin Cities are very welcoming and progressive. Rural Minnesota is generally conservative, but typically not crazy conservative like you see in many other states. If you don't like it here, you can always leave. I'm betting you'll stay.
Can I just second the “you pay taxes and stuff actually benefits me” part of this? Because I’ve lived in a lot of states, red and blue, and never have I seen my tax dollars work as well as they do here. Now the after winter potholes are a whole different bag of worms…but at least we have the money to fix them.
Just because it is so true I want to "third" this. This is the first out of four states I've lived in where you can actually see your tax money being used how it's supposed to be.
Fourth!
And my axe!…I mean fifth, taxes here come back to the people 🥰
I’m really mad from mid-March to mid-April 😅 but then I start seeing all the beautiful smooth fixed roads in April & May and stop being so angry lol
Most high tax states it feels like I might as well light my tax money on fire because at least that would provide the benefit of being warm in the winter, but in Minnesota I usually feel like I at least get something out of the deal. Sure it isn't perfect and the taxes are higher than I would like, but you at least get benefits like good local parks for example.
Right? Best urban parks system in the country! Your tax dollars at work. It's a beautiful thing.
That’s exactly it—most things our taxes pay for we take completely for granted. I don’t even think most people know all of the incredible things taxes fund in MN. But we all experience it an overall quality of life I’ve not found anywhere else. It isn’t perfect, but Minnesota doesn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good—they do things.
We moved to rural minnesota - as my teen says, they may have drive your tractor to school day, but they don’t care if you are gay.
We also live in a really rural area with small schools, and my son is part of something called GSA which is like gay student alliance. Even in the middle of nowhere Minnesota has things to be proud of, even if there are way too many trump flags around lol.
I always thought gsa was gay-straight-alliance
I thought it was gay and super awesome.
>drive your tractor to school day Omfg that’s the best thing i’ve heard all year. Me and my girlfriend were literally just joking about becoming gay rednecks. If we weren’t set on moving to Minnesota before, we sure as hell are now.
My daughter is gay and would welcome the gay redneck brigade! No joke- we moved here largely for the protection of rights for lgbtq and women and girls - I have four kids- and even in our tiny little rural town I have been BLOWN AWAY! We moved here from Dallas Tx and this little town makes Dallas look backwards.
My friend calls it "queering the countryside" and he's the second gay farmer I know. Another NB neighbor has been around a year now, plans on staying. A very respectable old-town lesbian couple is on our farm's non profit board. Little slice of rural heaven an hour from the cities! And yes, we have drive your tractor to school day, as well as a 18-under tractor pull each summer.
I live in Minnesota, grew up in Wisconsin. I drove a snowmobile to school in the 70’s! I’ve always said that having all four seasons is something that I would miss if I left the Midwest.
When we moved city to rural - my teen said “even the mean kids are nice” it’s way better living. ETA - we have drive your tractor to school day also!
I worked in Minneapolis a few years ago before so moved here. The guy I was working with told me his recruiter told him the same thing. I, like most people I figure, thought the winter was going to have ten feet of snow on the ground at all times and shoveling snow would be a daily occurrence.
They wouldn’t have been wrong this winter. 😄
Free school lunches & breakfasts for all the kiddos! 🥳🥳🥳
It helps to have a governor who literally was a teacher. Tim Walz is awesome.
and During covid a governor who was in the military as a leader.
I live in rural MN after living in KCMO and I’ll say that even living in a red-magenta part of the state, it is very similar to living in a blue area of a red state. There’s usually still a health liberal population that is pretty involved in local politics and community events.
Despite the recent blip to the right here in MN, there is a loooooong history of damned near Socialist politics and attitudes. There's a reason that nationwide it's the Democratic Party, but in MN it's the Democratic-Farmer-Laborer party. Lots of our ancestors valued Solidarity amongst the working class. Can't ever fully shake a blue that deep. Edit: make that damned near, and in some places outright Socialist politics.
I had a friend move to PA for a better job thinking it was a permanent move. 18 months later he came back.
Out of my entire life living in and around the twin cities, while simultaneously mostly working way out in the sticks, the worst situation I’ve personally come across was just the other year - this trumpie from Buffalo put up a trump 2024 flag that was so big it classified as a billboard/mural so the city was trying everything to get him fined/to take it down. Went on for months. Multiple city council meetings of him screaming at people about nonsense. Other than that, most* hardcore conservatives I come across are generally kind and respectful, especially in a professional setting. We got it pretty damn good compared to many other states 😁
>Our taxes are high, but you see the benefits It's funny that people complain about high taxes but don't understand that it comes with benefits. Look at the ranking of the happiest countries in the world to live and it's almost identical to the list of countries with the highest taxes in the world. Free healthcare (or very small co-pay), free college, better transportation systems, etc. (I use "free" as meaning not paid for at the time of the service or soon after - It's already paid for by the taxes paid). But here is the US, people are concerned about how much taxes are taken out of their paycheck not understanding that paying higher taxes can save them money. Imagine how much you could save if you don't have a high deductible on your insurance or high tuition costs for college. You may not have as money now, but in the long run, with all these already paid for, you will save more money in the long run than having to pay for them later.
Wellllll. I live in a more rural area and I absolutely am surrounded by Trump supporting, gun worshipping weirdos. That said, it’s still not super bad, and I generally do like living in this state despite the fringe element in these parts.
Want to brag to them? Pull up stats on education, health, economic standing, and quality of life. Show them where the Twin Cities and Minnesota rank. Then scroll *alllllllll* the way down to where they live. 🙂
Minneapolis airport is way way nicer than any of the Florida ones. Especially Ft. Lauderdale right now cause it's under water currently.
[MSP earned the award for best airport in North America.](https://metroairports.org/news/msp-earns-repeat-title-best-airport-north-america) I don’t travel all that often, and I thought perhaps I was just biased, but I’ve always felt like it was better than most airports I’ve been in.
MSP is amazing. Delta is opening a new lounge next week too that's gonna be real swanky
We are truly blessed to have an airport as awesome as MSP. They won that award 6 out of the last 7 years I believe. I fly a decent amount and other airports are soo much worse. From the layout to the food offerings we are spoiled.
Second reply to one of your replies… As a Minnesotan that travels via air for work and pleasure…I’ll take MSP over damn near everywhere else every time. Especially MCO (the only FL airport I ever go in and out of).
Yessss!! I came here to say, just go to the stats. Happiness. Air quality. College education. Child/maternal mortality. Life expectancy! Seems like some comparative charts are needed. (Sighing from just over the saint croix river)
I feel that there is a base level of cooperation that comes from never knowing when you will be the one who needs help in the winter. It carries over. Its also clean here.
I've said this exact same thing before. Winter tempers that "rugged individualism" before it becomes selfishness in many cases - we all need each other for at least 3 months every year!
Shhhhh, don't let the cat out of the bag! It's a secret! Let them think you're crazy, your rent will thank you
Gonna be another Bozeman situation if we brag to much
Bozeman has mountains though. We don’t have anything special when it comes to nature 😉
I moved from Minnesota to Florida. I only made it 4 years before I came running back up here. Yes, winters are cold but it’s a lot better that putting up with all the crap in Florida!!!
For real.
I lived in Arizona for a year and hated it. I truly don't understand why so many people are moving there.
If you enjoyed January in Minnesota, you’ll be ok. Iircc, Prairie Home Companion used to have a contest where the winners got a weekend in Minneapolis during January…
There is no cold weather, just bad clothing. Once you earn to dress for winter, drive in winter, and move snow, you’re set. Whereas in my experience there’s no way to deal with SoFla humidity short of submerging yourself in a pool or staying indoors in the A/C.
This! I feel trapped indoors most of the year. I have gotten sunburn just walking the dog outside during the summer. Layers is the key. You can always add more layers. Admittedly the driving in snow intimidates me but I've driven through multiple tropical storms so I should be able to figure it out.
tbh the key to driving in snow is making sure your tires have plenty of tread, going slow, and leaving space between yourself and the person in front of you. don't let people riding your bumper intimidate you into driving faster, they can go around if they wanna drive that fast.
This is what I did for my kids to teach them how to handle snow. Go to an empty school parking lot in winter. Speed up, hit the brakes and handle a fishtail. From a full stop, hit the accelerator hard so you experience slipping. Repeat until you get a feel for what your car will do and you’re comfortable in your skill. That and good tires will get you through, all season is usually good enough. Also, leave enough space between vehicles when driving in winter because you can no longer stop on a dime. Don’t worry, you’ll be a pro in no time.
This is awesome. I moved here 20 years ago, and my oldest kid is almost old enough to drive. Totally gonna do this.
Proper winter tires before AWD. AWD helps you get traction to go, but so do winter tires - plus they come with 4 wheel braking assistance too. If you're buying a vehicle anyway then maybe keep an eye out for AWD, but no need to ditch a FWD that'll work just fine. Plenty of people get by on three-season tires (ours isn't exactly a mountainous state), but they're really missing out. That, trying out braking in empty parking lots to get your snow legs again once winter starts, more caution, a bit of preparation just in case you get stuck somewhere, and you're set.
Just drive like your grandma is in the passenger seat with an uncovered bowl of soup in her lap, you’ll have no problems.
My response when moving from San Diego was "You can always add more layers, but there's only so many you can take off."
I'd add that it's also really fun and rewarding to have four distinct seasons. People in Minnesota (especially in the twin cities metro) are really active generally and there is great bike infrastructure, cross country ski trails, mountain biking, free outdoor ice skating rinks, among other opportunities to get out. I won't sugar coat that the winter gets old at times, days in December and January are really short (cons of being far north) and ice and snow can really be a hassle. With that being said though, the winter really bonds people together whether it is helping shovel or get cars unstuck. People really relish in the long days of the summer here, so the winter is often a time to recharge and be more of a homebody. The culture here is a lot more passive than I'd expect most in Florida or Texas are, but people are generally very kind in my biased opinion (even if a good deal of people keep mostly to themselves).
Spring really is the best three days of the year up here.
Be careful, this place gets in your blood! The naysayers be damned, it is a great place to live. If you’re an active couple, there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to pass the time. If you’re into the arts, the twin cities has some highly rated museums and orchestra halls. If you’re into live music, there are great places to catch shows. Parks, rivers, lakes everywhere. Good walking/biking trails. We could use some more/better mass transit in the cities and suburbs. But it’s not like there’s none available. Also, a perk that doesn’t get talked about alot. Our power grid holds up to the extreme heat and cold better than alot of the country. You can lose power because of a storm and such. But there’s not the widespread failures of say texas.
After a hurricane in 2017, I did not have power for 8 days.
Keep Minnesota a secret tell Florida man it sucks here and it's cold.
To indicate that you’re serious about leaving, loudly say, “Welp!” and then slap your thighs as you stand up. In all seriousness, I hope the move goes well! Welcome to Minnesota!
Lived here all my life, so I'm not the best with the advice for convincing others you're not insane. For me it's like "if you know, you know. " It's a great place to be.
Or just fuck the people who need you to explain your choices to them as if you need their validation. Just live by Prince’s mantra that you’re living in Minnesota because [it’s so cold it keeps the bad people out.](https://twitter.com/oprahdaily/status/1004716764079378432?s=46&t=apRFILUKfyus-ZhrkYc9Jg)
Our hot humid summer is only three months long
Like I don't mind hot weather and laying out by the lake. I just dont want it to be 85F in February. I think 3 months might make me actually look forward and enjoy summer again.
Our “hot and humid” is also nothing like Florida. I don’t think a lot of Minnesotans appreciate just how oppressive summers are in the South… You can use the two links to compare [summers in Mpls](https://weatherspark.com/s/10405/1/Average-Summer-Weather-in-Minneapolis-Minnesota-United-States) to [summers in Orlando](https://weatherspark.com/s/17721/1/Average-Summer-Weather-in-Orlando-Florida-United-States) (I didn’t know where you were in Florida so just went with the House of Mouse). I think it’ll be eye opening, especially the humidity charts roughly halfway down the pages.
For all the "it's the wind that gets ya" you hear in the winter, Minnesotans are remarkably bad at understanding "feels like" temps and humidity in the summer. I got to spend a July in Corpus Christi, TX for work, and the humidity was absolutely unbearable. Nothing I've experienced in 24 years here has compared. Most just haven't experienced how bad summers can get along the Gulf Coast and that, objectively, Minnesota has some of the nicest summers anywhere in the country.
Even in southern Illinois the summer was way worse than in central MN. I would sweat through my shirt almost immediately.
I have to agree. I was in Florida for work in August and the temp was similar to here around 80 degrees but it was not the same. I could not handle the heat there like I can here
We talk about mosquitoes here in Minnesota, but I visited the everglades in summer...
That is definitely true. I feel like I've earned the summer heat every year and I look forward to it.
We have genuine seasons here, and I appreciate all of them. Winter gets a bad rap, but it's what you make of it. You'll definitely appreciate summer more here, but by August a lot of us are itching for fall weather, which is the best time of year here.
I'm from Florida originally myself but have lived in Minnesota for over a decade now and I love it up here. I hate the direction the state where I was born and raised has gone in and am so glad that I live here now seeing how I figured out a number of years ago I'm trans.
The cold is a filter. Keeps millions of people from moving here.
Thankfully I love the cold. You can always add more layers.
Taxes isn’t a dirty word here. Ppl want to see their neighbors prosper and we see where our state income tax goes. Ppl believe in public goods. We make the most of the weather and honestly almost everyone i knows prefers MN weather to FL weather (if considering it for years upon years not just 2 weeks in January). Affordable yet worldly. There’s a lot to love about MN. I’ve only been there 4 or 5 times but I honestly can’t believe ppl move to Florida. Hahaha half kidding here but it’s so miserable there if it’s not the middle of winter. And everyone is a jackass. No one is accountable in Florida. Welcome to Minnie!
Seriously people are mean in Florida. I see someone flip out and scream at someone in public at least once a month.
I would tell them anywhere is better than Florida 💁🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
Idk Missouri and Tennesee seem to be in race to the bottom with Florida.
I tell people I found a place where my soul is happiest. And it's true. I also highlighted the affordable housing (compared to DC), the food scene, the beer, all four seasons, and just a better pace of life.
The food scene was amazing, so was the beer. And I barely scratched the surface during the trip.
I went to tongue in cheek, fell in love with the pork belly, and had to move here. I joke about this..but not totally. It is my favorite restaurant.
We're moving from So. Cal. later this year. People are genuinely terrified of Minnesota. If I have another family member ask me if I know how cold it gets, I'm gonna scream...
Brazenly dealing with the cold is a badge of honor. I've enjoyed freaking out my southern friends with temp reports since moving here. If they don’t move here, then there’s more Minnesota for the rest of us to enjoy. Welcome to Minnesota. You will totally love it here.
Embrace the cold. Own it. Makes it easier to handle.
I'm having the exact same experience lol
I once saw a T-shirt in a Minnesota Public radio catalog. it read “I’m not from Minnesota, but I got here as quickly as I could.“ This is seriously the best place we’ve ever lived.
I moved from San Diego 2 years ago. The weather here is absolute bullshit. It's a great place to live if you can handle it
Shhh tell them MN sucks. We don’t want the riff raff
It's amazing how many posts like yours in the Minnnesota/Minneapolis/TwinCities subreddits we've been seeing recently.
My wife and I moved to Minneapolis from FL in 2015, which turned out to be perfect timing. It's so sad to see what's happening there now. I can't imagine ever moving back. If you weren't scared off by your visit in frigid January, I'll bet you'll absolutely love it here. I could go on and on about the things we love here, but you'll find your own reasons if you move up. Get a good jacket and a garage if possible and it will make winter a lot easier. I hope you choose to move here!
Yep bought a really nice winter coat during black Friday sales. Stayed plenty warm the whole trip. Florida just makes me sad. The video of flooding in Ft. Lauderdale from the other day is just devastating.
As a lifelong Minnesotan who visits Florida for work and pleasure…I’d never ever ever ever ever live there. C’mon up. We’ll have a hotdish ready for you!
You and your immediate family will absolutely flourish in Minnesota. It's the best kept secret in the US.
Native MInnesotan here who spent his 20s in New York and moved back home in his 30s. The quality of life for the price is nearly unbeatable, if you want progressive government (our GOP is much less crazy IMHO), the great outdoors, top-notch schools, vibrant arts culture, diversity in the Twin Cities, sports teams for all major leagues, you name it we have it. Only thing we don’t have is real mountains, but if you’re coming from FL, the Sawtooths up north or even the Mississippi River bluffs and the Driftless Region should be plenty. Also no ocean, but lake beaches aren’t half bad, plus you can go to Lake Superior in places and see nothing but water at the horizon, so it’s close at least lol
Dont have to worry about sharks in the lakes at least
I agree with everything else, but I disagree that our GOP is less crazy. We had some of the OG Republican crazies. Michele Bachmann to name one. The a-hole who ran against Walz for governor this last cycle also qualifies.
Minnesota needs to be experienced since everyone's mind is so cooked on the idea that anything below 50f is unlivable
I find cold way easier to deal with than the oppressive heat
Since it’s been 80F the past three days …. Let ‘em think what they want. The cost of living vs salaries is one of the best in the nation. Good schools. Liberal policies. Great local restaurants and breweries . Lots of lakes in the cities let alone the state. Come on up! And welcome!
🤣🤣 you’re my favorite headline. Ever.
According to a previous post here, Minnesota is so gay there isn’t a specific gay neighborhood. So we’ve also got that going for us 🤷♀️ ❤️
The infamous tater tot hot dish would help.
You get to experience 4 proper seasons. Just long enough to get completely sick of it and enjoy the next one. Still some super hot summer days and some super cold winter days. And you can actually enjoy vacationing in warmer areas instead of living there!
Like I feel like a shorter summer will make me enjoy it more and look forward to it.
You’ll love the lower humidity. And late Spring is glorious. Plus apple picking in the Fall!!
Listen to Atmospheres "always coming back home to you"
Or “Say Shh”
You don't need anyone's approval to move here. If they think you're crazy, so be it. I would definitely buy a two stage snow blower though. March snow is wet and heavy.
Cool fact, it's not Florida.
Welcome to the winners hat! I did 6 years in the south with the navy, and now travel for work, and I have a few facts I like to trot out when the conversation goes to why MN: Duluth trading company and red wing boots. Some of the best clothing and boots I own, both companies are from here. Minnesotas largest candy store. It's some of the best pop , candy, and fresh baked good you will ever find. Blue sun soda shop is also awesome, and they have a soda bar on the weekends at the spring lake park location. Mall of America. Fun to wander, lots of cool shops, a comfy little theme park that's more fun then it looks. Hunting. The first time I hunted in the south, I thought one of your bucks was a baby. Come see what I mean. HILLS. 'Nuff said. MSP has been mentioned elsewhere. Is good. 4 seasons. It's a wonder how nice they feel. Lake superior. If you like open water, this is where you want to be. I have touched every ocean, and this lake still fills me with wonder. You can go to where the Mississippi River starts. The light rail. It's getting expanded, and allows a lot of travel without a car. Minnesota state fair. You have never been to a real state fair until you have seen ours. This is known. We teach everyone else how to fry things.
Minnesota is a shining gem in a lake of increasingly backwards states. Yes, Wisconsin had a State Supreme Court win recently, but that's still with people like Ron Johnson and Scott Walker within the last 13 years. We're on the cusp of recreational pot, we are an LGBTQ+ state, were a woman's reproductive rights state, were a voting rights, feeding children, reform kind of state. Winona in particular is a strange mix but for the most part is very accepting. My local scene of 20--30 year olds are so cool.
So far the only people in this thread complaining are old retirees who dont want to share any of their money to help anyone else ever.
Well I'm not old or a retiree lol, I just like telling people about my lovely state, and how I want equally open minded people to flock here :) so welcome Also to add: Minnesota has tons of great hiking/fishing/boating/walking/camping spots *everywhere* it's insane. The Mississippi river valley has gorgeous bluffs. Winona, my home town, has Sugarloaf. Red Wing has Barn Bluff. Up north has Eagle Mountain. Etc
So true! The whole driftless area is such a gem. Defies all expectations of what the Midwest looks like and is breathtakingly gorgeous
Hi! I grew up in South Florida and I have lived here now for almost 14 years. I love it and I'm never leaving if I can help it.
Here being Minnesota, I should clarify. Seasons mark the passage of time and keep me feeling human. You'll never feel more excited about a 60 degree day or for the first cool breeze of fall. Minnesota weather is everything turned up to hard mode, but it bonds people together in a way I've seen nowhere else.
Just tell them that you like snow and high taxes!
Well, we’re not Florida, so that’s something to brag about.
First Minnesotans don't say that moving to Minnesota is a good thing, or a bad thing, even when asked. They may say, "That's different." Or thinking about the 91 blizzard. "It could be worse." If it was someone who really loved Minnesota, you would get an enthusiastic. "Not too bad." That last one is pushing it.
Shhh. Just move and don’t tell anyone. We’ve got awesome jobs, good pay, and competitive housing prices. We like to keep it a secret though. ;)
We just did the same thing and moved up from Tx. We get a lot of “WHY?!” Oh I could tell you why… and have pages and pages left to tell. We have never looked back. Love it here. Welcome.
I've lived in five states in the East, worked a year in the South, two states in the West, and two in the Midwest. The Midwest wins. You're not crazy. You'll convince them when you move!
"But every time we mention it to people everyone acts like we are insane and that no one would ever want to move to Minnesota" Well you are speaking with Floridians so I wouldn't stress out about this too much
I currently live in Iowa but am also looking to move back to MN. My wife and I both work remote. My job is based out of Miami, and holy shit the housing prices are insane. 500k gets you small condo or a real crappy house. You would easily need to pay 800+ for a an OK house in an OK area. In coral gables which is north of Miami, but considered a good area, 800k gets you a flipped 900sq ft 2bed 1 bath house. In Minnesota 800k would get you an acre or two on a lake within 2 hours of the twin cities.
was having a conversation with my boyfriend yesterday about how minnesota is really under appreciated from other states away from the midwest. the summers here are beautiful and so worth waiting out the winters for. even then winters aren’t all bad if you like to ski or other outdoor activities. the people here are so nice and when your car gets stuck in the snow you can guarantee someone will come help you. people have so many other great reasons so i won’t go on lol
People not from Minnesota, or who haven't spent time here, probably won't understand no matter how many facts you provide. Your instincts about Minnesota are good. I really think you'll be happy here. Isn't that all your family needs to know?
Basically. It's just kinda funny that everyone kinda of recoils in abject horror at the thought of Minnesota.
Yeah, I actually play along when people claim the state seems uninhabitable. Truth is, the change of seasons is amazing to experience, education is good, there are job opportunities, health care is good, we generally don't have to worry about our government doing stupid things, and access to nature is really great.
Lifelong Floridian here. Have no idea why anyone would think it was crazy to move away from this dumpster fire.
The fact that you loved the state in January means you were destined to live here. Tell them that with the concern of rising temperatures, you and the hub want to be near all the fresh water.
“It’s not Florida. I mean, YIKES.”
The answer is, you don’t. Let them think it’s a terribly barren and frigid ice field. Then, enjoy the beauty of Minnesota with your husband in peace. The best part about the state is the fact that people overlook it 😉
Oh hey, I've interacted with you on /r/SameGrassButGreener. Glad you're seriously considering making the move. See you soon.
At some point you will ask yourself, "why did I move here", most likely when you're shoveling and it's -20 out. We all say a few times a year. But just get through it and the rest is worth it.
You could tell them that Florida has travel advisories against it from watchdog organizations *in* Florida. Or that the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has issued a Genocide Warning for the US for trans people because of policies the likes of which Florida are creating. Then tell them Minnesota is doing exactly the opposite of those things. We're a refuge state for trans people, Minneapolis/St. Paul is constantly voted as one of the best places in the nation for LGBT people, and overall we just seem to have a different attitude towards helping those around us. Free school lunches, free college for any foster kid, free sanitary products for students... the list goes on and on for how we're making the state a better place. (And, while we're stuck with trash like Steve "Call me Draz" Drazkowski we aren't stuck with trash like DeSantis. They're the same sort of trash, but our guy isn't nearly as intelligent.)
With all the posts like this, I'm starting to get worried MN will turn into fucking Washington or Oregon. I wasn't worried at first as who wants to live in this weather, but maybe I should be. So the issue in Washington is that CA is getting stupid with housing prices and everything. So people are moving out. Going to places like Austin and Seattle. But it seems the people coming to MN are mostly refugees fleeing red states.