Kayaking on Medicine Lake MOVE TO MINNESOTA the minnesota way of life Art Shanty Projects on Lake Harriet, Minneapolis Minnesota blends big-city benefits, unmatched natural beauty and a lifetime of opportunities — all wrapped in one of the happiest, healthiest states around. Consistently ranked among the happiest, healthiest and most prosperous states, the Star of the North offers unmatched access to opportunity. It’s home to breathtaking nature, world-class cities, plus a diverse economy with global headquarters and startups that survive. Minnesotans also enjoy one of the highest rates of civic engagement in the country, with leading rates of voting and volunteerism. Affordability is a major draw in the land of 10,000 lakes. Minneapolis–St. Paul offers a high quality of life at a lower cost than most major metros. The state focuses on the future — investing in infrastructure, expanding homeownership programs, and building smart, sustainable communities. Minnesota’s economy thrives on diversity, innovation and education — from globally respected research institutions to a startup scene attracting venture capital from around the world. Whether in healthcare, tech, manufacturing or agriculture, Minnesotans are inventing tomorrow, today. And yes, winters are part of the package — we love them. With snowy landscapes and a culture that embraces the cold, winter becomes a season of celebration. Ice fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hikes and iconic festivals like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival make it a time to look forward to. For new Minnesotans Kat and her husband, Josh (pictured kayaking on Medicine Lake above), Minnesota gave them job opportunities, access to the outdoors and time to enjoy it — “Moving to Minnesota opened up a lot of doors for us. We got to purchase a house last year. We got to not work weekends, which we’ve never done in our entire lives. That’s something that we always wanted.” 18 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM Learn more about life in Minnesota at ExploreMinnesota.com/ live
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 18
