Moving to Minnesota?
Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is a state that is filled with a rich mix of cultural influences from top to bottom. From the history of Scandinavian and German settlers in the area, to the original Native American inhabitants, there is diversity throughout the state of Minnesota that is unlike anything that is found anywhere else in the country.
Add to that the bright and vibrant natural landscapes that sweep the state, filling it to the brim with lush forests and windswept prairies and the attraction of the famous Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, and you have a state that can appeal to every individual taste and every unique personality.
If you’re moving to Minnesota, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Minnesota
Minnesota Climate
The continental climate that can be found throughout Minnesota is marked by the dramatic shift in temperature between the summer and winter seasons, a characteristic very typical of the continental climate found in the northern region of the Midwestern states. While winter temperatures have been known to drop well below freezing, even reaching as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit at its record lowest, average summer temperatures can climb into the high 80s and 90s, depending on your location in the state. The state’s topography also makes it particularly susceptible to lots of precipitation year-round.
Registering your Car
Upon your arrival in Minnesota after moving to the state permanently, you have a total of 60 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered in the state before you may be required to pay a penalty.
Obtaining a Minnesota Driver’s License
A Minnesota Driver’s License can be obtained at any Minnesota DMV location. The state requires new Minnesota residents to update their license from their previous state to a Minnesota driver’s license by completing a written test and a vision test. If your existing out-of-state license has been expired for longer than a year, you will also be required to take a road test as well.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Minnesota was ranked 10th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 10 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
The economy of Minnesota is extremely diverse. Once regarded as an economy based mostly around manufacturing and producing, Minnesota has since grown to be the home of a total of 33 of the country’s top 1,000 publicly traded companies. High-profile companies such as Target, 3M, General Mills, Hormel, Land O’ Lakes, Best Buy, Valspar, and UnitedHealth Group have their headquarters located in the state of Minnesota, and they contribute to the state’s total revenue. Minnesota also leads the nation in its production of sugar beets, sweet corn, green peas, and farm-raised turkeys.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Minnesota had an unemployment rate of 5.8 percent, which is much lower than the national average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Minnesota is $57,243, while the average per capita income for the state is $29,582.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything, you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Minnesota is $253,761, while the median sales price is just over $196,812.The Minnesota Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Minnesota.
Major landmarks and attractions
The Mall of America; Superior National Forest; Cathedral of St. Paul; Heritage House; Canal Park; Mount Kato; Metrodome; Clemens Gardens
Largest Cities: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington
Schools
Since the Minnesota Legislature opened in 1858, it has been committed to excellence in education, and one of the first acts of the legislature was to create a school. Since then, the Minnesota Board of Education has opened hundreds of public schools around the state and Minnesota students currently rank among the best in the nation with their standardized testing scores. Also, there are 32 public universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, as well as more than 20 private colleges. Among the most well-known institutions of higher learning located in the state are the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State University, Winona State University, and many others.
National Parks
Grand Portage National Monument
Pipestone National Monument
Voyageurs National Park
State park System
Minnesota has a vast network of state parks spread throughout the state. The vast diversity of landscapes that can be found throughout the state of Minnesota, thanks to its abundance of lakes and its proximity to the Mississippi River, provides many opportunities to appreciate the natural wonders of Minnesota by hiking, fishing, biking and hunting.
Major Airports
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Rochester International Airport
Duluth International Airport
Falls International Airport
St. Cloud Regional Airport