The Benefits of Living in Minnesota: Why It’s One of the Best States for Residents

According to data collected by US News, Minnesota ranks #5 in the best states overall. These rankings are determined according to the quality of each state’s health care, education, natural environment, crime rate, economy, infrastructure, and more.

Coming in fifth place out of fifty states is quite an impressive feat. Minnesota clearly goes above and beyond for its residents in many ways. 

Keep reading to find out how Minnesota shines, and why it’s one of the best states for residents.

Infrastructure

Minnesota currently holds the #1 spot in the country for infrastructure and has consistently received high rankings in the category for years. 

Minnesota has a long history of investing its government budget into expenditures like infrastructure because of the improvements it has on the quality of life for its residents. 

The state builds a strong and reliable infrastructure by allocating the appropriate funds needed to things like public transportation, safe bridges and roads, broadband access, and water treatment plants.

Minnesota residents can also find comfort in the state’s dedication to building infrastructure made for the future. The state invests in its future by planning according to the projections of countrywide infrastructure evolution.

Economy and Opportunity

Minnesota maintains a healthy economy for a number of reasons. The state is home to many diverse businesses and organizations, including numerous Fortune 500 companies.

Minnesota also has an impressively motivated workforce which is reflected in its low 2.9 percent unemployment rate. The national average unemployment rate is 3.7 percent.

When it comes to opportunity, Minnesota has a lot to offer startup companies and aspiring entrepreneurs. The state encourages the growth of businesses by providing access to research and development, no matter the company’s size. Business owners also have access to various resources and educational programs designed to help their businesses succeed.

Natural Environment

Minnesota has been geographically blessed with a natural environment made up of diverse landscapes. The state’s most notable natural features include its 11,000 lakes, 59 state forests, and abundant wildlife.

Minnesota’s copious amount of natural water sources alone creates various benefits for residents, such as access to recreational water activities, unique ecosystems, and natural resources. 

The state’s natural environment also attracts over 70 million tourists annually, which is great for the economy. 

Health Care

Another benefit of being a Minnesota resident is that the state has world-class healthcare.

Minnesota is home to various renowned healthcare institutions and providers, such as Mayo Clinic, which consistently ranks as the #1 hospital in the nation for its expertise and cutting-edge research. The state also has the Minneapolis Heart Institute, Children’s Minnesota (one of the top childcare facilities in the world, and Hazelden (the largest addiction treatment center in the country).

Minnesota residents are promised quality healthcare regardless of age, race, and income. The MinnesotaCare program and the Affordable Care Act provide medical coverage to low-income families and those who may not qualify for a plan elsewhere.

The state’s healthcare also shines by being one of the only states that dedicate ample resources to disease prevention, healthy behaviors, and early intervention instead of putting a focus on treating conditions that are already present.

Examples of the state’s dedication to disease prevention include its “Healthy Hunger-Free Schools Act”, which promises nutritious meals to children and helps them develop life-long healthy habits. The state also has the Minnesota medical marijuana card program, which has proven to be a useful tool for maintaining health and treating many conditions naturally. 

Culture

Minnesota has a history of rich culture with many ethnic backgrounds.

In the 1800’s hundreds, overpopulation and food shortages drove hundreds of thousands of Norwegians out of their country, and they chose to make Minnesota their new home. Shortly after, the Twin Cities became known as the unofficial capital of Norwegian America.

Minnesota is also home to several Native American tribes, such as the Dakota and Ojibwe, who were the first people to populate the land.

The state’s heritage and the contributions of its people are appreciated and celebrated in many ways. There is no shortage of cultural learning experiences when living in Minnesota. Residents and visitors can visit various heritage-based museums and communities and attend annual festivals dedicated to the state’s history.