Table of Contents
Quick overview
U.S. News ranked Minnesota as the No. 2 best place to live in the country, and that high placement tracks with what many residents and newcomers experience: strong, accessible healthcare; abundant lakes, parks, and trails; a stable, diverse economy anchored by longtime employers; and communities that generally feel family-friendly and practical. Those headline strengths matter — from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and top metro hospitals to relatively low uninsured rates, to neighborhoods where green space and outdoor recreation are often within a short drive or even a walk — but rankings only tell part of the story.
When you’re deciding whether to move here, you should translate those broad advantages into day-to-day realities: how long your commute will be, which hospital or specialist is within easy reach, whether public and private school options match your needs, and whether the neighborhood vibe fits your lifestyle. Do neighborhood-level research (police department crime reports, school ratings, home price trends), visit at different times of day and week, and prioritize your top three non-negotiables so you can weigh trade-offs like travel time to the airport versus proximity to medical care or parks.
With that practical approach, Minnesota’s high ranking becomes a useful starting point rather than the final word — a signal that the state offers many assets, but the right fit will depend on the specific places and details that matter to your family.
Crime and safety: look at the numbers, not the headlines
Crime and Corrections placed Minnesota around the middle of national rankings. What matters more than a single ranking is local context. If you are seriously considering moving to Minnesota, do this first: visit the police department website for the city or suburb you're eyeing and pull the crime reports. That gives you the actual facts for that neighborhood instead of relying on emotions, anecdotes, or worst-case stories.
People moving from high-crime areas often find Minnesota noticeably calmer. Conversely, long-time locals sometimes feel things have changed more than statistics show. Neighborhood-by-neighborhood research is the simplest and best way to get a reliable picture.
Healthcare: one of Minnesota’s real strengths
Minnesota ranks high for healthcare access and quality. Several factors contribute:
- Mayo Clinic in Rochester, one of the world’s top hospitals.
- Strong metro hospital systems, including Children’s Hospital, Abbott Northwestern, Regions Hospital, and HCMC.
- Low uninsured rates compared to national averages.
If proximity to a specialty medical center matters to you, map commute times to places like Rochester or downtown Minneapolis when deciding where to settle.
Natural environment and outdoor life: why people move here for the scenery
Minnesota’s natural setting is one of the main draws. The state scores highly for air and water quality, green space, and outdoor recreation. Whether you want lakes for paddleboarding and fishing or trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, you’ll find options within short drives — and often within walking distance of many neighborhoods.
Many newcomers from warmer, drier states are surprised by how green Minnesota feels. If being outside is a priority, that’s a clear plus when moving to Minnesota.
Economy and jobs: stable, diverse, and Midwest resilient
Minnesota’s economy is stable. The state hosts established national companies like Target, 3M, Best Buy, and major banking operations. That long-term presence helps insulate local job markets from boom-and-bust swings that affect more migration-driven metros.
While Minnesota may not promise the explosive growth some cities experience, it does offer steady opportunity. If predictability and staying power matter to you, this is a reason people consider moving to Minnesota.
How to evaluate whether Minnesota fits your family
Every move is personal. Use these practical steps to decide if moving to Minnesota is right for you:
- Pinpoint the top three non-negotiables for your family: healthcare access, commute time, schools, outdoor amenities, or cost of living.
- Check local police and crime statistics for neighborhoods you like. Base decisions on data instead of impressions.
- Map commute times to your workplace and to major hospitals if medical access is important.
- Visit neighborhoods at different times of day and different days of the week to get a feel for traffic, noise, and community life.
- Look for practical markers of stability: longstanding employers, consistent home price trends, and active community resources like parks and libraries.
Neighborhoods and family life
Family-focused suburbs around the Twin Cities tend to offer easy access to excellent schools, parks, and community programming. If you need quick access to an international airport or frequent travel, consider suburbs with efficient airport routes while still keeping healthcare options in mind.
For families with young children, proximity to a local river, lakes, or multiuse trails can make day-to-day life feel simpler and healthier. That kind of neighborhood design is common throughout parts of the Twin Cities metro.
Moving to Minnesota often appeals to people who want outdoor access, reliable healthcare, and a stable job market. The choice of city or suburb matters more than the state label. Do the local research, prioritize what matters for your household, and use public data sources to confirm impressions.
FAQs about moving to Minnesota
Is Minnesota a safe place to live?
Safety varies by neighborhood. The best approach is to check local police department crime statistics for the specific suburb or neighborhood you are considering. That gives you clear, factual data to make an informed decision.
How is healthcare if I move to Minnesota?
Healthcare is a strong point. Minnesota is home to the Mayo Clinic and several top-rated metro hospitals, and it has a relatively low uninsured rate. If specialty care matters, plan your location around hospital access and travel time.
What outdoor activities are available?
Plenty. Lakes, rivers, trails, ski areas, and parks offer year-round recreation: boating and fishing in summer; cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter; and hiking, biking, and paddling in between.
Are there good jobs in Minnesota?
Yes. The economy is diverse and stable with many long-established corporations. It is not typically a hyper-growth market, but it offers consistent opportunities and fewer boom-bust swings than some coastal metros.
What’s the best way to decide between neighborhoods?
Make a short checklist of must-haves and use public resources: crime stats, school ratings, commute times, and hospital proximity. Visit neighborhoods at different times and look for community signs like parks, libraries, and active local businesses.
