Moving from California to Minnesota

Packed with incredible natural beauty, loads of outdoor activities, great food, and plenty of small town charm, Minnesota has a long list of amenities to offer its residents. Easily one of the most beautiful places in the country, the North Star State is a haven for those who love spending time outdoors. It is also complete with bustling cities, a thriving economy, and some of the best festivals in the country. As you prepare to move from California, here are just a few reasons why you will love calling Minnesota home.

Benefits of Moving from California to Minnesota

Outdoor Adventures

Nicknamed “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota offers numerous opportunities to get outside and explore. Despite its nickname, the state actually boasts 11,842 lakes, which gives it more miles of shoreline than the entire state of California! Whether you prefer strolling along Lake Superior’s shore or floating down Lake Minnetonka, there are countless ways to enjoy the state’s abundant lakes. They are perfect for activities such as swimming, boating, canoeing, skiing, and even ice fishing. Minnesota is also home to five national parks and over 70 state parks which provide easy access to hiking and biking trails, camp sites, and even climbing and skiing destinations.

Affordability

Not only is Minnesota a beautiful place to live, but you can actually afford to live, work, and play here. In fact, Minneapolis is about 23% cheaper than Los Angeles and a whopping 89% cheaper than San Francisco! While the overall cost of living in Minneapolis is about 5% higher than the national average, there are several counties in the state where it is much lower than the national average. You will certainly find that it is more affordable than California.

Thriving Economy

Not only will you save some money moving to Minnesota, but you will also have a better chance of finding a job. Minneapolis and St. Paul make up the Twin Cities, as they sit just 9 miles apart, and they are one of the most concentrated areas in the world for Fortune 500 companies. Huge corporations like Target, United Health Group, 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, and Land O’Lakes are headquartered here among many others. Furthermore, the state has been ranked among the best for entrepreneurship and is also among the top for business. A thriving economy coupled with affordable housing makes Minnesota a perfect place for young professionals.

Fabulous Food

You might be surprised to find that Minnesota is a foodie’s paradise. The Twin Cities have created a booming food scene that will rival any other in the country. Even the Smithsonian has taken note of the abundant dining opportunities that are available. The local cuisine features dishes reminiscent of past and present cultures that have influenced the state. You can also enjoy popular treats like ice cream and gelato as well as fresh cheese curds and Honeycrisp apples. In addition to delicious foods, the state also features a growing craft beer scene.

Charming Small Towns

Sometimes it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life and Minnesota is jam packed with small towns that are oozing with charm. These small towns are the perfect place to enjoy a weekend getaway where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake while exploring adorable boutiques and quaint restaurants. Among these small towns are Grand Marais, Sawtooth Mountains, Artist’s Point, and Gunflint Trail.

Festivals Galore

In Minnesota you will always have something fun to do because there is a festival for nearly everything. Whether you prefer a music festival, a county fair, or an antique car show, you will find it all in Minnesota. These festivals are one of the greatest traditions of the Midwest and celebrate the region’s culture and heritage. Events range from art crawls, Cinco de Mayo, the May Day Parade, the Bayfront Blues Festival, the Lumberjack Days, and the world-famous Minnesota State Fair.

Most Popular Cities to Live in Minnesota

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Minneapolis and St. Paul along with their suburbs together comprise the Twin Cities. Separated by the Mississippi River and just nine miles apart, these two cities offer an array of amenities like museums, professional sports teams, and incredible restaurants and shopping. They are also home to more than 20 Fortune 500 companies, which make them a perfect location for those looking to expand their career. Minneapolis also boasts plenty of green space and tops the list for best parks in the country with 197 parks located in the city. Locals embrace the cold winters with ice hockey, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing while the summers are spent boating, swimming, and fishing on the lakes and hiking through the many trails. The cities also hosts a number of outdoor festivals, events, and recreational activities and have been ranked among the top cities for dining.

Rochester

As the 3rd largest city in Minnesota, Rochester has been ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. It is home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic which serves as the backbone of the city’s economy. The Mayo Clinic draws two million people each year from across the globe and employs over 30,000 people. Rochester is known for its friendly people, rich history, and affordable cost of living. It is considered one of the most educated cities in the world and has also been ranked one of the best places to live in the United States by multiple publications.

Cost of Moving from California to Minnesota

Moving long-distance can be costly and that’s why it’s important to work with a moving company that is both professional and affordable. North American understands that it’s important to budget these moving expenses and that’s why we offer upfront pricing and competitive rates. The average line haul cost to move from California to Minnesota with North American is $3,900. Of course there are many variables that will determine the exact cost such as actual distance of the move, the number of items being moved, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Quote on Demand tool.

How to Move from California to Minnesota

Interstate moves require additional attention to detail to ensure the move is as seamless as possible. With over 85 years of moving experience, North American knows exactly what it takes to execute a successful long-distance move. We are available to help you every step of the way and can assist with everything from packing and loading to safe and efficient transport. We provide you with peace of mind so you can take some of the stress out of moving and focus on your new life in Minnesota!

Call North American today for more information about our moving services!