Why Minnesota? 

Minnesota is a great place to live, work and to play. For seven years, Minnesota has been ranked 1st as our country's "most livable state". This beautiful state, the "Land of Lakes" is a fantastic place to call home. Its' known for its high quality of life and affordable cost of living, excellent career opportunities, superb educational systems and health care, and plenty of exciting things to do and see.  

The name Minnesota came from Dakota Indian words meaning "Sky-tinted waters". It is a land of pine and hardwood forests and rolling countryside, cities filled with parks and nearly 12,000 lakes for which it is famous. The State Policy report placed Minnesota at the top of its "2002 Camelot Index", based on economic performance, health, crime and education. The United Way of America also rates Minnesota first in its "State Caring Index", based on a variety of social and economic indicators. Minnesota always finishes near the top of the list in quality-of-life ratings. 

In Minnesota you have a variety of places to call home. If you enjoy the busy city life with all its amenities, then the Twin Cities area is for you. The Places Rated Almanac rated the Twin Cities area as the 9th best place to live in the United States based on transportation, education, arts, recreation, and health care. If you prefer the quiet life, perhaps a lake home in the north woods. Or choose a home and life somewhere between these two options. The metropolitan area is known nationwide for its vast parts and trails, many which encircle lakes or border the beautiful Mississippi River. 

* Minnesota is easy to get to, located at the center northern tier of the states 

* Minnepolis-St. Paul International Airport non-stop service to 131 domestic and international destinations 

Work 

With a diverse and resilient economy, Minnesota is an excellent place to find meaningful employment, and build a rewarding career. Great jobs and good wages bring in newcomers, and keep Minnesotans firmly committed to their state. With 19 Fortune 500 companies and thousands of other small businesses it is understandable why people come to this grand state and never want to leave.  

* Minnesota per capita personal income ranks 8th in the country. 

* Minnesota is the nations "hardest working" state, with 76% of its residents gainfully employed. 

* Minnesota companies are among the most family oriented to work for. 

* Working Mother magazine named Minnesota one of the best states for child care. 

Education 

Minnesota is dedicated to educational excellence, from preschool to college. Several of the state's public schools have been recognized by the US Department of Education as "Blue Ribbon Schools".  

* More than 90% of Minnesota's population have a high school diploma. 

* 31% have earned bachelor's degrees. 

* Minnesota is 8th in the country in computers per student ratio. 

* University of Minnesota is ranked in the top three public universities in the country.  

* Minnesota State Colleges and Universities systems has seven four-year colleges and 22 two-year community and technical colleges, and 29 private colleges or universities. 

Health 

Minnesota is ranked one of the healthiest states to live in. One reason is the high-quality healthcare, and excellent medical facilities that are available. In addition to the high-quality health clinics and hospitals in the Twin Cities area, excellent medical facilities can be found in places such as Duluth, St. Cloud, and Rochester. 92% of the Minnesota population has health insurance coverage, with 2/3 being covered through employers. 

* Life expectancy of Minnesota residents is the 2nd highest in the nation. 

* Minnesota is ranked 2nd healthiest state in the nation. 

Entertainment 

You will always find something to do in Minnesota, but you may not find the time to fit everything in. 

* Mall of America – Country's largest shopping and entertainment complex. 

* Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota's Children's Museum and Valleyfair – all "hot spots" for families. 

* Pro Sports Teams – Twins, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx 

* Theaters - Guthrie Theater, Childrens Theater, Theatre de la Jeune Lune 

Outdoors 

Minnesotans will always tell you they love living in Minnesota. The beauty of the lakes and forests, and nature in general. No matter what the weather, Minnesota residents strive to be outdoors. Winter enthusiasts eagerly partake of snow sports, such as snow skiing, snow boarding, cross-country skiing, and ice-fishing to name few. When summer arrives it's off to one of the 450 golf courses, or fishing on one of the 12,000 lakes, perhaps a bike ride or a hike on one of the many trails Minnesota has to offer. Of course if none of that appeals to you, you can simply relax under a shade tree and breathe in the fresh air. 

State Facts 

Capital: St. Paul 

Size: 12th largest state in US.  

Length: Over 400 miles 

Width: 200-350 miles 

Total area: 86,939 square miles 

Population: 5 million (ranked 21st in population in the U.S.) 

Lakes: 11,842  

Rivers: 69,200 miles 

State Flower: Pink and White Lady's Slipper 

State Fish: Walleye 

State Drink: Milk 

State Muffin: Blueberry 

State Song: Hail Minnesota (written by two students at the U of M in 1904) 

State Tree: Red Pine 

State Nickname: North Star State, Land of 10,000 Lakes, Gopher State 

State Gemstone: Lake Superior Agate 

State Bird: Common Loon 

State Butterfly: Monarch