Follow your North Star. Especially when that takes you to the North Star State.

Thousands of people move to Minnesota every year. The state is a hub of resources, boasting one of the highest standards of living in the United States. Many people think of "Minnesota nice" when they think of Minnesota, but there are a lot of other things to consider as well.

If you want to live in a diverse and productive state, consider moving to Minnesota. Here are eight reasons why moving to Minnesota is a great idea.

1. Minnesota Has Many Natural Wonders

Minnesota's state nickname is "The Land of 10,000 Lakes." There are actually nearly 12,000, and each offers incredible beauty. Residents and visitors love to fish, swim, and boat across the state.

The Boundary Waters features 19,000 acres with hundreds of miles of canoe routes. Its vast wilderness is perfect for camping and hiking. You can even dog sled across the waters in the winter.

If you don't like the water, you can go to the park. Minnesota offers hundreds of parks, ranging in size and amenities. Whatever outdoor activities you like, you can find a venue in Minnesota.

2. The Mall of America Has Everything

The Mall of America is America's most visited mall. With a gross area of nearly 100 acres, it contains more than 500 stores and restaurants. You can shop for apparel, electronics, home products, and a lot more.

The Mall of America also features a lot of entertainment options. The most famous one is Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park with roller coasters and water slides. You can find all of your favorite Nickelodeon characters there.

The Mall also features a movie theater, two mini-golf courses, and an aquarium. You can have a complete day of entertainment without leaving the premises.

3. Minnesota Is Great for Business

Minnesota hosts the offices of more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies. Target, Best Buy, and General Mills host their corporate headquarters in the Twin Cities. Minnetonka hosts UnitedHealth Group, the seventh most-profitable business in the United States.

Minnesota has seen nearly a decade of growth following the Great Recession. The state offers almost three million jobs, with a median household income of $74,600.

Minnesota has a lower poverty level than the national rate. It has made significant strides in the last ten years in reducing the poverty of communities of color. Less than twenty percent of households of color live below the poverty line, ten percentage points lower than in 2010.

4. Minnesota Cuisine Is Versatile

More than 100 craft breweries are based within Minnesota. They produce nearly five hundred million dollars of revenue, churning out an incredible variety of drinks.

Wild rice is the state grain of Minnesota. Chefs incorporate it into burgers, pancakes, and soup. Wild rice soup is a feature of many restaurants, combining rice with ham and rich broths.

Swedish meatballs are seasoned with allspice and juniper. Restaurants serve them with mashed potatoes and a cream sauce, perfect for a full dinner.

One popular dish is "hot dish." Hot dish is a casserole made of ground beef, mushroom sauce, and tater tots. It may not be the healthiest recipe, but it is great comfort food.

5. Minnesota Is Great for Women

The Institute for Women's Policy Research is America's leading think tank on public policy as it relates to women. They release reports on the state of women in the United States. They found in 2015 that Minnesota is the best state for women.

Minnesota is the best state for the health and well-being of women. It has the lowest rates of heart disease amongst women in the nation. It also has some of the lowest rates of diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and mental illnesses in the country.

Minnesota is the second-best state for women's political participation. More than thirty percent of state legislators are women. More than sixty percent of women voted in 2010 and 2012, the fourth-highest rate in the country.

6. Minnesota Has a Terrific Arts Scene

Northeast Minneapolis is one of the country's greatest art districts. It serves as a workplace for more than 400 artists, thanks to its repurposed industrial buildings. Annual events include the Fine Arts Show, where artists exhibit their best works for the public.

Minneapolis also features dozens of theaters, supporting all of the performing arts. The music scene is rich, with Bob Dylan, Prince, and Morris Day developing their talents in the state.

7. Moving to Minnesota Is Affordable

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport (MSP) offers flights in and out of the Twin Cities. Most affordable airliners operate out of MSP, allowing you to travel on a low budget.

Apartments in Minnesota are affordable with great amenities. The average rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the state is $800, which is far lower than the national average. Many apartments feature laundry machines, private balconies, and dishwashers.

8. Minnesota Is Well-Educated

If you want to continue your education, Minnesota is a great state to move to. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System features more than three dozen institutions. You can get a four-year degree at a state university, or you can get technical training from a premium community college.

U.S. News and World Report regularly ranks the University of Minnesota in the top 100 universities in the country. The University hosts some of the world's best agricultural and plant science programs.

What to Know Before Moving to Minnesota
Minnesota is more than Paul Bunyan and Coen Brothers movies. It is a melting pot of natural resources, culture, and human capital. Once you know what Minnesota has in store, consider moving to Minnesota.

Minnesota features thousands of parks and waterways. It boasts the Mall of America and more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies. It offers varied cuisines, with great potential for women and the arts.

Moving to Minnesota is affordable, especially if you want to continue your education. Norhart is the Twin Cities' leading developer of affordable apartments. Contact us today, or call us at 651-689-4830.