What makes Minnesota great
There are a number of things that Minnesota can claim it is great at – some of them quite important, others – a little on the weird side. Yet, you don’t read about many of them in school. The climate, nature, the lakes, but there is also tons of music, fairs and good warm people that make it all a little spicy.
When it comes to food, Minnesota is not much different from most states. Yet, it hosts a couple of interesting facts. The state produces the most turkeys in the country. It hosts over 450 family farmers raising approximately 44-46 million turkeys annually. And most of them are allowed to move freely around their barns! Think about this next year at Thanksgiving and don’t forget to thank Minnesota for your turkey.
The state has hosted entrepreneurs for quite some time now even though this might seem surprising to some. The first handled grocery bags and the first shelf-stable popcorn were invented there. There is a large mustache society in the state. They even host a Moustache run! Yes, there is no lack of entertainment. People come up with the weirdest things. Besides, everyone knows Minnesota is the host of some great music, too. Look at Prince! And of course – Bob Dylan – the musician who has had the biggest cultural impact on the world. Minnesota born and raised.
This all makes the state quite attractive for young active people. Minnesota has been quite the desired state for immigrants who fly into the USA. Ever since the 90s, the international in-flow is steadily increasing. Indicators show that the number of people who came to Minnesota from abroad in 2015 was over four times the number in 1990. But what happens with people from within the country?
Why are people leaving Minnesota?
In the ’90s there were more domestic people who moved here from other states than moved away. Everything started changing around 2002, however, when the trend reversed. Since then, Minnesota has consistently sent more citizens to other states than it has attracted from them. The places where most people go to are the states which Minnesota shares a border with – Iowa, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. The reasons for this are mostly economic – better-paying jobs primarily due to the oil boom in the early 2000s. In recent years, however, more and more Minnesotans are moving to Sun Belt states.
Apart from economic reasons, people move to the south purely for amenities. Warm weather, for one, is the main driver for baby boomers who are moving to their post-work homes. Through the years, researchers have proven that sunshine and proximity to water pools are some of the main factors that define migration behavior as a whole. And these lead to a major transformation of American geography and demographics.
One of the states Minnesotans are increasingly moving to is Texas. The data shows that from 1990 to 2001 Minnesota lost a net 50 households to Texas, on average, each year. From 2002 to 2015, that number was up to 700 net households each year.
Moving to Texas
Making the decision to move to Texas can require some nerve. But remember you are not the only one. Thousands of people move there annually – Houston, Dallas, Austin… you name it. In fact, Austin became the fastest growing city in the country in the past years. And there is no surprise to this. You have good job opportunities there, great live music stages and a religion called barbecue. Why not?
It is surprising that all this demand has not made living in Texas too expensive. On the contrary, it places among the top 10 cheapest places to live in the USA in 2017. Could it get any better than that?
Best things about Texas
Whether you decide to move there for good or just for a season – you will be amazed. The Lone Star state can be nice and welcoming but also – quite the badass. Here’s how:
Four seasons
Because of the large area it occupies, Texas welcomes all seasons of nature. Even though you will see tons of snowmen made out of tumbleweed, don’t be fooled. Winter can get quite chilly there too.
No state income tax
Does this need any explanation? All the papers you do in April cut in half. And you get to keep some of your money so that you can spend it on…
…BBQ
Minnesota might be the turkey state, but Texas is where the real deal gets done. And they do it quite differently in each part of the state. A sexy dry-rub in spices from the Central parts or a dose of mesquite wood from the West. While most of us celebrate National BBQ Month in May, Texans live this holiday daily.
Cowboys
Almost literally. Texans love their boots, their trucks… and their guns. “Don’t mess with Texas” isn’t just a motto after all. Watch out because they can be really tough. Attempt to trespass and you’d be dead right on the spot.
Football
The Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys are known way beyond the boundaries of the state and even the country. Texas has produced a number of well-known past & current NFL stars. The sate holds the highest number of high school football players, too
Hospitality
People in the Lone Star state take major pride in being really nice. The moment you get there you will know you are welcome. Again – if you don’t attempt to trespass! And if you are a woman, expect doors to be open left and right for you. Texan style.