Apartments for Rent in Minnesota

Minnesota

Minnesota is an enclave of the German, Norwegian and Scandinavian cultures but has a mix of many different ethnicities and religions. In years past, agriculture was the leading contributor to the local economy with produce such as sugar beets, sweet corn, peas and wheat. More recently, machinery, plastics, processed foods and computers have taken the lead. Because of an exceptional quality of life, many of the country's largest companies are headquartered here, including Cargill, Target, 3M, General Mills, Medtronic and Best Buy.

Many people look for apartments in Minnesota because it is considered one of the cleanest, safest states to live in. Exceptionally clean air and major efforts to be ecologically conscious have earned it the title of "Outstanding Place to Live" in more than one publication. Conservation efforts include the extensive use of wind power and ethanol fuel. Minnesota also has lots to offer consumers, with a relatively low cost of living and outstanding retail outlets like the Mall of America.

Outdoor Attractions

Minnesota has one of the most severe climates in the contiguous forty-eight states with hot summers and cold winters with lots of snow. This lends itself to lots of outdoor sports year round, including snow mobiling, ice fishing and downhill skiing in winter mixed with water sports and golf in the summer months. In fact, golf is more popular here than in all but five other states.

Water sports and fishing reign supreme, however, because of the state's many rivers and over 10,000 lakes. Minnesota is also the source of the Mississippi River and lies along Lake Superior. Other major lakes include the Upper Red, the Lower Red and Lake Itasca.

Colleges and Universities

Minnesota has one of the most highly educated and literate populations in the United States. Exceptional primary schools and an excellent university system support this, with the University of Minnesota ranking very high in most college guides. The Minnesota Colleges and Universities System has 32 additional campuses. The research facilities at the world-famous Mayo Clinic offer students unusual opportunities to learn cutting edge technologies and research.

Real Estate and Housing

Minnesota apartments are inexpensive compared to the national average. Even in the largest metropolitan area (the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul), you can find good deals at 10-20% below the national average, although you may have to do some comparison shopping. Apartments in Minnesota become an even better deal when you take into account the low cost of living. If you like the culture of college towns, apartments in St. Cloud and Duluth are great places to start looking.