While retirement in Minnesota may be a dream come true for some, seniors looking to settle down in the North Star State must deal with a few drawbacks.
Here are three of them:
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1. Climate
Minnesota is prone to extremes of summer and winter. This could mean spending the summer indoors for seniors, especially those with medical conditions, such as heart and lung problems. The winters are equally extreme, with temperatures well below freezing. Retirees may want to avoid dangerous driving conditions caused by ice and snow on the roads. Other risks include stress from shoveling sidewalks and slipping on sidewalks. The state has seen blizzards and tornadoes that cause structural damage. Thunderstorms and rough wind conditions are regularly seen.
2. Mosquitoes
Since Minnesota is covered in water — the state is sometimes known as The Land of 10,000 Lakes, but in reality there are nearly 12,000 — and mosquitoes use standing water as breeding grounds, the pests can be an issue in the summer. Residents must take measures to control mosquitoes on their properties, and outdoors enthusiasts should use protective sprays and lotions when mosquitoes may be present. The insect has been called Minnesota's unofficial state bird.
3. Cost of living
The state's overall cost of living puts the state about 8 percent above the national average, and retirees should keep in mind additional expenses like hiring help to shovel snow or mow the lawn if they're not able to get out and do it themselves.
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