Although northern Minnesota has a spectacular rugged landscape, the majority of the state is dominated by gently rolling hills which were formed during the Ice Age. Often noted for its abundance of lakes, with an estimated 12,000 within its borders, Minnesota has no shortage of waterfront property. At the start of the mighty Mississippi River, in southern Minnesota, the landscape is characterized by deep valleys and rich farmland.

Minnesota is known for its snow-filled winters, which cover the state in a blanket of white. Ice skating, skiing, and snow games are popular during the winter months, and even though the weather is cold, there is no shortage of outdoor recreational offerings. Pleasant weather is the norm during the summer, with highs reaching a sunny 83 degrees, and these perfect days provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the many lakes scattered throughout the state.

With a strong economy centered on dairy, machinery, and food processing, Minnesota enjoyed strong job gains in 2005, and unemployment in the state is well below the national average. The population of just over 5.1 million enjoys affordably priced homes on par with the nation’s average, which makes Minnesota of growing interest for people across the nation looking to relocate.