At first, I thought it was just an ordinary Midwestern state, but living here reveals its unique character.

First, this place is a paradise of lakes. It's called the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes,' but in reality, there are over 11,000. So in the summer, people enjoy fishing or kayaking, and in the winter, ice fishing, living with water throughout the four seasons.

Second, the level of cold is different. When people in other states say, "It's cold today," it doesn't matter to Minnesotans. Even when it drops to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, feeling like -40 degrees, everyone goes to work without a care. People born in this weather are truly strong.

Third, people are friendly but maintain a certain distance. There is a saying called 'Minnesota Nice,' which means they are polite and gentle, but the atmosphere is not one of immediate closeness. There is a subtle culture of keeping boundaries.

Fourth, the education level is very high. The state university system is solid, and public schools rank among the best in the nation, making it a good place to raise children.

Fifth, the economic foundation is strong. It may be easy to think of it as an agricultural state, but in reality, global companies like 3M, Target, General Mills, and Mayo Clinic have their headquarters here. This leads to many stable jobs and a middle-class structure centered around large corporations.

Sixth, the political landscape is unique. Although it is in the Midwest, it belongs to a blue state with a strong Democratic inclination, showing high interest in welfare, education, and environmental protection. Voter turnout is also higher than the national average.

Seventh, the immigrant community is quietly strong. Immigrants from various backgrounds, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Laos, have settled here, and the Korean community is steadily growing. The cold climate means competition is not fierce, and a family-centered culture is naturally maintained.

Eighth, the level of culture and arts is high. As the birthplace of Prince, there is a deep appreciation for music and art. Minneapolis is filled with art galleries, performance venues, and indie band stages.

Ninth, environmental awareness is ingrained in daily life. Recycling is a given, and many people commute by bicycle or drive electric cars. The efforts of residents to protect clean lakes are evident in their daily lives.

Tenth, winters are long, but the community is warm. When heavy snow falls, neighbors come out to help each other clear the snow, and if heating breaks down, the neighbor lends an electric heater. This is the true warmth of Minnesota.

As long as you can endure the cold weather, there are few places where you can live more humanely than this. Once you settle in, Minnesota seems to be an addictive place to live.