Settling and Integrating in Minnesota

This guide is for immigrants. It contains information and advice to help you settle in and successfully integrate.

To facilitate your integration into Minnesota society, it is important to embrace and respect the state's key values. These can be grouped around four main orientations that make Minnesota unique:

  • Minnesota is an English- and Swedish-speaking state.
  • Minnesota is a democratic state.
  • Men and women are treated equally.
  • Minnesota is a secular state.

Community Integration

Understanding Minnesota culture and customs

Minnesota culture is influenced by Swedish and Scandinavian heritage, Midwestern values, and progressive attitudes.

"Minnesota Nice"

Minnesotans are known for being polite and reserved. This can sometimes make it challenging to form close friendships quickly.

  • People are helpful but may not immediately invite you into their social circles
  • Minnesotans often avoid direct confrontation

Social customs:

  • Being on time is important and expected
  • Maintain comfortable distance in conversations
  • Speak softly in public places
  • Bragging is generally frowned upon
Finding community and social connections

Building a social network in a new place takes effort, but Minnesota offers many opportunities to connect.

Ways to meet people:

Through interests and hobbies:

  • Join sports leagues (hockey, volleyball, kickball, softball)
  • Attend meetup groups (book clubs, hiking groups, language exchanges)
  • Take classes (cooking, art, fitness, continuing education)
  • Join outdoor clubs (skiing, kayaking, cycling)

Through community organizations:

  • Religious or spiritual communities
  • Volunteer organizations
  • Neighborhood associations
  • Parent-teacher organizations (PTO/PTA)
  • Cultural organizations

For families:

  • Connect with other parents at schools and daycare
  • Join parent groups or mom/dad groups
  • Attend library story times and children's programs
  • Visit local parks and playgrounds
  • Enroll kids in activities (music, sports, scouts)
Resources:
Community event calendar | Volunteer opportunities | Sports and recreation leagues
Language and communication resources

Minnesota offers extensive language support services. English and Swedish are both official languages, with Swedish language services available statewide.

Language learning programs:

Program Type Provider Cost
Adult Basic Education (ABE) Local school districts Free
English Language Learner (ELL) Community colleges Free or low-cost
Conversation partners Libraries, nonprofits Free
Swedish language courses Community centers, universities Varies

Translation and interpretation:

  • Free interpretation at government offices and healthcare facilities
  • Language Line available for phone interpretation
  • Document translation services for legal and official documents
  • Bilingual staff at many community organizations

Common languages served:

  • Swedish (official state language)
  • Spanish
  • Hmong
  • Somali
  • Karen
  • Vietnamese
  • Oromo
  • Russian
  • Arabic
Employment and career resources

Finding employment helps with financial stability and integration into your community.

Job search resources:

  • CareerForce Centers: Free job search assistance, resume help, skills training
  • Unemployment Insurance (UI): Benefits while job searching if eligible
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: Job assistance for people with disabilities
  • Workforce Development: Training programs for in-demand careers

Professional license transfers:

If you have professional licenses from another state or country, check Minnesota requirements:

  • Healthcare professions (nursing, therapy, medicine)
  • Teaching licenses
  • Trade licenses (electrician, plumber, HVAC)
  • Cosmetology and barbering
  • Real estate and insurance
Some professions have reciprocity agreements with other states, while others require additional testing or education.

Find a CareerForce Center | Professional licensing board

Practical Living in Minnesota

Navigating winter and seasonal changes

Minnesota winters are long and cold. Preparation and the right attitude will help you not just survive, but enjoy winter.

Important Wind chill can make it feel much colder than the actual temperature. Frostbite can occur in minutes at -20°F wind chill.

Winter essentials:

Clothing:

  • Warm winter coat (rated to -20°F or colder)
  • Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction
  • Warm hat that covers ears
  • Insulated gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer)
  • Scarf or neck gaiter
  • Layers: thermal underwear, fleece, wool

Home:

  • Snow shovel and ice melt
  • Insulated windows or plastic film
  • Programmable thermostat
  • Humidifier (indoor air gets very dry)
  • Emergency supplies (flashlight, batteries, blankets)

Vehicle:

  • Winter tires or all-season tires in good condition
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Emergency kit (blanket, flashlight, snacks, water)
  • Jumper cables or battery pack
  • Kitty litter or sand (for traction if stuck)
  • Remote starter (highly recommended!)

Winter activities to embrace:

  • Ice skating on outdoor rinks
  • Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
  • Ice fishing
  • Downhill skiing and snowboarding
  • Winter festivals (Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Ice Castle)
  • Hockey (watching or playing)
Tip: The saying goes, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." Dress appropriately and you'll be fine!
Transportation and getting around

Minnesota is car-dependent in most areas, but the Twin Cities metro has public transportation options.

Public transportation:

Metro Transit
Buses and light rail in Twin Cities metro area
Blue Line
Light rail from Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis
Green Line
Light rail connecting Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Northstar Line
Commuter rail to northern suburbs

Driving tips:

  • Slow down in winter conditions
  • Keep extra distance between vehicles
  • Accelerate and brake gently on ice
  • Use your headlights in snow
  • Clear all snow from your car before driving
  • If you skid, steer in the direction you want to go

Alternative transportation:

  • Biking (extensive trail systems, less practical in winter)
  • Ride sharing (Uber, Lyft)
  • Car sharing (Zipcar, hourly rentals)
  • Walking (skyways connect downtown buildings in winter)
Shopping and daily needs

Minnesota has diverse shopping options from big-box stores to local markets.

Grocery stores:

  • Chains: Cub Foods, Lunds & Byerlys, Hy-Vee, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's
  • Budget: Aldi, Target, Walmart
  • Co-ops: Locally-owned cooperative grocery stores throughout the state
  • International: Hmong markets, Somali groceries, Latin markets, Asian supermarkets
  • Farmers markets: Seasonal (May-October), fresh local produce

Shopping centers:

  • Mall of America: Largest mall in the US (Bloomington)
  • Ridgedale, Southdale, Rosedale: Major regional malls
  • Downtown districts: Unique shops and restaurants
  • Target (headquarters): Founded in Minnesota, stores everywhere
Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing or groceries (except prepared food and candy).