Minnesota Relocation Guide | Leaving Minnesota | Moving From Minnesota to Arkansas
If you’re a Minnesotan thinking about relocating, you’re not alone. Searches for “moving from Minnesota”, “where are Minnesotans moving”, and “leaving Minnesota for a warmer state” have increased steadily over the past few years.
If you’ve scraped ice off your windshield in April, opened your property tax bill and wondered how it got so high, or simply asked yourself how many winters you have left in you — this guide is for you.
In this article, we break down moving from Minnesota to Arkansas, comparing:
- Cost of living
- Housing and property taxes
- Weather
- Schools
- Healthcare
- Lifestyle and culture
This is written specifically for Minnesota residents considering relocation.
Why Are People Leaving Minnesota?
Many people love Minnesota — especially the summers, strong public services, and overall quality of life. But for many families, retirees, and remote workers, the downsides eventually outweigh the benefits.
Common reasons Minnesotans relocate include:
- Long, harsh winters
- High property taxes
- Rising overall cost of living
- Desire for a slower pace of life
- Retirement planning
Minnesotans often joke they measure life by “how many winters they’ve lived through.” For many, that joke eventually becomes a serious consideration.
Minnesota vs Arkansas: Cost of Living Comparison
Housing Costs
Housing is one of the biggest motivators for Minnesota relocation.
Median Home Prices (2025 estimates):
- Minnesota: $340,000–$360,000
- Arkansas: $260,000–$280,000
To make this realistic, let’s compare Edina, Minnesota and Bentonville, Arkansas — two desirable, higher-demand markets.
- Edina, MN median home price: ~$548,000
- Bentonville, AR median home price: ~$500,000
At first glance, prices look similar — but the homes, land, and taxes tell a very different story.
Property Taxes: A Major Factor for Minnesotans
Property taxes are one of the biggest reasons people search “leaving Minnesota”.
Example Comparison
- Edina, MN home (~$1.5M): ~$12,900/year in property taxes
- Bentonville, AR home (~$1.5M): ~$2,800/year in property taxes
Even on more modest homes, Arkansas property taxes are often thousands of dollars less per year.
For many Minnesotans, this alone justifies relocation.
Everyday Expenses: Why Arkansas Costs Less
Beyond housing, Arkansas is consistently more affordable than Minnesota in:
- Groceries
- Gas
- Utilities
- Insurance
Minnesota heating costs during long winters can be extreme. Arkansas utilities rise in summer, but overall annual expenses remain lower.
For exact numbers, Minnesotans should use a cost-of-living calculator comparing their city (Minneapolis, Edina, Waconia, Minnetonka, etc.) to Northwest Arkansas.
Job Market: Minnesota vs Arkansas
Minnesota
- Target
- 3M
- General Mills
- Strong corporate depth
Arkansas
- Walmart (Bentonville HQ)
- Tyson Foods
- JB Hunt
- Dillard’s
Minnesota typically offers higher salaries, but Arkansas offers significantly lower expenses, often resulting in similar or better quality of life for relocators.
Weather: One of the Biggest Reasons Minnesotans Move
Minnesota Weather
- Average snowfall: 36–70 inches
- Twin Cities: ~50–55 inches per year
- ~22 days below zero annually
Arkansas Weather (Bentonville)
- Average snowfall: ~9 inches per year
- Days below zero: ~0.2 per year
Arkansas summers are warmer and more humid, but many Minnesotans gladly trade extreme cold for longer outdoor seasons and fewer weather shutdowns.
If you’re hoping for a white Christmas, Arkansas may not be for you — but if you’re tired of subzero temperatures, it’s worth a look.
Schools: What Minnesota Families Should Know
Statewide education rankings favor Minnesota:
- Minnesota: ~11th nationally
- Arkansas: ~36th nationally
However, Arkansas school quality varies by district.
Top Arkansas districts include:
- Bentonville
- Rogers
- Fayetteville
- Bella Vista
For families moving from Minnesota, Bentonville School District is often compared favorably to top suburban Minnesota districts.
Healthcare Considerations for Minnesota Relocators
Minnesota outperforms Arkansas in healthcare access overall.
- Minnesota is home to the Mayo Clinic
- Arkansas has strong regional hospitals but limited specialty care
Minnesotans with complex medical needs should factor in potential travel to Little Rock, Dallas, or Kansas City for specialized treatment.
Lifestyle & Culture: A Big Adjustment (in a Good Way)
Minnesota Lifestyle
- Structured
- Civic-minded
- Seasonal living
Arkansas Lifestyle
- Slower pace
- Community-focused
- More informal and relational
Many Minnesotans notice friendlier day-to-day interactions and less bureaucracy after relocating to Arkansas.
And yes — “we should grab coffee sometime” usually means it’s actually happening.
Outdoor Life: Minnesota vs Arkansas
Minnesota:
- Natural lakes
- Ice fishing
- Winter sports
Arkansas:
- Rivers and reservoirs
- Year-round hiking and biking
- Nationally recognized mountain biking in Bentonville
Arkansas offers more usable outdoor months, while Minnesota offers more seasonal variety.
Final Thoughts for Minnesotans Considering Relocation
Minnesota offers stability, strong systems, and beautiful summers.
Arkansas offers affordability, warmer weather, and a slower pace of life.
If you’re researching moving from Minnesota, leaving Minnesota, or relocating from Minnesota to Arkansas, the decision often comes down to:
- How many winters you want left
- How much house you want for your money
- How important lower taxes and everyday expenses are to you
Now you have a clearer picture of what life looks like after Minnesota.
Thinking About Moving to Northwest Arkansas?
If you’re considering a move to Arkansas—especially Northwest Arkansas—I’ve created a free Relocation Guide just for you.
You’ll find the link in the comments of the video or can reach out to me directly.
📞 Let’s Connect
Let’s talk about your goals, budget, and timeline so we can make your move a smooth and successful one. Whether you’re headed to Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, I’m here to help.
Have questions or thinking about making a move to Bentonville or Northwest Arkansas?
Reach out anytime—or watch the full video on my YouTube Channel.
— Anthony Mosley, Real Estate Broker, Bentonville, Arkansas