Relocating and Working Remote in Lakes Country

The Land Of 10,000 lakes is sure to appease city-goers and outdoors people alike.

Minnesota has an extensive range of activities, but it's also great for business! Livability.com says, "The economy coupled with great affordability makes Minnesota a win-win for young professionals and devoted businessmen and women everywhere.”

Remote working options have made full-time lake living before retirement a reality for many families.

At the end of the 2020 summer, waterfront property sales in the Brainerd Lakes Area showed a $130 million increase over the same period in 2019. That's an unprecedented increase of 25% in waterfront sales. If you think realtors made those sales from million-dollar lake homes, here's another surprise: The median sales price for that 2020 period was $235,000—only $20,000 more than the year before.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees have become accustomed to remote work situations they never expected. 

It has opened up new possibilities for families and couples who have dreamed of living in "lake country" but were tied to a job in an urban area.

What Kinds Of Remote Work?

You might assume those who migrated north to lake country work in the tech industry, where work takes place online. Surprisingly, that's not the case for everyone. A good example is commercial pilots.

A pilot can't perform his work online; he must be in the cockpit. 

However, like many others, pilots realized a few years ago that they didn't need to live in the Twin Cities for work. One only needs to be close to an airport with a connecting flight to the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. This revelation is a game-changer for many in this field. 

Lakes Area Is Ideal for Working Remotely

Highspeed internet access is critical for anyone wanting to work remotely. Luckily, residential and commercial customers in the Lakes Area can get a proper connection. 

Many people who do the majority of their work remotely still need to be available for some in-person meetings and events. 

Transportation to the Twin Cities or other metropolitan areas is necessary for these remote workers. The Twin Cities are an easy two- or three-hour drive by freeway, but daily shuttle service offers as many as ten different trip times each day. 

For a quicker trip, Fargo has an airport that provides multiple options. It's a quick check-in and has excellent onsite amenities. For commercial flights, you seldom need to wait in line.

With all the business aspects covered, the question remains. Why move? 

The many lakes are a huge attraction. Summer or winter, water or ice, and lakes provide recreational activities all year. 

Fishing doesn't stop when the lakes freeze over. Ice fishing houses pop up in droves on local lakes, an excellent pastime for winter. 

In the summer, kayaking and paddleboarding provide a means of exploring the lakes; in the winter, it will be snowmobiles or cross-country skis.

Minnesota has hiking and biking trails throughout the state's natural greenery. You might enjoy a few holes on one of the area's golf courses if you prefer a more leisurely pastime. Enjoy a leisurely walk, or a practice run for the next 5K or half-marathon.

But it takes more than recreation to attract families and couples to relocate full-time.

For families with school-age children, the excellent reputation of the state's school districts has been a big draw. There are many benefits, such as small class sizes (16:1 average ratio) and emphasis on extracurricular and sports opportunities.

The small school atmosphere offers a family feels that encourages cross-generational understanding and support. Small classes, passionate teachers, and a wide range of extracurricular activities ensure a personalized and positive educational experience.

Minnesota features cultural and social organizations of all kinds. No matter your interest, you won't be disappointed in the opportunities available. 

Your impact can often be magnified when contributing in a small-town setting such as the one you'll find in the Lakes Area.

Modern Health Care 

The choice of health care is essential: Choice in primary care physicians, hospitals, specialists, mental health providers, and alternative health care options. Lakes Area offers three quality health care systems within a 30-minute drive. 

Medical helicopter services are available for fast transport to St. Cloud or Twin Cities hospitals for particular medical situations.

Remote work and lake life can be harmonious! Get in touch with a Jack Chivers Realtor and make your dreams of lake life a reality.