Minnesota is located in the upper Midwestern United States, with nearly 6 million resident. More than half of the residents live in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area, known as the “Twin Cities,” where some of the best retirement communities in Minnesota can also be found. Greater Minneapolis is among the 20 largest metro areas in the United States, trailing just behind Seattle and Detroit. [Statista] Minnesota’s geography is quite diverse, ranging from prairies and agriculture in the west, to forests in the southeast, to the less populated North Woods. Foresting is a big industry in Minnesota and it is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for having nearly 12,000 large bodies of fresh water.
Minnesota experiences wide ranging temperatures, with cold winters and hot summers. Temperatures have reached a low as −60 °F or during the winter. Snowstorms are common during the spring time of transition, but temperatures begin to rise by late Spring.
In summer, heat and humidity are common in the southern part of the state, while warm and less humid conditions are often found in the north. Summer high temperatures in Minnesota average in the mid-80s F (30 °C) in the south to the upper-70s F (25 °C) in the north.
Taxes in Minnesota
The Minnesota (MN) state sales tax rate is currently 6.88%. Local taxes push this up to an average of nearly 7.50%. There is a max local tax rate of 2.00%. MN also has an income tax that begins at 5.53% and ranges up to 9.85% for those whose income exceeds approximately $166,000 for an individual or $276,000 for a couple.
The effective property tax rate in Minnesota is 1.12%.
Best Retirement Communities in Minnesota
Planning ahead for the later stages of retirement can help you and your loved ones avoid difficult, and often costly, situations in the future. Today’s seniors in MN have many housing options, and deciding where to live is one of the most important and complex decisions facing retirees
Continuing care retirement communities in Minnesota, also known as CCRCs or “Life Plan Communities,” may be a good option for seniors age 55+ who want a residence that allows them remain independent and active as long as possible, but can also provides a full continuum of care services if needed in the future. Minnesota CCRCs are the only type of retirement community that offer residents access to a full continuum of care, including assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care, in addition to independent living.
Connecticut CCRCs generally offer a collection of cottages, apartments, and townhomes, and offer amenities such as convenience stores, banking services, walking trails, gardens, golf courses, swimming pool, fitness center, beauty/barber shops, and guest accommodations. Most communities also include common activity areas such as activity and craft rooms, a restaurant-like dining room, an assisted living facility, a library, and a nursing home.
Some of the other best retirement communities in Minnesota, or “55 plus communities” fall in the category of rental retirement communities or “independent plus.” These are retirement communities that provide independent living combined with limited levels of care, such as assisted living and/or memory care. However, this type of senior living in Minnesota stops short of providing a skilled healthcare or nursing center.
Regulating CCRCs in Minnesota
Regulation of CCRCs varies from state to state, and are regulated by state divisions such as insurance, financial services, aging or elder services, or social services. The requirements and degree of oversight can vary widely from one state to another.
CCRCs in MN are regulated under the insurance and service contracts division, and must submit a written disclosure statement and audited financial statements annually.
Healthcare-related regulations are different from financial regulation of CCRCs and Lifecare communities in Minnesota. For instance, if the healthcare facility located on a CCRC campus is Medicare or Medicaid- certified it will be regulated by the appropriate agency within the state. But these agencies do not regulate the overall operations, residency contracts, and financial management of the community.
Minnesota CCRC Entry Requirements
Minnesota Life Plan Communities or CCRCs have entry requirements, they vary by location but may include some or all of the following:
- Minimum age requirements as allowed by the Housing for Older Persons Act.
- Entry fee to cover the housing unit’s cost and other services and amenities, including contractually provided access to health care. The entry fee may also help keep monthly services fees lower than they might be at a comparable rental community.
- Medical reviews. Providers will often request medical records, talk with a prospective resident’s primary care physician, or request a health exam. The specific type of contract offered by the community will determine the degree of emphasis placed on this requirement.
- Personal financial affordability evaluations
- Medicare and possibly a Medicare supplement policy, or a similar private-pay plan
- Will, healthcare power of attorney, and durable power of attorney.
Definition of CCRCs in Minnesota
According to the latest statues in the state of Minnesota, ” “Continuing care” means the furnishing to an individual, other than an individual related by blood or marriage to the person furnishing the care, of board, lodging, and nursing service, medical service or other health-related service, regardless of whether or not the lodging and service are provided at the same location, pursuant to a written agreement effective for the life of the individual or for a period in excess of one year, which is conditioned upon the payment of an entrance fee in excess of $100 and the payment of regular periodic charges for the care provided.”
Is a Minnesota CCRC Right For You?
Are you or a loved one searching for top retirement communities in MN? myLifeSite will equip you with the information you need and questions to ask as you begin contacting CCRCs and other senior living providers in Minnesota. Learn more here.
Updated August 2021