There are usually only two camps when it comes to winter—you either love it or despise it.
Some hate sweaty summers and can’t wait for cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and bundling up before going outdoors. Others wake up to that first coating of frost and immediately think of having to scrape your car every morning, always feeling cold, and being engulfed by darkness at 5:00 p.m.
Luckily, we have ample choices here in the United States when it comes to climate. Whether you’re looking to make snow angels in heaps of beautiful, white snow or burn all of your bulky cold-weather gear and celebrate with a fancy umbrella drink, we have some of the best places to live in the winter months, starting with the cold places to live.
1. Duluth, Minnesota
If you’re on the lookout for a winter home and fun snow activities, Minnesota may be the place for you. Duluth is the fifth-coldest city in the U.S., with temps that frequently go into the negatives. Even in summer, the temperature tends to hover in the high 70s, which is good news for people who currently live in sweltering heat and are looking for a change. Just make sure you have a great home warranty for your heater.
The residents of Duluth don’t let a little thing like frigid weather keep them down. Outdoor sports are very popular—places like the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center have stunning areas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s also a beautiful place to hike in the warmer months.
As you might expect from a state that is nicknamed “the land of 10,000 lakes” ice fishing is a major pastime. Lake Superior’s icy waters are perfect for trekking out on the ice and dropping a line. And after a long day of being out in the cold, you can pack it in and enjoy a drink at one of the many breweries Duluth offers, or have a delicious meal at one of their cozy restaurants. Minnesota is known for its freezing temps, but with the right cold weather tips and preparation, this is a city you can really thrive in.
2. Rochester, New York
Do you really, really, REALLY like snow? Good news, Rochester has more than enough to spare. This winter city gets an average of almost 100 inches a year. Residents experience all four seasons pretty consistently though. It can get up to the 90s in the summer with humidity and in the winter, it gets cold enough to keep the snow rolling in, but rarely dips into the negatives.
If you’re looking to ski, Bristol Mountain is a short distance away from Rochester. They also offer lessons, so the whole family can learn. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park is a great place for ice skating and features a warming area with a heated floor and fireplace.
Rochester is also beautiful in the spring. Nicknamed “Flower City,” the city doesn’t disappoint when it comes to horticulture. There are beautiful gardens everywhere, and it hosts the Lilac Festival every summer.
3. Frankenmuth, Michigan
If you love the holiday season, and can’t get enough of the Christmas lights, trees, and décor, this little town in Michigan is calling your name. Their claim to fame is Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which is the largest Christmas store in the world. The store is open 361 days a year, and their “Christmas Lane” of spectacular lights is lit nightly year-round. They have over 50,000 decorations and gifts to choose from, and you can even decorate your own Christmas ornaments.
The town itself is decked out in an old-fashioned Bavarian style and is considered to be “Michigan’s little Bavaria” with charming German shops and eateries. Zehnder’s is world famous for their award-winning restaurant, hotel, and water park—the largest in Michigan. Zehnder’s also hosts Snow Fest, an annual event that features amazing snow and ice sculptures. If you’ve wondered what it's like to live in a Norman Rockwell painting, Frankenmuth at wintertime comes pretty close. Have you recently bought a home in Michigan? Here are some tips on how to winterproof your house.
4. Fairbanks, Alaska
This entry is for diehard winter lovers. Fairbanks is number 1 when it comes to the coldest cities in the U.S. Their lowest temp record was a staggering -62 degrees back in 1961. Did anyone else feel a chill just reading that? On average, the lowest temperatures are in January, when it can get down into double-digit negatives. In the summer, the temperature rarely even hits 80 degrees. If you really don't like to sweat, and aren’t a fan of roasting on a beach, then you’ve found the perfect new home.
It may seem odd that the coldest city is on this list, since that kind of weather doesn’t seem like an ideal winter home. But if you can brave the cold, the magic of Alaska will reward you. One of the best things to see in Fairbanks is the aurora lights. The best time to see this amazing light show is typically between August and April, but in Fairbanks, you can see it all year round, when it’s dark enough and you know when to look.
Fairbanks also offers great ice fishing opportunities and amazing cross-country skiing trails, as you would expect in such a wintry climate. But Alaska offers something you normally don’t see in other cold cities—the opportunity to go dog sledding. You can have a lot of fun flying through the wintery trails and watching the gorgeous huskies bask in their natural habitat. Just be sure to do a little research so you can choose an ethical company that treats their dogs humanely. Here are some tips if you’re moving to Alaska.
5. Bangor, Maine
New England really shines when the temperature starts to drop. If you live in Maine, you get to watch the beautiful fall foliage paint the forests in breathtaking sunset colors. And then when winter hits, it’s time to get your sled and snowmobile out for some snowy fun. Bangor has some of the best and well-maintained snowmobile trails.
Bangor is also a great place to live if you like all things spooky. It’s rumored to have many haunted sites. If you get bored during the long winter months, you can take in a show at the Bangor Opera House, which has been visited by many famous paranormal investigators due to the reported presence of spirits. Mount Hope Cemetery is also thought to be haunted and is featured in the movie “Pet Cemetery.” Speaking of Stephen King, he lives in Bangor and many of his books contain Maine locations. Often, when he refers to “Derry,” he’s actually talking about Bangor. You can even take a Stephen King tour.
Okay all of you snow-haters, you can stop shivering and put the blanket away, because next up are some of the best warm places to live in the winter. If you dread having to drag out your bulky coat every year, or absolutely hate having to walk across driveways and parking lots like a penguin so you don’t slip on ice, this part of the list is for you.
