Winona, MN, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 25,948, Winona is a small Midwestern city that trades big-city amenities for a slower pace. The tax burden is heavy, but the mild year-round climate - the warmest in Minnesota - is a perk. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's historic districts and landmarks tightly regulated by preservation boards. But those drawn to the arts scene, higher education, or outdoor recreation on the Mississippi River may find Winona a comfortable fit.