A Cuban woman named Eliany, a content creator on TikTok under the username @VidaConEliany, became the center of an emotional conversation on social media by sharing what her life is like in a small town in Minnesota.
In a video, Eliany succinctly summarized what that corner of the Midwest has given her: "Sometimes a small place can offer you huge opportunities. Living in a little town in Minnesota has allowed me to work, study, be present for my family, and today enjoy a completely different stage of my life."
Far from the hustle and bustle of Miami or New York, Eliany found tranquility and stability in that town—two things that are not always easy to achieve for those who arrive in the United States from Cuba.
In the comments, the post sparked a small wave of Cuban solidarity. One user wrote: "Here’s another who lives in a town in Minnesota and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world." Eliany responded with the same warmth: "These towns give us the peace we need for these tumultuous days."
Another verified Cuban joined the thread: "Hello Eliany, I am also Cuban and live in Minnesota. I am very happy that your experience is positive. Blessings and good health."
There was no shortage of those eager to pack their bags immediately. A user from Texas, a notary public and tax preparer, confessed that the heat has her feeling "bad" and that she dreams of moving to Minnesota in search of peace. She asked about house prices, and Eliany was straightforward: in her town, they are "quite expensive compared to Texas."
The community's response went beyond just practical advice. Another person wrote to her, "You are the Cubans who represent me." And Eliany, staying true to her tone, replied, "We strive to move forward, work hard, and proudly represent where we come from."
According to data from Minnesota Compass, there are approximately 9,406 people of Cuban origin in Minnesota, with nearly one-third living outside the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, in towns and cities throughout the state.
The trend of Cubans settling in less traditional Midwest locations has grown in recent years, driven by employment opportunities, a lower cost of living compared to large cities, and, as Eliany aptly summarizes, the search for something that is as scarce in Cuba as it is in big cities: peacefulness for living and growing.
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