Moving to MSP from NYC. LF house to buy. (Minneapolis: real estate, crime)

[vurwig]

Greetings all.

I am a single, 30 year old, hispanic male who is moving from New York City to the Minneapolis, St Paul area. I intend to stay here for some time, as I expand my business, so I am looking to purchase a home.

I have 2 large dogs and it is really important that I find a home that is at least 1500 square feet, has over .25 acres of privately fenced yard, and is off busy streets. It would be great to have a heated swimming pool.

My other needs would be that it be within easy driving distance of Minneapolis and Uptown, there be many parks, and possibly lakes, the neighborhood should be fairly quiet and away from busy streets, the schools be fairly decent, and crime should be low.

Since I'm both liberal and hispanic, I'd prefer to stay away from anywhere tea party majority, Republican, or close to Michelle Bachmann.

Where would I be looking for a place like this? I would prefer to stay under $250,000, but I can go higher if the place is right.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

[uptown_urbanist]

You're looking at the suburbs with a lot that size, so I'll leave the suggestions to others. On the heated pool issue, though, I doubt you're going to find that. Pools around here seem to generally be seen as a liability, not a perk (although some people do have them), and they're not very common. By all means mention that as a wish-list item to your real estate agent, but ultimately I think you're probably going to just be content with putting one in yourself. If you could cut your lot size requirements you'd open up a lot more possibilities.

What do you consider "easy" driving distance? (in time) That will make a difference, too.

[vurwig]

I would be considering 30 minutes, during peak hours, as easy driving distance.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

The areas in the Twin Cities where you'll find alot of homes with pools, at least .25 acres and 1600 sq ft are North Oaks, Woodbury, and the western suburbs (Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Plymouth, Maple Grove, etc.). There actually are a few houses that meet those requirements in Minneapolis and St. Paul but they are almost all multimillion dollar homes.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

What about Powderhorn, Slig?

[Minnesota Spring]

I would give Orono, Minnetrista or Medina a look if your are looking for more of the secluded feel. Lots of woods and lakes (and mosquitos). Many of the homes are large with large, secluded yards. Not sure the percentage that have pools, but I have seen quite a few that have either indoor or outdoor pools. The problem is that the nicer homes in that area are usually priced at one million and up. Just a zip down 394 to Downtown Mpls is a perk. I think the area is a mix of concervative and liberal, not like the northern metro where Bachman reigns.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

I forgot to include the desire to keep it under 250k if possible. I did an MLS search to include that along with 1600 sq ft, .25 acres and a pool and actually found quite a few single family homes on the market in Brooklyn Park and Burnsville which meet those requirements.

Originally Posted by Min-Chi-Cbus

What about Powderhorn, Slig?

What about it? I live there and I like it but you aren't going to find any homes here with pools and .25 acres+

[salty37]

Anyone know of a house with owner financing.....perferably with an outbuilding on it.

[BillWallace]

Salty - I've been able to find a few. You might want to get me more details but an example is 20715 147th Avenue in Rogers which has a pole barn and will accept a Contract For Deed.

[relopez1]

How about Aonka co. Beautiful home's you can get alot of house there for a good price.