Relocating to Twin Cities-looking to live outside of the city

[golfgal]

If you need to get all over the state I would consider looking in some areas around St. Cloud. It is pretty much the middle of the state, easy access to major highways, more affordable than the immediate Twin Cities area. We have friends that live in Albany and LOVE it there. For such a small town there is quite a bit to do and the schools are very good. There are a lot of professors from local colleges that live in that district, which helps. It is a town where you will know everyone, it's right of 94 which pretty much will take you right to Lake St. when you need to go.

St. Joseph would be another town I would consider but it is somewhat more expensive than Albany.

[sweeneya]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Do you have favorite suburbs in the various cities you've lived in? That might help people get a feel for what you're looking for; I'm familiar with the DC area (lived in Virginia and in DC) and some of the Philly area, and I know we have some Chicago locals on here, too. That might be a place to start.

How long of a commute are you willing to take on for your trip to the Minneapolis store? (perhaps both your ideal commute time, plus the absolute maximum, time-wise) That would probably be a good place to start, too, since you'll be doing that one once a week.

In Philly I am thinking of an area like Lansdale/Sellersville/Perkasie. In D.C.- Gaithersburg or Greenbelt. In the Quad Cities- Geneseo or the immediate area as a few examples.

My max commute would be about 90 minutes (to my home store). I am also flexible in the times I can go in. So I wouldn't have to be in there at 9 AM, I could go at 11 or 5 AM if I wanted. Ideally I would like to find something in the 30-45 minute time range.

I was incorrect in my original post. It will be 24 stores in MN. I am also considering a position in WI which is less. Essentially I will be all over the state, with a concentration on the Twin Cities....

Thanks for the help!

[uptown_urbanist]

Maybe somewhere like Elk River? That would put you within commuting distance of the main office (although probably not 30-45 minute range, but your budget is very low for closer in; not sure if you can do it in Elk River, but your odds are better out there), still within the outer Twin Cities, it's more rural up that direction (there are horses and stables out that way), and it's pretty affordable for this area. It would also be fairly central so you'd be able to have an easier commute if heading north.

[sparksals]

There are horse stables in Rosemount and Inver Grove Heights.

If your office is on Lake Street (and it depends where), even though you are driving throughout the state, living in a far outer city would be a huge commute - Hugo, Forest Lake, St. Cloud - all very far. It would probably be more prudent to find a nice rental in an inner ring and then find the stables as an after thought by living more centrally.

Your rent budget is low. Very low. I don't think you will find a house for that amount and you won't find it in the type of neighbourhood you desire for your son.

If you are open to townhouses, you may be lucky that way, but even then, I don't think you can get a one bedroom for that price range.

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by sweeneya

In Philly I am thinking of an area like Lansdale/Sellersville/Perkasie. In D.C.- Gaithersburg or Greenbelt. In the Quad Cities- Geneseo or the immediate area as a few examples.

My max commute would be about 90 minutes (to my home store). I am also flexible in the times I can go in. So I wouldn't have to be in there at 9 AM, I could go at 11 or 5 AM if I wanted. Ideally I would like to find something in the 30-45 minute time range.

I was incorrect in my original post. It will be 24 stores in MN. I am also considering a position in WI which is less. Essentially I will be all over the state, with a concentration on the Twin Cities....

Thanks for the help!

Where are your stores? I'd find a place that was on the side of town in the direction you'd be spending most of your time at. If you are serious about riding I'd suggest to be close to your barn. Will you be leasing or eventually boarding your own horse? Are you interested in showing or trail riding? Are you looking for a training facility as well?

[sweeneya]

Thank you for all of the suggestions. I truly appreciate the input and will research all of the areas mentioned.

I am serious about riding (AQHA) and showing, so close to my barn would be ideal. I trained professionally for years, so wouldn't need a "trainer", but a facility with at least an indoor would be ideal. I will be boarding my 3 show horses when I move.

It looks as if I would be getting the WI District, so chances are good I won't be going to MN. Things are still up in the air, though.

Thanks again!