Relocating to MN from IL with 3 kids (Minneapolis, St. Paul: rental, daycare)

[jstuffy1203]

My husband and I are relocating to MN mid next year from a really small town in IL. We are trying to do some research on the better areas to live. I will be working in Fridley, but as an HVAC tech, he could be anywhere. We will have a one year old and 7th grader who loves math, science, and plays football, and a college freshman who also plays football. Schools and quality daycare are really important. We love outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting so we are really looking forward to the move. As my hubby could be working anywhere, I really don't want a huge commute just in case he has one. I like the Maple Grove area, but mainly because it is all I am familiar with. We are looking for a 3-4 bedroom rental or rent to own house less than $2k/month or to buy a house for less than $250k. Suggestions on areas to investigate or websites that would help in our search? I know it is a bit early for this as we aren't moving for about 8 months, but I will be in MN in November and would like to visit some possible areas while I am out there. Any assistance would be awesome and much appreciated.

[uptown_urbanist]

Check out the suburb of St. Anthony (see the recent thread about the various St. Anthonys around the area!); I knew it was a nice place for families, but apparently their schools are quite good, too. It would be a short commute to Fridley, and is very centrally located for both Minneapolis and St. Paul. I've only visited (my husband used to work there once upon a time) and that area heading from NE Minneapolis into St. Anthony is very nice, and seems like it would be a great fit for families.

[Kebinminn]

I like Maple Grove, it's a solid, family oriented suburb with good schools. It can be pricey.

Coon Rapids is a little more budget friendly. Huge district so I'd evaluate school by school. I'm fond of the Shenandoah Oaks are and the part by the river. Blaine is another option with a wide range of housing.

[1stpontiac]

Originally Posted by Kebinminn

I like Maple Grove, it's a solid, family oriented suburb with good schools. It can be pricey.

Coon Rapids is a little more budget friendly. Huge district so I'd evaluate school by school. I'm fond of the Shenandoah Oaks are and the part by the river. Blaine is another option with a wide range of housing.

Parts of Maple Grove are certainly accessible in a $250k range as well. Over sort of towards osseo I think there are some pockets that are pretty reasonably priced.

That's one of the areas I look at when I daydream about buying our next house.

[golfgal]

With a job in Fridley I would look at schools in the Mounds View district. It is one of the top districts in the state. Maple Grove isn't bad either. Both would give you pretty easy commutes, the Mounds View area would be a slightly easier commute.