Stay in NE Mpls, or move closer to work?? (Minneapolis: hardwood floors, rent) - Minneapolis - St. Paul - Minnesota (MN) -Twin Cities - City-Data Forum

katmu · 01-04-2012, 03:41 PM

I've lived in my current house in Waite Park (far NE Mpls) for going on 12 years. It's a mini-tudor built in 1930 on a 1/4 acre lot. I've done a lot of work already (gutted kitchen, new roof, new electrical, all new mechanicals) but I still have more work to do (more work on main floor bath, retaining wall, refinish hardwood floors) if I plan to stay long term.

I'm currently commuting to St. Michael. It's not as bad as it sounds as it's reverse of most of the traffic but it is about 28 miles each way. I've looked at both existing and new houses out near work, both single family and townhomes, and I'm struggling with whether or not I will like being so far out. And I know if I do to decide to move I want it to be something I can stay in for a long time, and a lot of the houses in the farther out suburbs are living me a little underwhelmed both in terms of quality and decor.

Does anyone have experience moving from Mpls to one of the farther out suburbs? Would you do it again?

uptown_urbanist · 01-04-2012, 09:12 PM

I can definitely see why you would consider moving!

For what it's worth, I have seen some very nice houses in the outer suburbs, including some nice historic homes. I've read about people in some of the outer fringes of the TC buying churches, old post offices, barns, that sort of thing, and converting them into homes. So if you want some character, there is still hope.

That said, have you considered heading into it slowly? You could rent out your place in Waite Park, rent somewhere in or near St. Michael, and go from there. That would give you an escape plan in case you hate living out there. Or, if you do love it, it gives you a chance to get to know the area better (as a local resident) and gives you more time to find the right home if you decide to buy out there. I have some distant relatives who made the move from Minneapolis to Delano (which I consider to be pretty far out), and I think they're happy out there. Our old neighbors in Minneapolis made the move to near Victoria, liked it at first, but I believe are now regretting it. In their case, I think it moved from feeling still somewhat rural to more fully suburban, and while they liked rural, they did not like suburban. I don't know anything about St. Michael, but future growth is certainly something to consider (whether you consider that to be a positive or a negative).

homiej · 01-04-2012, 10:43 PM

I'm actually looking for a place near that area. How many bedrooms does it have and what would you consider renting it for if you took that route?

audadvnc · 01-05-2012, 06:14 AM

I like NE Mpls, but 28 miles each way to work? I'd do it if I had to (and have before), but given the choice I'd move closer.

golfgal · 01-05-2012, 07:08 AM

St. Michael is a cute town, great downtown area, good mix of old and new, good schools. It wouldn't be worth an hour a day of my time to commute back and forth, move to St. Michael.

katmu · 01-05-2012, 08:51 AM

It's not an hour as there isn't much traffic that way, usually about 40 minutes and I did move to MN from suburban Chicago in 1995 so any drive less than an hour to me is still short.

My son has expressed some interest in renting the house in NE but I'm not sure if he can afford it quite yet. I love the NE neighborhood though, my neighbors are really nice people and it's quiet for being in the city. The house is 3+ BR so the other issue might be if it would be too big once it's me and the dog.

And for what's it worth, just from working out here I like St. Michael as a town much better than Rogers (which seems like strip-mall-omania to me). I also have liked what I've seen of downtown Elk River. Renting might not be bad though as I don't want to have to rush into buying something if it's not exactly what I want.

My youngest is 19 so schools are a big concern at this point.

golfgal · 01-05-2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katmu

It's not an hour as there isn't much traffic that way, usually about 40 minutes and I did move to MN from suburban Chicago in 1995 so any drive less than an hour to me is still short.

My son has expressed some interest in renting the house in NE but I'm not sure if he can afford it quite yet. I love the NE neighborhood though, my neighbors are really nice people and it's quiet for being in the city. The house is 3+ BR so the other issue might be if it would be too big once it's me and the dog.

And for what's it worth, just from working out here I like St. Michael as a town much better than Rogers (which seems like strip-mall-omania to me). I also have liked what I've seen of downtown Elk River. Renting might not be bad though as I don't want to have to rush into buying something if it's not exactly what I want.

My youngest is 19 so schools are a big concern at this point.

Schools might not be of concern to you, but down the road, if you buy a house, schools are a major concern for resale. I like Elk River too. Very cute, busy downtown and a lovely area along the river.

danielle_pal · 01-05-2012, 09:52 AM

I would go check out some homes closer to your work and see if you like any of them. That's a good way to feel it out. There is no harm in looking at your options.