West Bloomington schools and neighborhoods? (Minneapolis, Edina: short sales, foreclosure, loan)

[west336]

I thought the Twin Cities median price was about $125K (down from $240K during the peak of the bubble)? Why aren't some of these areas cheaper?!

[uptown_urbanist]

Originally Posted by west336

I thought the Twin Cities median price was about $125K (down from $240K during the peak of the bubble)? Why aren't some of these areas cheaper?!

I don't know about some of the areas being mentioned, but in SW Minneapolis there are certainly plenty of houses for 300k or less, but most of them at that price point are smaller than what the OP is looking for. I know there are 4BR/2BA houses for under 300k in Armatage and Kenny but they don't have newer kitchens and baths, and even the 4-BRs in that price bracket tend to be under 2,000 square feet. (haven't looked at the other SW or Edina neighborhoods, but guess that they're unlikely to have many cheaper options). In any case, there are some great deals in these neighborhoods right now, but 300k still wont' get you a recently updated larger house. I would assume that it will still get you a lot more than it would at the peak of the bubble, however.

[danielle_pal]

also consider Mendota Heights.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

I'm looking at the MLS right now. I see 17 homes in Bloomington on the west side of 35W for under 300k and have at least 4 bedrooms and 2 baths as well as 7 homes in Edina and 11 in Southwest Minneapolis....looks like it can be done.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by Slig

I'm looking at the MLS right now. I see 17 homes in Bloomington on the west side of 35W for under 300k and have at least 4 bedrooms and 2 baths as well as 7 homes in Edina and 11 in Southwest Minneapolis....looks like it can be done.

And none of them have new kitchens....and most in that price range are foreclosures--which are a mess to deal with.

[sm2010]

Originally Posted by Slig

I'm looking at the MLS right now. I see 17 homes in Bloomington on the west side of 35W for under 300k and have at least 4 bedrooms and 2 baths as well as 7 homes in Edina and 11 in Southwest Minneapolis....looks like it can be done.

My problem finding a house in SW Mpls is that I really want 3 BR on one level, plus an office somewhere in the house or a 4th BR, but most SW Mpls homes in my price range are 1.5 story houses that have 1 large BR upstairs and 2 smaller BR on the main floor, which is not ideal for my young family.

In Edina, most of the homes in my price range that look nice are right next to Hwy 62. I would really prefer to be a few blocks from 62 for less noise.

I have seen a few homes in W. Bloomington that do have updated kitchens and look nice, I just don't know much about the neighborhoods or schools. Are there sidewalks, walking trails and bike trails there?

[ferr0052]

In regards to West Bloomington school district--

I have worked with students from this school district--they are the 'down to earth' versions of Eden Prairie/Minnetonka/Wazata students. What does that mean --- they are always the underdog with these schools in every category. I got the feeling that they were aware that they weren't number one in every category, but put in a lot of effort.

I would never hesitate to put my children in this school district. I would place this school district with rosemount/apple valley as having the best students I've interacted with.

Also, the high school is very intertwined with Normandale community colleges. A lot of seniors spend their whole day at Normandale instead of Jefferson.

[sm2010]

Originally Posted by ferr0052

In regards to West Bloomington school district--

I have worked with students from this school district--they are the 'down to earth' versions of Eden Prairie/Minnetonka/Wazata students. What does that mean --- they are always the underdog with these schools in every category. I got the feeling that they were aware that they weren't number one in every category, but put in a lot of effort.

I would never hesitate to put my children in this school district. I would place this school district with rosemount/apple valley as having the best students I've interacted with.

Also, the high school is very intertwined with Normandale community colleges. A lot of seniors spend their whole day at Normandale instead of Jefferson.

Thanks for the feedback. I was wondering if you have experience with the elementary schools there too, and if there are any schools you recommend. I was looking at a home in the Olson Elementary area and wondering about that school. Thanks so much!

[Ghengis]

this searchable site (presumabkly compiled by the greatest minds in the universe) ranks Jefferson #21 in the state. Didn't see any Minneapolis schools ranked anything close to that. In the interest of full disclosure, my school rank 300 something or other although that's probably because I don't go there anymore.

Minnesota State High Schools - MN School Rankings

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by golfgal

And none of them have new kitchens....and most in that price range are foreclosures--which are a mess to deal with.

New kitchens... *rolls eyes*

The foreclosure bit is an important one, tho.