Possible move to TC--where to live? (Minneapolis, Eagan: city hall, rent, townhome)

[gentah]

We may be moving to the Twin Cities and need some suggestions. We are a pretty boring, middle age couple with a teen--we don't drink, and having a nightlife scene is not important, but a safe neighborhood is. We do enjoy walking paths, and open space. We've generally lived in suburbs of large cities-St. Louis, Dallas, Phoenix. Having lived in all ages and types of home, our preference is definitely newer construction on about .25 acres so there is room to garden. We love the feel of old neighborhoods, but the cost and hassle of upkeep and repairs on an old house is daunting to us. Our current home is a new build in an old neighborhood--a perfect combo for us. Our preferred price range is $200-300K for a 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath. Is that even possible?

Anyway, we would need to be convenient to the West Bank at U of M by bus or light rail without an overly long commute. We have even tossed around ideas as far flung as Oakdale and Apple Valley--you can see that we need help! :-) Thanks for any ideas you can share.

[northsub]

You could look near the 95th ave Park and Ride in Blaine. It's a 23 minute bus ride to the U (but on the East Bank). There's also a 22 minute ride to downtown Minneapolis where the first stop is less than half a mile to the law school on the West Bank. Though for the downtown stops it looks like you would need to catch a ride back from University and 35W which would be about a 0.75 mile walk (or there's some kind of campus bus you could take).

Blaine will have newer homes in your price range. The neighborhoods near that park and ride are all pretty much new. Except, if you look east a bit into Circle Pines and Lexington you can find some older houses (though not all that old really).

If you find a house without garden space (generally only going to happen if you are in a wooded area), you can also rent a good sized plot by the Blaine City Hall. I think it's something like $40 a year. Not as convenient as out the back door, but an option.

There are plenty of nice walking paths just south of the 95th ave park and ride. Circle Pines has a ton of walking paths (it was originally designed to have every lot on a park or path). You can also check out the various Rice Creek parks which are generally really cool (and unknown).

The biggest downside to that area is probably potential airport noise. There's a county airport (no big jets) without huge sound, it's mostly just a buzzing in the air. You do get to see some interesting planes though.

[golfgal]

What does your teen like to do? Sports? Music?

[gentah]

My teen loves hiking--she would love to find a studio where she can take tap dance again--she is fairly advanced, and anyone know of a choral group for youth? She has been in a singing group for the last 2 years and will really miss it when we move.

I also wanted to clarify, that we don't need a brand new home--something even 10-15 years is fine. We are adamant about not having a home owners association, though. Thanks for any help.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by gentah

My teen loves hiking--she would love to find a studio where she can take tap dance again--she is fairly advanced, and anyone know of a choral group for youth? She has been in a singing group for the last 2 years and will really miss it when we move.

I also wanted to clarify, that we don't need a brand new home--something even 10-15 years is fine. We are adamant about not having a home owners association, though. Thanks for any help.

Luckily home owners associations are not all that common here except in townhome complexes where they are required by law. I agree, I would HATE to live in an area with one.

Most of the high schools will have a choral program (or middle schools-not sure how old she is). Apple Valley area would be a good fit. There are a lot of trails, lots of wooded areas to explore, mostly 20 years or newer homes in your price range, easy bus access to the U and Minneapolis but a drive up Cedar is pretty easy too. We are in Rosemount, next door to Apple Valley and I know our high school has one of the best choral programs in the state (and just their overall music department is tops in the state-and Midwest for that matter). The choir is invited to sing at all sorts of state and national programs. They are leaving Friday for a trip to Italy too . There are a couple dance studios in town, a few in Apple Valley as well. Rosemount is a mix of older and newer but not as historic as a town like Stillwater. Lots of trees, bike/walking paths everywhere, FANTASTIC schools.

I'm pretty familiar with the St. Louis area so I'll try to "match" some suburbs for a general feel--

Stillwater would be similar to St. Charles, mostly an older town along the river with a lot of older homes that have been well kept up but also several developments that would meet your 20-25 year old range give or take 10 years or so. A lot of the older houses in town have been redone so they have new plumbing, electrical, etc. so it might be worth looking into. Getting to the U of MN is pretty easy but under 40 minutes most days.

O'Fallon, MO would be a lot like Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Woodbury where there is a small core of 'older" homes from the 60's or so but mostly new with shopping, etc. in central areas but more "organized" then you would find in Missouri.

Kirkwood would be along the lines of Mahtomedi, Edina maybe even Hastings, Mendota Heights--established areas, not a lot of new homes but the possibility of finding an older house and tearing down and building new--but these areas are going to most likely be out of your price range.

[sparksals]

You could also do Burnsville or Lakeville quite easily. Either of these two suburbs have the types of homes and lots for which you are looking. Eagan, Apple Valley and Rosemount are also good options for the type of home and lot you want. The commute from Burnsville/Lakeville would be straight up 35W. Can be a bit hairy in the winter or if there is an accident, but that is true for any commute on an interstate. That is the same for Cedar/77 in the winter too coming from AV/Rosemount.