Lakeville Details (Marshall, Farmington, Donnelly: foreclosed, house, neighborhoods)

[sginnis]

My wife and I are thinking about building in Lakeville. We think we have a good idea for what is happening in the areas; however, we are still trying to shirk off concerns. We are moving from the Mac Groveland neighborhood - and giving up great city living for a larger suburban home.

Does anyone have any detailed information about the best areas to live in Lakeville? In posts that I searched, I kept reading "Anywhere in Lakeville is Great"; however, I am looking for someone who has a differing opinion.

We are looking at building at Donnelly Farms; does anyone know any history of the specific area (i.e. how long they have been building)?

Do some schools within the area seem to shine above others? Now that the high school has split, is there a mad race to get kids into the new high school?

Does anyone have knowledge about the current status of neighborhoods that were developed twenty years ago?

My wife and I currently have no kids, but are planning for up to four - education is probably our number one issue.

Thanks!

[golfgal]

The Lakeville schools are all good. There isn't one that stands out above the others. Some people think that a "new" building equals a better education so there was some scrambling to get into Lakeville South but honestly, there is no difference between the two academically. That development is in a nice location, easy access to stores, shopping, downtown Lakeville, etc. The biggest concern is funding for the schools there. Everywhere in MN there are funding issues but Lakeville has more of an issue. Lakeville grew really fast, had to build a LOT of new schools and taxes are high. Increases in operating referendums have been voted down for the past several years and programs have been cut and it's very expensive to participate in activities. Now, in 18 years or so when your kids are in high school that can all change so I woudln't worry too much about that now.

Lakeville is a very pretty area, lots of heavily wooded lots, rolling hills, etc. but also a nice mix of open land, farm land, etc. My biggest grip with Lakeville is limited access to commuting routes. You are really stuck with driving up and down 35W unless you live close enough to Cedar Ave to make that work.

[Fehler]

Lakeville is nice, but the Donnelly Farms development looks like an island. Your neighborhood will be crammed between the High School, a strip mall, a megachurch campus, and cornfields. You'll have nice rolling hills, but no trees. The nearest park, Antlers, has been a pit for a while (Lake Marion floods somewhat regularly). If you commute, most of your time will be spent trying to navigate the local intersections to get to either 35W or Cedar, rather then on the freeways themselves.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by Fehler

Lakeville is nice, but the Donnelly Farms development looks like an island. Your neighborhood will be crammed between the High School, a strip mall, a megachurch campus, and cornfields. You'll have nice rolling hills, but no trees. The nearest park, Antlers, has been a pit for a while (Lake Marion floods somewhat regularly). If you commute, most of your time will be spent trying to navigate the local intersections to get to either 35W or Cedar, rather then on the freeways themselves.

There are 6 other parks near that development that aren't by the lake. I guess I don't see that as a problem. Also, a hop up Kenwood to 185 and you are on 35W. It's a pretty good location actually. Yes, it is a newer development built on old farm land so not much for trees but across the road and all around there are a lot of trees. That area also sits up some so you could end up with a great view depending on the lot you get.

[Fehler]

There are other parks, sure. And Donnelly Farms is about equally close to Aronson as to Antlers, and Aronson isn't as poorly maintained as Antlers. Either one is a reach if you wanted to push a stroller to it, though.

And hopping from Kenwood to 35W isn't a problem, but making a left turn onto Dodd from your local street is.

[PullMyFinger]

I grew up with the Donnelly's in Farmington (my Dad was also a farmer). I can not think of a reason to not build on their land.
It will be kind of a cultural shock for you from MacGroveland to Lakeville. Good luck.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by PullMyFinger

I grew up with the Donnelly's in Farmington (my Dad was also a farmer). I can not think of a reason to not build on their land other than Farmington is just a couple of miles away and is plagued with foreclosed homes so I think this could possibly affect your value in the future.

It will be kind of a cultural shock for you from MacGroveland to Lakeville. Good luck.

That development is right across from Lakeville North high school, just up the road from one of the central shopping areas in Lakeville and not far from the huge Lifetime Fitness. It's about a 5 minute drive to Target, Marshalls, etc. on 185th/35W. It's actually a really convenient location for Lakeville I think.

[PullMyFinger]

Yes, I edited when I realized I was thinking of the wrong spot. I was thinking this was over by Cedar and Hwy 50. Completely different spot. My daughter and her husband just bought an older house in the area where Donnelly Farms is.