Considering the Move back to Minnesota

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by xandrex

You're probably right...if they want acres, they're going to have to venture outside the city...far outside the city, actually.

We aren't even talking suburbs, most likely.

I suppose it depends on their budget, but I'm guessing the north metro is the best spot, since I believe it's the cheapest direction you can head. It does have the downsides of being far from the airport, however. And it would definitely be a culture shock. Each "quadrant" of the metro has a different feel (and I'd argue the west or south probably feel the most "Californian"), but the north metro has always felt the most different of them. Maybe it's the Michele Bachmann aspect.

Plenty of acreage to be had in many suburbs...easily within 30 minutes of St. Paul or Minneapolis

[whatever]

I'd also add that you don't necessarily want to vacation here during the winter, there are things to do in the snow and the cold can actually be fun.
For me it's not really the intense cold weather, it's the long, drawn out springs. So maybe come here in early sling... what, maybe March? You get the worst of both worlds; cold and wet.

Madison was a good recommendation.
Wisconsin west of Milwaukee might be nice, or maybe around Green Bay?

If near MSP, look east of the metro or maybe south east. I live west but actually like it out there better. Rivers > Lakes in my book. More hills too.

[sparksals]

Moving from CA to MN is a huge move just on the weather alone. If your GF is not keen on cold weather, this is not the place to move. I would not try to convince her to move somewhere with a factor SO deal breaking.

Have you considered AZ? AZ is FAR cheaper to live in than MN and the weather is far more tolerable. When we moved from AZ, most of our major expenses doubled - mortgage, taxes etc.

[xandrex]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Plenty of acreage to be had in many suburbs...easily within 30 minutes of St. Paul or Minneapolis

There's some, but it definitely comes at a premium if you're looking for great areas. I suppose when I hear "acreage", I think a lot more of the land I grew up on in northern Minnesota, which was probably a lot larger than anything available here in the Twin Cities.

Hence, I recommended the north metro, where you get more bang for your buck. Plus, 30 minutes (during non-rush hour) is 30+ miles. That's the exurbs and rural country I was referring to. I can get to Forest Lake in half an hour. That's exurban.