Living South of Minnesota River (Minneapolis, Bloomington: house, neighborhoods, schools)

[Springs00012]

Hello,
I'll be moving to Minneapolis soon and have seen some attractive homes online south of the Minnesota river in the Shakopee area. However, I'm going to be working on the other side of the river not too far from the airport. Does anyone know what the commute is like, particularly traffic crossing the minnesota river in the mornings/evenings?
Thanks!

[golfgal]

Shakopee to the airport can get a little tricky. Highway 13 can be a mess but if you aren't going at prime time it won't be too bad. You do have the option of going through Eden Prairie but the bridge/road connecting Shakopee with Flying Cloud Drive floods frequently, which makes 13 even more of a mess. Not sure of what your family situation is but of you have kids, I'd consider looking elsewhere. Shakopee schools are ok, not great, but there are much better options closer to the airport with much easier commutes. I'd look in the Apple Valley, Eagan, Rosemount area for one. Easy commute with several different options, one of the top districts in the country for schools and housing costs are pretty reasonable for the Twin Cities metro area.

[Daniel J.S.]

Originally Posted by golfgal

I'd look in the Apple Valley, Eagan, Rosemount area for one. Easy commute with several different options, one of the top districts in the country for schools and housing costs are pretty reasonable for the Twin Cities metro area.

I second Golfgal's assessment. That said, I'm a strong proponent of Eagan. I moved from Minneapolis to Eagan a few years ago, and love it. Where Eagan lacks a "vintage downtown" culture, it more than makes up for it with a "pleasantville" feeling within the neighborhoods. I live in a house off of Diffley, right next to 77, and it is quiet, friendly, and VERY convienient. Getting to the airport from Eagan has multiple options, all of which are quick.

[ocsid]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Shakopee to the airport can get a little tricky. Highway 13 can be a mess but if you aren't going at prime time it won't be too bad. You do have the option of going through Eden Prairie but the bridge/road connecting Shakopee with Flying Cloud Drive floods frequently, which makes 13 even more of a mess. Not sure of what your family situation is but of you have kids, I'd consider looking elsewhere. Shakopee schools are ok, not great, but there are much better options closer to the airport with much easier commutes. I'd look in the Apple Valley, Eagan, Rosemount area for one. Easy commute with several different options, one of the top districts in the country for schools and housing costs are pretty reasonable for the Twin Cities metro area.

I wouldn't say it floods "frequently." Plus, I think they're finally rebuilding that stretch of road to help with that problem. Still, living south of the river is a crapshoot because your commuting options will always be limited. One accident, even on a nice day screws everything up.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by ocsid

I wouldn't say it floods "frequently." Plus, I think they're finally rebuilding that stretch of road to help with that problem. Still, living south of the river is a crapshoot because your commuting options will always be limited. One accident, even on a nice day screws everything up.

That stretch of road floods every spring and sometimes a couple times/year....that is frequent.

Yes, from Shakopee your routes are limited but other areas mentioned you have 5 or more options of routes to take, making it one of the easiest commutes in the metro, if not the easiest.

[Springs00012]

Thanks so much for your comments! This really helps us narrow our search. We'll definitely try to stay on the other side of the river and check out some of the neighborhoods you mentioned.

[tisaroo]

Springs00012, I do not know how long you plan on staying at the job you are speaking of but speaking as a person who 'job jumps' a lot I would think about staying near 494...within 6 miles or whatever of it, and nearer the center part of the south metro. Then you will be close enough to whatever job you take. South of Apple Valley or Burnsville can be quite a chore if there is a little snow or ice on the road. Bloomington, Eagan... around there are safe bets. Best of luck.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by tisaroo

Springs00012, I do not know how long you plan on staying at the job you are speaking of but speaking as a person who 'job jumps' a lot I would think about staying near 494...within 6 miles or whatever of it, and nearer the center part of the south metro. Then you will be close enough to whatever job you take. South of Apple Valley or Burnsville can be quite a chore if there is a little snow or ice on the road. Bloomington, Eagan... around there are safe bets. Best of luck.

Rosemount is 10 miles from 494.....,Apple Valley is about 10 miles from the southern edge, less from the northern edge..... those 4 extra miles on roads marked at 70 MPH really isn't going to make a significant difference in your commute....

[dd564]

Originally Posted by golfgal

That stretch of road floods every spring and sometimes a couple times/year....that is frequent.

Yes, from Shakopee your routes are limited but other areas mentioned you have 5 or more options of routes to take, making it one of the easiest commutes in the metro, if not the easiest.

Are you ignorant of the fact their is a 169 bridge?
Also, the roads flood once every five years, and that's been frequent and 101 is being redone above the 100 year flood plain so it won't be an issue there any longer. I'm guessing this is the last year (time ever) it gets flooded.

[StilltheSame]

I would think it's do-able. Traffic moves pretty well (except in winter) and while it may backlog a bit -I do not think its prohibiitive.