Moving to work in Minnetonka, advice on where to live (Minneapolis: cul-de-sac, real estate market)

[ezeleni]

Hi,

We are planning to move to work in Minnetonka

We don't know where to live yet, we'd like to have maximum 20min commute time and some good full day-care or pre-school for our 2y old baby girl close to
We'd appreciate your advice on where to live

Thanks in advance

[sugarbeet]

If you like suburban living, Minnetonka is a great choice. If you're more interested in residential city life, Southwest Minneapolis is filled with wonderful, interesting neighborhoods and charming, historic homes. My commute from Southwest to work in Minnetonka is 10 minutes on a good day, 15-20 on average. Want something between city and suburb? Edina, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, although technically suburbs have some city-like amenities. Welcome.

[ezeleni]

Thanks for your recommendations!

[d.dolan]

Check the other thread you made regarding day care. Again, there is a high cost of living in the cities you are considering. You'd get more home for your dollar if you'd be willing to do a 30-40 minute commute. Although, the MN real estate market is PRIME right now for buyers, so you'll be getting a great deal wherever you decide to purchase! =) Best of luck!

[Minnehahapolitan]

You may have cheaper real estate by going father out; but the cost of commuting that distance can offset those savings pretty quickly. I don't think any particular suburb is going to have better daycare. Some more detailed parameters would give everyone a better idea of what you are looking for.

[nick is rulz]

Golden Valley or St Louis Park

[ezeleni]

Thanks.
We'll both work long hours in Minnetonka so, we want to pass the minimum time in the car to be with our baby longer. That's the reason to look for something not too far away
Our intention is to start renting so, we gain time to know the areas and be less stressed when looking for a house to purchase
nick is rulz: I haven't visited Golden Valley or St Louis Park, what do you like of these suburbs

[Minnehahapolitan]

Saint Louis Park is a great area. Houses tend to be a little older and the neighborhoods are more established. The area is convenient to everything; a quick commute to Minnetonka, close to The City. A better choice of rentals. Most of the area was built between the 1920s and 1950s. It is a nice example of an inner suburb which strives (and succeeds) to maintain relevance and vitality. Excelsior Blvd. is nice, especially with the new developement along it. A strong community with a nice Comm. Center. Good schools. I can't think of too many drawbacks.
Golden Valley is also nice (I like SLP more). It has nice areas, but the community is not as centralized. It is divided between two school districts. Generally bigger houses. Also an older area, but always well maintained.
I would also add Minnetonka (more suburban, a suburb which actually maintained nature) and Hopkins (what used to be an independent town, a lovely Main Street) as strong options also.

[nick is rulz]

Originally Posted by ezeleni

nick is rulz: I haven't visited Golden Valley or St Louis Park, what do you like of these suburbs

there is history there. They dont feel like they were constructed overnight like a lot of the more recent outer ring sprawl. I can appreciate the older, nicer suburbs that have a sense of community and arent cluttered with McMansions and cul-de-sacs.

Hopkins is also great.

[ezeleni]

Thanks to both of you.
I'll be there next week so, I'll try to escape from the office to visit these communities