Delano, Greenfield & other rural areas (Minnetonka, Buffalo: real estate, budget, for sale)

[thetamommy]

We are moving to your area in about 6 weeks. We want a property where we can have some acreage, a large garden and a few animals. We've been watching a property in Delano. We have three children, two that are school age.
I'm interested in data on the school districts. It's hard to just go from test data. Delano and Orono seem to rate well on the tests, but what are the schools like? Rockford? Any other suggestions?
My oldest daughter is interested in music, while her younger sister is really into animals. Both are very strong academically.
I prefer a school where there is a lot of parental involvement.
Our house hunting is scheduled for Feb. 6.

Annette

[Minnehahapolitan]

Delano is more exurban, not really that different from a rural town. Orono is a Lake Minnetonka area suburb. The demographics are more white collar, there is a higher income and the schools are better. If you can afford Orono, I feel it would be the logical choice.

[thetamommy]

Thanks. Can we get a hobby farm sort of property in Orono?

[Minnehahapolitan]

If you are looking for raw acerage, I would look more into the Medina, Corcoran and Independence type areas. Orono has big lots, but nothing you would treat like a hobby farm. There is stuff online in Cocoran and Independence with horses and some acerage for under 400,000.

[thetamommy]

Thanks. We'll look in these areas too. We need a house that's already there. Anyone know anything about Delano and Rockford districts?

[Minnehahapolitan]

Not particularly. You don't hear them on any top ten lists, but they certainly would not have very many problems.
The actual meaning of the term raw acerage must have escaped me (mea culpa), those areas were generally built like they are now. There would be no need for new construction if you didn't want to.

[sfw1979]

I think by far Orono school is the best of the ones you listed, but a hobby farm with acreage in Orono is going to be close to a million dollars if not more. So it all depends on your budget. Here is a great site I use : ZipRealty Real Estate -- Homes for sale and local real estate agents
It lists taxes and school districts as well as a "birds eye view" of the property.



The weird thing to me is there were a few houses in Corcran and Greenfield but their school discrict was Buffalo? Seemed that Rockford was closer?

Good luck on your search!!!!

[sugarbeet]

I have relatives whose three kids have all gone through Delano schools and they absolutely rave about it. They, too, moved to Delano so they could live on a hobby farm (over 20 years ago now) and I think they've loved every minute of living there and sending their kids to Delano schools. All the kids have done extremely well, involved in everything, excelled academically. Hard to say how much that has to do with the schools - they may have done that anywhere - but my relatives are extremely discerning and have done nothing but rave about life in Delano and the schools there.

[thetamommy]

I too had the same confusion about school districts.
Thanks for all the data,

[sfw1979]

Originally Posted by thetamommy

I too had the same confusion about school districts.
Thanks for all the data,

no prob..I hope your house hunting goes well. Your at a great time to buy when houses don't sell that much in the winter so lots of bargaining room for you.
One thing to consider though, is that maybe you can always do open enrollment in the school you want your children to go to even if your not in the district.