best minneapolis suburbs for family with kids (St. Paul, Roseville: middle-class, hair salon)

[sugarbeet]

You are going to be working in an area that's also a highly desirable place to live. It might be tough to find what you're looking for in Minnetonka or Golden Valley, though. You'll have to go out to get 2700 sq ft on a half acre. Look at Long Lake/Orono area or if you can spend more/live in a smaller home, Minnetonka, Golden Valley, Plymouth, Wayzata would all be ideal.

[Avindair]

Maple Grove would be a bit of a drive, but it's a wonderful city for families:

1. Fantastic bike and hiking trails.

2. Easy access to Elm Creek Park Reserve.

3. Phenomenal shopping, and a wonderful movie theater.

4. Terrific schools.

5. Top-notch Community Center...even if it is expensive to use it.

6. Rents aren't that bad for some nicer apartments.

Take a look!

Avindair

[MNboundmommy]

Does anyone have any inside info about St. Anthony? It looks like a charming little town; low violence, close to TC, etc. What's it really like?

[JohnMH"Santa"]

Orono, Wayzata, Minnesota for education. Otherwise short commute Some areas of Golden Valley, Minnesota

[Minnehahapolitan]

Saint Anthony Village actually is like that. A very good, small school system. A mix of some older, mid-century ramblers and bungalows. Very easy access into The City. I recommend the area very much, though it seems forgotten about (prob. due to its size).

[jeffro1]

Bottom of the "civilian job" totem pole???!! Are you nuts, your loaded!
I guess this proves, that you can never have enough. I am living in Nebraska and was thinking of moving to Minneapolis, is a 210,000 dollar home the norm there? If so, i think i am happy where I am.

Originally Posted by MNboundmommy

Hi everyone! My name is Jen and I am a mother to 2 beautiful baby girls, a current military wife, and a working mom. My life is about to change! My husband and I are moving the family back to our roots...MN!! We are both taking jobs in Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and although we are both originally from MN, we're not from the Twin Cities. I'm looking for help choosing a SAFE, kid friendly, and affordable suburb with not too far of a commute to work. I'm a terrible driver, so the shorter commute, the better for everyone! I'm huge on education, so quality schools play a HUGE factor in the suburb we choose. We're looking for a small town feeling.
Since my husband and I were both formerly in the military, we will be starting at the bottom of the "civilian job" totem pole...which is going to be a challenge to find a house that suits our needs for a reasonable price. Our range is going to be around $210,000. Can anyone offer any advice on where to start looking for our new "dream suburb?" Thanks to all! We're excited to get back to MN!

[Ramona1948]

Farmington or Lakeville areas are not to far from MPLs and are nice suburbs. Savage may be a nice area for you. I am affraid $210,000 will not be enough for a house in most areas of the suburbs. Unless you find a fixer upper.

[laplander]

The S.W suburbs around Chaska, the avg. home prices are for a 2BR around $185,000
for a 4BR $300,000 and up. laplander

[BORGUSX]

Just move to Eden Prairie! There are some homes that are selling in the $200-$300k range!
In addition, it have a great community and ME except when I'm off to college that is, lol!

[Azalaksh]

I bought a house in New Brighton 10 years ago because at that time the Mounds View School District was rated like #2 in the State. I wish I had bought a little further out, like the City of Mounds View (but still within the MVSD). I've been very pleased with my son's education thus far (he's in 6th grade now).

Both St Paul and Minneapolis are an easy commute down Interstate 35W (or 35E) from where I live (13 miles to my work, west of downtown St Paul). I would look for homes north of Interstate 94 -- no airplane noise from Mpls/St Paul International.

PS: Here's a site to check out and compare schools: Minnesota Schools - Minnesota Public Schools - Minnesota School Ratings - MN Schools - Best Minnesota Schools