compare & contrast: Eden Prairie vs Chaska (Apple Valley, Chanhassen: house, buy)

[ottaknow]

My husband and I are moving with a 4 yr old and 2 yr old and think we've narrowed it down to these 2 communities. Can someone quickly compare & contrast these areas?

My job will be just west of MSP off of 394.

We like getting a little larger house in Chaska for the money & the community center w/indoor pool. We've heard about this "magical" new highway that should improve the commute. We also have heard great things about EP.

Help! Opinions please. Any significant difference in taxes too?

[golfgal]

Chaska is a smaller town, more down to earth people, quaint downtown area, GREAT golf course . EP is a HUGE area, very large high school, you will run into a lot of pretentious people, busy roads all the time. It is closer to your job though so a slightly better commute.

Chaska is a great area. I would pick it hands down over EP.

[ottaknow]

Thanks Golfgal! I've also followed your posts on Rosemount and Apple Valley (great schools are key to us) and though google maps is telling me 35 minutes from Apple Valley, it looks like it could be a nightmare.

Do you think the commute from Chaska could be okay?

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by ottaknow

Thanks Golfgal! I've also followed your posts on Rosemount and Apple Valley (great schools are key to us) and though google maps is telling me 35 minutes from Apple Valley, it looks like it could be a nightmare.

Do you think the commute from Chaska could be okay?

I wouldn't want to commute from Rosemount to 394 unless it was at non-rush hour times. There are enough back roads and options out of Chaska that the commute won't be too bad. The new highway is supposed to help from what I hear but I am not sure exactly where it is going. I saw it last fall when I was detoured around it trying to get to a cross country meet in Chaska.

[goitsme48]

Buy in EP... you won't regret.

[BORGUSX]

Eden Prairie High School is one of the top 1,200 high schools in the U.S. and it is named the 10th best place to live in 2006 by Money Magazine!

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by BORGUSX

Eden Prairie High School is one of the top 1,200 high schools in the U.S. and it is named the 10th best place to live in 2006 by Money Magazine!

Chaska was rated #8 in the 2007 poll.

[RUINER_SR4]

You can't lose with either, they are both wonderful cities. I went through the same decision process a few years ago when I moved out here, and ultimately decided on Chanhassen (borders Chaska to the north) because it was smaller than EP, yet still close enough to be able to get there within minutes and still close to downtown. There is nothing wrong with Eden Prairie at all, it was all preference on my behalf but I obviously don't speak for everybody. I worked right in the heart of EP for over two years, it is a very busy area.

The new hwy 312 has been an awesome addition. Highway 5 was becoming unbearable during rush hour but now the congestion is noticeably less. I love it out here, no matter which you choose, you win.


Brian.

[nick is rulz]

MNspeak.com - Money Mag picks Chaska in Top 10 Places

[Isaysos]

There both the same place to me except one has a big mall.