Golf Girl -- Get in here!!! (Best places in the Eastern Burbs to buy?) (Eagan: for sale, rent)

[IotaNet]

Seriously -

Anyone can answer this but I've been lurking the forums long enough to know that GG will have some <ahem> STRONG opinions on this one.

My Fiancee are house shopping. We're originally from the Chicago area but have been living in MN for 4 years. We're both in our mid 40's and this is the second time around for both of us. We are looking for our "dream house" and the last one we'll buy before we retire in 15 years or so. Although it's only the two of us, there is a chance that my son (who starts high school in the fall '09) may come to live with us next year.

We are looking for a larger home -- preferably on 1-3 acres. We're not looking for a farm, just a private retreat. Also, due to work/church location we are committed to living on the eastern side of the Metro. With that said, here is our dilemma:

We have narrowed our choices down to 4 cities -- in this order:

Woodbury (where I currently rent -- I love it here!)
Apple Valley (I don't know much about it but what I read is great)
Eagan (Great town but I've found traffic to be a handful)
Inver Grove Heights (where she currently owns a TH, which we will rent out.)

Considering factors like long-term home appreciation, quality of High Schools, and, general quality of life ...
1) Are these solid choices?
2) Is this the best order?
3) Are we overlooking any potential issues?
4) Are there other places we should consider that will provide what we're looking for?

I welcome any and all thoughts, suggestions, and advice!

[golfgal]

Apple Valley and Eagan are going to top your list. I am not a fan of Woodbury but it is fine. Schools not quite as good as Apple Valley/Eagan but still not bad. Inver Grove Heights would be last on the list if you are choosing for schools. It is a very convenient location so if schools don't matter, if your son doesn't come live with you, it is fine but your other choices are better.

The problem with these areas is finding that 1-3 acres. There are a few developments around the area but do they have houses for sale? Off hand I can't think of any in Apple Valley or Eagan. There are some in IGH around Cliff Ave and Hwy 3-which is actually in the Rosemount school district. We have some friends that live out there and it is a nice area.

There are more 1-3 acre developments out around Lake Elmo and Lakeland. Depending on exactly where that puts you either in the Stillwater, Mahtomedi or Woodbury schools which are all fine, Mahtomedi being the best of the 3. There is a great area in what is West Lakeland that was an old Christmas tree farm. You have large lots 1-5 acres, but also have a lot of privacy with the tree cover. I don't know if there are any houses for sale there though.

Your biggest challenge is going to be finding the 1-3 acre lot.

[Slig]

I would consider these southern suburbs, not eastern.

[MNBill]

"Golfgal" is biased against Woodbury from other posts I've seen from her. (I don't know where she lives). We've lived here since '01 and for 3 years back in the early 90's. Woodbury is a well-planned out city, yes, it has grown tremendously in the last 10 years, but also has just about every retail store you'd need, and the main school district (833) is great, our two kids are getting a solid education there and many advanced classes and extracurricular activities are offered too.

But if you want acreage, why not look a little east to Afton? If we had the dough, we'd live there. Rolling hills and a nice rural feel, yet close to the metro. Afton is in Stillwater school district I believe, which is also a good one.

[WannaBeinBoston]

GG lives in Rosemount. She's disclosed this from previous posts. Those areas you are considering are all nice although I agree with GG that acreage will be difficult to come by. Farmington...further south of Lakeville may be an option for you for space with proximity still to the southeast suburbs.

[IotaNet]

Originally Posted by MNBill

...But if you want acreage, why not look a little east to Afton? If we had the dough, we'd live there. Rolling hills and a nice rural feel, yet close to the metro. Afton is in Stillwater school district I believe, which is also a good one ...

We did look at Afton but it is a little "rural small-townish" for our tastes. Absolutely nothing wrong with that but it probably wouldn't be a good fit for us.

Regarding Woodbury, why the backlash? I've lived here for 4 years and I really like it! That said, I have read commentary (here and in other places) from people who do not.

Why is that?

[Camden Northsider]

Looking for 1 - 3 acres but don't want a rural/ small-townish feel? That complicates things. And did you want East Metro areas or were you saying that the "west metro" (e.g. farther out areas west of Mpls) is out? You could try Sunfish Lake, where the minimum lot size is 2.5 acres, but the average home there sells for over $1M.

[BillyB]

All these places are basically the same. The differences are minor.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by IotaNet

We did look at Afton but it is a little "rural small-townish" for our tastes. Absolutely nothing wrong with that but it probably wouldn't be a good fit for us.

Regarding Woodbury, why the backlash? I've lived here for 4 years and I really like it! That said, I have read commentary (here and in other places) from people who do not.

Why is that?

Afton stretches pretty far west so you could be right next to Woodbury and have more acreage. If you want a couple acres, you really aren't going to find it in any of the towns you listed. Yes, Afton itself is a small, small town, cute though.

No, I don't like Woodbury but that is just a personal preference. I am sure there are plenty that do, I just don't.

[Robert P Stewart]

Originally Posted by Camden Northsider

Looking for 1 - 3 acres but don't want a rural/ small-townish feel? That complicates things. And did you want East Metro areas or were you saying that the "west metro" (e.g. farther out areas west of Mpls) is out? You could try Sunfish Lake, where the minimum lot size is 2.5 acres, but the average home there sells for over $1M.

It still floors me that there are areas *inside* of 494 that still use well and septic. And don't be so dramatic! The average sale price of a single family home in Sunfish Lake so far this year is $912,500. You would need your 7 series BMW to bring the total cost to 1 Mill.

Robert