columbia,sc to Minneapolis,mn (St. Paul, Northfield: foreclosure, house, private schools)

[blvette]

We were thinking of moving in about a year from columbia,sc to minneapolis area. My wife is a or tech, and I own a seamless gutter company down here. Just wondering what the job options look like and housing comparison are there. What areas would be good to look at, looking to spend around 200,000. Also my wife will be going back to school with her gi bill. She will be going from premed what schools are around there to attend. We both grew up north so we know about the snow and cold, we still go back snowmobiling in the UP of michigan every year. Just looking for advice on relocating. Thanks

[Slig]

Alot will depend on factors like:

1. Do you prefer urban or suburban living? If suburban how close do you want to be to downtown (Minneapolis or St. Paul)

2. What are your preferences in regards to house age, lot size, etc?

3. Is anything important to you like walkability, access to public transportation, diversity, quality of schools, peace and quiet area or vibrant area, proximity to entertainment, certain businesses parks, lakes, etc?

For pre-med school programs you can't go wrong with the University of Minnesota. There are also several good private schools in the area including St. Thomas, Hamline, Bethel, Augsburg, St. Catherine, Macalester, Concordia, etc.

[sandlapper]

Originally Posted by blvette

We were thinking of moving in about a year from columbia,sc to minneapolis area. My wife is a or tech, and I own a seamless gutter company down here. Just wondering what the job options look like and housing comparison are there. What areas would be good to look at, looking to spend around 200,000. Also my wife will be going back to school with her gi bill. She will be going from premed what schools are around there to attend. We both grew up north so we know about the snow and cold, we still go back snowmobiling in the UP of michigan every year. Just looking for advice on relocating. Thanks

Ha no way! I grew up in Columbia and just moved to the TC last month. So far I can say the area is alot different from SC but then again its the midwest. I wouldn't think your wife would not have a problem finding work here. Healthcare workers are needed all over. Not sure about the market for your profession though? Housing is more expensive here. What you get for 200K here is not what you would get in Columbia that's for sure, but finding a livable home is do-able. If your wife is looking to attend med school the "U" (University of Minnesota) would be an option. Not sure what other schools are in the area yet though. Good luck!

[golfgal]

One of the best medical school feeder schools is Carleton College in Northfield. It is highly selective, Ivy League caliber. There are several colleges/universities in the Twin Cities and outlying area that have good pre-med programs though.

[blvette]

yea my sister lives in crystal, but am looking for a house with a couple acres so know that we will be living out of town. We have a 3000sqft house now that is worth aprox 200,000. Looking to spend about the same, just wondering what areas would be good to look at. I am a skilled carpenter but can do many service jobs.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by blvette

yea my sister lives in crystal, but am looking for a house with a couple acres so know that we will be living out of town. We have a 3000sqft house now that is worth aprox 200,000. Looking to spend about the same, just wondering what areas would be good to look at. I am a skilled carpenter but can do many service jobs.

Plan to get a house half this size, especially if you want some acreage, for your budget.

[blvette]

I also will be looking for a foreclosure but what area is good around crystal. We will be looking for something needs some work or has potential for additions. If you could recommend the places around there to start looking that would be great.