Commute times (Minneapolis, Plymouth, Eden Prairie: renting, homes, purchase)

[jerilyn]

We are moving to Minneapolis this summer. My husband will be working in Wayzata, and we have been trying to decide where the best place to live will be. We started looking north, but have since been told that's not a good idea, commuting-wise. We are now looking south in several areas--Lakeville, Rosemount, Prior Lake, Apple Valley. He will be travelling, so these areas will be more convenient to the airport for him. We don't have a good idea on how the drive to/from work will be. If anyone could fill us in, that'd be great. From what I've read on other posts, these areas also have good schools, which is a high priority for us. Thanks!

[golfgal]

Rosemount to Wayzata would be close to an hour commute if you take 494 around, probably close to the same from Lakeville, 5 minutes closer from Apple Valley. If his main commute is to the airport, 15 minutes from these cities.

The easiest commute would be from Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, etc. but if he is traveling to the airport more then the office these commutes could be an hour in rush hour.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I wouldn't even dare look in Dakota County, don't set yourself up for insanity. I would stay away from the 94 corridor north of Maple Grove for the same reason. EP is nice, lots of retail but pretty new and really suburban. Minnetonka is a quick commute. There are some great mid-century ramblers on huge, wooded lots. Great schools. Edina is upscale, I don't know what your price range is. Edina is a combination of mid-century ramblers, depression era estates and some newer homes on quiet streets. Convenient to everything, best schools. Can't beat it. Hopkins is a good area, a quasi-industrial old railroad stop with an adorable downtown. Alot of community activities. One of my personal favorites. Golden Valley is nice, but I don't know anything about their schools (there is no GV district). Most cities in Minnesota have public schools that are only dreams to most other parts. Other than most of the city and some (emphasize some) very inner ring suburbs (read Richfield and Brooklyn Center) most of the schools are excellent.

[Navelinski]

All of the cities you mentioned are on the South side of the Minnesota River, which means extra time for commuting to Wayzata, LOTS of extra time!

Look in the West Metro - Plymouth, Maple Grove, Corcoran, Medina, Loretto, Maple Plain, and Minnetonka.

What else are you looking for in a community? Do you like urban, suburban, exurban, or rural living? Are you looking to purchase a home right away? What price range? Have you considered renting a home? That way you can check out the area before you buy.

Try to avoid crossing the Minnesota River - and stay away from Highway 62 which will be under construction for the next three years or more.

The north metro is generally less expensive that the south. The western metro can be pretty pricey, especially near Lake Minnetonka, but there are pockets of more reasonably priced homes.