Help us find a new hometown (St. Paul, Bloomington: apartments, condos, low crime)

[peregrinator]

I'm in a quandry trying to pick the best Minnesota town for our needs. Here are our limitors:

1) Not a horrendous commute to St. Louis Park job.
2) Excellent public schools.
3) Ideally, a nice small town -- or at least a town that isn't just a collection of developments.
4) Reasonable driving distance to family in Plymouth and Hastings (no more than 45 minutes).
5) Prefer to be near a river (less mosquitos), but this isn't mandatory.

I know you forumites can help us. You people know Minnesota!

[golfgal]

It is going to be pretty much impossible to meet all of your requirements. If you live toward Hastings you are going to run into a horrendous commute, if you pick a place with an easy commute you are going to be an hour or so from Hastings. I would suggest you start with Chaska since it meets almost all of your requirements except being 45 minutes to Hastings.

[peregrinator]

Maybe I should say "one hour from Plymouth or Hastings"? Is that more realistic?

[peregrinator]

I've been to the Chaska city website, and it looks like a good place to live. Any feedback about the schools? The town itself? Are there dangerous areas in Chaska where we should avoid buying a house? Any and add feedback is very appreciated!

[golfgal]

Schools are excellent, there are no dangerous places to live other then maybe on some of the busier streets like 212 and that 'danger' comes from traffic. It is a great town. It was just voted one of the top 10 cities nationally by Money magazine.

[shoni]

I've lived in Chaska for 6 years and love it. We've lived in St. Paul, Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Minnestrista and Chaska is our favorite. I'll answer any questions you have of the area.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Chaska is good, a small river town. Alot of newer development out in those parts. I would seriously look into Hopkins. A old (not as much anymore) blue-collar industrial town that has a great Main Street, quick access to Saint Louis Park on Excelsior Blvd., One of the best school districts in the state, various types of housing (Apartments, Old Homes, mid-Century homes, newer construction, condos, et. cetera). A strong tax base with Supervalu and other good employers. It will save you a daily commute over Chaska and is closer to Hastings. Chaska is nice, but Hopkins offers you a better general location and better schools.

[kizzeith]

Stillwater is a little bit of a haul, but I would think you might be able to do it in 45 minutes...any tc people confirm that?

Stillwater has the beautiful St Croix, a great high school, low crime and a priceless small-town charm

[Minnehahapolitan]

/\I wouldn't drive a Stillwater-Saint Louis Park commute.