mankato or Eagle lake? (St. Cloud, Hills: houses, neighborhoods, YMCA)

[Melina635]

We can't decide between EAgle Lake and mankato! We have two houses that we are looking at, same exact price:

WEst mankato- best location, but house has NO DISHWASHER, and one car garage. Also is from 1939. But the location is amazing! Right by red jacket trails.

Then the house in EAgle Lake, is from 1973, nice location, and 2 car garage, updated, etc.

We aren't sure which location will hold it's property value best! Eagle lake had a rep for being a dump- but it's not anymore. It's beautiful now.

What do you guys think is best? WE have two kids under 4.
Thanks!!!!!

[wildchild]

Both are nice areas.
A couple things to think about.

West Mankato:
You are probably further away from the "Mall area" then you would be in Eagle Lake. You'll be driving nearly the entire length of town vs. running down a few miles of HWY 14 at 70 MPH. You do have a Cub Foods, Kwik Trip and Hy-Vee fairly close however.

The location to the trail is very nice. If you're into the YMCA you are very close to that as well.

I lived on Woodland Ave for a time, quiet area, nice neighbors, not big extravagant homes but always well maintained and clean.

It sounds like the house is far enough away but I would be aware of the Harvest States-Honeymead plant. Personally, I would not want to live on the NW corner of West Mankato, you will catch a smell of processed soybeans on occasion.

Eagle Lake:
This area has grown such much I don't even recognize it from my younger days. You are correct, it is not a dump by any means.

The HWY 14 bypass has helped fuel some incredible growth. You will be commuting to Mankato for everything but it is easy with the freeway and only a couple miles. There is always old HWY 14 to use as a short cut to Lowes, Old Navy, etc.

The Sakatah trail is very nice and fairly close to the North side of Eagle Lake.

I think you'll probably get a little more "small town charm" in Eagle Lake but as Mankato neighborhoods go, West Mankato ranks right up there.

Finally:
Schools. I won't get into any sort of East vs. West debate but being in West Kato you wil be very close to Mankato West. Eagle Lake of course you'll be in the Kato East side and a couple miles away. Roosevelt (never been inside) is quite old but seems OK. The Eagle Lake school (never been inside) was just remodeled and expanded last year.

I think either location are good places. It comes down to which house you really like more, your driving expectations and possibly schools.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[Radical_Car]

Me myself, I'd go with the west Mankato house, no brainer for me. I also don't use dishwashers, and my parents have been married since the mid 80s and have never had a garage, so that stuff is irrelevant for me. The area by the red jacket trails is indeed amazing.

[xandrex]

My grandparents and some aunts and cousins live in Mankato (and I was actually born there), and I would say West Mankato would be a better choice. I've heard nothing but good things about Mankato West High School (but then again, one of my aunts works at Mankato East and loves it there too) and Mankato just doesn't feel busy, even when you're right in town. So it can be peaceful, but close to amenities.

My grandparents live in an old (probably 50s or 60s era) development off Stolzman past Mankato West. They're technically not in town (their development decides not to be annexed), but they are near the high school (my dad and my aunts used to walk or bike when it was nice), access to things near Mankato State, and fairly good access to the River Hills Mall area (I know a previous poster said it was a bit further, but when I visit, we can get to the mall area in about 10 minutes).

[Radical_Car]

Originally Posted by xandrex

and fairly good access to the River Hills Mall area (I know a previous poster said it was a bit further, but when I visit, we can get to the mall area in about 10 minutes).

I agree, that area might not be right across the street from the mall, but Mankato isn't that big, you can get anywhere in like 10 minutes. Same with St. Cloud, I can get one from end of town to the other in 10-15 minutes, easily. And I love that area by West High School. I highly recommend it.