Eden Prairie vs Maple Grove vs where else?? (Plymouth, Minnetonka: best suburbs, renting)

[Carrilyn14]

So hubby and I are looking at these cities for an upcoming move to Mn. We are native Californians and are relocating for work. We are excited about this new adventure but have no clue about where we should live. We've heard good things about Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Minnetonka and am looking for opinions. A few things to consider...

1. Family friendly environment. We have two dogs and a four month old baby boy.
2. Similar age range. Mid 30's to 40's.
3. Decent commute into the city and close proximity to New Hope where hubby's job will be.
4. Central shopping area or close proximity to shopping.

Any advice would be great! Thanks!

[Kebinminn]

Maple Grove is great. It has a lot of families and activities for them. It's very close to New Hope and there's plenty of shopping there.

[xandrex]

If you're husband's job is in New Hope, I'd look closer to there than a place like Eden Prairie. I don't know the exact route he'd use, but 169 gets pretty clogged in both directions for probably the entirety of that length and I imagine other routes would too.

It sort of depends on what your price range is, but I'd say a lot of the suburbs near there would be great to look at. Edina, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Plymouth, and Maple Grove as you mentioned might be places to start. I don't think any of them get bad reviews, so it would come more down to taste.

[golfgal]

I would look in Plymouth or Maple Grove. They would be the closest and they are two of the nicest areas to live on that side of the city. If you end up in Plymouth, stay in the Wayzata school district boundaries. That will be the most desirable area in Plymouth. Both will be close to shopping, etc. and easy commutes.

Avoid either of the Brooklyns- Park or Center--not what you want. Any of the towns you mentioned will be fine though.

When you get here, sign up for the Early Childhood Family Education program in whatever town you end up in (ECFE). It is a FANTASTIC program and a great way to meet parents with children the same age. They are really parenting classes, more of a discussion vs a "class" and play time for the kids. It is for kids ages birth-kindergarten.

[iNviNciBL3]

The West Metro has the best suburbs in the Cities
So i prefer Hopkins, Saint Louis Park and Plymouth