Thief River Falls, MN-- the scoop.... (Plymouth, Maple Grove: low crime, house, buying)

[disneyrecords]

[SIZE=2]Hello! New to the forum-- so I guess I'll dive in with both feet. We're a family of 4 living in "the cities" on the Wisconsin side.
Please tell me about Thief River Falls, MN
1. What's the topography like? Rolling with trees? Flat as Wichita? Treeless? Heavily forested?
2. Healthy economy?
3. Friendly people?
4. Good catholic parish? I know this sounds like a stupid question, but the parish we belong to here cries broke like a school board that just lost a referendum. Nothing worse than the constant begging for money-- mostly due to mismanagement.
5. Edu-ma-kayshun-- is there an emPHAsis on the noggin. Is the school district doing the job?
6. Recreation? I heard they canoe the river there. Great! I love to canoe and kayak. Are there any more sources of water close by? On the map, it looks kind of dry.
7. Neatness counts! Is the town tidy? In other words, do people care about their community? Easiest way to tell is how clean the town is kept.
I'm entertaining a job prospect which would pay the same as I make here. Here's my list of benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits of moving to TRF
1. No mortgage! Image that-- selling this house and buying something comparable would keep us even-steven.
2. We have no immediate family in the twin cites
a. I'm from Illinois-- no desire to move there.
b. Wife is from Detroit Lakes
and c-- before you ask. Yes I would consider moving to Detroit Lakes but there is position available for me there at this time.
3. Lower taxes.
4. Make the same income as I do in "the cities"
Drawbacks-- reasons we should stay here
1. Our house is appreciating rapidly. Since we built it in 2001-- we've gained almost what we paid for it in equity.
2. This should be tied to #1 above-- our taxes have sky rocketed!
3. I love my home on 5 acres. I planted over 400 trees-- someday it will be nice.
4. The school district is okay. adequate. not great but not terrible either.
5. I enjoy the rolling hills, trees, and general look of the upper Mississippi River valley.
6. I don't hunt and don't know how to.
So please tell me about life in Thief River Falls. Persuade me or turn me off on TRF
Thank you,
disneyrecords
[/SIZE]

[golfgal]

I have only been to TRF once so this probably isn't a whole lot of help but I was surprised by the town. There is quite a bit there for a little town on the prairie. It is pretty flat but not as bad as most of the area. I was there in the winter so I don't know much about how 'neat' the town is but it wasn't dumpy by any means.

[DaninEGF]

Thief River is a nice town....with a growing job base due to expansions at arctic cat and digi-key. I have been through the area a couple of times and live close enough to hear about any news/sports from the community...but I have never lived there....so some specifics I simply dont know.

Hockey is big at Thief....there is a new hockey arena...the the Prowlers (high school nickname) do well in Hockey and football. Thief is located near the edge of the prairie...with the immediate area in more flat farmland....but heavier forested areas are just to the east once you get into Clearwater county. Not as many lakes in the area as in Detroit Lakes...but you are still close enough to take advantage of the area's nature and water/fishing/snow activities. I will forward a link to the main parish in Thief....and there is a catholic elementary school there.....but that's it. Nearest catholic high school is where I live in East Grand Forks which is about an hour away.

St. Bernard's :: Welcome


I thought Thief River was a nice, clean town. There is some housing growth...more small town restaurants rather than chains....and there is a nice casino nearby with a waterpark. Overall through watching local news I have never heard anything bad about the place...one of the bright spots in northwest MN economy. Most people who want big times shopping do drive the hour or so to Grand Forks.

There is a canoe/tubing place near Red Lake Falls, just to the south....that is very popular along the Red Lake River. The good news is that the Thief River is not known for river flooding as there is a small dam upstream of the town that is able to control water flow if needed.

I hope this helps some...

Dan GF/EGF

[TimtheGuy]

For #1 on drawbacks....your house has stopped appreciating and it will probably be flat for quite some time so it might not be a drawback any longer.

[JenLee]

I'm not from there, but I know the area well. Thief River Falls is a nice community, it's clean, neat, and has a low crime rate. For years the area was dependent on Arctic Cat and the winter snows, but Digi-Key has really helped the local economy a lot and turned that area around. I lived in TRF off and on for one year back in the late 60's and found the people to be open and friendly.

Yes, it is fairly flat, but it isn't as flat as (say) East Grand Forks! (sorry Dan in EGF! Couldn't help it!) There are a lot of trees to the east of TRF; but even to the west, there are still plenty of trees and good farmland. Because TRF lies outside the Red River Valley (or the Glacial Lake Agassiz shoreline); it hasn't been in any floods in recent years, and it's over 300 feet higher in elevation than East Grand Forks. Thief River Falls is built on the confluence of the Red Lake and the Thief Rivers.

With a population of somewhere around 8-10,000; it's a nice sized town to raise kids in I would imagine.

[disneyrecords]

Wow! This forum is really on the ball. Thank you for all the replies. I think a road trip is in order. Thank you! Keep the reviews coming!

[Love the Mountains]

Hello! Just saw your post on a fluke...(I was googling to find the Prowlers' sports schedule)...

I lived in Thief River Falls for 18 years, left for college and then lived in the cities for about 10 years, now moved out of Minnesota. Many of my relatives are still in "TRF" so we are back several times a year to visit.

For your questions...
1. It's very flat, much different than the Twin Cities area. Not as heavily forested as the cities (I lived in Maple Grove, commuted to Apple Valley). It's more farmland and prairie, but the "urban" area of TRF is really nice, lots of trees. Most yards are nice sized (1/2 acre or so in town or on "city blocks") and have mature trees. Lots of options to build on 5 acre type lots (also existing homes). There are a couple new develpments, so trees are new there of course. Soil is good though, so they'll grow fast.

2. Economy, from what I know, is okay. Arctic Cat is moving their corporate headquarters to the Twin Cities in December '07 (Plymouth I believe), so mainly manufacturing jobs and some administrative. Digi-Key seems to have good growth. Those are the two big ones. Just recently they have added some new retail/service places (for the first time in DECADES); this is a good thing. Finally got a Super Walmart (if you like that store), there is a Kmart (wouldn't be surprised if it closed), but still no Target (don't get your hopes up, don't think it will make it there anytime soon). There really is nothing for eating establishments. A few places, but I would recommend if you move there, going to Grand Forks weekly for your fix of shopping and eating (I would say 85% of people in town leave every Saturday for GF). It's about an hour drive. Grand Forks has everything you would find in a cities suburb. The only negative here is winter driving (and ND taxes on clothing), if it's snowing the "cut-across" gets pretty treacherous on your trek to or from Grand Forks.

3. Friendly, yes. It may not seem that on the surface though at times. I grew up there so I know tons of people, but I think moving into the community could be tough as there are not a lot of "new" people purposely looking to make connections. I only say that because I moved to an area where there are a whole lot of "new" people and so everyone is outwardly very friendly (inviting you over for BBQs upon "hello", etc. Didn't see that as much in TRF). If you go to church or have kids in school activities, you will meet people the easiest (family-friendly town). They really are very friendly. People stay in jobs a long time and it's a small town, so interaction with utility companies, city workers, etc. is good. They are there to stay.

4. St. Bernards is very popular. Lots of my friends were members there, got married there, etc. and loved it. It's right in the center of town, by the high school.

5. Education, great! Property taxes in TRF are some of the highest in the region, but it's for the schools. I'm probably biased, but I really feel like I got a good education there. I felt very prepared for college and then grad school. Only downside...because it is sort of isolated, not a lot of opportunities to take field trips (i.e. history, science, art, museums, state capitol, etc.). I did notice when I lived in the Twin Cities that those sort of opportunities were more abundant for kids than in TRF (just because of their proximity to things). If you travel with your children though, problem solved!

6. Recreation, dismal. No one really swims in the river and I've never seen anyone kayak there (not that you couldn't!). Red Lake Falls might be a good option. I did tube there a few times and that can be fun (although not necessarily family friendly always...if there are a lot of rowdy high schoolers there). No bike trails, no trails really at all. All summer long, we left for the weekends (Detroit Lakes or any other good camping/boating/fishing areas). They did build a new hockey arena, if you're into that sport, you'll love it. In June or July?? the first ever fitness center opened (24 hour Fitness??). Hunting is big but I'm not into it so it didn't work for me. High school sports are big. They finally started a soccer program last year (just for the younger kids though, I think). They didn't have fields until last year?? (may have had them slightly longer). This may be coming around?? I'm not sure of any future plans the city has to expand rec options. Did I say hockey, ice skating?? lots of that

7. Excellent points here. Very neat, very clean. People take pride in their homes, yards, streets, community buildings, etc. Everything is very well-kept! You could eat off the floor at any of the schools if you wanted to. They take care of things.

Homes in TRF are very affordable! This is a big plus.

Absolutely visit it. Probably the biggest turn-off is location, but if you want to be way away from a metro, then you might not mind. Just take vacations. It's a cute little city and I had a great childhood there. I have neices and nephews growing up there and those families wouldn't think of moving. To give you an idea, my parents bought 20 bags of candy for Halloween, gave out one candy bar per kid (counted 197 kids), ran out at 8:30 so they had to shut their lights off (but felt TERRIBLE about doing it). It's that kind of town. I loved growing up there, just don't like the cold (seems like it is usually 15-20 degrees cooler than cities and tends to get windy a lot), didn't like the (lack of) proximity to an airport, wanted to live closer to shopping/eating/entertainment options and I'm a pretty active outdoor enthusiast (everything but hunting and fishing) and like to be close to health club-type places. All of the negatives I listed could be positives for you! Like I said, I know a whole lot of people in that town and they would never think of moving away.

If you have other questions, post... sorry I wrote a book! I just know it's nice to have some information from a "local" before you make a big leap.

Good luck with your visit and possible move/job change! Exciting stuff!

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by Love the Mountains

Hello! Just saw your post on a fluke...(I was googling to find the Prowlers' sports schedule)...

I lived in Thief River Falls for 18 years, left for college and then lived in the cities for about 10 years, now moved out of Minnesota. Many of my relatives are still in "TRF" so we are back several times a year to visit.

For your questions...
1. It's very flat, much different than the Twin Cities area. Not as heavily forested as the cities (I lived in Maple Grove, commuted to Apple Valley). It's more farmland and prairie, but the "urban" area of TRF is really nice, lots of trees. Most yards are nice sized (1/2 acre or so in town or on "city blocks") and have mature trees. Lots of options to build on 5 acre type lots (also existing homes). There are a couple new develpments, so trees are new there of course. Soil is good though, so they'll grow fast.

2. Economy, from what I know, is okay. Arctic Cat is moving their corporate headquarters to the Twin Cities in December '07 (Plymouth I believe), so mainly manufacturing jobs and some administrative. Digi-Key seems to have good growth. Those are the two big ones. Just recently they have added some new retail/service places (for the first time in DECADES); this is a good thing. Finally got a Super Walmart (if you like that store), there is a Kmart (wouldn't be surprised if it closed), but still no Target (don't get your hopes up, don't think it will make it there anytime soon). There really is nothing for eating establishments. A few places, but I would recommend if you move there, going to Grand Forks weekly for your fix of shopping and eating (I would say 85% of people in town leave every Saturday for GF). It's about an hour drive. Grand Forks has everything you would find in a cities suburb. The only negative here is winter driving (and ND taxes on clothing), if it's snowing the "cut-across" gets pretty treacherous on your trek to or from Grand Forks.

3. Friendly, yes. It may not seem that on the surface though at times. I grew up there so I know tons of people, but I think moving into the community could be tough as there are not a lot of "new" people purposely looking to make connections. I only say that because I moved to an area where there are a whole lot of "new" people and so everyone is outwardly very friendly (inviting you over for BBQs upon "hello", etc. Didn't see that as much in TRF). If you go to church or have kids in school activities, you will meet people the easiest (family-friendly town). They really are very friendly. People stay in jobs a long time and it's a small town, so interaction with utility companies, city workers, etc. is good. They are there to stay.

4. St. Bernards is very popular. Lots of my friends were members there, got married there, etc. and loved it. It's right in the center of town, by the high school.

5. Education, great! Property taxes in TRF are some of the highest in the region, but it's for the schools. I'm probably biased, but I really feel like I got a good education there. I felt very prepared for college and then grad school. Only downside...because it is sort of isolated, not a lot of opportunities to take field trips (i.e. history, science, art, museums, state capitol, etc.). I did notice when I lived in the Twin Cities that those sort of opportunities were more abundant for kids than in TRF (just because of their proximity to things). If you travel with your children though, problem solved!

6. Recreation, dismal. No one really swims in the river and I've never seen anyone kayak there (not that you couldn't!). Red Lake Falls might be a good option. I did tube there a few times and that can be fun (although not necessarily family friendly always...if there are a lot of rowdy high schoolers there). No bike trails, no trails really at all. All summer long, we left for the weekends (Detroit Lakes or any other good camping/boating/fishing areas). They did build a new hockey arena, if you're into that sport, you'll love it. In June or July?? the first ever fitness center opened (24 hour Fitness??). Hunting is big but I'm not into it so it didn't work for me. High school sports are big. They finally started a soccer program last year (just for the younger kids though, I think). They didn't have fields until last year?? (may have had them slightly longer). This may be coming around?? I'm not sure of any future plans the city has to expand rec options. Did I say hockey, ice skating?? lots of that

7. Excellent points here. Very neat, very clean. People take pride in their homes, yards, streets, community buildings, etc. Everything is very well-kept! You could eat off the floor at any of the schools if you wanted to. They take care of things.

Homes in TRF are very affordable! This is a big plus.

Absolutely visit it. Probably the biggest turn-off is location, but if you want to be way away from a metro, then you might not mind. Just take vacations. It's a cute little city and I had a great childhood there. I have neices and nephews growing up there and those families wouldn't think of moving. To give you an idea, my parents bought 20 bags of candy for Halloween, gave out one candy bar per kid (counted 197 kids), ran out at 8:30 so they had to shut their lights off (but felt TERRIBLE about doing it). It's that kind of town. I loved growing up there, just don't like the cold (seems like it is usually 15-20 degrees cooler than cities and tends to get windy a lot), didn't like the (lack of) proximity to an airport, wanted to live closer to shopping/eating/entertainment options and I'm a pretty active outdoor enthusiast (everything but hunting and fishing) and like to be close to health club-type places. All of the negatives I listed could be positives for you! Like I said, I know a whole lot of people in that town and they would never think of moving away.

If you have other questions, post... sorry I wrote a book! I just know it's nice to have some information from a "local" before you make a big leap.

Good luck with your visit and possible move/job change! Exciting stuff!

I just wanted to say that was a great post with lots of info and from what I know of TVF from visiting you are 100 pct correct. Thanks for taking the time.

Dan

[disneyrecords]

Thank you forum for all the replies!

We took a trip up there last weekend. Nice clean, friendly town.
Scenery is lacking a bit. Pretty flat and somewhat treeless makes this an example of prairie landscape similar to western Iowa.

The economy is chugging along very well in TRF. Arctic Cat could be doing a bit better, but they’re still going. Digi-key is the one to watch. With the current US dollar exchange rate, I’m not surprised an international business based in the USA is doing record business.

The local small businesses look healthy too. An awesome gift shop downtown—I believe it is called Time Well Spent. Nice.

The town is pretty classy. People do take pride in their homes.

Speaking of homes, because the local economy is growing, there is one heck of a housing shortage in TRF. Slim pickings on the market; however, if you go 10-15 miles out of TRF to one of the other municipalities (Red Lake Falls, St Hilaire) the price drops significantly, and you get more “bang for your buck.” Homes are affordable when compared to the twin cities but not in sync with the rest of the region. Major Note: you want to be in the TRF school district! As stated above, the schools are well funded and do produce results. Also, I think TRF offers these other reasons to live close by or in town: first class hockey arena/ice skating rink, ample shopping, several city parks, and a walkable downtown.

A rec center, YMCA, or something like that would be a great addition community. As stated above many residents leave town on the weekends for entertainment, recreation, change of scenery, etc

[dr1964]

I grew up in TRF but left for college 22 years ago. Family still there so still get home 2-3 times a year. I would not move back there for anything. Yes things are improving with Digi Key but it is still overall a depressed and depressing area. Not much for social activity unless you enjoy heavy drinking. Weather is dismal 6 months of the year. Fine dining consists of Mcdonalds and Dees Kitchen. When the weather is best the mosquitos are so bad you can't do much outside anyway. My brother moved back there about 1 year ago from the Twin Cities and is beginning to regret it. Good luck in your decision.