Elk River anyone? (St. Paul, Bloomington, Eagan: daycare, house, buy)

[Hoosier]

My wife and I have toyed with the idea of moving to Elk River. She's originally from western Montana and likes the feel of Elk River. We live here in the cities, she works in St. Paul and I in Bloomington. Pretty far commutes. Any thoughts on the schools, housing and overall pride, or lackthereof in Elk River? thanks for any input!

[guinness212]

Elk River is a nice area, growing quite a bit, but what place isn't! I have heard the school district is fantastic, however commuting to the cities will be a nightmare, especially for you in Bloomington. Have you thought of looking any place south of the cities?

[Hoosier]

Yeah we've thought about it, but it seems more expensive to live south of the cities. Where can you live south of the cities with a reasonable commute and find a decent home under $225? I don't want both of our paychecks going just to survive the mortgage. Any ideas??

[getoutofmn]

Lived in Elk River for several years and it was one of the nicest places I have lived (in Minnesota anyway), however, I too had a "metro" job at the time and it was terribly inconvenient. Expect 1.5-2 hour commutes during the "normal" travel times from ER to Bloomington. Plus, housing prices and taxes have gone way up and the area has had lots of growth. If I could work in the area and didnt hate the winter, I would move back in a second. If u can find jobs in the NW metro or Anoka or St Cloud areas you will love it. If you have to drive to the metro every day and then on weekends for kids sports/activities, you will hate it. Its a lot farther than it looks. But the city itself is great...good luck

[yellowsnow]

I live close to Elk River and it's nice. Good schools, nice homes. The commute is fierce.

I find we spend so much time commuting that we tend to just hole up at home when we are off work. That means we miss a lot of things we really would enjoy doing. We are just sick of driving all the time.

[golfgal]

Some of the towns south on Hwy 52 might be an option and a WAY better commute. Have you looked at Cannon Falls or Hastings? You could probably find a smaller home there in your price range. Another thing to consider is that even though you might save a few thousand dollars on a home in Elk River, add the additional gas, wear and tear on your cars, etc. and often it is worth it to spend the additional $50,000 and live closer to your job and that additional $50K doesn't all all that much to your house payment, probably less then you pay for gas/car repairs in a year.

[Hoosier]

thanks for the input. And we find out tomorrow if my wife begins working in Bloomington too! So maybe south of the cities is where we'll have to transplant ourselves.

Does anyone know that approximate house value in Apple Valley? We have a 2,000 sq ft. home and I don't want to go any smaller. Any good websites or realtors to talk to about what schools are good down in the south of town?

[golfgal]

The Rosemount-Eagan-Apple Valley district, 196, is the best in the state and one of the top in the nation, schools are not an issue. We are in Rosemount and you can probably find a 2000 sq ft house in the $300,000 range, give or take. Apple Valley and Eagan are going to be slightly higher then Rosemount. Part of Farmington is in the Rosemout/Apple Valley district and that area is a bit less expensive yet. Robert Stewart that posts on these boards is a realtor in this area. His contact information is on most of his posts.

[warmweather!]

I personally hate Elk River. I don't like the country at all, so that adds to my disliking. It feels very gloomy in Elk River to me. The high school has a somewhat famous hockey team. It is known to be somewhat of a meth town. But, it is cheaper than most parts of the metro, so many people move there to get the most house and land for their money. Some people like it there, but not me.

[bluebonnettgal]

Hello ! I have been living in Elk River for 3.5 years and I love it here. My son is 9 and goes to Parker Elementary on School Street and it has been a fantastic experience for him, he loves school, the teachers are great ! I work in Edina at Fairview Southdale so I do the "drive " 5 days a week. I love my job there so much and we love where we live, so it is a willing sacrafice . The elementary schools have a before and after enrichment program ( daycare ) , called Edventure Club and the people there are fantastic, my son is very attached to them , he feels safe and cared for, entertained and challenged. On some days when I get home early and go to pick him up he asks if he can stay a little longer ! The drive in the morning takes 50-60 min I go down 101 to Cty Rd 81 then on 100 to 62 . I leave at 630 am and get there at 730 am the drive home this winter has only been an hour for some reason ! My son is in Boy Scouts and the folks in Elk River are great , we do alot together, there is alot of building going on and the ammenities are getting closer great shopping at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove only 15 minutes away , Best Buy Cabelas etc . From working farther away I have realized how precious time is and it has been a blessing because I spend more quality time with my son now and less time doing other unimportant things than I ever have before when I was home in 15 min ! And we go places on the weekend, no problem ! When you make the "drive " put in a good CD or fav radio station and go , you'll be there in no time ! Honestly Elk River is great and has a great rating on familywatchdog.us , check out that website and you'll feel alot better about Elk River than some other places to live, it is very safe with great community spirit.....Hope this helps !