Blaine and Plymouth areas--how are they? (Minneapolis, Coon Rapids: 2010, condos, townhomes)

[Elaine Darst]

Can anyone tell me about the Blaine and Plymouth areas? How are they in regard to a commute to the University? What are the pros and cons of the areas? We will be moving in early January and are looking at housing now.

[T.S.]

I prefer Plymouth over Blaine. Most things you would need are near. There is atleast 1 nice big county park in Plymouth with trails, playground, canoes, and a beach. Lake Minnetonka isn't too far to the west which is great for boating. Plymouth has a "higher class" reputation than Blaine in general with locals. Most of the western suburbs like Minnetonka, Eden Prarie, Wayzata, and Chanhassen have that reputation along with Plymouth. Some of the northern suburbs like Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Anoka have a "low class" trailer park/redneck type reputation, even though they do have some nice areas and not everybody that lives there is really like that. Blaine might offer more house for the money, but I have not really paid attention lately. The commute is probably about equal, but I-394 which you would use living in Plymouth has a HOV(high occupancy vehicle) lane to downtown and back. You can pay to use while alone with a pass in your window, or use it free with 2 or more people in the car.

[arvid1985]

i have to agree plymouth is better place to live. however neighter is a good commute to the university! i would get a little closer like northern part of St.Paul

[warmweather!]

I really like Plymouth, and 394 would take you directly to downtown Minneapolis, which is right next to the university.

[hbtotl]

Living in Blaine is the worst. I have lived there now for over 2 years. There are so many rules that it drives you nuts. You will get a ticket if your trash can is at the end of your driveway more than 24 hours. The people who live on my street all think they live in north oaks; trying to maintain some "leave it to Beaver" type of living. But the point is times are changing and if you are a guy who likes to work on your house or putter in your garage in a car then Blaine is not for you. If you want e-mail me and I will tell you my story of court apperiances I have made just living in Blaine. If you like big brother to control you than this is the place for you.

[kuan]

Plymouth is great, with great trails, and French park. There's also a really nice eight mile paved loop around Medicine lake.

The express bus takes you right downtown.

[sfw1979]

Originally Posted by Elaine Darst

Can anyone tell me about the Blaine and Plymouth areas? How are they in regard to a commute to the University? What are the pros and cons of the areas? We will be moving in early January and are looking at housing now.

I like Plymouth better. Have you looked on www.ziprealty.com

for houses?

[disneyrecords]

Plymouth over Blaine-- no contest there.

[dangelofnb]

The vast majority of people in the Twin Cities have no idea what has developed recently in Blaine. If you're planning on moving to the twin cities and need a relatively short commute to the U. Blaine is a tremendous choice. Just to name a few reasons: Park n Ride on the Corner of Radisson and 35W. The Lakes Community is the largest series of man made lakes surrounded by a variety of residential opportunities from condos, townhomes, single family home at all levels of affordability. The trails, lakes, parks, canoing, kayaking, cycling opportunities are vast and safe.
Then of course if you love golf... The TPC in blaine hosts the 3M championship every year and you have the tpc and other area courses to knock it around, including Bunker Hills

[chyeaxcore]

I would definatly choose Blaine. I've lived here for 18 years and it's been wonderful. There's tons of parks, and schools. A lot of places to shop, such as Northtown Mall, RiverDale, and Rosedale is not too far eaither. You can always fine what you're looking for. There's also a lot of lakes. Coon Lake, Lake George, and their not far at all. There's hardly any crime, it's not "trailor Trashy" eaither. Yes, we have trailor parks, but hey, what city doesn't?