Moving to Minneapolis area from Philly (Plymouth, Maple Grove: neighborhoods, schools, restaurants)

[PhillyFever]

Any suggestions on good family neighborhoods (lots of kids) in the western suburbs of the city? My husband will be working in Golden Valley. How are the parochial schools, soccer teams and activities for children? We are looking for suburb that has a town center with restaurants and shopping, as well as easy access to the city. Our main priorities are the parochial schools and family friendliness of the town. Any suggestions on realtors would be appreciated as well. Thanks.

[MplsTodd]

Originally Posted by PhillyFever

Any suggestions on good family neighborhoods (lots of kids) in the western suburbs of the city? My husband will be working in Golden Valley. How are the parochial schools, soccer teams and activities for children? We are looking for suburb that has a town center with restaurants and shopping, as well as easy access to the city. Our main priorities are the parochial schools and family friendliness of the town. Any suggestions on realtors would be appreciated as well. Thanks.

If you want a nice close-in suburb, I'd look at St Louis Park, which has the Excelsior & Grand area as somewhat of a town center, plus great bike trails to Minneapolis and the chain of lakes. Hopkins has a wide mix of housing and has a nice little downtown, plus a great school system. Edina also is a nice place, but can be very expensive.

Among outer ring burbs, Plymouth and Maple Grove have car-dominated town centers.

[Kebinminn]

What denomination are you looking for?

[Ben Around]

If you haven't already considered it, you may want to post your query in the Minneapolis-St Paul forum. It's more specific to the area you are considering.