What About Northfield? (Bloomington, Burnsville, Lakeville: best towns, condo, townhomes)

[odem03]

My family is planning a move (from Saint Paul) and we would actually be willing to relocate as far south as Northfield (I have a new job in western Bloomington). We would not mind a smaller town without being completely out of the realm of the Twin Cities.

The problem is this: I know nothing of Northfield. We have a child and a second on the way, so we are looking for all of the usual cliches: good schools, safe neighborhoods, fun stuff for families to do, etc.

Does anyone have any opinions on Northfield? Positive? Negative?

Thanks in advance.

[golfgal]

Northfield is a great town, safe, good schools, etc. The commute to West Bloomington would be a bit of a haul but if you are willing to do that then Northfield is a good choice. Hastings and Rosemount are other towns to consider if you are looking for a smaller town or a smaller town feel. New Prague would be an option too, probably a bit easier commute to West Bloomington too.

[Jaxx99]

Northfield is a neat college town. Many people think nothing of a long commute, so long as it is on a rural highway and not stuck in traffic. The one thing I've heard mentioned is that some of the big pig farms around there can really smell up certain edges of town. I'd make sure your neighborhood isn't downwind from the farms.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Northfield in nothing like those towns. A wonderful downtown, two great colleges that add alone of the aot to the city. Lots of nice old neighborhoods. Prob. one of the best towns between Burnsville and Iowa City.

[Diamond Dee]

I recommend Northfield I would drive up to Northfield from Faribault and go to the downtown park,visit the Historic downtown.

[snowlandcook]

I've lived in Northfield, and our first child was born there.

It is a very picturesque town. Quaint, safe, good schools. People can be uppity, but most are friendly.

Here's a sidenote: In an effort to keep the town pretty, the planning commission actually has (or at least had) a sign ordinance. They regulate(d) the size, color, and shape of business signs (and building designs). For instance, when we lived there, a particular gas station/convenience store wanted to expand to Nfld, but the planning commission made them change the color of their roof (from bright red to green) which also affected the design of their sign! It may seem silly, but it does/did help preserve the cuteness of the town. Haven't been there in a few years now, so I don't know for sure if this rule is still practiced.

One caution I would note: Housing in Nfld was and IS very, very expensive. Of course, since it's a buyer's market, you might have some leeway, but in general it's quite spendy there.

[minnesotamike]

Northfield is a good choice for small town living. Home prices, although a bit higher than some small towns (Faribault, New Prague, LeSueur, etc.), are comparable or lower than the nearer suburbs like Lakeville, Elko-New Market, or Prior Lake.

As for pig farms, if you are thinking about living in town, they just don't exist. If you want to live out of town, I would avoid the turkey farms. Most pig farms are almost sterile. There is a pig farm just across the road and up a couple hundred yards from me. I almost never see, hear, or smell the pigs.

[cavewoman]

Originally Posted by snowlandcook

I've lived in Northfield, and our first child was born there.

It is a very picturesque town. Quaint, safe, good schools. People can be uppity, but most are friendly.

Here's a sidenote: In an effort to keep the town pretty, the planning commission actually has (or at least had) a sign ordinance. They regulate(d) the size, color, and shape of business signs (and building designs). For instance, when we lived there, a particular gas station/convenience store wanted to expand to Nfld, but the planning commission made them change the color of their roof (from bright red to green) which also affected the design of their sign! It may seem silly, but it does/did help preserve the cuteness of the town. Haven't been there in a few years now, so I don't know for sure if this rule is still practiced.

One caution I would note: Housing in Nfld was and IS very, very expensive. Of course, since it's a buyer's market, you might have some leeway, but in general it's quite spendy there.

Sign ordinances are good for keeping the area in good taste.
Not sure a red or green roof is good, but surely anything that blends is best.
Control is a good thing or anything goes...
I'd keep the ordinances!!!

[cavewoman]

Northfield is a very pricey town. In a way that could be good....sure beats the drug and gang busts in Fairbalt.
No thanks....Will have to make the best of it until I find something. The Townhomes are over built, and where are the pools in these condo associations or parks or walking paths.
Perhaps these developers need to spend a little more money. Perhaps we can add some open space and more ordiances.

Yeaha!!!

[Delaneyland]

Interestingly, there was an A.P. story in my local paper this morning titled "Northfield Police battle heroin problem". If you'd like a link, p.m. me....I'll send it.. (copyrighted articles cannot be posted via T.O.S.)