How Do You Like Living In Minnesota? (Minneapolis, St. Paul: tornado, gated)

[Yorkie_Mom]

Hi, I live in Albert Lea, it is a very nice and beautiful town, we have Albert Lea lake, a lot of people do boating fishing, ice fishing.
We also have Northbridge Mall, Wal-Mart, Shopko, Tech College, new high school, courthouse, and more things are moving in everyday.
It is a town of about 1900, people are very nice and friendly, they have started to add on the the hospital and clinic, a Loves truck stop was just built, and it seems like the town is finally growing.
To me it is just the right size, it is big enough, but yet has the small town feeling. We of course are next to the Iowa border, so we have the choice of going south to Mason City for extra shopping if we want to get away for a while, we also have Austin to the east, not that far, so we really don't have to go that far if we just want to get away for the day. The Cities is about 100 miles away, still not bad as far as driving.
We also have a bike trail, you can also walk, it is just a beautiful area, and my kind of town. I just don't care for the snow and cold, but that is just me.
If you would like to know more let me know.

Originally Posted by marcos

what are you refering to when you guys talk about the outer suburbs? I am also looking to move to Minneapolis area. I am looking at the town of Northfield. Does anyone have any opinions on Northfield or Albert Lea? Thanks!!!!!!!!1

[wildchild]

Originally Posted by Yorkie_Mom

Hi, I live in Albert Lea, it is a very nice and beautiful town, we have Albert Lea lake, a lot of people do boating fishing, ice fishing.
We also have Northbridge Mall, Wal-Mart, Shopko, Tech College, new high school, courthouse, and more things are moving in everyday.
It is a town of about 1900, people are very nice and friendly, they have started to add on the the hospital and clinic, a Loves truck stop was just built, and it seems like the town is finally growing.
To me it is just the right size, it is big enough, but yet has the small town feeling. We of course are next to the Iowa border, so we have the choice of going south to Mason City for extra shopping if we want to get away for a while, we also have Austin to the east, not that far, so we really don't have to go that far if we just want to get away for the day. The Cities is about 100 miles away, still not bad as far as driving.
We also have a bike trail, you can also walk, it is just a beautiful area, and my kind of town. I just don't care for the snow and cold, but that is just me.
If you would like to know more let me know.

I've been to Albert Lea 5 times in my life but have heard enough about it from a coworker who grew up there (and still has close ties) to know I wouldn't live there, no way. The town has had some tough times after the loss of a major employer (500+ jobs lost), Farmland foods. Add to that a new courthouse & high school and your taxes will be through the roof. The town has some retail development but nothing "real". The only industrial jobs are called JOBZ jobs which pay little to no taxes. In other words, these jobs bleed a city dry, all in the name of creating jobs.

Albert Lea is a meat packing & old folks town. Not the worst town but nothing really special either.

[Tifosi24]

Originally Posted by wildchild

The only industrial jobs are called JOBZ jobs which pay little to no taxes. In other words, these jobs bleed a city dry, all in the name of creating jobs.

OT: Since when do the people working for this company not pay sales, income, or property taxes?? The companies may get tax breaks, but the alternative of less jobs in a city isn't going to help the community.

[wildchild]

Originally Posted by Tifosi24

OT: Since when do the people working for this company not pay sales, income, or property taxes?? The companies may get tax breaks, but the alternative of less jobs in a city isn't going to help the community.

Giving away local taxes for 10 years all in the name of adding a couple dozen jobs isn't worth it IMO. The community picks up the tab on this one. Especially if the jobs created are $9-$11 an hour jobs which many JOBZ jobs are. How much disposable income do $9 an hour jobs create?

[Yorkie_Mom]

I was just thinking on the good qualities that Albert Lea had, besides being a beautiful little town.
I must say that you are right with what you have stated, Albert Lea has there own forum, and a person could find out so much just from going in there and reading up on some threads. It is called albertlea.com discussion forum, if it is ok to post that, if not you can pm me and I will get it to you.
Our taxes are going up and the town is getting to costley to live here, but we plan on moving out of here for other reasons. Nice place to visit but you wouldn't want to live here, not unless you had money, our a good paying job.
The town doesn't realize that you have to pay off one thing at a time before you can add more on peoples taxes. The jobz thing is also correct, it is to give companies a break to move in here for so many years before they have to pay any taxes, because since Farmstead burnt down, they have not let anyone come in, and now all of a sudden they are giving companies a big break just to get them to move in here.
We just say that we might as well move some where we'll be more happy at if we have to pay for high taxes and cost of living, then do it at where you have always wanted to live at. Thanks for bringing the pro's and con's into it, because if some one was planning on moving here they best check into what they can afford. Thanks again for your input.

Originally Posted by wildchild

I've been to Albert Lea 5 times in my life but have heard enough about it from a coworker who grew up there (and still has close ties) to know I wouldn't live there, no way. The town has had some tough times after the loss of a major employer (500+ jobs lost), Farmland foods. Add to that a new courthouse & high school and your taxes will be through the roof. The town has some retail development but nothing "real". The only industrial jobs are called JOBZ jobs which pay little to no taxes. In other words, these jobs bleed a city dry, all in the name of creating jobs.

Albert Lea is a meat packing & old folks town. Not the worst town but nothing really special either.

[yellowsnow]

Here's one more thing! Before you come to MN....check out the taxes. Taxwise, it's an expensive place to live.

[PowderSpringsDad]

Originally Posted by yellowsnow

Here's one more thing! Before you come to MN....check out the taxes. Taxwise, it's an expensive place to live.

Very, meaning esp high real estate taxes...and high energy prices. And colder than almost anywhere else for more than 6 months of the year.

[pantherschick]

the driving conditions arent really that bad . i have lived here my whole life and i ove it you probably would say the roads are bad since you have never had snow but there really not after you get used to them and yes there are mosquiots but thats no reason to not live in a wonderful state where there are wonderful lakes a summer activites, you learn to just deal with them

[pantherschick]

for blake, you would like to consider living in bemidji in northern minnesota there are more people there then any of the other places and it great. it is a farely small town but there are alot of shopping dining opportunites. another plus is it isnt to far from The itasca state park which is beatiful site to see
i have lived here my whole life and have been there many times. you should really consider i live in park rapids which is only about a half and hour from the park and i get up there alot its great for just having picics

[Yorkie_Mom]

Northern Minnesota has a lot to offer, nice area, fishing is great, scenery is beautiful, if you love the outdoors anytime of the year it is the place to go.
I myself hate the winters, the cold, and the mosquitoes, along with the raising taxes and everything in this state. Some of you do love it, but it is not for me, just being honest. If you have health problems and the cold effects your well being, then I would stay away from Minnesota. I have health problems and that is why I must move as soon as I can. I hope by next summer. But Lake of the woods is a good place for fishing and hiking, like I said Northern Minnesota is beautiful.