Which Burb with downtown Msp job? (Minneapolis, Eagan: houses, best schools, live in)

[asrchicago]

My husband is considering a job in downtown Minneapolis (Nicollet Mall area) and we are researching suburbs, but it is hard to find real data (not just glossy pictures). We live in the suburbs of Chicago now and the commute to downtown is at least an hour. We want to settle in a community that is closer to work (20-30 min), safe, lots of shopping & restaurants and activities for our small kids (5 & 1). I was mostly looking at the southern suburbs because of proximity to "big" attractions like the MOA and zoo (also the Hiawatha line might be an option for my husband). Ideas? Considered Burnsville, Eagan, Eden Prairie. Where else should be we looking? How long is the commute dowtown from those areas?

[thatoneguy]

I'd go with Eagan. It's right across the river from the MOA and the Hiawatha Line, and just north of the zoo. It has a lot of nice restaurants and shopping areas and is a great place for a family. It's pretty close to both of the twin cities for easy access but far away enough so you don't have to deal with as much traffic, noise, crime, etc. Also, it's in school district 196, which is quite possibly the best in the state. Seriously. The schools are really good.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I'll try to compare to Chicagoland suburbs if I can. EP and Eagan are both nice. (a la Naperville, without a downtown) Wonderful schools. EP is more upscale and has a lovely shopping area centered on a shopping mall. Relatively convenient to the city. The high school is good, but unnecessairily large. I'm not as up on Eagan. Quite similar. Also wonderful schools. Burnsville is more iffy. The schools are not on par with EP and Eagan. They have good transit and more of a recreated downtownish area. Houses in Bsvl are not as new. I would also suggest Minnetonka. An older area that has some great houses on large wooded lots. (as opposed to EP) Decent commute and great schools. I personally get a better vibe from Mtka. If you can afford it, Edina is the cat's pajamas. Prob. the most upscale suburb of Mpls. (kinda Oak Parkish) Closest to the city (can take side streets to work) with a combination of mid-century ramblers and lovely 1930's estates. Hands down the best schools in the cities. Convenient to everything, strong community.

[nick is rulz]

St Louis Park

[golfgal]

Once highway 36 is redone (next spring) the eastern suburbs won't be a bad commute to downtown either. Mahtomedi would be a good choice on that side of the cities.