Relocating: New Brighton area or Oakdale? (St. Paul, Roseville: house, school districts, prices)

[cammci]

Family from a small town in Iowa relocating very soon: 12 year old and 14 year old, with a husband working in downtown St. Paul. Have been looking at the area around Arden Hills, Roseville, Shoreview areas, and have heard/been told the Mounds View school system is very good (specifically Mounds View Sr. High)---yet, we're find we're getting more for the money in the Oakdale area.

We've narrowed a house in New Brighton, school would be Fridley or Hillview, and one in Oakdale, which would be Tartan High School. Feedback on either of these areas/schools, or should we keep looking until a nice home comes open specifically in the Mounds View district that we'll like?

14 yr old is quite bright, scored high on her testing, yet we come from a very small school. I don't want something from "Mean Girls" to happen to her.

[golfgal]

There is a reason you will get more for your money in Oakdale and Tartan High School is a big reason why, it just isn't that good of a school-it is in the ranks of one of the worst schools in the metro. Mounds View is one of the best districts in the state and I would go with either that district or Mahtomedi if you are looking in that area. Both are excellent school districts. Mahtomedi is a bit smaller then most metro schools too. Fridley High School is also on the "ok" school lists, not great, but not horrible either.

[scantee]

St. Anthony Village is another town in that area that has a well-regarded high school. The town is quite small, only 8000 residents I believe, and they have a similarly small high school (about 600 kids). Most of the homes are 50's or 60's ramblers which is a style that has fallen out of favor somewhat (although I think those homes are great, especially if you plan to grow old there). The home prices are very reasonable although the selection right now seems pretty limited likely due to it being winter. I've often seen nice, well-kept homes available for under $300k during the spring and summer months.

[cammci]

Thanks everyone!