Moving to Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Need help choosing a neighborhood. (Bloomington: 2013, apartment)

[johnsmith10]

I will start working on the east side of Eagan, MN, near Long Meadow Lake next month. I want to stay within 15 miles of work and I am looking to rent a 3 bedroom apartment or townhouse between $1,500 and $2,500. We are just starting a family and we are looking for something safe and quiet, and at the same time not too far from "happening areas" to enjoy restaurants, visual and performing arts, as well as common things to do with a baby on the weekends. Any recommendations on a neighborhood? Or more generally, any recommendations on which way, from where I will be working, I should conduct my search? (west? north? east? or south?). Thank you so much in advance.

[golfgal]

I would look right in Eagan. There is a lot to do there, great parks, restaurants, etc. and a quick hop into Minneapolis for the museums, etc. for the occasional trip to those vs the daily commute to work. There are several nice complexes along Yankee Doodle and Lexington with lovely walking paths through the parks, etc. there. I would also suggest signing up for the ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) classes to get to know people with kids the same age. They run during the school year and sign up will be soon. They are excellent parenting classes and social networking opportunities .

[johnsmith10]

Thank you for advice and for taking the time golfgal.

[Mason3000]

I'd look at Mendota/Mendota Heights (They neighbor Eagan) as well. I like that those areas better as they're older & more established/historic + have a small town feel as opposed to a suburb feel. My .02

[johnsmith10]

I will certainly look into that area Mason3000. Thanks again for taking the time to help.

[ceeb4]

Hi, just sent you a private message re: names of some people we have been working with in the area. We are moving to the TC next week and I know how stressful it can be looking for a place to live, especially when you live out of state. Good luck!!

[GBCommenter]

I think I would agree with the above suggestions of Eagan or Mendota Heights. MH, as mentioned, will have more established neighborhoods in the sense of "small town" feel, though Eagan will have more shopping and restaurants (if chain) closer. MH, if memory serves me correctly, will be somewhat smaller or older houses, Eagan probably newer.

Both are generally safe and quiet, both are relatively convenient to get into the core cities if you decide you want the museums, sports events, etc.

[dancinqueen]

I've lived in Eagan for several years & it's a great area for families. Schools are very good, easy access to most cities/suburbs and I think the shopping and dining out in Eagan is great. And....traffic is much lighter than it is in nearby suburbs!

Tip: What you absolutely will not want to do is live "across the river" - meaning Mpls. suburbs or cities like Richfield, Bloomington, Edina, etc. Rush hour traffic between what we call "south of the river suburbs" and the Mpls. suburbs is absolutely horrific.


Hope this helps.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Originally Posted by dancinqueen

Tip: What you absolutely will not want to do is live "across the river" - meaning Mpls. suburbs or cities like Richfield, Bloomington, Edina, etc. Rush hour traffic between what we call "south of the river suburbs" and the Mpls. suburbs is absolutely horrific.


Hope this helps. [/color][/b]

I disagree with this. I commute from Minneapolis to Eagan every day and traffic is very light coming from that direction across both the Mendota Bridge and 494. As long as you aren't coming from anywhere west of Cedar Ave you won't have any issues with traffic from that side of the river.