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Old 08-13-2013, 04:19 PM
 
19 posts, read 28,906 times
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I have the choice to relocate to MPLS for my job. I currently live outside Des Moines, Iowa and I'm married with a young child. I've visited the MPLS area many times, but mostly in a working capacity (obviously) and located either in downtown or St Louis Park, so I don't get out too much. I'm fortunate enough to get my relo and move and other items paid for so I have plenty of time and funds to explore with my family. I'm going to be working in St Louis Park for the most part so it is important to me to not have a long commute either way. My wife will likely relo as part of this and retain her current employment with the location TBD.

The details:
We also envision a long term stay in the area, so no plans to move anywhere soon.
I'd like to have options of historic areas that are cool to live and up and coming burbs that are nice
Schools are obviously important
We are fairly cheap, so housing is an issue. I'd like not spend over 400K. I was shocked how much more housing costs than where I live now!
We are not big fans of the cookie cutter houses but I understand I am limited with my budget. I'd consider building.
We enjoy many outdoor activites like biking, parks, fishing, and I am also an avid homebrewer and play in an adult soccer league So we would like to be close to those activities.
My wife likes buying stuff, so close to that as well.
We don't want to be a LONG way outside the city but a 30 minute drive is ok.

I'm getting help from all the usual relo specialists and realtors but I'd like a second opinion.....for obvious reasons


Thanks for all the help/suggestions.
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Old 08-13-2013, 04:21 PM
 
Location: Minnesota
5,147 posts, read 7,471,257 times
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I think in every area, Twin Cities is an upgrade. And a suburb is moreso. Of course, since I've lived here since 1970, I'm a really really biased comentator.
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Old 08-13-2013, 04:39 PM
 
391 posts, read 659,437 times
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You're never very far from a lake, park or bike trail here, plus homebrewing is popular. I use Northern Brewer. They have stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul, but there are others as well.
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Old 08-13-2013, 04:51 PM
 
19 posts, read 28,906 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyVegas View Post
You're never very far from a lake, park or bike trail here, plus homebrewing is popular. I use Northern Brewer. They have stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul, but there are others as well.
I visit the Northern Brewer on Lyndale once a month, so I know what you are saying my friend!
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Old 08-13-2013, 05:19 PM
 
319 posts, read 528,432 times
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I'd recommend Minneapolis proper or St. Louis Park. Since your wife could end up on either side of the metro, I think you should shoot for as central a location as possible.
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Old 08-13-2013, 07:19 PM
 
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I'd wait to see where your wife is working before you commit to an area but you would want to be close to one office so if your child gets sick or you need to get there quickly you can. It will also save money in day care costs not having to drive 30 minutes after work to pick him up, nor do you want to have to force a commute on your child. You have a lot of options all over the metro. I would avoid the Minneapolis schools if you want good schools for the long haul. St. Louis Park is a good choice but housing is expensive there for the size house you get. Place like Waconia, Delano, etc. will give you a nice quality of life, less expensive housing, a bit of a small town atmosphere but still a reasonable commute to St. Louis Park. That will only work if your wife ends up on the west metro too though.
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Old 08-13-2013, 07:35 PM
 
319 posts, read 528,432 times
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I don't want to derail this thread with it. But there are plenty here who disagree with golfgal's belief that you need to avoid Minneapolis proper for good schools. Search the forums for the many school related threads and look for discussions re: Southwest or South in Minneapolis, if you'd otherwise consider the city proper.
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Old 08-13-2013, 09:52 PM
 
182 posts, read 297,312 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ManBearPig1 View Post
I don't want to derail this thread with it. But there are plenty here who disagree with golfgal's belief that you need to avoid Minneapolis proper for good schools. Search the forums for the many school related threads and look for discussions re: Southwest or South in Minneapolis, if you'd otherwise consider the city proper.
I agree. The city school bashing and city bashing in general is getting old.
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Old 08-14-2013, 02:55 AM
 
20,793 posts, read 61,271,572 times
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48% graduation rate......


moving on....
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Old 08-14-2013, 06:34 AM
 
459 posts, read 2,227,074 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rambling homebrewer View Post
We are fairly cheap, so housing is an issue. I'd like not spend over 400K. I was shocked how much more housing costs than where I live now!
The difference in the cost of housing is not as large as it would first seem. Property taxes in the Minneapolis area are about 1/2 of what you pay in the Des Moines area. So yes, the sales price of housing in Minneapolis is more, but the property tax is much less. Net effect is the total cost of housing is much closer to being equal than one would first assume.
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