Mid 30's relocating to Twin Cities, want acreage and culture. Where to go?

[Mdcastle]

Not a whole lot of culture next to large lots owned by Democrats in the area...

I second the suggestion to see if the old downtown in Anoka has enough of the type of amenities you want and find some place a reasonable distance, then deal with living next to Republicans.

[northsub]

I'd look at houses adjacent to one of the large parks in the north metro: Bunker Hills, Coon Rapids Dam, Locke, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, etc. Or maybe something along the Rum River. Those options likely won't get you the size lot you are looking for nor a hobby farm, but you would have some degree of privacy that is likely to stay that way.

I think your cultural/political concerns are overblown. Cities like Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Blaine tend to vote Democratic. Of course, it looks like Annandale does as well (slightly).

You might find the amenities you are looking for in Anoka and/or Blaine. Anoka has a true downtown and a theater company. Blaine lacks what would be considered a downtown, but the area near the National Sports Center would have several non-chain trendyish restaurants and lots of sports and other things to do (velodrome, curling rink, putting green course, youth golf course, golf course, beach, old bowling alley, new bowling alley/arcade, bar with attached softball fields, professional soccer team (for now), a Champions PGA Tour event, plus all kinds of sporting events and expos at the National Sports Center. Coon Rapids has a roller skating rink, an indoor amusement park, and a small outdoor amusement park. Bunker Hills Park (border of Coon Rapids, Andover, and Blaine) has the largest outdoor water park in the state.