Where would you buy a house? (Minneapolis, Maple Grove: foreclosure, townhome, neighborhood)

[Repubocrat]

I am not purchasing a home right away because I do believe that prices will continue to fall for least another 3 years, however I am starting to consider
a few areas and wanted some feedback. Ideally, Apple Valley would be my first choice mainly because I lived in the area for 4 years but homes prices are still high there and I am looking for a single family foreclosure, not a townhome. Other areas I have considered: Andover/Ham Lake, Arden Hills/Shoreview and Vadnais Heights/White Bear Lake. I have no kids, do not plan on having any, so school district is not a concern however, I understand that the school district you live in does affect appreciation and your ability to sell in the future. Important things I have considered: school district, relative affordability, good potential for appreciation, easy commute into the cities, solid demographics and reasonable property taxes, etc.

[Kebinminn]

I would buy in an older neighborhood in Maple Grove, I have a major urge to move now but the selling thing is a problem. For me I'm 39married with a kid. I have zero interest in a nightlife. I'm a stay at home parent and am finding that Robbinsdale, where I'm at now, is starter homes and people move on once the second kid shows up because they want a bigger house. There's also not as many stay at home parents as I'd like. I want my kid to have other kids around in the summer.

With that I am fond of Robbinsdale. I live close to the parkway and it can't be beat for a neighborhood to take a walk in and convenience. I do love this neighborhood and it was terrific before we had kids. It was terrific with a young child. It's not so hot with an older one if you want other kids their age to hang out with during the day.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

If you aren't planning on buying for at least three years why waste your time by getting people's input on areas right now? Alot could change in a few years with the housing crisis and recession. Who knows, maybe you end up taking a job out of state and end up moving away anyways.

[kuan]

I like the Calhoun lakes area. South Minneapolis near Minehaha creek next, a little East of 50th and France.