Alternatives to Bemidji (Fergus Falls, Brainerd, Alexandria: real estate, rental, Home Depot)

[dober1]

I've dreamed nearly my whole life of living outside Bemidji. We want either a lake front home or a home with acerage. However after a lot of research it seems the prices in the Bemidji area are inflated. Maybe because it a tourist area, I don't know. Bemidji seems perfect to us because of all the heavily forested areas and lake after lake. Bemidji although somewhat of a small town has the basics we need like several grocery stores, Home Depot and Gander Mountain.
Is there somewhere else in the northern part of the state that might meet our needs? We have a budget of around $250,000 but I would prefer to find something in the 200,000 range.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by dober1

I've dreamed nearly my whole life of living outside Bemidji. We want either a lake front home or a home with acerage. However after a lot of research it seems the prices in the Bemidji area are inflated. Maybe because it a tourist area, I don't know. Bemidji seems perfect to us because of all the heavily forested areas and lake after lake. Bemidji although somewhat of a small town has the basics we need like several grocery stores, Home Depot and Gander Mountain.
Is there somewhere else in the northern part of the state that might meet our needs? We have a budget of around $250,000 but I would prefer to find something in the 200,000 range.

In terms of "Lakes Communities" you could look into the Alexandria area, Detroit Lakes area, Brainerd/Baxter area, etc. Those are a bit more in the north-central part of the state. Alexandria has less in the way of dense tree coverage. My favorite lakes community would probably be Nisswa. A great area but might be too spendy based on your target price range.

[Dr.drew]

The Grand Rapids area is really nice also. It is only about an hour east of Bemidji on highway 2. There are as many trees and probably more lakes. Grand Rapids has all the stuff Bemidji has. They are roughly the same size.

[demtion35]

Smaller area with lots of what you looking for would be found in the Park Rapids area. And still roughly close to Bemidji.

[golfgal]

Try the Fergus Falls area. It hasn't been as popular of a lake destination so the prices aren't as high as you find in the Brainerd to Bemidji area. Also, I guess inflated is relative because I think Bemidji is cheap.

[freezengirl]

If you have a budget that high, it is more then enough for any where in or around Bemidji except perhaps lake shore property. Geez, I have just what you are looking for myself at half that amount. :-0

[1stpontiac]

I'd second the Grand Rapids and Brainerd areas. I don't know about real estate prices, but whenever I look for a lakes-area rental cabin, both of those areas are cheaper than Bemidji. Still absolutely beautiful places, too.

Originally Posted by freezengirl

If you have a budget that high, it is more then enough for any where in or around Bemidji except perhaps lake shore property. Geez, I have just what you are looking for myself at half that amount. :-0

Sounds like the OP should PM you an offer.

[dober1]

DM sent Freezengirl, thanks to everyone with the ideas.

[Dr.drew]

I'm sure you will find what you're looking for.