Any St Paul Minnesotans out there -- Help!

[whitefishpoint]

My wife got a job offer in St Paul MN. The offer is good. We still have to decide as I have a fairly good job here in Indiana. We have lived in Michigan (including the U.P.) and Indiana.

We made a 4 day trip this weekend and went up there and were looking around at homes.

We own our home here in Indiana but it was a shocker when we looked at houses in MN. Our house here in Indiana is a 1970's 1800 sqft range (no basement) in the country on a .5 acre lot and its worth less than $115K. From the houses we looked at from just roaming around, it seems the same type of house would be $200K+!

We looked from south in the Hastings area, around Cottage Grove, around the east outside the 494 freeway; up in white bear lake area and south and north of Lino Lakes area. We like the Lino Lakes area where they have older homes (not the McMansions). The location of my wife's job is in cottage grove. We timed it, its a 40 minute drive to Lino Lakes area up north to her job location.

Here's an idea of what we like:

http://www.counselorrealty.com/p/64/3993805?

http://www.counselorrealty.com/p/64/4013496?

The taxes are higher too. This year in Indiana I paid $650 for the whole year. So as you know its like quadruple that in MN.

We're tired after our trip (we drove) and we have to make up our minds by Wednesday.

In a way, it seems like we're just trading one job for another, and then dishing out big bucks for less of a house with higher taxes.

But then my job here in Indiana is precarious, with a company that has been through bankruptcy and is known for shipping jobs to mexico, india, and china.

My wife can't get a job in Indiana (after 2 years of looking) and I don't know how hard it will be for me to get a job in MN.

Outside of the job, I think we would enjoy living in MN much more than in Indiana as we used to live in the U.P. of michigan and loved it. But that was 20 years ago.

Any wisdom, or advice on good areas to live around St Paul for someone who likes low density and good school systems would be appreciated. very much. Your thoughts are welcome!

Very anxious!


P.S. how much are your heating bills?

[steve smoot]

It really is none of my business, but you guys seem happy where you are. Do you both really want to move and take on higher costs of living? Make a list of the pros and cons and see which is best for all concerned.

I really wish you the very best. I would sure hate to be faced with that decision.

[Redgloves]

Hi,

I do not live in the Twin Cities, but can tell you the commute from Line Lakes to Cottage Grove will be min. of an hour during rush hour. If you choose to move to Minnesota, search for a home around Cottage Grove.

Heck, who said you had to purchase a home so fast. Rent at first.

Good luck with the decision on job.

Jean

[CARS]

I am not in the metro area. So take this for what is it worth.

I want to shoot someone everytime I am up there!!!!! ( I think I have a road-rage issue when I sit in one spot for an hour)

why would anyone in their right minds want to MOVE to a populated area???

Obviously you enjoy the simple life if you are in a Tiny Trailer. Relax, money isn't everything.

I accutaly go to IL (Oblong) on vacation!

[campinwi]

I live in a rural area about 4 hours from the twin cities. My daughter goes to college in St Paul. I have always thought if I ever needed to live in a city, the twin cities area would be the best place. I Just love the area.

Another daughter lives about 60 miles west of the cities, there are LOTS of foreclosed homes around. You may want to try looking in to one of those.

Traffic does get heavy at times, no where near as bad as Chicago. The taxes are high, but they do have nice parks. They also have to do lots of snow removal in the winter. You also do not have to go very far till you have nice areas to camp in.

[mcspin50]

Hi whitefishpoint,
I think Redgloves has some very good points. Find a place to rent first and get the lay of the land. See where your favorite areas are.
If it were me, I'd try to live close to work...Cottage Grove, Eagan perhaps. That cross-metro drive might get old pretty fast.
And, as long as the place you choose to live is well insulated, your utility bills should be OK. Ask to see the previous few years' heating & a/c bills.
And good luck with your decision.
The St. Croix Chapter of Tearjerkers is a fun group to camp with. Be sure to visit the Tearjerkers Forum to check things out.
Take care,

[Steve_Cox]

WFP,

Find a small apartment walking distance to your wife's new job.

Keep your job and house in Indiana.

Give it 6 months and you will have the answers to your questions.

[Redgloves]

Steve offered an excellent option. Granted being separated is hard, can and has been done.

[PKCSPT]

I grew up in Cottage Grove, live in Saint Paul Park. Son lives in Hastings and daughter lives in Woodbury.
All really great places to live, love Minnesota all seasons.
Taxes are high but no tax on clothing and food (except junk food).
Can't think of any reason I would move personally as I love it here. Especially winter and snow. July and August it gets a lot to hot and humid.

driving during rush hour in the Lino Lakes area gonna take some time.

[Cliffmeister2000]

WFP,

Find a small apartment walking distance to your wife's new job.

Keep your job and house in Indiana.

Give it 6 months and you will have the answers to your questions.

So, what did you end up doing?