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|  STATE OF MINNESOTA REAL ESTATE
State of Minnesota
This land of 10,000 lakes is known all over the world for possessing vast areas of wide open spaces, national parks and forests, picturesque lakes and a clean and green environment. It is primarily for these reasons (and a lot more!) that the State of Minnesota is among the most livable states in the country.
The State of Minnesota may be the 12th largest state in terms of area but it is also considered one of the most populous states in the country today. Majority or almost 60% of the state’s population reside in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Understandably so, considering that the two cities has remained the center of business, communication and transportation in the area.
One of its main cities, Minneapolis, has recently been cited number one among the most affordable places to live well based on the affordability of housing as well as cost of living. The State of Minnesota is known for its highly educated and healthy population.
The name Minnesota, which came from two Indian words which means clouded or tinted water, is appropriate since the state boasts of thousands of lakes making it one of the top tourist destinations no matter what the season is. The State of Minnesota is a great place for water-based activities, fishing, camping and even hunting.
Population Profile
The rise in the State’s population from 3.41 million in 1960 to 5.167 in 2006 is evidence of the State’s attractiveness to migrants both from other states and even from other countries. Majority or 86.3% of the State’s population are Whites followed by Blacks (4.1%), Hispanics 3.6% and Asians (3.4%).
History
The original settlers of the State of Minnesota were Native Americans including the Anishinaabe and Dakota. The migration of the Ojibwe Indians in the area in the late 1600s caused a stir among the Sioux Indians. The construction of Fort Snelling between 1819 and 1825 is one important part of the history not only of the State but it has a greater significance to the development of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The construction of a sawmill along Fort Snelling encouraged the population in the area which further led to the establishment of St. Paul.
The early economy of Minnesota was fueled by farming and logging and the accompanying industries like milling. The growth of the milling industry in the area was led by Pillsbury and General Mills. The discovery of iron in the 1880s led to the growth of the State’s iron and mining industries. This growth was however challenged by the Great Depression which resulted to massive layoffs for miners, low-incomes for farmers and the resulting labor unrest.
Minnesota’s economy rebounded after World War II with the introduction of new technologies which automated the farming process. It became the center of technology and became the location of businesses like Control Data Corporation and Medtronic. The economic growth in the area encouraged more demand for housing, jobs and transportation.
The development of both the cities of St. Paul (the state capital) and Minneapolis paved the way for the existence of the Twin Cities metropolitan area which further spelled the economic growth of Minnesota.
Economy
From a raw-material producing state, Minnesota has developed into a diversified economy over the last 200 years. With a $234 billion gross domestic product in 2005 and with 36 publicly traded companies belonging to the top 1000 (in terms of 2006 revenues) headquartered in the State, Minnesota is on its way to becoming an economic power in the country. Among the companies that have made Minnesota their base of operations are General Mills, U.S., Cargill, 3D, Target, Medtronic and United Health Group.
While the economy of Minnesota was spurred by agriculture, the sector only employs 1% of its population nowadays. However, agriculture still remains a major sector in the economy considering that Minnesota is the top producer of United States agricultural products like sweet corn, unprocessed peas and even turkeys.
Minnesota is the first state to mandate the use of ethanol fuel, an energy that it produces within its boundaries. It is also the number four largest producer of wind power. This makes the State almost independent in terms of its fuel supply.
While Minnesota imposes a higher sales tax of 6.5%, it does not however impose a tax on the basic necessities like medications, food for home consumption, clothing and some services. The other municipalities are however empowered by law to impose local taxes. It also imposes taxes for items that are purchases in other areas but are used in Minnesota.
Places to Visit
Mall of America
Minnesota is an ideal place for those who love both the indoors and the outdoors. The State is the site of one of the world’s largest malls, the Mall Of America. A word of caution though; you have to be ready to spend over 86 hours to take a glimpse of every store in the Mall. The Mall of America, which took almost $650 million to build, contributes up to $1.8 billion per year to Minnesota’s economy. The whole family can have fun visiting the Mall’s Dinosaur Walk Museum, NASCAR Motor Speedway, Underwater Adventures and other attractions. With over 520 stores, 20 sit-down restaurants, 30 fast food restaurants, 36 specialty food stores, 11,000 to 13,000 employees and 2.5 million square feet of gross leasable space, Mall of America is definitely a good motivation for those who want to avail of corporate relocation or employee relocation.
Rock climbing at Grand Marais Harbor
The clean and green environment of Minnesota is reason enough for people to visit the State and even to relocate here permanently. Those who love the outdoors can enjoy the view and even do a little rock climbing at the Grand Marais Harbor which is surrounded by both Sawtooth Mountain and Lake Superior. This is quite an exciting combination which provides visitors a good view of the surrounding forest, lake and the pristine beauty of Mother Nature. The place is ideal not only for hiking, fishing and biking during summertime but it is also a good location for cross country skiing and snowmobiling during wintertime.
Snow boarding at Afton Alps
This place is the best choice for resident or visitors who want to bond with family and friends through snow-based activities like snow tubing, snowboarding and even group skiing. It is also the location of a golf and ski school which offers regular activities depending on the season.
Real Estate
Minnesota real estate is booming thanks to the quality of life in most of its suburbs. Minneapolis may have been named as the top pick among the best places to live well but there are other cities in Minnesota which offers the rustic familiarity of country living and the modern amenities of city life.
If you are thinking of corporate relocation or employee relocation then you can choose from the various cities in Minnesota. You can choose from single homes, duplex, condominiums or other real estate properties all over Minnesota. If you love the outdoors then choose real estate that is either near the lakes or near farms and ranches. There is no problem living in any of the suburbs as they are near the Twin Cities.
Before choosing any real estate in Minnesota make sure you familiarize yourself with mortgage opportunities and procedures in the State. Whether you are buying your very first home or are refinancing the second one make sure you get the best mortgage terms.
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 MINNEAPOLIS REAL ESTATE
Minneapolis
Regularly named one of the great American cities to live in, Minneapolis is one of the most thriving cultural communities in the country, rich in history and amenities for its nearly 400,000 residents. Minneapolis, along with its sister city, Saint Paul, is one half of the Twin Cities. This budding metropolitan area is the second largest in the Midwest, after Chicago, and is a major attraction to young artists, businessmen, and families alike. Prospective homeowners have a wealth of possibilities in a wide variety of up-and-coming neighborhoods that will undoubtedly make a relocation to Minneapolis a rewarding investment and an enriching experience.
The economy of Minneapolis is one of the primary reasons this city is so attractive to many people seeking to relocate. Next to other cities of comparable size and population, the education rate and median household income is higher, the unemployment rate is lower, and housing is much more affordable. The Twin Cities combine to contribute nearly two-thirds of Minnesota’s gross state product, which makes it an incredibly lucrative area to build a career in almost any profession.
If you are thinking about a career change—or a career beginning, for that matter—Minneapolis provides many institutions that can assist you in your professional transition. In 2006, the University of Minnesota ranked fourth in the nation in students enrolled, and offers a vast number of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Likewise, the city is home to St. John’s University, the University of St. Thomas, and dozens of private, professional and technical schools that will accommodate your needs. I am also quite familiar with the public and private school system in Minneapolis, so if you have children and are looking for help in selecting a good school for them to attend, I would be more than happy to help you out.
Minneapolis is also one of the most concentrated areas for entertainment in the entire country. One of the richest scenes for live theater anywhere, the city boasts more professional theater companies per capita than any city besides New York. Likewise, music lovers can find a great concert to check out on any given night of the week; the First Avenue and 7th Street entry rock venues are favorites for national and local acts, classical connoisseurs will be drawn to the world-class Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Opera, while jazz fans can get cozy at the famous Dakota jazz club. Minneapolis also is home to three major art museums and professional teams in every major sport; regardless of personal interests, there is never a lack of exciting events to take in.
For those looking to live in the heart of the city, downtown Minneapolis boasts a blossoming scene for lofts and condominiums within walking distance from many of the city’s major attractions, such as the Target Center, the Metrodome, the Guthrie Theater, and the Walker Art Center. Though many changes have been made in the last several years, the view of the downtown skyline remains one of the most breathtaking and identifiable in the entire United States. While many of the elite high-rise condos remain pricey, many more affordable units have been built in the last five years to accommodate new residents.
If the hustle and bustle of downtown doesn’t quite meet your needs, many wonderful residential communities are located nearby. Southwest Minneapolis, or the Uptown district, is one of the more popular places to live because of the numerous independent businesses, as well as many of the most talked about restaurants and theaters in the city. Many brand new condominiums are being built that are spacious and affordable, not to mention a variety of townhouses, single family homes and duplexes. Uptown also contains a large rental market that will easily accommodate singles and families alike.
Northeast Minneapolis has also become one of the more desired places to live for many residents. A diverse arts community, Northeast offers a more relaxed pace suitable for families, while remaining within striking distance of downtown to allow for a wealth of entertainment opportunities. Again, hundreds of homes are available in this friendly neighborhood, ranging from new condo developments to beautiful vintage homes. Check out our multiple listing service to check out the variety of split-levels, single family residences, two story homes and much more.
Many people who seek more outdoor recreation will be attracted to the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the Chain of Lakes, one of the most distinctive features of Minneapolis, and the one that provides the city with its nickname, the “City of Lakes.” Between Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, and the Cedar Lake, Minneapolis provides an extensive series of bike and pedestrian trails excellent for enjoying the great northern scenery. Some of the most fascinating architecture can be found along the shores, with many of these homes available at reasonable prices. If you have ever dreamed of buying a lakefront home, the time has never been better. Please feel free to call or email me for more details.
The real estate market in Minneapolis has never been so accommodating to potential buyers. Thousands of homes are available across the city, and in the current buyer’s market, it is an excellent time to invest in property. Prices are lowering, and we will help you find a home that meets your needs in terms of finance and lifestyle. The foreclosure market is also ripe with opportunity right now, with thousands of bank-owned homes that can be bought at discount prices.
For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are more interested in renting, or are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, own rental property and would be happy to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
More Minneapolis Information:
Minneapolis: A Clean and Green City
If there is one thing that Minneapolis should be famous for it is the city’s dedication to maintaining its reputation as among the greenest cities in the State of Minnesota. True enough, Minneapolis has proven it is hell-bent in protecting the environment through the Minneapolis GreenPrint which is its guide to attaining sustainable development.
The Minneapolis GreenPrint is a framework based on ten healthy environment indicators. An annual GreenPrint Report is submitted to the City Council to measure the environmental interventions being done by the city each year which can include street sweeping, installation of solar panels on city building roofs and other private sector initiatives.
The environmental efforts of Minneapolis go a long way considering that it is Minnesota State’s city and Hennepin County’s county seat. With St. Paul, it forms the now-famous Twin Cities, and has 3.2 million residents as of the last Census.
Employee relocation and corporate relocation usually targets Minneapolis due to its clean and healthy environment. With twenty lakes, creeks and lots of waterfalls, Minneapolis is a city that is abundant in water. It is thus no surprise that its name is taken from the Dakota word “mni” for water and polis for city, to mean water city. In fact, Minneapolis is also called the City of Lakes.
History and City Profile
The history of Minneapolis is largely tied to water primarily because of the city’s physical make up. Minneapolis lies on an aquifer and so the city is serious in managing its watershed areas.
Business in the city is mostly hinged on finance, trucking services, industry and health services. Several companies engage in milling, chemical and agricultural products, food processing and similar businesses. It is home to some of America’s Top Companies including Xcel Energy, Target Corporation, Ameriprise Financial and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Donaldson Company, PepsiAmericas and US Bancorp.
Minneapolis does not however just boast of a clean environment and good water sources but it also boasts of a holistic development that made it to the Kiplinger survey of Smart Places to Live in 2006 (it was ranked number 2 together with St. Paul). It has also been included in the list of Seven Cool Places for Young Professionals and was chosen as the United States’ Top Tech City survey by Popular Science in 1995.
The city, along with St. Paul’s $145.8 billion gross state product accounts for 63.8% of the State of Minnesota’s gross state product. The year 2000 was a bad year for the area as it experienced a recession but it has bounced back in 2005 with a growth in personal income by 3.8%.
Culture and the Arts
If you are thinking of relocating in an area where you can expose your family to culture and the arts then Minneapolis should be your best bet. Theater is big here starting with the Guthrie Theater which was designed by 2008 Pritzker Prize Winner Jean Nouvel.
Minneapolis is a haven for art and the artists. It has been ranked the most literate city in America and this can be one big reason for relocating in the area especially if you have children or you have a great interest in culture and the arts. It is home to the largest literary and book center in the country known as Open Book. It boasts of the Loft Literary Center which is a venue for contemporary and traditional arts and crafts.
If you are offering a relocation package for your employees then make sure you mention the existence of the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, the city’s largest museum with over a hundred thousand collection of art and other historical items.
The most famous contribution of Minneapolis to the American music industry is Prince. This world-famous pop icon is a product of the Minneapolis Public Schools.
Sports
Minnesota relocation can become more exciting with the knowledge that sports means a lot to its residents. Among the teams that raised the flag of Minneapolis are the Minneapolis Millers (known for contributing 15 baseball players to the Baseball Hall of Fame), the Minneapolis Lakers basketball team (with six championships on its belt in all the three leagues) and the NWA Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club (now known as the American Wrestling Association).
The Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Twins (won the 1987 and 1991 World Series), the Minnesota Lynx WNBA, the Minnesota Wild hockey team and the National Lacrosse League team Minnesota Swarm are just some of the teams that make up the vibrant sports atmosphere of Minneapolis.
Employee relocation in Minneapolis is very appealing to those who have families considering the city’s well-designed park system, considered the best in America in terms of design, financing and maintenance. Residents of Minneapolis have to thanks Theodore Wirth for this.
Housing
There are a variety of Minneapolis relocation package and if you want to find out about this you can get the services of a relocation specialist who will be able to provide you with important relocation information to help you decide if moving to Minneapolis is indeed the right decision.
Minneapolis real estate can offer you lots possibilities and you can choose from any of the real estate listings in the city including single family residences, single story homes, condominiums, duplex, or lakeshore properties. You can even purchase or mortgage land and build your own house. However, it would also be ideal to look at the latest foreclosure listings as they may be new homes on the list that are quite affordable.
Still unsure about moving to Minneapolis? Think of how clean the air you are going to breathe once your family relocates in the city. Think of the artistic and cultural exposure your family is going to get. Think of how important quality of life is and think of Minneapolis.
You also might like to click on the following link for specific information about the neighborhoods within Minneapolis. Minneapolis prides itself on communities within the community. Check out www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us
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 ST PAUL REAL ESTATE
Saint Paul
As the state’s capital, Saint Paul is the scenic and historic home to almost 300,000 residents. The neighborhood feel of the city is one of the most distinctive personality traits that sets it apart from its sister city, Minneapolis. Because of this, Saint Paul tends to attract a slightly older population than its western counterpart; many people who have spent a number of years in the Twin Cities often find Saint Paul to be a satisfying location when they are looking to settle down with a family. Lately, it has been particularly popular amongst former Twin Cities residents who had left the area for awhile, but are now looking to return to the area. Saint Paul provides a comfort and familiarity to people of all walks of life, which is probably why so many find it difficult to leave behind. Whether you are relocating back to the Twin Cities, or are moving here for the first time, Saint Paul offers a great deal in terms of terrific real estate. A big city with a small town charm, Saint Paul certainly offers the best of both worlds.
The area surrounding Grand Avenue and Snelling is one of the most exciting spots in the city. Featuring a blend of brand-name stores and local shops, tourists are commonly attracted to this area for its shopping. It also features some of the more gorgeous vintage homes you will find around. Many of these are popular for hands-on buyers who enjoy the art of remodeling, while many other for-sale homes have recently been redone. Additionally, the Cathedral Hill area is a popular attraction both for visitors and for prospective homeowners. Between Selby and Western Avenues, you’ll find a great location, thick with top-notch restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. Many apartments, condominiums, single family homes and multi-story homes are available here as well.
Much like Minneapolis, Saint Paul offers great opportunities in terms of arts and entertainment. Noted authors F. Scott Fitzgerald (the namesake of the famous Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul) and August Wilson were rooted here, while the ever-popular Garrison Keillor still plays host to his nationally syndicated radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, at the historic Fitzgerald. The annual Minnesota State Fair is always a top draw in August, offering a sprawling carnival, agricultural shows and competitions, and countless booths illuminating the historical tradition of Minnesota (and, of course, endless stands of fried-food-on-a-stick). The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is one of the most elite small orchestras of its kind, entertaining sell-out crowds on a regular basis. Additionally, the city is home to several notable museums (including the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Children’s Museumn, and the Schubert Club Instrument Museum), the ever popular Minnesota Wild NHL hockey team, and a number of tremendous outdoor parks along the Mississippi River.
If you are considering a career change, many public and private colleges and universities are located within Saint Paul. The University of Minnesota stretches its campus along the border of both of the Twin Cities, and is consistently ranked one of the highest in the nation in terms of student population. Concordia University and Hamline University offer widely celebrated program offerings, while other institutions such as Saint Paul College and Metropolitan State University are more geared toward non-traditional students. Plus, with a mere ten to fifteen minute drive into Minneapolis, its extremely easy and accessible to find a school that best fits your needs.
The real charm of living in Saint Paul is its neighborhood feel. While the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis may suit some people, many prefer Saint Paul for its easier pace. Often called “fifteen small towns with one mayor,” it’s a place where you can raise a family safely and affordably, while having many of the amenities a big city has to offer. In fact, many of Saint Paul’s biggest entertainment attractions are nestled right into residential neighborhoods, creating a wonderfully unique blend of the urban and suburban. Whether you are looking for a glamorous high-rise condominium in the heart of downtown, a luxurious two-story or multi-story home off Grand Avenue, or a beautiful single-family starter home in a surrounding neighborhood, I certainly hope you consider Saint Paul real estate as a viable option.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
MORE ST PAUL INFORMATION:
St. Paul
St. Paul is famous not only for being the other half of the Twin Cities (the other part being Minneapolis) but also for being America’s most livable city. The city will however be placed in the world map once it hosts the Republican National Convention in September 2008.
Politics aside, St, Paul aims to make life and the environment better for its residents through the promotion of commuting alternatives in the city specifically the Freewheelin bike sharing program during the convention where a thousand bikes will be lent to program participants, 75 of which will be left to the city after the event.
More popularly known as the capital of the State of Minnesota, St. Paul is Minnesota’s most densely populated county. Together with Minneapolis, it is the 15th largest area in the United States with 3.5 million residents as of the last Census.
History
St. Paul used to be a tavern that developed into a trading outpost known as Pig’s Eye in honor of Pierre Parrant, the man who started it all. Parrant was blind in one eye. As the city became the melting pot of European explorers, American soldiers and Native Americans, it ultimately became Minnesota’s transportation and trading center until it became a city in 1858.
City and Community Profile
St. Paulites live in a city that is further divided into 17 City Districts including Saint Anthony Park, Merriam Park, Highland Park, Battle Creek, Como Park, Dayton's Bluff, Downtown, Greater East Side, Macalester-Groveland, North End, Payne-Phalen, Summit Hill, Summit-University, Hamline-Midway Thomas-Dale, West Seventh and West Side.
St. Paul has a population of 287,151 people consisting of 112, 109 households. The city is home to 115,713 housing units occupied by 60,987 families. Majority or 67.02% of the residents of the city are Whites followed by Asian (12.36%), African Americans (11.71%), Native Americans (1.13%) and the rest are Pacific Islanders and those from other races. St. Paul is home the Mexican population, the reason why a Mexican consulate has been established in the area.
St. Paul has a young population with an average age of 31 years. The elderly or those aged 65 years and over make up only 10.3% of the total population while those under 18 years of age make up 27.1% of the total population.
Business
As part of the Twin Cities, St. Paul is an ideal site for business and this is evident with the number of major corporations that have made the city their home including St. Jude Medical, Minnesota Life, Lawson Software, Travelers, 3M and Gander Mountain.
City Attractions
St. Paul is an exciting destination for those who seek entertainment and those planning to relocate in the city will get their share of fun and excitement. One of the attractions here, which was born out of a criticism the city got from a New York reporter who compared the city to Siberia during winter is the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Minnesota Lake is a fitting icon for the Winter Festival considering that the ice formations in the lake were the source of the Festival ice castle. Among the Festival attractions include ice horse racing and bobsledding. Another attraction is the appearance of the Royal Family during the festival.
The St. Paul historic Landmark Center in Rice Park also serves as a time capsule and a memorial to that time when the building served as a post office and Federal Court House. The pink granite building with that red tile roof is now an arts and culture and an information center. Infamous people like Baby Face Nelson and John Dillinger were tried in the same building when it was still used as a court house.
The Wabasha Street Caves is another historical site having been home to mobsters before it was converted into a venue for band music. Nothing however beats the 12-day Minnesota State Fair, known as United State’s largest state fair when it comes to the average attendance on a daily basis. If you want the best of Minnesota livestock, cooking and art then go to the fair.
Famous Citizens
St. Paul is the birthplace and resident of many famous people including world-famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald (who was born here), Peanuts creator Charles M. Schultz (who was born in Minneapolis but was a resident of St. Paul from infancy), journalist and Civil rights activist Roy Wilkins (who grew here), playwright August Wilson (who lived here from 1978 to 1990), photographer John Vachon and painter LeRoy Neiman.
Housing
Most executive relocation and corporate relocation package focus on St. Paul because of the many housing opportunities in the city. You can choose to invest in real estate properties like condominiums, apartments, house for sale or get a good real estate agent to look among the mortgaged houses facing foreclosure proceedings for a good buy. You can also avail of the Minnesota Housing Mortgage Loan Programs targeted towards first time Minnesota home buyers or those with moderate incomes. To be eligible for the Minnesota Housing First-Time Home Buyer Loan make sure you are a first time home buyer, you have acceptable credit and that you meet the requirements for income limits and the home cost limits.
It is easy to get a housing mortgage in St. Paul and you can get some help from reputed real estate agents who will assist you in finding the best mortgage deals in town. A good relocation package in one of the best cities in Minnesota like St. Paul is more than enough incentive for any employee who is being offered an employee relocation option. Living in St. Paul can be a mixture of the urban and laidback lifestyle because while the city is the center of trade and commerce as part f the Twin Cities, the local government has also managed to maintain the city’s environs quiet and favourable to building families.
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 EDINA
Edina
A central part of the Greater Metro Area, Edina, Minnesota is one of the busiest suburbs surrounding the Twin Cities. Located just southwest of Minneapolis, Edina is a thriving business and shopping community, while retaining a friendly family atmosphere perfect for raising children. This quickly growing area has become an extremely popular area for those who work in the Twin Cities, but desire a more residential, easy-going pace of life. Edina real estate has flourished in the last few years, offering a wide variety of opportunities for first-time buyers looking to relocate and settle down in the suburbs. If you are presently in the market for a home, Edina is certainly a viable and attractive possibility.
Though it is outside of Minneapolis, there is no lack of shopping and entertainment options in Edina. The Southdale Center is one of the largest malls in the Twin Cities, offering 1.3 million square feet of department stores, restaurants and an attractive multi-plex movie theater. If that isn’t enough, Edina is within striking distance (an easy ten minute drive at most) of Bloomington’s famous Mall of America, one of the premiere tourist attractions in all of Minnesota. Additionally, the area between West 50th Street and France Avenue South is an extremely popular location for commercial and independent shopping. Many residents of the Twin Cities regularly find themselves trekking out to Edina because of its dense shopping culture.
More than anything, though, Edina prides itself on being a strong family community. The strength of the public school system in Edina is one of the reasons so many migrate to this budding area. Edina High School routinely is ranked nationally as one of the top schools in the nation, with a strong academic backbone, along with competitive extra-curricular activities to supplement. Publications such as Newsweek have honored its academic achievements, and its well-regarded sports program has been mentioned in Sports Illustrated. Most impressively, nearly 96 percent of high school graduates go on to college, and 85 percent complete an undergraduate degree within five years. The success of this town’s youth is truly a testament to the community of Edina.
Edina has a great deal to offer in terms of real estate. Some of the most spectacular multi-story homes in the Twin Cities can be found here, but the real estate is by no means limited to the extremely affluent. There are a wealth of single-family starter homes available in great neighborhoods at reasonable prices, as well as multiple condominium developments. In the current buyers market of real estate around the Twin Cities, the time has never been better to buy a dream home. If you are considering your options, I would encourage you to contact me and I would be happy to help assist you.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
More Edina Information:
Edina
Edina is a first-ring suburban city in Hennepin County, State of Minnesota which started out as a farming and milling community back in the 1860s but has now developed into a metropolitan community. Most of the original residents of Edina were Scottish and Irish immigrants and some have remained to see their city grow into a community that offers one of the best living conditions for its residents. With 39 parks, high quality medical and educational facilities and regional shopping areas, Edina has indeed become a city to watch out for.
History
Edina used to be part of the City of Richfield in Minnesota in the 1850s after the original 17 family settlers migrated to the Richfield Village due to Ireland’s potato famine. The English and Scottish farmers followed and established a community along the Minnehaha Creek. Edina was born after the residents decided to separate from Richfield Village in 1888 and establish a new village. Among the names that were floated around include Westfield and Hennepin Park but it was Edina which was chosen by the villagers.
If you take a look at Edina’s street names, you would notice that most of them are the names of the families who once occupied Edina among them Code Avenue, Grimes Avenue, Cooper Avenue and Gleason road.
Community Profile
Being a resident of one of Minnesota’s ritziest cities can have its price but no one is complaining since majority of Edina’s residents are considered rich, with the average household income amounting to $66,019 in 1999 compared to the $37,974 average household income of Minneapolis. The city’s per capita income amounts to $44,195 while the average income for every family amounts to $93,496. Poverty is rare in Edina with only 2% of the total number of families and only 3.3% of the total population living below the poverty line.
Edina has a total population of 47,425 people as of the 2000 Census. A total of 12,870 families live in the city’s 21,669 housing units. Majority of the residents are Whites (94.28%) followed by Asians (2.99%), African Americans (1.15%) and the rest are native Americans, Pacific Islanders and those from other races. The city’s population has an average age of 44 years, with 22.9% below the age of 18 and 22.7% were 65 years or older.
The high quality of life in Edina is evident with the vehicle ownership statistics in the city. A total of 81% or 18,269 of Edina’s workforce drove a car alone when going to work while only 3% or 711 used the bus and 7% or 1,469 carpooled. A small percentage of the workforce uses the taxi, motorcycle and bicycle when going to work.
Business
Money is circulating in Edina and if you are planning on corporate relocation or employee relocation or just plain vacation then you would not be disappointed with Edina’s commercial establishments. This is shopper’s destination and if you happen to pass by here do not miss Southdale Center, a fully-enclosed. Climate-controlled shopping mall considered a first in the United States. Other shopping centers include the Centennial Lakes Plaza, Yorktown, Galleria and 50th & France which Edina shares with Minneapolis.
Alcoholic drinks are controlled in Edina and these items are sold only in municipal liquor stores in Southdale, Vermon & Interlachen Blvd and 50th & France. Nowhere else can you find this commodity in Edina. Despite its commercial success, there is only one hotel in Edina and this is the Residence Inn by Marriott. The 225-room, 6-suites and 79-Condominium Westin Edina Galleria Hotel & Residences is still under construction and is expected to be completed by 2008.
Housing
Most houses and condominiums in Edina use utility gas (94%) while only a few use electricity (5%) and fuel oil or kerosene (1%) as their heating fuel. Apartments are however a different story as only 66% of the dwellers use utility gas, 28% use electricity and the rest use fuel, kerosene, bottled, tank or LP gas.
One of the set-offs when living in a rich city like Edina is the ever increasing cost of living particularly the sky-rocketing housing costs. The average price of houses for sale in Edina has increased by $185,000 from only $215,000 in 1997 to $400,000 in 2004. It is thus a good idea to invest in real estate properties in Edina now before real estate prices sky rocket in the future.
Corporate relocation is becoming a trend because of the increasing number of ordinary people being displaced in Edina due to a wide disparity between their incomes and the cost of housing. If you belong to the high-income bracket employees and your company offers you a relocation package in Edina which includes a condominium, duplex or a new home then make sure you know about the real state of real estate in Edina by consulting a real estate agent.
To solve the growing disparity problem, the Edina Affordable Housing Taskforce has released a set of recommendations for affordable housing in Edina. The community has participated in the consultation and the results of the study will be used to jumpstart a plan for affordable housing in the community.
Despite the growing concern for expensive housing in Edina and a median rent rate of $654, the city only has a 5% vacancy rate. Majority of the 29,669 housing units or 76% 916,072) are occupied by the owners.
Famous Citizens
Edina is a rich city and it is not surprising that not a few billionaires have made the city their home. Among them are Best Buy founder and chairman Richard M. Schulze (who is a present resident) and Minnesota Twins baseball franchise owner Carl Pohlad. Schulze is No. 102 in Forbes’ List of 400 wealthiest Americans in 2007 while Pohlad is No. 107 in the Forbes List of the United State’s richest persons in 1992.
Famous singer and song writer John Denver lives in Edina with his first wife Ann Martell from 1968 top 1971. Professional Tennis player Mardy Fish, professional Wrestler Ric Flair and Author Vince Flynn are also from Edina. Professional golfer Hilary Lunke (who won the US Women’s Open in 2003) and Ice Hockey Player Bill Nyrop (who won three National Hockey League Stanley Cup Championships) are also from Edina.
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 EDEN PRAIRIE REAL ESTATE
Eden Prairie
One of the most affluent suburbs in the Metro Area, Eden Prairie is a dynamic community of residents of all ages. Recently ranked as one of Money Magazine’s ten “Best Places to Live in America,” the city is experience tremendous growth and is cementing itself as a cornerstone in Twin Cities real estate. Here you will find a community whose motto of “Live, Work, Dream” is a precise description of those residents who make Eden Prairie their home.
A mere eleven miles from the Twin Cities, many professionals who work in either Minneapolis or Saint Paul choose to live in Eden Prairie because of its beautiful landscapes and family-oriented community. The scenery is filled with hills and bluffs that overlook the Minnesota river. In the fall, Eden Prairie becomes a popular destination for those looking to check out the changing leaves; many spots along the bluffs offer tremendous views of the rich and colorful mixed forests. The residential neighborhoods are also in close proximity to an extensive series of trails that make for a perfect afternoon of hiking through the forests to get a better look at the wilderness.
Eden Prairie is one of the wealthiest suburbs in the Twin Cities area. Its per capita income ranks 19th in the country at nearly $39,000, and its median household income is ranked 23rd at over $78,000. The poverty rate of Eden Prairie is extremely low, as is its crime rate. As you can imagine, these factors make Eden Prairie real estate some of the most sought-after in the surrounding area, particularly for those with families who are looking to stay in the area. Some of the most beautiful architecture can be found here, with many luxurious mansion estates and multi-story homes currently available to buy. Many of these homes are fairly new, as Eden Prairie’s expansion has really taken off in the last couple of decades. Plenty of wonderful single-family homes are also available, many with spacious yards for your children to enjoy or to invite your friends over for a barbecue. If you don’t need as much room, there are a number of condominium developments that are more contained, yet still spacious and affordably priced. Eden Prairie is a clean, safe neighborhood, perfect for those looking to raise a family in the Twin Cities at a relaxed pace. I highly encourage you to consider this blossoming community if you are in the market to buy a home.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie in Hennepin County is an ideal destination not only for business but also for people who want quality and classy living. Cited by Money Magazine as the 10th Best Place To Live in the US, it boasts of being the base of over 2,200 business establishments as well as 2,250 acres of parks, 1,300 acres of open space and 170 miles of trails.
Quality of life in Eden Prairie is outstanding and this has made it a favorite destination for corporate relocation, employee relocation and family relocation. The city is a few miles away from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and is adjacent to numerous recreation areas, restaurants and museums.
History
Eden Prairie might be an economically and vibrant city nowadays but this has not always been the case. It used to be a slow growing village with slow economic and social growth between 1880 and 1960. Among the first settlers in the area were Native Americans until a treaty in 1851 opened land near the Mississippi River allowing pioneers of Eden Prairies to settle in the area.
The first sign of development in the area was the construction of the Flying Cloud Airport in 1946. The construction of Interstate Highway 494 in the 70s widened the city’s reach and rightly so because it was also during this time when the Eden Prairie Shopping Center was constructed. Finally, it became a Statutory City in 1974.
The city got its name after writer Elizabeth Ellet described the area as a garden spot—thus the name Eden.
Community Profile
From a population of only 2000 in 1960, Eden Prairie has grown to a city with almost 60,000 people by the year 2000. From an agricultural and a sleepy village, Eden Prairie has become a thriving and vibrant community preferred by most businesses.
Majority or 71.66% of the city’s population are Whites, 13.28% are African Americans, 4.82% are Asians while the rest are Pacific Islanders and other races. The city has a fairly young population with an average age of 35 years, with 30.5% below the age of 18 and only 4.9% are 65 years old or over.
While the city has a per capita income of $38,854 and an average family income of $72,258, 11.9% of the population is living below the poverty line. Eden Prairies is among the highest income places in the United States within.
Business
Eden Prairie’s has proven itself a haven for businesses and this is evident with the presence of establishments like Super Valu Grocery, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Shipping Logistics (both classified as Fortune 500 companies), ADC Telecommunications, Fargo Electronics, Lenox Group, Minnesota Vikings, Starkey Laboratories and SurModics pharmaceutical delivery systems to name a few.
Life is very comfortable for Eden Prairie resident with a family median income of $105,177 compared to the best places to live average family income of only $76,893. The purchasing power of the residents amounts to $81,343 compared to the best places to live purchasing power of $68,109.
The city spells clean living for its residents as they have an air quality index of 75.4% compared to the best places to live air quality index of 71.9%. Personal crime risk in Eden Prairie stands at 17 while the best places to live averages 45. The national average is 100. Personal crime incidents rate is 88 compared to the best places average of 228.
Eden Prairie has 2,699 restaurants, 35 movie theaters, 114 bars, 135 public golf courses, 61 libraries, 4 museums and 13 ski resorts.
Sports
If you are considering a corporate relocation package then Eden Prairie is one of the best places to go to since it has a very active sports program for the youth. There are sports programs and trainings for basketball, baseball, football, ice hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track and Field and Wrestling.
If golf is your thing then the privately-owned 18-hole Bearpath Golf and Country Club designed by Jack Nicklaus would be an ideal weekend destination. The golf course has a naturally lush environment.
The sports program of the Eden Prairie High School was also named by Sports Illustrated Magazine in 2007 as the best among the other cities in the State of Minnesota.
In the Movies
Eden Prairie has had its share of publicity in the national and international area. Several movies have been filmed in the city including the Mallrats and Drop Dead Gorgeous both of which were filmed at the pre-remodeled Eden Prairie Center Mall. The city was also indicated as the residence of character Mike Yanagita in the movie Fargo. The city was also featured in the movies D3: The Mighty Ducks and Graffiti Bridge.
Housing
There are homes for rent, condominiums and apartments for rent in Eden Prairie. Low income residents can seek the aid of the Housing and Community Services if they want to avail of low-priced apartment complexes in the city. Affordable houses for rent can also be accessed through the Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority. You can also avail of the Section 8 Project-Based housing where you pay a rental of only 30 percent (or less) of your income.
Affordable home ownership is likewise provided by the city in coordination with the non-profit community land trust Homes Within Reach. Under the partnership single family homes are bought by Homes Within Reach and then sold to qualified home buyers. Aside from being a qualified home buyer you also have to qualify for a mortgage offered by a commercial lender and meet the income requirements to be able to avail of this benefit. While the average price of the homes under the program is only $150,000, ownership is however retained by the community and it is then leased to the home owner for a minimal fee.
If you just intend to renovate an existing house, you can avail of the low interest home repair loans. Lenders usually slap a 5% simple interest rate on repair loans payable in 10 years.
The average price of home in the city is slightly higher at $289,259 compared to the average price of homes in the best places to live of only $259,566. | |
 LONG LAKE REAL ESTATE
Long Lake
Long Lake is among the smallest communities in Hennepin County, Twin Cities, Minnesota, with only 574 acres and barely 1,842 residents. Despite its size, Long Lake is a fully developed community with 254 business establishments providing 1,143 jobs.
Looking at what is has to offer, the city has a lot of potential for growth and development. However, the local government is faced with a lot of challenges including the task of managing its limited resource to maximize economic growth while retaining the atmosphere of a small city.
Community Profile
Based on the 2000 census, Long Lake has a total of 756 households occupying an estimated 764 housing units. Majority or 96.63% of the residents are Whites, followed by African Americans (1.30%) and Hispanics or Latinos (1.14%). The rest of the population is made up of Asians, Native Americans and other races. The average family income is $64,063.
Majority or 83% of the people in Long Lake drive their cars to work (alone), 6% use the carpool method to go to work while 3% use the bus or trolley bus. At least 5% of the residents work at home.
History
The railroad plays an important role in the community which is relatively a farm to market area that relies on businesses brought by nearby farms. In fact, the residents of Long Lake incorporated the village to make sure that the railroad station would not be moved. It is actually the commercial hub of nearby towns like Orono. If you are wondering why people from Orono have Long Lake addresses, then wonder no more. The two towns have signed several cooperative agreements including the use of the Long Lake post office by Orono residents, as well as the sharing of their fire and police protection services.
While the two cities share a lot of things, Orono offers bigger home areas measuring a minimum of two acres for residential homes while Long Lake has smaller but more reasonably-priced home lots.
The first settlers of 1855 (Nova Scotians) actually settled not in Long Lake but in Orono. The first settlement was then known as Cumberland Town after the hometown of the first settlers, George Knettles and Flemings from Cumberland County in Pennsylvania. It consisted of a schoolhouse, a general store and sawmill. The Knettles house became popular not only as a location of the community’s first religious service but also as a favorite resting area of travelers.
The 19th century saw a lot of developments in Long Lake including the construction of a sawmill in 1866, the construction of a railroad in 1868, organization of a school district in 1869 as well as the establishment of a flour mill and a hotel in 1875. The early 1900s also saw the growth of the berry industry in Long Lake along with the establishment of the Minnesota Fruit Growers Association.
Parks and Trails
Long Lake is an ideal option for those who are contemplating about corporate relocation, residential relocation or employee relocation as it does not only provide a good business atmosphere but a homey and family atmosphere as well. Here are some places where individuals and families can do outdoor activities:
• Nelson Lakeside Park-This is a good place for someone who enjoys the waters as it has a public boat launch and a fishing pier. However, swimming is at your own risk since there are no lifeguards on duty. It is also conducive for picnics considering the availability of picnic shelters, tables, grills and playground equipment for children.
• Holbrook Park- This park offers facilities for softball as well as for hockey and pleasure skating. Visitors can also make use of the playground equipment, grills and picnic tables. Sports organizations sometimes make use of the sports facilities for their regular events.
• Hardin park-It has tennis and a basketball court, walking trails as well as picnic tables, chairs and playground equipment.
• Dexter Park-The park is an ideal picnic spot as it has picnic tables, benches and playground equipment.
• Bikers will definitely enjoy the Luce Line State Trail which is a 63-mile trail specifically developed for hiking, ordinary biking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Healthcare
Those moving in to Long Lake should take note that the city’s infrastructures and utilities are in order. Healthcare providers are accessible and are located from 14 to 17 miles from Long Lake. Among the hospitals and medical centers within this area are the Methodist Hospital, St. Francis Regional Medical Center and the North Memorial Medical Center.
Travel
Businessmen moving in to Long Lake should not worry about their travel requirements as several airports and carriers are within the vicinity. These are the Minneapolis-St. Paul Intl/Wold-Chambrlain, St. Cloud Regional, Brainerd Lakes Regional, Flying Cloud, Crystal and Buffalo Muni.
Education
Getting quality education in Long Lake is not a problem and those who are considering the various homes for sale in the area might want to consider the following colleges and universities: Hennepin Technical College, North Hennepin Community College, North Hennepin Community College, Minneapolis Community and technical College, Normandale Community College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
High school students can look at the educational facilities offered by Orono Sr. (a public high school), while those concerned with primary or middle education can take a look at the following schools: Orono Mid, Schumann El and Orono Intermediate El.
Housing Facts
• Of the 764 total occupied housing units in Long Lake, 28% or 213 units are rented while 543 are occupied by the owners.
• There are 903 houses and condominium units for every square mile
• As of the year 2000, the average cost of houses for sale is around $95,000 while the average gross rent for a house is $644.
• A total of 405 houses have been mortgaged while only 101 houses are not mortgaged.
• Majority or 96% of those living in houses and condominiums use utility gas as house heating fuel, 2% use electricity while 1% use fuel, oil, kerosene or wood. Around 75% of those living in apartments use utility gas as house heating fuel, 31% use electricity, 6% use other types of fuel while 3% use tank, bottled or LP gas.
Looking for real estate in Long Lake is not a problem because there are real estate agents that are always ready to show you the way. There are a lot of houses and condominiums that are available at reasonable prices and in wonderful locations in Long Lake.
Relocating in Long Lake is an ideal decision for those who treasure the peaceful lifestyle of a small but historical town.
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 EXCELSIOR REAL ESTATE
Excelsior
Excelsior city may be one of the smallest cities in Minnesota but it made its mark in the American history for two things. First, it is known as the place where Liberty (not the idea but the golden retriever dog of President Gerald Ford) was sourced specifically from its owner Avis Friberg who was a resident of Excelsior sometime in 1974. Second, Jimmy Hutmaker, an Excelsior resident, was said to be the inspiration behind the song "You Can't Always get What You Want" by Rolling Stones.
People who want the quiet life of a small town but who, at the same time, yearn for the comforts offered by a modern city can very well adjust to life in Excelsior, which is only 20 minutes to Minneapolis.
Population Profile
As of the 2000 census, a total of only 2,393 people lived in all of Excelsior's 1.7 square kilometer which is not even all land (7.46% is water) . This dropped to 2,276 as of July, 2006 estimates. There are 1,199 households occupying 1,254 housing units. Majority or 94.07% of Excelsior's residents are Whites followed by Hispanics and Latinos (3.13%), Asians (2.21%) and the rest comprised of African Americans, Native Americans and those from other races. The average population is quite young with a median age of 37 years.
Excelsior's estimated average condo or home value of $318,100 in 2005 (almost a 100% increase from the average $185,800 value in 2000) is slightly higher to Minnesota's average condo or home value of $198,800. Majority or around 716 of the total houses occupied are rented while 478 are occupied by the owners.
History
Excelsior used to be a vacation destination for people coming from the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. But this was way back in the 1850s. Today, Excelsior is home to several business establishments catering to both residents and visitors.
One of the Minnesota attractions is the Minnehaha Steamboat which used to be the main means of transportation in the areas connected by Lake Minnetonka during the turn of the century. The steamboat has been raised and restored and now provides transportation straight from the Excelsior port to Wayzata especially during the summer season.
Recreation
Excelsior may be a small town with a small population but its residents get to enjoy the tranquillity and safety offered by the Commons Park. There is also an area for recreation including a playground, picnic grounds as well as tennis courts and baseball fields.
The Excelsior Chamber of Commerce traditionally sponsors community events like the Art in the Park, Apple Day Festivities and of course, the 4th of July Festivities. These are news-worthy events that are witnessed by thousands of visitors every year.
Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
History is big in Excelsior and this is evident with the formation of the Excelsior-Minnetonka Historical Society in 1972. The Society aims to document and preserve the history of Lake Minnetonka and the surrounding areas including Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Deephaven, Shorewood and Greenwood, so that everyone can share in the lake’s colourful history and be proud of their heritage.
The Society’s museum boasts of the largest collection of documents and other historic artifacts about the area. It also holds regular historical lectures which is open to the public for free.
Parking Rules
While Excelsior is not so densely-populated, it however prides itself in following a set of rules when it comes to parking. This is one relocation information that should be noted down by those who are planning to implement corporate relocation, residential relocation or employee relocation to Excelsior. Employees working downtown (which include even the store owners and their staff) are required to park offsite especially during summertime to provide additional spaces for visitors. However, the municipal parking lots are open to everyone, visitors or residents, during festivals likes the 4th o July or the Art of the Lake. Those unfamiliar with the sites should not worry because maps will be provided.
Those with handicaps (who were issued Handicap Permits) are exempted from the said parking regulations and they can continue to park where they used to. ON the other hand, employees or business owners who want to be exempted from specific parking rules during special seasons should get an Extended Parking Permit which is available for $100 each and which can be sued from Memorial to Labor Day. Charter buses should park offsite particularly along Beehrle Avenue.
Residents occupying apartments in Excelsior are also required to follow certain parking rules to help lessen the parking crunch during summer. While there is a 6-hour and 3-hour parking schedule for municipal lots from Memorial to Labor Day, tenants will be allowed to park in the 6-hour parking area for an extended period or up to 12 hours with no charge for a maximum of two permits for every apartment. Additional permits are also available but subject to a $100 charge. The extended parking permits are available for pick up at City Hall provided they show proof of their leases, driver’s license and vehicle identification. On-street parking is allowed for tenants but only for two hours.
Places to go
The Science Museum of Minnesota
Another attractive feature of Minnesota that has encouraged residential relocation to places like Excelsior is the presence of the Science Museum in St. Paul. The museum, which is operated by a non-profit organization that employs up to 600 staff, provides both young and old a glimpse of the wonderful world of science. With a combined research facility, school outreach program, teacher education and a science education center, the Science Museum is a veritable knowledge center for all. It boasts of an Imax Dome Omnitheater which helps impart science education to over a million people every year. The museum has pioneered the use of other means of communication like the live theatre to interpret science education.
It started out small and ultimately outlived its former locations. The Science Museum which started out as the St. Paul Institute of Science and Letters, now measures 370,000 square feet, consisting of 70,000 square feet exhibition space. The five permanent exhibit halls have been divided into different subject namely Physical Sciences and Technology, Paleontology, People and Culture, the Mississippi River and the Human Body. The Museum is known worldwide for its travelling and interactive exhibits.
The various schools around Minnesota have collaborated with the Science Museum to improve and popularize science teaching. The K-6 Museum Magnet School operates under the partnership of the museum and the St. Paul School District.
Excelsior may be a small town but it does not fall short of the ideals of a community that is peaceful and orderly. If you want quality living as exemplified by a small town but with easy access to the big city amenities then choose Excelsior.
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 BLAINE REAL ESTATE
BLAINE
Blaine was named in honor of former senator and presidential candidate James G. Blaine.
Blaine City bustles with business activities due to its ideal location in Anoka County in Minnesota. It can be accessed from the east via Interstate 35W and Highway 65 which runs through the center. The new access point is State Highway 10 which connects to the north metro, the south and the west.
It may be one of the biggest cities in Minnesota in terms of population but it offers both the serenity of a small town and the comforts of a big city. Those moving into Blaine City will find a perfect balance of living a healthy life while building a career and enjoying life’s little joys. Just like most of the cities within the area of Twin Cities North, Blaine enjoys a low crime rate and high quality of education. It is an ideal place for those thinking of corporate relocation, employee relocation or residential relocation as it offers affordable housing and quality healthcare.
Population profile
People flock to Blaine because it offers the rustic and suburban lifestyle of a small town and yet it is easily accessible to the downtown areas of St. Paul (30km) and Minneapolis (21 km). It started with a small population of only 1,694 sometime in the 1950s and grew to 20,640 in the 1970s. As of the 2000 census, Blaine’s population has ballooned to 44,942 consisting of 15,898 households that are occupying 16,169 housing units. There are estimates that the population count as of 2003 is already 50,425.
Majority or 93.46% of the population are Whites followed by Asians (2.54%) and Hispanics or Latinos (1.72%). The rest of the population is a mix of other races, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and African Americans. The population is remarkably young with a media age of 33 years.
Considering its population, Blaine claims to have only 3% of the total population living below the poverty line. The average income for each household is also relatively big at $59,219 while the average income per family is also considered significant at $63,831.
Blaine is the hometown of NHL player Brandon Bochenski, Chicago White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams and Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Bryan Cupito.
History
Despite its rapid growth, Blaine has managed to preserve much of its history. It became an independent city only after 1877 but before that, Blaine was just a part of Anoka. The first known settler in the city is an Irish by the name of Philip Laddy, after whom the Laddie Lake was named. However, the record of being Blaine’s first permanent goes to Green Chambers.
Blaine was not a good agricultural area considering its sandy soils and vast wetlands. This, farmers shied away from the city and this led to the slow growth of Blaine. It was the development of the State Highway 65, Interstate 35-W and Route 10 which increased the city’s potential for growth and respectively for commercial and housing development.
Business in Blaine is very promising, with over 200 industries located in the area. It is the location of 11 industrial parks as well as the headquarters of big companies like Dayton Rogers Manufacturing Co., Arrow Cyrogenics, Inc., Aveda Bermo, Inc. and General Pattern. Blaine’s competitive advantage over the other cities includes its accessibility, the competitive cost of land in the area, a thriving industrial base and a pool of skilled labor.
A new entrant to Blaine’s business sector is Infinite Campus, a company engaged in technology. The 110,000 square-foot company headquarters, which will be constructed in a 25-acre lot near Lochness Lake, is expected to hire an estimated 500 employees.
Infinite Campus is a software company engaged in the provision of student information system for schools, local and federal governments catering to K-12 students.
Where to go
Blaine is not all business. It is home to parks, open spaces and other recreational establishments. Here are some of the best places to see and visit whether you are a Blaine resident or a visitor.
National Sports Center
Known as the largest soccer complex worldwide, the Center regularly hosts top sporting events such as hockey, track and field, soccer and cycling. It boasts of an Olympic-caliber training facility. It hosted the USA Broomball National Championships this year and is being eyed as the location of a new facility that will be used by the Minnesota Vikings professional football team.
Fogerty Arena
With two ice sheets inside the facility, this place is an ideal location for indoor soccer and hockey.
Parks
There are more than 60 parks in the city and it offers diverse recreational facilities like fields for ball games and picnics. Residents and visitors can trek over 70 miles of trails in the city.
Golf Courses
KateHavenGold Course
For avid golfers, Blaine offers the 9-hole par 30 KateHaven Golf Course located around 20 minutes of downtown Minneapolis. The rolling hills and hazards consisting of water and mature oak trees will definitely attract beginner and intermediate golfers who need the perfect course to practice their putt.
NYGC Victory Links Golf Course
The Victory Links 18-hole events golf course, which has six tee boxes, was intended for young people and their families. On the other hand, the 18-hole Tournament Greens Putting Course can be a good option for those who want to enjoy golf with friends. The golf course has an oversized driving range, a clubhouse and a pro shop.
Housing
Housing services in Blaine is very affordable. If you are planning to move in then you might want to take note of the services offered by the Blaine Home Improvement Loan Program and the Rental Housing Program. For first time home buyers in Minnesota, a linkage with the North Metro 135W Corridor Coalition Housing Subcommittee and the Affordable Housing Coalition would be a good idea.
Those moving in to Minnesota can also get in touch with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency if they want to avail of mortgage loans that have fixed rates and are being offered at low interest rates. More than $4 million has been allocated last year for first time home buyers who would qualify for the loan.
There are plenty of housing opportunities in Blaine and new residents can choose from the various housing models available including townhomes, starter homes and executive homes. The secret is in choosing the housing programs that will fit you considering your lifestyle and budget.
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 DEEPHAVEN REAL ESTATE
Deephaven
You will know when you have reached Deephaven when you see the Hill Property as you enter the city from the east side of Minnetonka Boulevard. This location is incidentally the shopping district of Deephaven where coffee shops and small stores abound. Another landmark for which the city is known for is the Cottagewood General Store, located adjacent to the Children’s Park.
Nestled in Lake Minnetonka’s southeast shores and surrounded by woodlands and bays, Deephaven is a refreshing city to visit and to reside in. Its close proximity to Lake Minnetonka allows both visitors and residents a chance to enjoy and bask in the lake’s beauty.
History
Deephaven was named after the title of a book. The name was given by a certain Hazel J. Burton, a resident of Carson’s bay, after she was asked to give a name for that railroad station at the foot of the hill.
Population profile
Deephaven is an average-sized city with a population of 3,853 as of the 2000 census. There are 1,098 families residing in 1,409 housing units. A great majority or 97.35% are Whites. The rest of the population is composed of a mixture of Hispanics or Latinos, African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific islanders and other races.
The residents of Deephaven are on top of the ladder compared to the other Minnesota cities income-wise, with each household having an average income of $101,278. It also has a remarkably low poverty level, with only 1% of families or 2.6% of the total population below the poverty line.
Politics
Deephaven follows a weak Mayor-Council plan which means that the mayor’s power is equal to each council member aside of course from the mayor’s duty to preside over council meetings.
Where to go
Parks
With 76 acres allocated between the 5 parks that offer basketball courts, hockey rinks and picnic grounds, Deephaven is a veritable destination for outdoor adventure among residents and visitors. Those moving in to the city can look forward to lots of adventures. The five parks are:
1. Thorpe Park-The Thorpe Park, which is considered the primary park of the Deephaven community, used to be a farm maintained by local farmers George and his father Frank Bennis. It was upgraded by the local government in 1996 and now offers outdoor adventures for families. It offers off-street parking, playground and picnic shelter, flower gardens and a pond, two ball fields, two tennis courts, a warming house, facilities for hockey, inline and open skating, basketball court, trails and a drinking fountain. It is also a good place for those who want to get a good exercise or just relax for a while.
2. Cottagewood Children Park-The Park will always be remembered as the site where the donkeys of the Hazeltine sisters were allowed to graze. However, they were banned by the city council in 1918 and since then animals were no longer allowed to be tied inside the park. It is also famous for being the venue of the annual celebration of the 4th of July.
3. Pump Park- It is a small park across the St. Therese Church and mostly used by those who work and reside in the neighborhood. The people maintaining the park are still in search of the old hand pump, which was once located in the park, so they can install it in the park to give it a sense of history.
4. Shuck Park - The Park, which was purchased by the Village in 1937, was named after Bob Shuck. Shuck came to Deephaven in the 1880’s and spent the rest of his life serving his employer (Hazen Burtons) and the Village in various ways. He is credited for keeping the Village solvent and out of debt during the Depression. He is also known for coaching the first football team of Deephaven. The park has two tennis courts, a small basketball court, a play area, Village Hall Park, a picnic area and a small open field, and provides limited on-street parking.
5. Burton Park-The Park’s 10-acre area is a mixture of open spaces and woodland.
6. Pump Park-It is a small neighborhood park which offers limited on-street parking.
Beaches
Deephaven boasts of six beaches namely:
• Deephaven beach- Deephaven beach is the largest beach and provides recreational areas for visitors, making it an ideal spot not only during summer but also during spring and fall. Residents can join the swimming lessons that will be provided by the American Red Cross-authorized Minnetonka Community Education. It has a supervised beach and has facilities for tennis with a sport court surface, trail access, swings, canoe racks and a picnic area.
• Linwood beach-It has a small unsupervised beach and provides a limited on-street parking.
• Nocomo beach-It may have a small unsupervised beach but those residing along the Walden neighborhood prefer this beach. It has limited off-street parking.
• Rocky beach-It offers unsupervised swimming, limited off-street parking and a small lake access.
• Robinson beach- It has a small beach but swimming is supervised by a lifeguard. It offers limited off-street parking.
• Sandy Beach-It has a small but supervised beach with a lifeguard and offers limited off-street parking.
Minnetonka Yacht Club
If you haven’t made up your mind yet about moving to Deephaven and you are a water-worshipper, the existence of the Minnetonka Yacht Club (which has a private membership) may just change your mind. The Club was organized in 1882 by a few yachtsmen and started with 25 members contributing ten boats to the club’s fleet.
The club’s membership rose to 54 (with 30 boats under its fleet) in 1889. The Club became famous by August 1890 after Owana, a sailboat owned by Ward Burton and built by Deephaven resident Arthur Dyer, won almost all races. The members decided to incorporate the Minnetonka Ice Yacht Club in September 1899, with a total of 167 members. The clubhouse was known for offering aquatic sports, buffet lunches as well as golfing privileges for its members.
Deephaven residents are particular about maintaining the loosely-knit and progressive image of their community. Thus, the city maintains specific standards for residential homes, condominiums and apartments located in the city to ensure the health and quality of life of the residents. Relocating in the city can mean being subjected to these ordinances and yet, this is such a small price to pay considering the benefits that one can get from residing in one of Minnesota’s prime locations.
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 MEDINA REAL ESTATE
Medina
Medina may be a small city in Minnesota but it has made the local headlines as the birthplace of Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball player Ryan Saunders. Other Medina residents that have helped place the city in the papers include Steve Hutchinson of the Minnesota Viking, Coach Flip Saunders of the Detroit Pistons, Corey Koskie-third baseman of the Milwaukee Brewers, Johan Randle of the National Football League and bike racer Greg LeMond.
It is a relatively peaceful city and has a low crime rate compared to Hennepin County and Minnesota. The 2004 crime statistics shows a 2.19% property crime rate, compared to Hennepin County’s 3.01% and Minnesota’s 3.38%. Property crime involves arson, burglary, larceny theft and motor vehicle theft. Violent crime statistics in Medina (which includes aggravated assault, murder, rape and robbery) is only 0.05% compared to Hennepin County’s 0.18% and Minnesota’s .23%.
Population Profile
With a population of 4,005 as of the 2000 census and a density of 185 people for every square mile, Medina is one of the smaller cities in Minnesota. Majority or 97.3% of the residents are Whites followed by Asians (1.20%). The rest of the population is a mixture of Hispanics or Latinos, African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other races.
Of the 1,309 total households, 78.4% consist of married couples (which is greater than the statistics for the other cities). This may be the reason why they say that Medina is the place to go to when you are already married because the percentage of married coupled makes it almost impossible for you to find a mate there. It has a relatively young population with an average age of 38 years.
The poverty level of 1.3% of the total population or only 0.4% of the total number of families is remarkably lesser compared to the other cities. There is also a high income level for families with each family having an average income of $96,909. This goes to show that residents of Medina have money to spend.
A great majority or 87% (1,755) of Medina residents use their cars alone when going to work while 5% (106) make use of the carpool method. Only 1% of the residents use the bus when going to work while 5% (106) of the residents work at home.
Housing
Medina experienced a high rate of home construction projects from1960 to 1989, with 21.91% of the homes built from 1980 to 1989, 17.03% of the homes built from 1970 to 1979 and 15.60% of the homes built from 1960 to 1969. Home building projects were slow from 1940 to 1949 with only 4.28% and from 1999 to March 2000 with only 4.73%. The average gross rent for apartments and houses in the city is at $594 as of the year 2000.
Of the 1,333 occupied housing units, 7% or 87 are rented while 1,218 are occupied by the owners. There are 52 houses for every square mile of land in Medina. Of the total housing units, 801 are mortgaged while 178 houses are without a mortgage.
Majority or 81% of houses and condos in Medina use utility gas as house heating fuel, 7% use tank, bottled or LP gas, 6% use fuel oil or kerosene, 4% use electricity while 2% use wood. Most apartments however use utility gas (62%) for their house heating fuel while usage for electricity and fuel oil and kerosene is basically the same at 15% and 14% respectively.
While some people rue the high property taxes in the city, some consider this a sign of the city’s good economic wealth and financial stability which is desirable for most people. Most of the residents also have a college degree.
Where to go
The Hamel Community Building, which is located in Hamel Legion Park, is a convenient meeting place for Medina residents at a very affordable price. It can accommodate from 120 people (banquet style) to 150 people (theater style). Catering services is easy as it has kitchen and food preparation facilities, complete with a freezer and an industrial refrigerator, counter space, coffee maker and a service window.
It is strategically located near sports facilities including soccer fields, tennis courts, six baseball fields and a volleyball court. Those who prefer to go on picnics can use the covered patio which even has a fire pit.
Utilities
Medina is a highly developed city and its utilities have been properly set up. Those moving in to this city can expect a stable supply of electricity from two companies; Wright-Hennepin and Xcel Energy. Cable television is available with most of the areas being serviced by Mediacom. There are also other satellite providers.
There is regular garbage hauling in Medina and the service is provided by two licensed garbage haulers. The city is also strict with its recycling rules. The city relies on both the septic systems and sewer service for residential areas. While most areas in the city have natural gas as provided by Centerpoint Energy-Minnegasco, some parts of the city are not reached by the service at all.
Telephone service in Medina is provided by Citizens Communications (for the western part) and Qwest (for the rest of the city). Different companies provide cellular services to all parts of the city.
Water is not a problem. Hamel, Independence Beach, Foxberry Hill, Cherry Hill and Medina Morningside rely on city water while the rest use private wells. For problems regarding rusty water, residents can contact Culligan water.
Education
Those looking at the possibility of employee relocation or corporate relocation to Medina won’t have a problem even if they have family members still going to school. There are nearby educational facilities particularly colleges such as the Hennepin technical College and the North Hennepin Community College which is just 15 miles from Medina, Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Minneapolis Community and technical College which is just 20 and 21 miles from the city and the Augsburg College, Normandale Community College and the University of Minnesota which is 24 miles from Medina.
Medina is the ideal place for people looking for a medium-sized city with low population and housing density. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of city life then relocating in Medina can add more quality to your years. While it may seem a small city compared to the other cities in Minnesota, it is near Minneapolis and the other more commercial districts in Minnetonka, Wayzata and Plymouth.
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 ROGERS REAL ESTATE
Rogers
Rogers is a medium-sized city in Minnesota and it is expected to catch up soon with the other communities in the Twin Cities population-wise. It is approximately 5 miles from Dayton, 5 to 6 miles from Dayton and Otsego and around 6.5 to 7 miles from Corcoran, Hanover, Albertville and St. Michael.
Unlike the other Minnesota cities with areas dedicated to water or lakes, all of Rogers’ 13 square kilometer area is all land.
Population profile
The 2000 census has recorded a population of 3,588 but the number is estimated to have doubled as of the year 2005. Majority or 97.10% of the residents are Whites and the rest of the population is a mixture of Asians, Hispanics and Latinos and a small percentage of African Americans and Native Americans.
If you are planning to move in to Rogers then you will most probably find yourself living among a community of married couples which means this is no place for singles looking for a future partner. A great majority or 77.2% of the residents are married couples. The population is however relatively young with an average age of 31 years.
The residents of Rogers are also financially well-off, with an average income of $76,984 per family. The average family income was estimated at $79,200 as of the year 2005. Only 0.4% of the families and 1.8% of the total population of Rogers are classified as living below the poverty line
History
One unforgettable chapter in the history of Rogers is the havoc created by a destructive tornado which is said to have visited the city several times.
Historically, tornado activity in Rogers is more than the average tornado activity in Minnesota and around 31% more than the average tornado activity in the United States. A tornado with a wind speed of 207 to 260 mph hit Rogers in 1951 and this resulted to the death of one person, injury to 20 people and property damage of up to $5 million. Another tornado was recorded in 1983 which resulted to injury and property damage of up to $50,000. There was also another tornado in 2006 which injured seven people and damaged 300 homes.
Ordinances
If you are thinking of moving in to Rogers and are looking for houses for sale then you would be better off knowing some of the most important ordinances in the city. One such ordinance is Ordinance No. 2001-08 which regulates the behavior and activities of Rogers residents including the way they conduct entertainment, use of alcoholic beverages and public nuisance.
Section 1.70 of the Ordinance makes it unlawful for residents and visitors to cause public disturbance through excessive and loud noise. The following are prohibited under the ordinance:
• Noisy assembly
• Use of horns and other devices emitting sound and signal except when used in traffic and to signal danger
• Keeping of noisy animals
• Maintenance of noisy vehicles
• Vehicle sounds
Housing
The average value of condominiums in Rogers was estimated at $186,600 in the year 2000. This more than doubled to $319,500 in 2005 compared to the average condominium value in the State of Minnesota of $198,800.
Utilities
Healthcare is not a problem in Rogers since there are at least three hospitals that are located near the city such as:
• Monticello-Big Lake Community Hospital (19 miles from the city)
• Mercy Hospital (17 miles from the city)
• Anoka-Metro Ref Treatment Center (11 miles from the city)
People who prefer to live in Rogers but who have to travel out of town or send parcels regularly will also relish the thought of moving in the city because it is only about 33 miles to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International/Word-Chamberlain Airport, 42 miles to the St. loud Regional Airport and 91 miles to the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport. The nearest public-use airport to Rogers is Crystal in Minneapolis which is only around 18 miles, followed by Buffalo Muni and Princeton Muni which is around 20 to 25 miles from Rogers.
Education
Moving in to Rogers but worried about the schooling of family members? Here are some colleges near Rogers:
• Hennepin Technical College (14 miles from the city and with 3,138 students)
• North Hennepin Community College (14 miles from the city and with 3,097 students)
• Anoka-Ramsey Community College (17 miles from the city and with 3,627 students)
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College (25 miles from the city and with 3,857 students)
• Bethel College (27 miles from the city and with 2,787 students)
• Augsburg College (27 miles form the city and with 2,662 students)
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (28 miles from the city and the biggest with 26,289 students)
There are four public schools in Rogers for primary and middle education namely Roger Elementary, Rogers Jr. High, Rogers Senior High and Kaleidoscope Charter School. There is only one private school for this level and this is the St. Martin School.
Rogers is an ideal city to live in and it holds its grounds even when compared against Minnesota statistics. The city is way over the state average when it comes to the average household income and average house value. However, it is way below the state average when it comes to the number of homes for rent.
Business
Rogers is a good place for business and this is evident with the number of banks located in the area. The Wells Fargo Bank, with $398,671 million worth of assets and $311,546 worth of deposits, has branches all over Rogers. The 21st Century Bank has a total bank asset of $385.6 million and total deposits of $303.3 million. The First National Bank of Elk River has $349.3 million worth of assets and $273.3 million worth of deposits.
Entertainment
Festival
The city may possess a thriving business community but people here find some time for fun and entertainment. Proof of this is the City Park Festival which is being celebrated in the city every year. The Rockin’ Rogers Day is also a come-on for both residents and visitors who revel in the city-wide celebration which is held during the last week of June, usually before summer every year. The festivity is characterized by a parade, a beer garden and a carnival.
Golf
The city boasts of two superb golf courses, the Fox Hollow Golf Club (which has a river flowing through the design of the course) and the Pheasant Run Gold Club (a demanding course with water hazards).
Living in Rogers is having the best of both worlds right in your fingertips. The wealth of the city coupled with its concern for the community can be a good motivation for those who are planning on employee relocation and corporate relocation,
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 RAMSEY COUNTY REAL ESTATE
Ramsey County
The award given to Dave Twa, country manager of Ramsey County in Minnesota, speaks well of the quality of the county management. With a measly budget of $518,729,994 for 2006, and several budget cuts, Twa was able to make sure the administrative processes of Ramsey County worked well qualifying him for the award. .
Population profile
Ramsey County is one of the biggest counties in Minnesota with a population count of 511,035 as of the 200 Census. This is not a surprise since it is the location of St. Paul, the capital city of the State of Minnesota. But while it is a large county population wise, it is the state’s smallest county area wise.
Most of its population are Whites (77.37%) followed by Asians (8.77%), Black or African Americans (7.61%). The rest is a mixture of Native Americans, Pacific Islanders as well as Hispanics and Latinos.
The average population age is fairly young at 34 years. The average income for its 201,236 households is $45,722 while the average income for the 119,936 families is pegged at $57,747.
Ramsey County consists of the following cities: Arden Hills, North Oaks, Blaine, North St. Paul, Falcon Heights, Roseville, Gem Lake, Shoreview, Lauderdale, St. Anthony, Little Canada, St. Paul, Maplewood, Spring Lake Park, Mounds View, Vadnais Heights, New Brighton and White Bear Lake.
History
Minnesota’s first nine counties were created by virtue of an act which was signed on October 27, 1849. It would have been named St. Paul County had the name not been changed to Ramsey County (after Governor Ramsey) before the second reading. While Ramsey was well-liked by the people, some suspected that the county was named after him for the sake of flattery.
Trials were a big thing in the county then as only three judges took care of all court responsibilities for the nine counties.
Social Services
Minnesota had the smallest share of the expenditure pie in 1990 compared to the other states. In fact, 67% of the expenses for the county’s criminal justice system came from its local property tax earnings while only 33% were contributed by the state. For the following year, the state of Minnesota contributed 35.5% of the social services costs of each county while 23.5% came from the federal government and the remaining 38.1% from the county itself.
The state however believes that it is better to let each county contribute to its expenses in partnership with the state and the federal government to encourage more local government participation and accountability. To maximize their resources, some counties have contributed to common facilities and programs like waste management and healthcare services.
Recreation
Those planning for corporate relocation or employee relocation in any of the cities of Ramsey County would be glad to note that the county is not lacking in entertainment and recreation. With nine regional parks, five county parks and other facilities for swimming and cross country skiing, Ramsey County provides access to cheap and wholesome fun. Here are some of the recreational places to visit in Ramsey County.
Ice Arena
There are several ice arenas in Ramsey County such as the Aldrich Arena which usually host hockey leagues of the local high schools. It is open to the public and provides skating lessons for individuals or groups. The Charles M. Schulz Ice Arena boasts of a year-round ice arena and also provides ice skating lessons. The arenas are also available for non-ice activities like private parties and trade shows.
Tamarack Nature Center
The Tamarack Nature Center, the county’s nature center, has embarked on a five-year plan to improve its facilities. Once the renovation is completed, the center will become destination for discoveries not only for residents but for visitors as well.
Golf Courses
With at least five golf courses within its periphery, Ramsey County is fit to be called a golfing County. Take a look at these golf courses and their features:
• Goodrich Golf Course in North Van Dyke Street, Maplewood is a favorite course for Ramsey County’s seniors. It is an 18-hole course with excellent greens plus a par 70 course. Those who do not want crowded courses should visit this place early afternoons.
• The Ponds at Battle Creek at South Century Avenue, Maplewood is a 9-hole and pat 35 course which boasts of an extensive practice range. The Ramsey County Community Corrections and Parks and Recreation department has made use of inmates to develop and maintain the course.
• Keller Golf Course at Maplewood Drive boasts of a course with championship facilities as well as a history that runs backs to 1929. It is known as the best public golf course in the area.
• Island Lake Golf & Training Center at Red Fox Road, Shoreview is a 9-hole and par 28 course which is ideal for both beginners and experts who love a good challenge.
• Manitou Ridge Golf Course at North McKnight Road, White Bear Lake is an 18-hole and par 71 course does not only offer a good round of golf but also a nice view of the area. It boasts of a modern clubhouse that provides golfers with all the amenities they need including a golf shop and a snack bar.
Housing
If you are considering corporate relocation or employee relocation in Ramsey County, Minnesota, then you are probably looking for real estate properties like apartments, condominiums or houses for sale. Ramsey’s First Home Buyer Assistance Program can help you purchase affordable homes through deferred loans of up to $20,000 at zero percent interest.
To qualify for the housing loan, your annual gross income should not be more than $41,700 if you are an individual or $59.600 for a household with four earning members. This was the maximum income limit provided by the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority as of March 2007. The Authority also requires that at least one member of the household should be employed in either St. Paul or Ramsey County.
Buyers can choose from single family homes, townhouses or even condominiums provided the property is located in Ramsey County, excluding St. Paul City.
There are a lot of reasons why you should choose Ramsey County for your relocation plans and affordable housing is one of them.
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 ORONO REAL ESTATE
ORONO
Orono is one of the Minnesota cities that offer a picturesque view of Lake Minnetonka (the tenth largest lake in the State) which may be one of the reasons why it has been called the jewel of Lake Minnetonka. In fact, this city seems to hold the secret to the magic of the lake that visitors are cautioned against leaving the Twin Cities without even stopping by Orono.
Located just around 13 miles from the west side of the State of Minneapolis, Orono offers the best seat in the house for viewing Lake Minnetonka considering that it is adjacent to the lake .
But that’s not all that Orono has to offer. Those who are planning to move in for employment relocation or residential relocation will also be besotted by the city’s wide offering of major attractions like cultural shows and artwork and a variety of water sports like ice skating ice racing and the likes.
Buying a home in Orono will not only give you access to life’s little pleasures like a scenic view of sailboat clusters parading along the waters but it will also give you access to one of the world’s largest malls, the Mall of America which is located in Minneapolis. It may take forever to explore every nook and cranny of this mall so being a resident of Orono would help.
Orono’s total area of 64.8 square kilometer is 35.78% water which explains the city’s emphasis on water preservation specifically the water quality of Lake Minnetonka. The city is also committed to protecting and preserving its natural resources including the open spaces, urban and rural lands and the local character as well as the identity of its people.
Population Profile
Orono is considered a medium-sized Minnesota city with 7,538 people as of the 2000 census. A great majority or 97.73% of its residents are whites, followed by Asians (.94%), Hispanics and Latinos (.86%). The rest of the population is made up of African Americans, Native Americans and other races.
Nearly three-fourths or 71.8% of the entire population are married couples so families planning to move in to Orono can look forward to building friendly relationships with fellow couples and possibly couples with children. Orono residents live comfortably with an average income of $101,114 per family, with only .5% of the total number of families living below the poverty level.
Majority or 90.6% of the 3,949 labor force of Orono use a car, van or motorcycle when going to work while .6% or 22 people use public transportation. A small number of residents or 7.2% work at home.
Education
There are five public schools in the Orono School District including Orono Schumann Elementary, Orono Intermediate School, Orono Middle School and Orono Sr. High School. The reopened Hill Schools provide private education facilities for Pre-K up to Grade 8 students.
Influence of Lake Minnetonka
The lives of Orono residents are greatly influenced by Lake Minnetonka considering that it is the most active and heavily-used lakes in the State of Minnesota. Residents and visitors alike delight in the many activities along the Lake come summertime while they revel in the serenity offered by the Lake during spring and fall. Winter is however a different story because it is the time when various water-based activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling is done.
Despite Lake Minnetonka’s reputation as a major tourist attraction in Orono and in Minnesota, it is considered a fish-producing Lake where various species can be found including Bluegills, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, crappie and even muskellunge.
Environment programs
Orono residents are urged to help the city preserve their natural resources through the Adopt a Green Space Program. The program, which seeks to promote sustainable development so that the future Orono residents may benefit from the present natural resources being enjoyed by the city, makes use of the adoption strategy whereby residents and organizations who commit to adopt a certain resource is given the responsibility of taking care of that resource.
Among the suggested responsibilities of those who will adopt a space includes cleaning up of garbage in the area; planting of approved flowers, trees and shrubs and removing weeds in the area. Since this is a partnership, the city is responsible for designating the green areas for adoption, providing trash bags that can be recycled, garbage collection and acknowledging the contribution of the sponsoring individual or group.
There are a lot of green spaces up for adoption in Orono and here are some of them:
• Beaches-This includes the following beaches: Summit Park Swimming Beach, Sandy Beach Swim Area, Lydiard Swimming Beach and Casco Point Swimming Beach.
• Nature Preservation Areas-This includes the Mculley Road, Highwood Nature Trails, French Creek Preserve and Lowry Woods.
• Lake Access-This includes Stubbs Bay, Park Lane, Carman Street and Loma Linda.
• Parks-This includes the Casco Circle Park and Skating Rink, Bederwood Park, Hackberry Park, Crystal Bay Playground, Navarre Playground, Livingston Tower Park, Seven Nations Park and the Roberta Lee Antoine Playground.
• Public Grounds-This includes the Navarre Parking Lot, City Grounds and any street in the neighborhood.
• School Recreational Areas
Places to go
Orono offers a lot of attractions for both residents and visitors.
• Casco Beach is located between Casco Point Road and Spring Park Bay. It is actually a narrow land with a swimming dock and area buoys.
• Lydiard Beach is located in Lydiard Street and Carman’s Bay. It has swim area buoys as well as a swimming dock.
• Summit Beach Park-It is located along Long Lake Road and has swimming buoys and swimming docks.
• Bederwood Park is an eight-acre park located along Stubbs Bay Road. It has chemical toilets as well as recreational facilities like climber, bike rack and a baseball diamond. The park has been recently upgraded and now has new bases, home plate, pitcher’s mound and infield dirt, thanks to a donation from the Orono Baseball Association.
• Casco Circle Park is also an eight-acre park located along the end of Casco Point Road.
• Casco Skating Rink is also located along Casco Point Road and has a skating rink.
• Crystal Bay Playground is just behind Orono’s post office and it has a basketball court and playground equipment.
• French Creek consists of a seven-acre pond and a four-acre prairie near North Shore Drive. This is also a place for nesting birds so visitors are cautioned from making a lot of noise.
• Hackberry Park is a four-acre park along Willow Drive. It has an area for sports activities like soccer, recreational ice skating and baseball.
• Highwood Nature Trail is a 12-acre park located along the North Shore Drive. It is in its natural state but there is a walking trail.
• Lowry Woods is a 15-acre woodland which boasts of red oaks, hickory trees and sugar maples.
• Lurton Park was donated with strict provisions restricting the building of structures and ball fields in the area. It is mainly used for hiking and biking but it boasts of an old historical barn.
• Saga Hill Park is the largest park in Orono, with a 30-acre area surrounded by natural woods.
• Orono Golf Course, which was founded in 1924, is Minnesota’s first public golf course. It is a 9-hole course with mature trees, elevated greens and a wooded buffer.
• Spring Hill Golf Course is an 18-hole course.
Housing
If you are looking for houses for rent in Orono then you might want to take a look at the new luxurious residential subdivisions that are under construction and which will amount to at least $350,000 per home. However, the average house for sale in Orono amounts to $175,000.
Majority or 96.1% of the existing housing units in Orono are occupied by the owners and only 170 units are being occupied by renters. If you love sailing then you can take advantage of a house with dock access.
Life in Orono is never dull no matter what the season is. And if you get bored of the lake and all the water-based activities, you can always go the extra mile (or less) and go shopping in Minneapolis and the nearby cities.
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 RICHFIELD REAL ESTATE
Richfield
Richfield, Minnesota is located directly south of Minneapolis, and is quickly becoming an extremely popular area to live. Its easy access to such major attractions such as the Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, as well as its short ten-minute drive to downtown Minneapolis has allowed Richfield to experience a wealth of success in recent years in terms of employment, economy, and real estate.
Perhaps most notable about Richfield is the vast growth in its employment rate. This has become an extremely prosperous area in terms of shopping and independent business, with nearly 2,500 new jobs created between 2001 and 2003. Its most well-known employer is the Best Buy corporation, which moved its headquarters here in 2003, and is Richfield’s largest employer. Undoubtedly, its convenient location along Highway 35, as well as the southern stretch of the famous Nicollet and Lyndale Avenues provide a convenient location for starting businesses. As a result, the suburb has become very popular for businessmen either looking to open a new business or develop branches of successful Minneapolis stores. In either case, it is great news for Richfield, whose employment rate is expected to continue its upward rise.
Aside from its expansive business district, Richfield is also a wonderful area for outdoor recreation. With over 460 acres of parkland within its city limits, many families enjoy taking their children out on the weekends for a hike or to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage. Additionally, the city of Richfield maintains the ever-popular Wood Lake Nature Center, which contains hundreds of attractive birds and animals, and a series of walking paths to enjoy the natural scenery.
Regardless of whether you have a family, or are a single home-buyer, the Richfield real estate offers plenty that will suit a variety of needs. With the expanse of business in the area comes an expanse in single-family homes, large multi-story homes, condominium complexes, and much more. Richfield is a safe suburb, which appeals to many families, yet has an attractive location and an abundance of shopping and recreation, which attracts many younger buyers. It takes a great deal of pride in the rich diversity that provides it with its character.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in.
Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
MORE Richfield MN info
Richfield
Richfield City in Hennepin County, Minnesota is bordered by equally big and developed cities like Minneapolis, Bloomington and Edina. It is strategically located near the Minneapolis and St. Paul International Airport making it an ideal location for tourism and business.
This year’s 4th of July is very exciting in Richfield as it has prepared a five-day free celebration for all families in the city. Most of the events will be held at the Veteran’s Park including the carnival, str4eet dance, fireworks and fun night. The event is expected to promote not only patriotism but also love of family.
History
Richfield used to be a small farming community way back 1850s and the name Richfield was taken from the fertile land where the area is located. Former Ohio Militia General, Richfield Justice of the Peace and Minnesota State Senator Riley Bartholomew was among the first settlers of the area. In fact, the Bartholomew House in Wood Lake is considered a historic place that has been included in the National and Minnesota Registers of Historic Places. The first town hall was built in 1879 and among the first residents of Richfield are families from the New England area, Irish and Germans and later on immigrants from Norway, Denmark and Sweden.
Richfield became a village in 1908 but its population and economy started growing only in the late 1940s as farmlands were sold and converted into homes and commercial establishments. Clarence Christian, the city’s first mayor, started serving the city in 1951. The city had a speedy growth after World War II with people scurrying for Twin City jobs.
Community Profile
Richfield has a total inhabitant of 34,439 people as of the 2000 Census. Majority or 81.25% of its residents are Whites followed by African Americans (6.65%), Asians (5.30%) and those from other races. Richfield’s population is relatively young with an average age of 37. A small percentage or 16.4% of the resident are 65 years old or over while 20.2% are below 18 years old.
While the average family income of $56,434 is comparable to other developed cities in Minnesota, 6.3% of Richfield’s population is living below the poverty level. The city’s per capita income is $24,709.
Health care in Richfield is taken care of by nearby hospitals and medial facilities including Abbot-Northwestern Hospital, Inc., Children’s health Care and Phillips Eye Institute.
Business
Richfield is an ideal investment haven and this is evident with Best Buy Company’s decision in 2003 to relocate its corporate headquarters in the city. Best Buy, a Fortune 100 company and the country’s largest electronic retailer, is the city’s largest employer. Most people relocate to Richfield with the hope of finding suitable employment with Best Buy and its subsidiaries including Pacific Sales, Magnolia Audio Video and Geek Squad. Best Buy and its subsidiaries operate over 1,150 stores all over the country as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, China and Turkey.
While Best Buy is no doubt the backbone of Richfield’s economy, the other small and medium businesses also add up to employment and income opportunities in the city. Richfield has a 2,444 net job growth between 2001 and 2003. The city employment has also increased from 10,090 in 1995 to 15,000 in 2005. As of September 2007, Richfield has an unemployment rate of 4.8% compared to Minnesota’s 4.7%.
Richfield Chamber of Commerce President Steven O. Lindgren refers to Richfield as a “suburban community” that is clean and enjoying brisk business but which also has a “small town heart” which makes it possible to keep the community spirits high and the local government responsive to their needs.
Several banks have established their branches in Richfield as of 2007. Among these are the M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank with $48,017.4 million in bank assets and $31,598.7 million in deposits; Wells Fargo Bank with $398,671.0 million in bank assets and $311,546.0 million deposits, First National Bank of the Lakes
with $59.3 million in bank assets and $53.0 million in deposits and Bremer Bank with $2,390.6 million in bank assets and $1,784.8 million deposits.
Attractions
Corporate relocations to Richfield are attractive both to individuals and married employees because of the city’s bustling business sector and clean environment. It has 39 restaurants and a wide array of commercial establishments (including the Mall of America) as well as parks and open spaces.
Aside from being adjacent to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Richfield is also home to the Valleyfair Amusement park, Mystic Lake Casino and the Canterbury Park race Track and Car Club.
One of the top attractions of Richfield is the Mall of America which opened its doors to the public in 1992. Known as the largest retail and entertainment establishment in the country, the 4.2 million square foot Mall of America is home to four major department stores, 520 world class shops, the Nick Universe Amusement Park a Walk-Through Aquarium with 1.2 million gallons of water and several other shops. The mall’s parking area can accommodate over 20,000 vehicles.
If you want to get closer to nature then Richfield’s parks including Augsburg Park, Monroe Field, Taft Park, Lincoln Field, Nicollet Park, Fremont Park and Sheridan Park are just a drive away.
Famous Citizens
Among the famous citizens who were born in Richfield are NHL player Darby Hendrickson, College basketball players Ray Brown, Travis Brown and Stephen King and WNBA’s Susan King. Gold medalist and USA men’s hockey team member Steve Christoff, environmentalist and Arctic explorer Will Steger and stage performer Russ King are residents of Richfield.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 WOODBURY REAL ESTATE
Woodbury
Woodbury is proximate to St, Paul, Minnesota’s Capital City. It is a favorite relocation area among those already employed nearby and those looking for work opportunities in the area considering that it is also proximate to the 3M Corporation, one of the largest employers of the state. Another reason why Woodbury is attractive as a relocation area is the wide-range of choices when it comes to the city’s housing which comes in the form of town homes, apartment or even large estates.
It is an ideal place both as a resident and a place for business, The latter is evident with the city’s thriving business community with the likes of EcoWater Systems, Target.com, Assurant, The Hartford, eFunds and Long Term Care Group.
This Twin Cities suburb is a vibrant community that has shown potential for growth given the city’s resources. Such growth has been properly planned and mapped out by the city officials and the growth you are seeing now is just a product of such efforts.
Woodbury is a clean and green city with a dedicated park land measuring 3,000 acres. It has an ideal public park system, eight small lakes as well as multi-trails for residents and visitors. It is a good place to raise children and to retire considering the variety of sports facilities including the Eagle Valley golf course as well as the Bielenberg Sports Center.
History
A stone painted by Dakota Chief Little Crow is supposedly the basis for naming the city Red Rock. However the name was changed to Woodbury in 1859 in honor of New Hampshire Judge Levi Woodbury.
Woodbury is a culturally-rich are with immigrants coming from as far as Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Scotland and even Ireland. These people have settled in the area and have intermarried creating a rich heritage for the city. The development of housing in the area started in 1955 and has started to replace the fertile farmlands. Despite the growth of housing and commercial areas in Woodbury, the city managed to maintain lots of open spaces to balance urban development.
Woodbury started as a township in 1858 and the first town hall was built only in 1876. However, education was already a priority in the town with seven schools already organized by 1868.
Community Profile
Woodbury has a population of 46,463 people as of the 2000 Census. Most of the residents are Whites (90.04%) while the rest are Asians (5.01%), African Americans (2.51%) and those from other races. The population is fairly young with an average age of 33 years old.
Most residents lead a comfortable life with an average income of $84,997 for every family and $76,109 for every household. The city has a per capita income of $32,606, with only 1.7% of the population living below poverty level and only 0.8% of the families living below the poverty level.
Residents of Woodbury enjoy a peaceful and quality life in the city punctuated by regular recreational activities both for individuals and families. Woodbury promotes family and togetherness so it has put into place several recreational destinations not only for its residents but also for visitors.
Business
If your purpose for choosing Woodbury as a relocation area is business and employment then it would be helpful to note that the city is the location of several businesses like Dean Foods, Woodwinds Health Campus, The Hartford and target Corporation. Hartford alone employs 800 people at its Bielenberg Drive headquarters and is considered the largest employer in the city. There’s also Harvey Vogel Manufacturing, Woodbury Healthcare Center and Woodbury Lakes.
Majority of Woodbury’s commercial district is made up of retail. There are large retail centers in city including Woodbury Lakes and Tamarack. More developments are expected to follow especially after it was named as the hottest place to live in the Midwest by Money Magazine.
Large scale business and housing developments are welcomed in the area as it offers a variety of real estate properties. The strategic location of Woodbury to the International Airports of the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis is also one reason why investors are particularly interested in Woodbury.
Housing
Those are eyeing Woodbury either for corporate relocation or executive relocation can afford of the city’s affordable housing program thanks to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The present goal of Woodbury is to pave the way for multiple housing options for the residents instead of focusing on increasing the size of lots for single family housing development.
The over-all goal of the city is to create housing facilities that are not only affordable but unique as well and caters to the need of its people. Among the affordable housing developments in the city are Waters Edge Townhomes, Habitat for Humanity, Pondview Townhomes and Lakeside Townhomes. These housing facilities provide opportunities for rental and ownership for prospective homeowners.
The City Council, which serves as Woodbury’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority does not only make sure Woodbury residents enjoy decent, affordable and safe housing but also ensures that the housing action plan is properly implemented.
Recreational Facilities
Woodbury is an ideal choice for corporate relocation, employee relocation and even for retirement. There are lots of recreational facilities in the city that would appeal to residents of all ages. Take for example the Eagle Valley 18-hole, par 72 Golf Course. The course is ideal for all skill levels so you can enjoy a round of golf no matter if you are a beginner or a professional golfer. You can always make golf time a time to relax thanks to the rolling terrain of the 225-acre golf course. The golf course is also an ideal place for meetings as it has banquet rooms and offers catering services.
You can also take advantage of the various facilities offered by the community parks like the Bielenberg Sports Center which functions as an ice arena and a soccer field, Ojibway Park and the Tamarack Nature Preserve.
Summer can be a wonderful time for the whole family as they can spend lots of bonding moments at the Carver Lake Beach. The beach is actually part of the 150-acre park which includes lakeshore bluffs, stream, woods and the 40-acre lake.
If you are looking for a place where you can do business or get decent and a high-paying employment while enjoying the joys of everyday living then the best choice is Woodbury. | |
 NEW BRIGHTON REAL ESTATE
New Brighton
New Brighton’s strategic location between two of Minnesota’s largest cities (St. Paul and Minneapolis) is responsible for most of the city’s growth. The railroad, which is located between the Twin Cities, also made the movement of goods and people between the three cities faster and more efficient.
The city used to be an Indian Village and was inhabited a hundred percent by Indians some of whom belong to the Tatonkawatakuna, a Sioux tribe subsidiary. The area was apparently made into a farming settlement with traces of oats and barley found in one of the fire pits. This was evident when tepee foundations and fire pits were found on the site in the 1890s. The establishment of a white settlement in the Long Lake area in 1735 paved the way for the population shift from pure Indians to non-Indians.
The city was named by its English founders after Brighton Massachusetts, which in turn, was named after a resort city in England.
Population profile
As of the 2000 census, New Brighton is inhabited by 22,206 people and 5,903 families. It is a big enough community with a population density of 1,291.2 per square kilometer of land. Most of the population or 88.59% are Whites followed by Asians (4.38%) and African Americans (3.32%). The rest is a mixture of Hispanics or Latinos, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other races.
Almost half of the 9,013 total households consist of married couples. The population is young with an average age of 37 years. An estimated 4% of the total population of the city lives below the poverty level.
History
Majority of the Minnesota towns used to be inhabited by Native Americans and New Brighton is no exception. Among the first inhabitants of the city are the Dakota and Ojibway tribes who settled along Rice Creek in Long Lake. The first recorded settlement in New Brighton was in 1858 and this came with a mission church, school and a general store.
However, one significant data which influenced the city’s history was the establishment in 1888 of the Minneapolis Stockyards and Packing Company. The company, which supplied home items in the area, was built in the land now known as New Brighton by Thomas Lowry (streetcar magnate), J.S. Pillsbury (word-famous flour miller), W.O. Dunwoody (industrialist), former Minneapolis mayor W.H. Eustis and Senator J.D. Washburn.
More businesses followed including the Twin City Packing Company (which was established in 1889), the iron mills of Harris Forge and Rolling Company, the lumber and yards business of Merriam-Barrows and several businesses in the Butcher’s Spur area including slaughtering houses, hide houses and rendering works. Commercial establishments like hotels followed and the most notable of which is the Cattlemen’s Hotel, a four-story hotel made of brick and was constructed at a cost of $35,000.
The city flourished with its incorporation in 1891. With 14 passenger trains passing along the city every day, the city’s growth was unstoppable. However, the demise of New Brighton’s cattle industry was a big setback and transformed the main livelihood of the people from cattle growing to farming. The city however still celebrates the New Brighton Stockyard days every year as a way of looking back at its colorful past.
Housing
New Brighton consists mainly of residential housing units for people with diverse incomes. The southern part of the town is the location of an upper middle class housing development known as Wexford Heights. The apartment sections are popularly called Polynesian. What makes the downtown area different from the other areas of the city is the presence of street lights that looks old-fashioned and are placed six meters apart.
About town
Those planning to relocate in New Brighton should take note that life in the city is not complete without the Bulletin, the local newspaper which is very detail-oriented when it comes to peace and order condition in the northern suburbs as well local sporting events. The Sun Focus is another newspaper which focuses on the happenings in New Brighton, Mounds View and St. Anthony Village.
One of the most important relocation information you should perhaps take note of is the speed limit of 30-mile per hour in most roads particularly in Long lake Road.
Festivals
Stockyard Days-This festival is celebrated every August as a way of looking back to the times when the city’s economy was fueled by the cattle industry. It is just like going back to the Wild days of New Brighton as a cattle city. The celebration includes the setting up of street dances, food stands, marathons of 5k and 10k, raffle draws, bingo, carnival rides and a parade.
Polka Dance Party-This is a joint celebration among the residents of New Brighton and St. Anthony. The traditional dance, which gives the residents a chance to enjoy polka music through songs and dances, started in 1892. The dance party seeks to revive the people’s interest in polka music.
Education
If you have plans of moving in to New Brighton and you have school kids, there are several educational facilities to choose from. There are four public schools that are all part of District 621 and they are:
• Bel Air Elementary School-serves 672 K-5 students
• Sunnyside Elementary-serves 672 K-5 students
• Highview Middle School-serves 814 grade 6 to 8 students
• Irondale High School-serves 1,577 grades 9 to 12 students
• Pike Lake Elementary School
It may be interesting to note that while Irondale High Scholl has been named by Newsweek as one of the country’s top 500 schools (for the year 2000 and 2003), the school’s football team performed badly with only three games won from 1996 to 1999. However, it has one of the top marching bands in the entire state of Minnesota and has one of the most prolific drama programs within the Moundsview School District, coming up with a one act play for competition as well as four productions annually.
Public safety
The city’s Department of Public Safety has enough employees to meet any emergency in the city. It is known for the success of its efforts in community policing and was even recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. It was given the International Community Policing award in 2004, a prestigious award which has been awarded to only five cities worldwide. It is supported by the following personnel:
Police Division
• 28 full-time police officers
• 20 reserve police officers
• 3 public safety officers
• 3 civilian support personnel
Fire Division
• 38 on-call firefighters
• 1 full-time fire marshal
• 1 civilian support staff
• Volunteers in Public Safety
• Community Emergency Response Team
Water
New Brighton has one of the cleanest waters in the Twin Cities area not for natural reasons but due to the millions of dollars (expended by the Army to clean the toxic chemical they dumped into the groundwater system of the city) and the efforts from the US Army to clean up the mess they left behind. The three aquifers providing groundwater for New Brighton are located in Jordan, Prairie du Chien and Mt. Simon/Hinckley.
Groundwater is pumped from 12 deep wells, ranging from 300 to 1000 feet deep. The groundwater is located in three aquifers: Prairie du Chien, Jordan and Mt. Simon/Hinckley.
New Brighton used to be called the Town of Cows because of its cattle industry. If thoughts of living in an area historically known as one of the Wild West towns but now bustling with economic activity due to its strategic location between the Twin Cities then New Brighton is just right for you.
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 MENDOTA HEIGHTS REAL ESTATE
Mendota Heights
One of the most affluent suburbs of the Twin Cities, Mendota Heights is a small but thriving family-friendly community. Its nearly 11,000 residents enjoy the benefits of living near a metropolitan area while managing to retain a community identity of its own. With some of the most beautiful homes and exquisite landscapes the area has to offer, Mendota Heights is one of the best-kept secrets of the Twin Cities. If you are considering purchasing a home, whether you are a first-time buyer, or a veteran of real estate investments, I urge you to consider Mendota Heights real estate.
Driving through Mendota Heights, you are sure to notice that it looks quite a bit different than other suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here, residents find themselves nestled among the beautiful river bluffs and wooded settings that are central to the character of Mendota Heights. The topography of the area allows for many creative landscaping possibilities to emphasize the natural attractiveness. Likewise, the city has direct access to several lakes with numerous offerings for lakeshore housing and recreation. There is certainly never a lack of nature lovers in this town; whether it is the middle of summer, or the dead of winter, you will be astonished by the natural beauty Mendota Heights has to offer.
While many residents commute to the Twin Cities to work, Mendota Heights is committed to establishing new businesses within the community to facilitate employment and economic growth. Roughly 25% of the city’s ten square miles has been reserved for business development. The community is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years, so if you are considering starting your own place, this would be a fantastic area to explore your options as well. Estimates indicate that Mendota Heights will grow by nearly 33% in the near future, and with real estate prices at such low prices, the time has never been better to get a jump on the market.
As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase lots to construct your dream home from the ground up. Numerous areas have available land at extremely affordable prices. On the other hand, Mendota Heights has a healthy variety of single-family homes, multi-story houses, and townhouses. Regardless of your family size or your price range, there are plenty of options available at extremely affordable prices. Even if you are just thinking about buying a home, I would love to set up an appointment with you, so you can learn what all your options really are.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
More Mendota Heights Minnesota information:
Mendota Heights
Mendota Heights is one of the premier suburbs in the Twin Cities located in Dakota County, Minnesota. The city boasts of a high quality location both for business and residential. Mendota Heights has been blessed with a topography that nestles the neighborhood amidst lakes, mature woods and wetlands.
The city is strategically located near the major employment areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis as well as near the center of commerce and transportation such as the Mall of America and the MSP International Airport. These and other factors have made Mendota Heights an ideal place for business, pleasure and even retirement.
Most of the areas in Mendota Heights have been earmarked for business development. At present, there are 4,500 jobs in the city but this number is expected to rise to 6,000 once the expected business areas have been filled up.
Community Profile
Mendota Heights has a population of 11,434 people as of the 2000 Census. A great majority or 95.66% of the population are Whites followed by Asians (1.78%) and a mix of African Americans, Native Americans and other races. The city has a mature population with an average age of 42 years. Of the total population, 14.5% are 65 years old or over while 27.6% are 18 years old or below.
The city’s population are well-off with a high average income of $93,544 per family and %81,155 per household. Mendota Heights has a per capita income of $39,407 and only about 1.9% of the entire population and 1.3% of the total number of families live below the poverty level.
It is clear from these statistics that there is plenty of money to spend in Mendota Heights. The higher income capacity of the residents can perhaps be attributed to the educational attainment of the people, with most adults having earned their college or university degrees.
Mendota Heights is a place where families settle so if you are considering corporate relocation or employee relocation then this is an ideal place to look into. However, it is foolhardy to relocate at Mendota Heights when you’re single and looking for a future spouse because almost everyone in the city is married although you never know your luck. Records show that there are quite a number of singles in the area with high income capacity. One of the main advantages of corporate relocation in Mendota Heights is the low crime rate in the city.
History
Mendota Heights is a young city having been designated as such in 1974. However, it has a long rich history that still makes it residents proud even up to now.
Almost half of Mendota Heights was part of the military reservation established in 1805 by Lt. Zebulon Pike. It was also the site of the cantonment New Hope built by Col. Henry Leavenworth in 1819.
The oldest church in Minnesota which is still continuously being used, St. Peter Church, is located in the city. It was built in 1853 with native limestone. Mendota Bridge in Mendota Heights, which spans the Minnesota River, also holds the title of being the longest concrete bridge when it was built in 1926.
Mendota Heights was already a center of business even as early as the 1950s. The city was then known for its dairy farms as well as other commercial establishments like two gold courses, and the Fischerville Shopping Center.
Business
Mendota Heights is the location of several banks and their branches. Among these banks are Gateway bank with bank assets worth $50.3 million and deposits worth $44.4 million as well as American Bank of St. Paul with bank assets worth $705 million and deposits worth $555.6 million.
Housing
Mendota Heights is a place where people have plans to permanently stay considering that 92% of the living areas here are owner-occupied. The city also has a younger stock of housing units compared to other cities in Minnesota which means an easier time choosing homes for sale, condominiums or even apartments for rent.
If you are planning to avail of corporate relocation or employee relocation package for Mendota Heights you need to know that as of the year 2000 houses and condominiums in the city have an average price range of $337,000 while rental for vacant units is at an average rate of $375.
Of the total housing units in Mendota Heights, 2,563 are covered with mortgage while 880 units are without mortgage. Of the total units under mortgage, 461 are under home equity loan, 297 are on second mortgage and 10 units are under second mortgage and home equity loan.
Majority of the housing units and condominiums prefer to use utility gas (95%) for house heating. Even apartments prefer to use utility gas (54%) as house heating fuel compared to the other choices like electricity (36%) and a mix of coal, LP gas and other fuels.
Real estate in Mendota Heights has been energized by the groundbreaking of the Linden Lofts in 2004. The Linden Lofts is a development project with business and residential components with the latter consisting of two condominiums one with 16 condominiums and the second with 20 condominium units.
Another welcome addition to the city’s booming real estate is the Village of Mendota Heights. This developed follows a mix development concept which consists of 40,000 square feet of office space, 47,000 square feet of retail space and 135 housing units.
If you are looking for a place in Minnesota where you can do business and live a peaceful and comfortable life in a quality environment then Mendota Heights is an ideal option.
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 INVER GROVE HEIGHTS REAL ESTATE
Inver Grove Heights
An excellent family community, Inver Grove Heights is one of the most rapidly developing suburbs in the greater metro area. Because of its close proximity to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, along with its beautiful residential neighborhoods and small-town feel, many people who have lived in the Twin Cities for some time are choosing to relocate to this fantastic area. With real estate currently at such affordable prices, the time has never been better to invest in Inver Grove Heights real estate.
Although the population currently hovers around 30,000 residents, a large growth is expected in the coming years. Some estimates have the city reaching as high as 44,000 by the year 2020. Because of this, Inver Grove Heights is extremely committed to facilitating more job opportunities and commercial business development. Recently, the city has added several restaurants, a hotel, and a 16-screen movie theater to the wonderful area near Highway 52 and Blaine Avenue. Further development is on its way, so if you are a local business owner, or seeking to start up your own business, this growing community is an excellent location to consider.
Inver Grove Heights is also strongly committed to maintaining its high reputation as a family-oriented community. Its school district is one of the strongest in the area, and it takes pride in the extensive park system the community has to offer. This sense of nurturing youth and community is reflected wonderfully through the city’s annual Inver Grove Heights Days. With fireworks, a parade, a street dance, and numerous activities and sporting competitions, each September this festival attracts visitors and brings families together to enjoy the celebration.
In terms of real estate, there is plenty to offer, regardless of your individual criteria. Plenty of attractive single-family homes are currently available at very affordable prices. If you are looking for something larger, there are several beautiful multi-story homes on the market in some fantastic residential neighborhoods. On the other hand, there are also many opportunities to build your dream home from the ground up; if you are interested in taking on a project such as this, there are a series of open lots with many wonderful landscaping opportunities for you to take advantage of. If you simply want to learn more and find out what your options are, I would be glad to set up an appointment with you.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
More Inver Grove Heights MN Info:
Inver Grove Heights: Where Everything Is Closer Than You Think
Inver Grove Heights in Dakota County has attracted settlers to the area’s vast land resources even before it was made a city in 1965. This attraction is expected to increase the city’s population to over 44,000 by the year 2020.
The city’s rolling wooded terrain as well as the existing park facilities and its nearness to the Mississippi River Valley has made it an ideal place for those who want to live a good life that is closer to nature. Despite the almost rural attraction of the city, business and commercial development is never far behind creating a good mix of urban and rural living for its residents.
Inver Grove Heights is ideal for families so if you are being offered a corporate relocation or employee relocation package by an employer then it might be a good idea to consider what Inver Grove Heights has to offer in terms of business and community life.
September in Inver Grove Heights is dedicated to families not only from the city but also from nearby areas. The city celebrates Inver Grove Heights Days by sponsoring events that the family can participate in including parade, street dance and fireworks display.
Holidays in Inver Grove Heights are events that are much-awaited by children because of the decorative lighting and activities entered along Main Street. Commercial establishments and residential areas celebrate the Season by initiating activities like the Christmas Tree Lighting, Hay Rides, Arts and Crafts Show, Reindeer Sleigh Rides and Santa Brunch.
History
Settlers began to claim lands in the west side of the Mississippi River after the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed in 1851. Among those who first settled in the area were Germans who staked their claim on the wooded farmland, Irish who established their farms along an area now known as Rich Valley Boulevard and the English and French settlers who built their houses near the Mississippi River. Such was the influence of these settlers that the city was named Inver, after an Irish fishing village and Grove after a German town.
The Inver Grove Township was incorporated in 1858 and from then on, hundreds of people settled in the area establishing four churches, 240 farms and four school districts by 1880. The late 1880s saw the development of the area’s commercial and industrial districts. Then the Village of Inver Grove was incorporated by people living in the area near the railroad sometime in 1909, creating two areas which existed for over 56 years.
Community Profile
Inver Grove Heights has a population of 29,751 people and 11,257 households as of the 2000 Census. A great majority or 91.80% of the residents are Whites, followed by African Americans (2.10%), Asians (2.01% and those from other races.
The city has a fairly young population with an average age of 34 years. Of the total population 27.3% are below the age of 19 while 7.8% are 65 years old or over. The average family income was pegged at $68,629 while the average household income was pegged at $59,090. The $25,493 per capita income of the city is low compared to other Minnesota cities, with 4.2% of the total population living below the poverty level. .
Inver Grove Heights belongs to Independent School District 199 which runs five schools including Salem Hills Elementary, Simley High School, Pine Bend Elementary, Inver Grove Heights Middle School and Hilltop Elementary.
The city’s current mayor is George Tourville while State Representative Joe Atkins (who is known to be the longest-serving mayor of the city) and Senator Jim Metzen represent the city in the legislature.
Business
Inver Grove Heights is becoming a hub of commercial growth as evident with the construction of a hotel, several restaurants and a movie theater near Highway 52 and Blaine Avenue. The interest of business establishments in Inver Grove Heights has remained strong because the city is strategically located to almost any major destination in the State of Minnesota including Mall of America and the Veterans Memorial Community Center which boasts of an indoor waterpark.
This strategic location coupled with the wonderful environment of the city has made Inver Grove Heights a favorite destination when they have to visit the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and the nearby attractions. And since it is adjacent to these areas, most of the city hotels provide free transportation to their guest to and from the airport, Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo.
Tourists and residents alike can enjoy the city’s various attractions but when the malls and city life becomes too much for comfort then there’s always the more rural activities like fishing, sailing and skiing to turn to. Inver Grove Heights’ rivers and lakes are also only minutes away from the city.
Housing
If you and your family are eyeing Inver Grove Heights as your future home then you can already start looking at the wide array of housing facilities like apartments, houses for rent and condominiums. You can even contact a reputable real estate agent who can give you advice in purchasing a lot and building your dream house.
Housing in Inver Grove Heights is in demand which explains the median asking price of single family homes there which was pegged at $328,000 in 2000. The median home value in Inver Grove Heights is slightly higher at $137,800 compared to the $111,800 in the United States and $118,100 in Minnesota.
The usual question asked by those who want to relocate in Inver Grove Heights is the amount involved in maintaining a house in the city. The monthly median owner cost for houses that are occupied by their owners is $1,182 when the house is mortgaged and $321 when the house is not mortgaged.
Of the total number of houses in the city as of the year 2000, 8,724 are owner-occupied homes while 2,533 are renter-occupied homes.
If you are bent on relocating your family then nothing beats Inver Grove Heights for quality and environment-friendly living. | |
 SHOREWOOD REAL ESTATE
Shorewood, Minnesota
Shorewood is a medium-sized community, population-wise, in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It is a fairly young community having been incorporated only in 1956. It is primarily a residential area but its boundaries house several businesses that cater to Shorewood residents.
Shorewood used to be part of the Excelsior Township. It became a statutory city only in 1974. The Islands of Shady, Enchanted and Spray are part of Shorewood and they all receive the basic services provided by the city to its people including educational and postal services.
Population profile
Based on the 2000 Census, the city of Shorewood consists of 7,400 people and 2,529 households. A great majority of its population is White (97.82%) and the rest is a mixture of Asians, African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics of Latinos.
The average income for a household in Shorewood is relatively high at $96,589; the same goes for the $104,100 average income of each family. Only 1.3% of the total number of families in Shorewood lives below the poverty line.
The city has a total workforce of 3,762 (aged 16 and over) and only 37 of them go to work using public transportation. Majority or 3,418 got to work using their own cars, van or motorcycle. At least 276 of this workforce work at home.
History
The original inhabitants of the area are Native American tribes. Like most cities in Minnesota, it shares a part of the Big Waters or Lake Minnetonka. Thus, its economy and way of life is somehow influenced by the Lake.
Shorewood has its share of tourists driven by the desire to see Lake Minnetonka so expect a trickle of small inns to cater to the tourists in the area.
Education
If you are considering the possibility of corporate relocation or employment relocation in Shorewood then the area’s educational institutions will surely be of interest to you. A large part of Shorewood belongs to Minnetonka School District #276. The district’s elementary school has a population of 6,673 students. Another portion of the city belongs to the Westonka School District #277 so you can also choose to enroll your student here.
Of the 4,688 people in Shorewood who are 25 years and older, 603 or 12.9% are high school graduates, 1,179 or 25.1% completed college or an associate degree, 1,898 or 40.5% have a Bachelor’s Degree and 859 or 18.3% have a Master’s or Doctor’s Degree.
A total of 2,242 who are three years old and over are enrolled in school and 74.9% or 1,679 are enrolled from Grades 1 to 12. A total of 15.3% or 344 are in Pre-school and Kindergarten while 9.8% or 219 are in College.
Politics
While the City mayor (who has a two-year term) and the four Councilors (with a four-year term) set the overall policy of the city, it is the City Administrator, with the support of the City Staff, who has the responsibility of administering the city’s day to day operations.
Shorewood citizens have a chance to contribute to the city’s activities and development through the various City Boards and Commissions.
Parks and recreation
Shorewood offers a good life for those who want to experience nature’s bounty. It boasts of six parks that offer both visitors and residents a place to relax and bond with families and friends. Swimming is also an ideal activity at Shorewood’s Crescent Beach especially during the months of June to August.
Both the Freeman Park and Manor Park offer shelters for those who want to go on a picnic. Some of the parks also provide facilities for skating, ball games and other activities during summer. Badger Park, Cathcart Park and Manor Park has hockey and ice skating rinks that can be reserved during winter
Laws on Pets
To maintain the city’s green and clean surroundings the city government has passed policies that will serve as a guideline to those who own pets. While there are a lot of open spaces that are pet-friendly, pet owners should however make sure they follow Shorewood’s pet-friendly rules.
Dogs that are 6 months or over are required to have a dog license which should be purchased every January 31. Dog owners can apply for the dog license either at the City Hall or online. If you are relocating in Shorewood and you own two dogs or more then it would be wise to get a kennel license first.
Pet owners should also be responsible for the cleaning and disposal of their dog’s wastes. There are a lot of choices for this including the reliable plastic bag or the pooper scoopers which can be bought in pet shops. A dog restraint is also necessary especially when you have to bring your dog to any public location. In Shorewood, the continuous barking of a dog for five minutes outside of the owner’s premises in already considered public nuisance which can result to a fine on the part of the owner.
Housing
While homes in Shorewood come in a variety of shapes, sizes and age, all of them share the pristine environment of the city including trees, lots of open space and lakes. If you longing for fresh air after living for a long time in the big city then Shorewood is a great place for corporate relocation or employee relocation.
There are approximately 2,597 housing units in Shorewood and only about 5.6% or 148 units are occupied by renters. The average year when the structures were built was in 1965. On the other hand, a total of 2,381 housing units or 91.7% are occupied by the owners themselves. The average year when these units were built was in 1977. Shorewood homes have a median value of $257,600. Of the total housing units, 1,838 are covered by mortgages while 574 have second mortgages and equity loan.
There are a variety of houses for sale, condominiums, apartments and other real estate properties in Shorewood and you only need to call the reputable real estate agencies in the city to get the best deal in town.
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 CHASKA REAL ESTATE
Chaska
One of the most growing communities near the Twin Cities, Chaska is enjoying some national fame. In the year 2007, it was ranked eighth on CNN’s Top 100 places to live, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With a beautiful downtown area, safe and reasonably priced residential neighborhoods, and a prime location of only 25 miles from Minneapolis, Chaska is one of the hidden secrets of the greater Metro Area. If you are considering buying a home for you and your family, the time has never been better to explore Chaska real estate.
It should be noted Chaska currently has a population of around 22,500 people. Part of the reason it has maintained such a contained population is that no direct route to the Twin Cities is currently available. That is all about to change. The construction of U.S. Route 212 will provide Chaska residents with an easily accessible drive to the city, as well as an improvement in mass transit. Because of this, it is estimated that the population will grow by fifty percent over the next fifteen years. Chaska is truly on the rise, and with real estate prices at such low prices, the time has never been better to get a jump on the market.
But don’t expect Chaska to sacrifice the small-town charm that appeals to its residents. The city of Chaska is highly committed to providing a safe, family friendly atmosphere, and is further committed to its extensive park and recreation system that is frequently cited as one of the best in the state. Members of the Chaska community can often be found walking along some of the most scenic trails in the area, or spending time with their children at the top-notch playgrounds the city offers.
In terms of real estate, there is plenty to offer regardless of family size or financial situation. Chaska boasts some of the best real estate deals in the area, which is part of the reason it rated so high on CNN’s list. If you are seeking to start out, many currently available single family homes offer a great deal of space and many are very affordably priced. If you are looking for something a bit larger, there are a number of multi-story homes on the market that will allow your children to spread out a bit more. If you are single, you can find excellent deals on some wonderful condominiums near the downtown area, giving you an opportunity to feel more inside the community. Regardless of your criteria, I encourage you to contact me. I would be happy to help you learn your options and assist you in finding the home that is perfect for you.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
More Chaska Minnesota information:
Chaska
Chaska has been included among the Top 100 places to live in the United States. It was cited as the 8th Best City in the United States in a national poll held in 2007. Among the considerations before a city can be included in the list includes the size of the city as well as the combined peace and order, economic opportunities, education and community development.
The strength of this city by the River in Carver County lies in its strong history and tradition as well as it foresight in preparing for a bountiful future. It has a small town image but has since changed to a metropolitan community after 1950 particularly after the seven country metropolitan area was expanded. By 1960, the Jonathan New Town concept has been introduced in Chaska and it has promoted new job opportunities to the community.
Chaska is at present the top choice not only among corporate relocation or employee relocation but also among industrial companies. The city’s housing sector is also on the rise with at least 300 new houses being constructed every year. Despite this, the city has managed to maintain its rich cultural heritage because of sound planning and strict regulation by the local government,
The city is a mere 25 miles away from Minneapolis but it offers the sweet smell of rural living with farmlands and lots of open fields within the city. But don’t let this fool you because it is also the site of biotech firms and other technology-based companies.
If your family is looking at corporate relocation then Chaska is an ideal option because it is a natural magnet for individuals and families looking for quality living, low taxes and reasonably-priced abodes.
History
Like almost all the cities in Minnesota, Chaska’s history is peppered with Native American influences. The ancient communities of the Mound Builders were the first to occupy Chaska even before 1769 followed by the Sioux. The economic growth in the area was highly influenced by the fur trade since French Canadian fur traders were doing business with the Dakota as early as the 1800s. Chaska, which was then known as Little Rapids, was opened to settlers in 1851 by virtue of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux.
True to its Sioux influences, the name Chaska comes from a Dakota word which is often associated with the male first born. The incorporation of Chaska Village came in 1871 and as a city in 1891.
Because of the number and quality of its clay resources Chaska was known for its brick making industry in 1857. However, rapid expansion in the area began only in 1873 after the St. Louis Railroad was built. Then the growth and development of other industries including the making of flour and butter, the canning of corn, peas and tomatoes and sauerkraut and pickles curing came all at once in the 20th century.
Community Profile
Chaska has a population of 22,467 people as of the year 2005. A great majority of the residents are Whites (93.71%) followed by Asians (1.67%), African Americans (1.02%) and those from other races.
The city’s population is fairly young with an average age of 32 years. Only a minor percentage or 5.8% of the population are aged 65 years or over while 32.5% are below 18 years old.
The average income of $69,612 for every family and $60,325 for every household is comparable to the other cities in Minnesota. Chaska has a per capita income of $25,368 with at least 4.7% of the population and 3.4% of the total families living below the poverty level.
Housing
The average home price in Chaska is $272,932 compared to the State of Minnesota’s $359,352.
Investing in Chaska’s real estate is very viable since most corporate relocations and employee relocation are looking at the city’s small town atmosphere and proximity to the other Minnesota cities as an added value. The city offers a lot in terms of recreation being the site of the Hazeltine National Golf Club which is considered a world-class facility and a venue for the PGA and the US Open.
Chaska’s community center is also one of the best in the United States with quality facilities for swimming, basketball, weigh lifting, skating and other outdoor and indoor sports.
One of the attractions making Chaska a preferred real estate site is the city’s heritage reflected by the ancient mounds erected by the ancient inhabitants of the area. There are lots of real estate choices including homes for sale, condominiums and apartments for rent. Make sure to check out the reputable real estate agents in the city to get eh best deal possible.
The US Highway 212 freeway construction which passes right through the center of Chaska will provide one of the fastest and most efficient links to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The establishment of a bus rapid transit route in the area thanks to the freeway is expected to make Chaska a more attractive area for corporate relocation and employee relocation especially for people who may be working in the highly industrialized and developed Twin Cities but would like to live in a rustic environment that Chaska offers.
As of 2006, homes in Chaska are being sold at and average price of $272,932 with a corresponding average property tax of $2,752. With an expected population increase of 50% in the next 15 years, it might be a good idea to invest in real estate in Chaska today. Because several years from now, all the ideal areas may have already been purchased and are no longer available for you.
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 CHANHASSEN REAL ESTATE
Chanhassen
An extremely thriving family community, Chanhassen, Minnesota is home to nearly 24,000 people. Though small in size, it makes up for it in character and its offerings for its residents. With a wide variety of community events, attractive and safe residential neighborhoods, and an easy access to the Twin Cities, Chanhassen is becoming one of the more coveted areas for people living in the city who are looking to move to the suburbs. If you are in the market for a new home, I hope you consider Chanhassen real estate.
One of the real perks of Chanhassen life is the surprising amount of entertainment offered right within the city limits. Probably the most well-known of these is the always-popular Chanhassen Dinner Theater. As a fully professional theater company, their season is always well-stocked with some of the most famous Broadway musicals, contemporary dramas and family shows.
Additionally, Chanhassen offers a great movie theater, and a sparkling downtown with some top-notch restaurants and bars. If outdoor recreation is more your style, Chanhassen offers two golf courses, twelve lakes, and nearly 500 acres of land for parks. Whether you are looking to spend time with your kids on the weekend, or just a nice evening out with your spouse, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy life in Chanhassen.
Because of its close proximity to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, many residents commute to the city for work. The city of Chanhassen, however, is very committed to creating employment within the city limits to continue its economic growth. If you are looking to start your own business, this sprouting community is a great location to consider. Since 1995, Chanhassen has added three million square feet of commercial and industrial space, which included approximately 550 businesses that employ over 9,500 people. This community is certainly on the rise, and with real estate prices currently dropping, the time has never been better to invest in Chanhassen real estate.
If you are a first-time home-buyer, there are plenty of wonderful and spacious single-family homes currently available. Many of these are available at very reasonable prices and would be perfect for those starting out. If you are looking for something a little larger, Chanhassen offers some stunning multi-story homes in some of the most desirable neighborhoods in the entire Metro area. If you are single, there are also plenty of great condominiums and townhouses available at affordable rates. Regardless of your individual needs, there are a wealth of opportunities, and I urge you to contact me to learn more about your options.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 NEW HOPE REAL ESTATE
New Hope
New Hope
This Minneapolis suburb used to be a farming community in the Township of Crystal Lake. With the incorporation of Crystal Lake as a city in 1936 came the formation of the New Hope Township.
New Hope in Hennepin County is just ten miles to downtown Minneapolis which is roughly 15 to 20 minutes away. The existence of three industrial parks in the city is evident of its strong industrial base but this has not been a hindrance to the maintenance of well-kept residential areas and acres of park land.
One of the advantages of relocating to New Hope is its strategic location and its easy accessibility thanks to the four major intestate highways. New Hope is only minutes away from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as well as to the Twin Cities. The city also has a well developed transportation system making its easier to travel not only within the city but also from New Hope to other Minnesota suburbs.
New Hope is one of the Minnesota cities that figured at the top of a recent survey with 89% of its residents rating the quality of life in the city as either good or excellent. However, this has not stopped the local government from implementing new programs and projects to improve the vital infrastructures in the city including its streets and parks. There are ongoing infrastructure development projects financed out of the property taxes collected by the city. However, owners of the different properties in New Hope are not levied tax assessments to pay for the various street improvements in the city which can reach up to $8,000 in other neighborhoods.
The city may be a fully developed community but there is still a lot of room for growth in terms of the city’s population and economy.
History
It may be hard to imagine but this booming suburb used to be a farming community of the Crystal Lake Township in the 1900s. However, with Crystal Lake Township’s bid for cityhood came the additional obligations in the form of taxes. The rural community members who were not happy about this decided to form the New Hope Township and ultimately the City of New Hope in 1953.
This was ironic since it brought the same tax payment the farmers sought to avoid when they distanced themselves from Crystal Lake City. However, the farmers became a minority between 1936 and 1953 due to the growth of housing in the area. The city’s population grew from 600 when it was incorporated to 24,000 by 1971.
Despite its quest to compete with the growth of nearby cities, New Hope was developed as an urban village thus maintaining the city’s spacious residential areas despite industrialization. The city has more than 8,500 housing units from single units, twin homes, family units and multiple family units. The city has also become a haven for senior citizens as they have a lot of choices when it comes to subsidized senior housing.
It boasts of 200 acres of park land as well as recreational facilities like an outdoor theater, an ice arena, a nine-hole golf course and an outdoor swimming pool.
Community Profile
The City of New Hope has 20,873 residents as of the 2000 Census. However, this figure is expected to increase to 22,500 by 2030.
Most of the residents are Whites (86.66%) followed by African Americans (5.78%), Asian (3.21%), Native Americans (.46%) and those from other races.
Majority of the population are young with an average age of 38 years old. Of the total population, 21.3% are below 18 years old while 17.8% are over 65 years old.
Despite the per capita income of $23,562, the city has a higher poverty incidence with 4.1 percent of the total number of families and 6.5 percent of the total population living below the poverty line.
Business
The three industrial parks and five commercial centers in the City of New Hope make sure that the city has a solid tax base as well as continued employment for its people. Business in the city doing great and is expanding with $25,000,000 new investments being poured in the city every year. The increasing number of new businesses is shown by the 2,000 building permits being issued by the city annually.
New Hope’s commercial and business sector provides an estimated 12,900 employment opportunities for the residents. Among the largest employers in the city as of 2005 are: Minnesota Masonic Home, a skilled nursing care facility with
900 workers; Simon Delivers, direct selling establishment with 540 workers; St. Therese Care Center, a skilled nursing care facility with 498 workers; Navarre Corporation, a computer company with 480 workers; Liberty Diversified Industries, a stationery supplies company with 350 workers; Intermet Foundries with 250 workers; Oildyne Division with 230 workers; Paddock Laboratories, a
Pharmaceutical & Medicine Manufacturing Company with 200 workers; Waymouth Farms, Inc. with 170 workers and the Dakota Growers Pasta Company with 170 workers.
Housing
If you are looking for possible areas for corporate relocation or employee relocation then the City of New Hope is an ideal place because there are various home buying programs in the city. It is easy to build your dream house here because of the wide array of housing options provided by the city. As of 1994 alone, there were 4,856 single family housing units in the city which are owner occupied.
If you are planning to relocate in New Hope then take note that as of 1998, a home in New Hope can have an average market value of $130,000 which has a corresponding average selling price of $152,900. If you are interested in renting a home in New Hope then take note of the $523 median rent for multiple family housing units as of 1994.
There is a continued increase in the construction of new homes in New Hope with 388 new housing units constructed between 2000 and 2006. Most homeowners are also improving and expanding their existing homes.
Home buyers in New Hope are assured of quality homes thanks to the Code Compliance Inspection Program of the City which seeks to maintain the value and the condition of the city’s housing stock. The same program makes sure that before it is sold, every home is inspected and that it conforms to the city’s building code. Those who are planning to avail of homes for rent in the city can also be assured that all town homes, single family units or condominiums and apartments are well maintained prior to renting.
Choosing that perfect place where your family can relocate and where you can invest in real estate is a very tricky job. However, with prior research and close coordination with the local government concerned as well as with reputable real estate developers you can be assured of finally nailing that quality real estate property for your family.
New Hope is a great family-friendly community with a small town feel. These words best describe New Hope, Minnesota, one of the smaller suburbs of Minneapolis. Because of its close proximity to the Twin Cities, many residents who work in the metropolitan area have been attracted to the comfortable, low-key New Hope lifestyle. Additionally, this area is home to some of the best home-owning bargains in the entire Metro Area, so if you are considering where to purchase a home, I highly encourage you to consider New Hope real estate.
Though it has a small population of just over 20,000 residents, the city of New Hope takes great pride in taking care of its community, keeping its residential neighborhoods and parks well-maintained and safe for families. The community places extra emphasis on making it a great place to raise children, and with an extensive park system with a combined area of over 200 acres, in addition to its ice arena, outdoor theater, and outdoor swimming pool complex, there is always a wealth of opportunities to enjoy a weekend afternoon with your kids.
Along with Crystal and Robbinsdale, New Hope strives to make its community and economy strong in order to support new residents within the coming years. One of their current projects is to redevelop existing land for additional housing and commercial projects. So in addition to being an attractive location for prospective business owners, if you have exhausted to real estate market and are looking to build your dream home from the ground up, this is a wonderful and realistic area for you to do so.
If you haven’t yet checked out the market, I highly encourage you take a look at our multiple listing service to see all of the great options currently out there. Some of the best deals are available in this northwest pocket of the Twin Cities, including affordable single family homes, luxurious multi-story homes, as well as some newly developed condomniums and duplexes. If you are leaning more toward renting a home, there are always plenty of options available in that department as well. Whatever your individual needs, I highly encourage you to contact me; I would be glad to set up an appointment with you so you can learn more about your options.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 ROBBINSDALE REAL ESTATE
Robbinsdale
ROBBINSDALE REAL ESTATE
Robbinsdale, Minnesota is known for being a small, family-friendly community that happens to be conveniently located near a big city. As one of the smaller suburbs in the Twin Cities area, residents of Robbinsdale enjoy restoring a small-town feel to their town. If you live in the city and seeking a change of pace, or if you are simply looking for a great home at an affordable rate, I highly suggest you consider Robbinsdale real estate.
Probably the most trademark of Robbinsdale’s public recreational offerings, their annual Whiz Bang Days brings residents together each summer. Named after the popular World War I publication, this summer event recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Complete with a parade, block party, countless food tents, and a terrific 10K race, the Whiz Bang days is a great chance for members of the community to interact.
Robbinsdale has a firm blue-collar backbone to it. Many of its residents travel to Minneapolis or Saint Paul for work, but prefer the small-town feel that Robbinsdale has to offer. The median household income is $48,000, and the median income for a family is around $57,000. Because this area isn’t extraordinarily affluent, many beautiful homes are available at some of the most affordable prices in the entire area. Many people who are in the market for their first home should particularly consider this area. Many single-family homes with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms are currently listed; on the other hand, if you are in the market for something a little larger, Robbinsdale also has a series of spacious multi-story homes that are also available at extremely reasonable prices. Because the current real estate market favors buyers so strongly, it is a smart time to think about purchasing a home. If you have been considering making that move, or simply want to set up a meeting to discuss your options, I strongly encourage you to give me a call.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 COON RAPIDS REAL ESTATE
Coon Rapids
Aside from being known as the fifth largest city among the suburbs of the Twin Cities of St. Pal and Minneapolis, Coon Rapids is also known as Minnesota’s ninth largest city. However, the attraction of Coon Rapids lies in what the city has to offer in terms of business, affordable housing and quality living.
Coon Rapids offers a variety of options for housing and pleasurable living thanks to an extensive system of trails and parks. It is also an ideal place to do business given its population and the fact that it is home to the Anoka-Ramsey Community College. The city offers a wide array of shopping options specifically the Riverdale Shopping area.
History
Coon Rapids used to be part of the Anoka Township until 1952 when it was established as a separate village and in 1959 as a city. The name of the city has however become a source of controversy.
Its name was taken from Coon Creek Rapids which is part of the Upper Mississippi River. The construction of the Coon Rapids Dam which was used as a hydroelectric generator of the area however paved the way for the removal of the turbulent rapids in 1913. The Dam has been closed since 1966 and is now known as the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park.
There is also another group which claims that the name Coon Rapids was named after the raccoons that were found in the Coon Creek rapids and this according to some people gave the name a negative connotation. The change in the logo of Coon Rapids originally from the image of a raccoon then to an oak leaf and to a raccoon again in 2007 has been a cause of confusion. However, the city’s name has remained the same after the City Council failed to approve a name change proposal several times.
Despite the controversy as to its name, the residents agree that Coon Rapids has indeed come a long way from being a mere dirt road without electricity to the bustling city that it is now. The city used to be an agricultural community with large farms measuring 90 to 600 acres. The first industry in Coon Rapids that was not identified with agriculture was the Anoka Pressed Brick and Terra Cotta Company.
Right after the construction of the dam by the Mississippi Power Company emerged a small city with over one thousand people. But still, a far cry to what Coon Rapids is now----a bustling city with regional parks, shopping centers and a host of recreational facilities for its residents.
Community Profile
Coon Rapids has a total population of 61,607 people distributed into 22,578 households as of the 2000 Census. Majority of the residents are Whites (93.22%) followed by African Americans (2.18%), Asians (1.60%) and those from other races. Coon Rapids has a young population with an average age of 33 years old. Of the total population, 28.7% are below 18 years old and a mere 7.3% are over the age of 65.
The city has a per capita income of $22,915 with 4.8% of the total population and 3.6% of the total number of families living below the poverty line. Households in the city have an average income of $55,550 while families have an average income of $62,260.
Recreation
The Dam may have brought power to the city before its closure but now it brings joy to the people during summer months when it is used as a recreational pool. The Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is likewise the venue of numerous community events especially concerts and pageants.
Another recreational facility in the city is the Cook Ice Arena which was seen in the movie Mighty Ducks. Independence Day is always a site to behold because of the fireworks held at the Sand Creek Park. The Park is also a favorite venue for skateboarding competitions.
If you are looking for a place for employee relocation or corporate relocation then Coon Rapids is an ideal place especially for those who are bringing their families with them. There are lots of recreational facilities that the whole family can frequent including Lilliput which boasts of bumper boats, Go-karts and mini golf, Cheap Skate for indoor skating, and Grand Slam where the whole family can enjoy batting cages.
Golfers will greatly appreciate the greens of the Bunker Hills Golf Course which is not only world famous but is also the venue of the Senior PGA Tour.
Business
Business and employment opportunities abound in Coon Rapids. The various businesses in the city including 40 manufacturing companies provide an estimated 23,400 employment opportunities to its residents. It is also an ideal business location with more than two million square feet of space available for various establishments.
There are lots of buildings and real estate properties for sale in the city which would be attractive for industrial and commercial development. The city’s strategic location and access to Highway 10 and Highway 610 makes it an ideal location for business and residential purposes as well.
Among the major employers in Coon Rapids are: Anoka-Hennepin School District with 4,500 workers, Mercy Medical Center with 3,300 workers, Honeywell Incorporated with 690 workers, Coon Rapids Medical Center with 482 workers, Anoka-Ramsey Community College with 441 workers, Semiconductor & Other Electronic Component with 321 workers, John Roberts Company with 315 workers, Metal & Mineral Merchant 237 workers, Ramsey Technology Incorporated with 195 workers and Modern Tool Incorporated with182 workers.
Housing
There are plenty of reasons for choosing Coon Rapids as a relocation site for your family. However, the top reason why most people choose the city is due to the various housing opportunities it offers.
The Coon Rapids Housing and Redevelopment Authority continues to implement the Scattered Site Acquisition Program and if you are planning to get a house in the city then the program can be a possible source of single family lots for sale. However, you will be required to submit a house plan that complies with the Housing Authority’s design criteria prior to the sale.
You can also consider applying for a homestead credit whereby your general property tax is reduced provided it is applied to your primary place of residence. To qualify for the homestead credit you should be a property owner or a relative of one of the owners provided you meet all the qualifications. The property should also be your primary place of residence.
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 BROOKLYN PARK REAL ESTATE
Brooklyn Park
This Twin Cities suburb occupies 17,020 acres of land in Hennepin County and is considered the sixth largest city in the State of Minnesota and the fourth in the Metropolitan area. It is adjacent to the cities of New Hope, Maple Grove and Champlin.
Brooklyn Park used to be an agricultural community but the city is undergoing a facelift with a view of making it an ideal location not only for residential development but for commercial and industrial development as well. It is a work in progress with 85 percent of its development already completed.
History
Brooklyn Parks in the 18th century was mostly trails and without roads. This was prior to the opening of the land occupied by Brooklyn Park to homesteading in 1852. Among the settlers who claimed ownership to Getchell Prairie were Winslow Getchell and his father Washington. On the other hand, another group of settlers which included Pierre Bottineau staked their claim on Bottineau Prairie which is now known as Osseo and Maple Grove.
The Hanscom home near Shingle Creek plays a very important role in the history of Brooklyn Park as this is where the first town meeting was held sometime in 1858.
Community Profile
Brooklyn Park has a total population of 67,388 people distributed into 24,432 households as of the 2000 Census. However, 2007 Census data shows that the population has grown to 72,724 people. It is predicted that in 20 years, Brooklyn Park’s population would bloom to 78,000.
Most of the residents are Whites (71.44%) while the rest are African Americans (14.33%), Asians (9.22%), Native Americans (0.57%) and those from other races. The population of the city is fairly young with an average age of 32 years. A mere 5.6% of the total population were 65 years old and above while 28.8% are below the age of 18.
The city has a per capita income of $23,199 with 5.1% of the total population and 3.8% if the total number of families living below poverty level. A family in Brooklyn Park gets an average income of $64,297 while a household gets an average income of $56,572.
Majority or 80% (29,807) of the residents drive to work using their own car, 11% or 4,220 carpooled while 4% or 1,608 used the bus when going to work.
Recreation
One of the most attractive recreational facilities for those eyeing corporate relocation or employee relocation in Brooklyn Park is the city’s golf courses. Whatever your ability level is, the city’s golf courses will suit you fine.
Brooklyn Park boasts of being home to Edinburgh USA which was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and is considered one of the country’s top public golf courses. The Brookland Executive Nine Course is another ideal course both for beginners and experienced golfers.
If you are a beginner golfer who wants to improve your game then the city’s Golf Academy will be able to help you.
Relocating to Brooklyn Park with your family can be fun because there are lots of facilities for bonding. First on the list is the ten-acre Brooklyn Park Historical Farm. The Farm, which recreates farm and household life between 1890 and 1910, remained in the Eidem family ownership for 82 years. The Historical Farm comes complete with a windmill, chicken coop, period farm equipment, outbuildings, outhouse, barn and a farmhouse.
If you just want to hang out then the Brooklyn Park system with more than 1,700 acres of parks dotting the neighborhood is a great destination. At the Brooklyn neighborhood parks, you can have a picnic with your family and friends or take advantage of the ice areas, athletic complexes and the activity buildings.
Housing
Choosing a relocation area which will provide the needs of the whole family can be tricky. However, Brooklyn Park is an ideal corporate relocation and family relocation site because it offers diversified options when it comes to housing requirements. You can opt for a historical house or the more practical condominiums, town homes, single family units or even houses for rent in Brooklyn Park.
Of the 24,846 houses in the city, a total of 24,432 houses are occupied. Of this, 17,894 houses are occupied by their owners while 6,538 are being rented out. Finding homes for rent in the city is not really a problem since 27% of the houses are being rented out.
As of 2007, houses and condominiums for sale in the city have an average price of $229,353. For the same period, the average rental rate for houses and condominiums is $764.
A total of 14,624 houses in Brooklyn are mortgaged while only 2,014 of the houses are without mortgage.
If you are planning to relocate to Brooklyn Park then now is the right time as the city is taking part as one of the Minnesota Housing Pilot Performance partners. The Program will pave the way for new and affordable housing opportunities for Brooklyn Park residents. If you are interested, there are two projects in the city which are included in the program and these are the Habitat for Humanity and Village Creek Condominiums.
A total of 20 Habitat for Humanity sites are expected to be acquired in the next years and a total of $400,000 has been provided by the Economic Development Authority of Brooklyn Park to assist in the site acquisition.
The 133-acre Village Creek is an old commercial area in the city which will be transformed into a mixed-use development with facilities for housing and commercial establishments.
Building your house is easy but finding the perfect location to build your family’s roots is where the challenge lies. At Brooklyn Park, you are assured that you will get the quality of life that is an ideal mix of urbanization with a little of the traditional thrown in between.
If you are bent on investing in real estate in Brooklyn Park then make sure you only deal with reputable real estate agents and developers to make sure you are buying an apartment, house or condominium which will suit your need and your financial requirements. | |
 LAKEVILLE REAL ESTATE
Lakeville
Lakeville has been named by Money Magazine among the Top 100 best places to live. At number 26 in the list, this southern gateway to the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul has lots to offer both residents and visitors aside from over a hundred years of history.
The city used to be a rural community with most of its residents engaged in agricultural activities. The area however developed into an urban community but still retaining the homely and environment-friendly atmosphere that it has been known for.
Lakeville was a rural community that serviced surrounding agricultural activities. In recent years, our convenient access to the metropolitan area has stimulated both residential and commercial growth. Located at the edge between urban and rural service areas, Lakeville proudly maintains a historic downtown neighborhood and other mature residential areas. Our community realizes that growth is inevitable and has focused on planning for development that retains our community’s unique atmosphere.
The town area of Lakeville is historic enough to capture the attention of visitors and even of resident who have not grown tired of reliving the cities historic past. The name itself suggest the existence of lakes in the area and true enough, there are three lakes in Lakeville which provide an environment hub for its people as well as boating, picnic and fishing opportunities.
Lakeville is a progressive community that offers a good balance of a clean and green environment as well as a thriving business and industrial sector. Lakeville’s industrial park provides an ideal location for the almost 150 business that are providing over 4,000 jobs for Lakeville residents.
The secret to Lakeville’s success lies in its multi-sector partnerships, provision of efficient services by the local government and the participation of its residents in almost all its programs. One thing that can be said about Lakeville is its well-planned development which is responsible for providing its residents with an environment-friendly and business-friendly city.
History
One important piece in the history of Lakeville is the Captain Dodd road which bisects the city. The road, which was named in honor of Captain William B. Dodd, was constructed in 1853 to connect St. Paul and the Southern military forts.
Lakeville used to be known as Prairie Lake which was a halfway village between St. Paul and St. Peter. It was named Lakeville Township in 1855 but was changed to Lake Marion after Colonel Marion Savage who pioneered in the entertainment and horse racing business in the area. The rail line which was used to service the park was then known as Dan Patch Railroad Line.
Among the early settlers of Lakeville are Scandinavian farmers but there were minor groups consisting of Scots, Irish and English. The City of Lakeville was officially incorporated in 1967 with agriculture as the main industry in the area. However, the development of the nearby Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul led to the rising costs of land in the area which resulted to a housing boom in Lakeville and in the nearby towns.
Community Profile
As of the 2000 Census, Lakeville has a population of 43,128 people comprising 11,526 families and 13,609 households. Majority or 94.26% of the residents are Whites while the rest are Asians (2.01%), African Americans (1.28%), Native Americans (0.38%) and a mix of Pacific Islanders and those from other races.
The population of Lakeville is fairly young with an average age of 32 years old. Only 2.8% of the entire population were 65 years old and above while 36.1% are below 18 years old.
With a median income of $72,404 for every household and $76,542 for every family, life is indeed comfortable in Lakeville. The city has a per capita income of only $26,492 but only 2% of the entire population and 1.5% of the entire number of families in Lakeville are living below the poverty line.
The $96,156 average family income for Lakeville (present) is higher than the $93,313 average family income of the cities included in the Top 100 Best Places To Live. The city also has a relatively higher family purchasing power of $85,701 compared to the $84,802 purchasing power of the other Best Places To Live finalist.
Compared to the other cities that made it to the Best Places list, Lakewood imposes a higher sales tax of 6.50% as well as a high state income tax rate of from 5.35% to 7.58%.
Housing
The average home price in Lakeville is more affordable at $256.000 compared to the Best Places which amounts to $293,712. Average property taxes in the city amounts to $2,969 compared to the Best Places average property taxes of $4,072.
Lakeville has an average home price of $299,950 compared to its neighbors with the following average home price: Saint Paul-$199,900, Apple Valley-$212,400, Burnsville-$218,700, Rosemount-$219,900 and Prior Lake-$358,662. The average home rental price in Lakeville is $747.
The rise in the number of home foreclosures is a concern not only for the homeowners but for the local government as well. Thus a free foreclosure counseling will be held by the Dakota County Community Development Agency at the Lakeville Heritage this October. The information drive on foreclosure is however expected to be a continuous activity to help residents who may have questions about the mortgage foreclosure preventions programs offered by the County.
Famous citizens
Among the famous natives of Lakeville are Paul Krause who is a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Kevin Kaesviham who is a Pro Football Player, Todd Bachman who served as the CEO of Bachman prior to his death, Joey Miller and Andy Belmont who are NASCAR drivers and Judy Merritt who was known as the Princess Kay of the Milky Way in 1957.
One of the strengths of Lakeville is the cooperation between its residents and the local government. This way, the problems of the residents are addressed as early as possible to make sure they lead happy and successful lives in Lakeville. You, too, can be a beneficiary of this neighborhood cooperation if you decide to relocate in Lakeville.
More information about Lakeville, MN
Lakeville, Minnesota is one of the most rapidly developing communities in the entire state. It has a strong history rooted in agriculture, which combined with its direct access to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, has created a booming economy loaded with possibilities for its 50,000 residents. If you are looking to buy a home close enough to enjoy the amenities of the Metro Area, but without the hustle and bustle of the big city, I highly encourage you to explore the many possibilities that Lakeville real estate offers.
One of the most attractive features of Lakeville is its historic downtown district. The City of Lakeville takes tremendous pride in providing its residents with a comfortable central location which provides a wonderful atmosphere for shopping and community gathering. Developmental plans for improving and maintaining this district is a key priority for the city in preserving the heritage and character of the city, while staying on top of the needs of the community in its new additions. Certainly, anyone who has visited Lakeville gets a sense of the friendly atmosphere of the city by strolling down its always clean and attractive main strip.
This particular small-town personality sets it apart from some of other suburbs of the Twin Cities who seek a sleeker, urban feel to complement its big-city neighbors. Still, Lakeville is surprisingly one of the most populous suburbs of the Twin Cities, and looks to continue growing in the coming years. Because of its location just off Highway 35, many Minneapolis business commuters do live here, but its important to note that Lakeville has an successful individual economy as well. Airlake Industrial Park, Lakeville’s largest employer, provides the city with many excellent job opportunities. It is also a strong agricultural center of Minnesota, producing a large revenue in dairy cattle, soybeans and corn.
In addition, Lakeville has become one the fastest growing communities in part because of its affordable real estate prices. If you are looking to live in the Greater Metro Area, you will find some of the best deals in Lakeville. Many wonderful homes are available at affordable prices, and the trend looks to continue with many developmental areas being built to accommodate the population growth. Whether you are a newly married couple looking for your first home, or if you have children and are looking for more space, Lakeville has many options that will surely accommodate your individual needs.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 PRIOR LAKE REAL ESTATE
Prior Lake
Prior Lake is a developing suburb in Scott County, Minnesota. While it is among the oldest cities that have been absorbed by suburban development, some parts of the area are still included in the Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation.
If projections are realized, Prior Lake will become a fully-developed city by 2030 with over 40,000 residents; almost triple the estimated population of the city as of the 2000 Census.
The growth in the city’s population coupled by increasing opportunities both in the commercial and industrial sectors is expected to also contribute to its development as a full community.
Population Profile
Prior Lake has a population count of 15,917 people and 4,386 families as of the 2000 Census. A great majority of the residents or 94.53% are Whites followed by Native Americans (2.08%), Asians (.94%) and those from other races. The average population is generally young with an average age of 33 years.
The $75,363 average income for every household as well as the $81,011 income for every family is quite high. It is also good to note that only 3.6% of the total population is living below the poverty line.
History
Much of Prior Lake’s history goes back to the glaciers during the Ice Age. These ice sheets left a huge amount of glacial deposits that formed into landed areas including the area now known as Prior Lake. Prior Lake residents have grown familiar with granite rocks, remnants of this period and which now decorate their yards.
The American Indians were the first settlers of Prior Lake and this is depicted in the effigies (showing five huge hawks with wide wings that are over 150 feet long) that were found along the burial mounds in the area called Mdemayaton or Prior Lake.
The big rock or Tun-Can referred to by the early American Indians had a significant connection to their religious beliefs and practices thousands of years ago. The Tun-Can even played a great role in community formation as most of them venerated the stone.
Prior Lake was originally known as Long Lake but was changed to Prior Lake to honor Charles Prior, one of the owners of the land where a railroad line was built. The building of a railroad meant a lot for the area since it hastened growth and development.
The construction of the railroad was followed by the survey of the Prior Lake village n 1875. Five years after, Prior Lake’s economy showed promise with the building of the first flour and feed mill, the first general store, the first newspaper, a blacksmith shop and even two saloons. The opening of Grainwood House in 1879 signaled the rise of Prior Lake’s economy albeit only a few locals were employed in this resort.
Prior Lake Village was incorporated as early as 1891 but it was only in the 1900 when it had its first telephone connection and in 1917 its electricity. Wells and pumps used to be the main sources of water in the area until the Village Council planned the installation of a city water works in 1937.
Recreation
Those planning for corporate relocation or employment relocation in Prior Lake would be glad to note that the area is an ideal place not only for employment (considering the growth forecast of the city) but also for recreation. It boasts of 45 parks that can reach 845 acres put together. This consists of neighborhood parks and community parks. The athletic types will surely enjoy the 34 athletic fields being maintained by the city including softball, baseball, soccer and football fields.
The proximity of Prior Lake to other Minnesota cities makes it possible for residents to hop from one city to another for recreation or shopping purposes. There are lots of parks and other recreational areas near Prior Lake including the regional park in Spring Lake.
Housing and Real Estate Development
One of the most important considerations for those planning to relocate in Minnesota is the possibility of purchasing real estate either for a single home, condominium, a duplex or even for investment purposes only. The housing stock of Prior Lake is so diversified what with the completion in 2003 of three housing projects namely Keystone Communities, Creekside Commons and Lakefront Plaza.
Knowing the following housing and real estate facts will help you decide when buying real estate ion Prior Lake. A total of 6,194 single family units and 1,952 multi-family units have been constructed in Prior Lake as of 2005. Of the total housing units, 87.4% are occupied by their owners. Housing units in the city have an average assessed value of $188,100.
The rise of home ownership in Prior Lake during the past three years has been attributed to low interest rates which made homes (which were previously expensive for most residents) more affordable to a lot of people. It also encouraged people to avail of a home mortgage. The construction of affordable town homes and entry level housing also encouraged families to invest in a first or second home.
But while there are developers responding to the needs of the low income sector who can only afford entry level homes, a new breed of developers in Prior Lake has emerged and they are now catering to the demands of moneyed people who require more expensive and more sophisticated town homes. This brought about the increase of multi-family housing units in the area, with a 4.4% increase in the number of building permits issued for multi-family buildings in Prior Lake.
Data shows that multi-family development in the area grew by more than 10% in just two years since 1994. In 2003 alone, the total number of building permits in the area was already pegged at 67.7%.
Real estate brokers and agents in Prior Lake believe that the movement of interest rates will greatly affect housing and real estate in the area. With an impending rise in interest rates, developers will be forced to provide more affordable monthly home payments for their clients no matter what market segment they belong to.
It is expected that more than 12 thousand housing units can still be added to the present housing unit count of Prior Lake by 2025. And with the projected increase in Prior Lake’s population from now up to 2030, this figure can even go higher.
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 SCOTT COUNTY REAL ESTATE
Scott County
Scott County, which was founded in 1853, is a small-sized county in Minnesota with its country seat in Shakopee. Named after General Winfield Scott, Scott County is the location of the Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation.
Like most developing counties in Minnesota, the Scott County Council is primarily concerned with how to manage the growth of the county following the concepts of open-space design, progressive concepts of development as well as how to integrate lots of open spaces and rural lands in their development plans.
Like Dakota County, Scott County is famous for its lakes. The County is the location (in whole or in part) of over 30 lakes including the Blue Lake and Deans Lake located in Jackson Township, Cedar Lake located in both Helena and Cedar Lake Township, Clark Lake located in Blakely Township and Kane Lake located in Spring Lake Township.
Scott County consists of the cities of Belle Plaine, Elko New Market, Jordan, New Prague, Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee as well as the Townships of Louisville, New Market, Sand Creek, Spring Lake, St. Lawrence, Jackson, Helena, Credit River, Cedar Lake, Blakelev and Belle Plaine.
Population Profile
The 2000 Census shows a total population of 89,498 for Scott County consisting of 30,692 households and 23,970 families. Majority of the population are Whites (93.65%) followed by Asians (2.17%) and a mixture of Blacks of African Americans, native Americans, Pacific Islanders and those from other races.
A great majority of the total households in the County consists of couples (66.90%) while only 21.90% of the total households were non-families. It has a fairly young population profile with an average age of 33 years and with only 6.20% of the total population over 65 years old.
The average income for every Scott County household is also remarkably high at $66,612. The $72,212 average income for every family is also a standout compared to other counties. Only 3.4% of the total population and only 2% of the total families in the County live below the poverty line compared to the 7.9% in the whole Minnesota State. The number of residents living in poverty has been greatly reduced to only 2.5% in 2005 compared to the 9.2% in the State of Minnesota.
With a total labor force of 65,619 (or more than 50% of its total population) as of 2004, Scott County only has a 3.8% unemployment rate.
History
Scott County used to be covered with hardwood forest before it was logged sometime in the 19th century. It was then occupied by Native Americans whose still have their burial mounds scattered in the area. However, the area began to be exploited by the Europeans in their quest to promote the fur trade.
The 1850s saw the arrival of settlers and speculators (mostly Yankees), who entered the area through the ox cart trails and the Minnesota River. The new settlers (who were made up of Irish, Germans and Scandinavians) farmed their newly found land.
While Scott County used to be a rural county, this began to change with the development of new transportation systems and the establishment of new industries.
All the stages in the development of the County can be found at the Scott County Historical Museum. Incorporated in 1969, the Museum continues to look for historical materials about Scott County with the aim of making known the origins of this area not only to its resident and visitors but to the whole world as well. However, this goal was sidetracked after the launching of the Minnesota Valley Restoration Project.
A Stans Foundation grant in 1994 paved the way for the construction of the museum building and the restoration of the 1908 Dutch Colonial Home which was the home of Maurice Stans when he was still a boy. The Stans Collection is now under the custody of the Scott County Historical Society.
If you have just relocated in the County, a visit to the Museum would give you a better view and understanding of how this society evolved over the years. It will also provide you a glimpse of various artifacts and photographs of the old Scott County.
Among the must-see historical sites in Scott County are the Stans House, the S.B. Strait House located in the Minnesota River Recreation Area and the 1868 Gothic Revival Style Episcopal Church located in Belle Plaine.
Housing
There are less renters in the County (13%) compared to the 25% for the whole state. Of the total housing units in Scott County, 26,591 houses and condominiums are occupied by their owners while 4,101 apartments are occupied by renters.
If you are looking for homes for sale in Scott County, you can either scout for licensed real estate agencies in the area or just do your research in the Internet. There hundreds of real estate properties for sale or for rent including condominiums, foreclosed homes, apartments and town homes.
The average home in Scott County has been valued at $264,400 way back in 2005. The average rental for a home then was pegged at $725 while the average monthly housing costs amounted to $1,424.
A condominium in Scott County has an estimated average price of $264,786 compared to the $198,000 price of condominiums in Minnesota. You can probably get a decent condominium for less than that if you are assisted by an experienced real estate agent.
The number of newly constructed house in Scott County peaked in 2003 when there were 2,282 buildings being constructed, with an average cost of $177,100. New house construction (single-family type) reached 1,019 in 2006 with an average cost of $272,500.
In 2005 alone, an average of $2,362 in real estate property taxes were paid for housing units covered by mortgages compared to the $1,896 real estate property taxes paid for housing units not covered by mortgages.
If you are still hesitant about buying homes in Scott County, you can opt to rent a condominium or an apartment. As of 2006, a one-bedroom apartment costs $705; a 2-bedroom apartment costs $855 while a 3-bedroom apartment costs $1,119 in monthly rental fees.
There are a lot of housing choices available to those looking at the possibility of corporate relocation or employment relocation in Scott County and you can be sure that there are people willing to help you get settled comfortably.
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 DAKOTA COUNTY REAL ESTATE
Dakota County
Dakota County is among the medium-sized counties (population wise) located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Compared to Hennepin County’s more than a million population, Dakota County is indeed a small-sized county but it is considered Minnesota’ s third most populous county.
The County’s 593 square-mile area has been strategically divided into 1/3 each for urban, rural and suburban.
History
Dakota County was founded in 1849 and its county seat located in Hastings since 1857. Dakota County is expected to experience a continuous population growth considering the movement of development outside of the urban areas of the Twin Cities to more suburban municipalities. The County has already experienced a 30% population growth from 1990 to 2000.
Cities and Lakes
Dakota County is a county of many lakes with the major ones located in the county’s northern portion. Among the lakes covered by the County include Lakes Rebecca, Isabelle and Bullfrog Ponds in Hastings; Fish Lake, Holland Lake, Jensen Lake and Blackhawk Lake in Eagan; Thompson Lake in St. Paul, Mud Hen Lake in Ravenna Township, Lake Byllesby in Randolph Township, Crystal Lake in Burnsville and Chub Lake in Eureka Township.
Dakota County is composed of the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Coates, Eagan, Farmington, Hampton, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Miesville, New Trier, Northfield, Randolph, Rosemount, St. Paul South and West, Sunfish Lake and vermillion.
Population profile
Dakota County is slightly congested compared to Hennepin County with a population of 355,904 as of the 2000 Census. Most of the population is centered at the major suburbs like Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan and Rosemount.
Majority of its inhabitants are Whites (91.36%), Asians (2.89%), Blacks and African Americans (2.27%) and a mixture of Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and those from other races. More than half of the 131,151 households consist of married couples (59.20%) while around 21.70% of the total households consist of individuals.
Dakota County’s population is quite young with an average age of 35 years, with 29.20% below 18 years old and 7.40% over 65 years old. An estimated 34.30% of its residents are within the ages of 25 to 44 years old.
The regular household in the County has an average income of $61,863 with the male population earning more ($46,827) than the females ($32,189). With a per capita income of $27,008, the County has less people living below poverty level. Only 3.30% of the entire population and 2.40% of the total number of families in Dakota County are living below the poverty line.
History
The life, growth and history of Dakota County have been highly influenced by the three rivers of Minnesota, Mississippi and St. Croix. Oak Prairie as well as savannas originally lined up the County lands which used to be part of the American Indians territory. However, the area was claimed by a fur trader (named Nicholas Perrot) for France.
It is included in the original counties, nine in all, which were created by the Minnesota Territory legislature way back in 1849. The county seat was not originally in Hastings but was in Kaposia (in 1853) and Mendota (in 1854) prior to that.
Politics
The county government of Dakota is in charge of all matters pertaining to the administration functions of the county including record maintenance, public works, electoral and judicial functions. However, the county government of Dakota does more than that as it has remained the access point for most programs implemented by the State.
Just like Hennepin County, Dakota County has seven commissioners who take care of the management operations as well as policy implementation in the county.
Education
Dakota County’s educational services are provided by Independent School District 191 and 196. However, those planning for corporate relocation and employment relocation in the area can also opt for the Dakota County technical College.
The County is known for its libraries including the Burnhaven Library located in Burnsville, the Galaxie Library located in Apple Valley, the Farmington Library located in Farmington, the Heritage Library located in Lakeville, the Pleasant Hill Library located in Hastings, the City of Suth St. Paul Library located in St. Paul (South), the Wentworth Library located in St. Paul (West), the Wescott Library located in Eagan and the Inver Glen Library located in Inver Grove Heights.
Housing and Taxation
Housing is a priority concern in Dakota County and this should be good news for those who want to relocate in any suburb in the County. If you are a new property owner then check with the country assessor if you are qualified to apply for homestead property status. An application form is available online or at the Dakota County Assessing Services.
Dakota County is known for assessing the lowest rate on property taxes. However, it is eyeing a property tax increase of 4.9% for 2008 which is really a minimal increase compared to the other counties in the metro area. The County’s property tax collection is used to finance a third of the total budget of the county which was $340.2 million in 2007.
There are various housing programs in the county like the Supportive Housing Unit which can help new residents acquire suitable housing units for them whether they opt for a condominium, homes for sale, apartments or purchase a real estate property.
Under the Supportive Housing Unit are various housing programs like the US Housing & Urban Development Grant, the Family Homeless Prevention Assistance Program, the Youth Services and the Homeless Management Information System.
There are more than 1,800 affordable housing units for rent under the administration of the Community Development Agency which is located in Eagan, Minnesota. Those who would like to rent homes can also check with the Agency for available units.
If you are a new resident in Dakota County, one of your first requirements would be a new home for you and your family. So whether you plan to rent a home or purchase real estate property, make sure you deal only with reputable real estate agents who can give you the best deal in town.
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 HENNEPIN COUNTY REAL ESTATE
Hennepin County
Hennepin County was named in honor of Father Louis Hennepin, a French missionary and explorer who is also known for recording the history of the Minnesota area for the Western World. It is one of the 87 counties in the State of Minnesota, to which the Minneapolis-St. Paul area belongs, with Minneapolis as its county seat.
As the location of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hennepin County is considered the most populated county in the State.
Politics
Just like all the other largely-populated counties in Minnesota (including St. Louis and Ramsey), Hennepin County has seven commissioners. The other counties only have 5 commissioners to govern each county. The commissioners govern and administer the county’s operations including the appointment of county employees like the county recorder, country treasurer and the medical examiner.
Hennepin is adjacent to Scott County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Carver County and Wright County.
Population Profile
Hennepin County is highly populated and has a population of 1,116,200 million as of the 2000 Census. However, a 42% population growth was noted in 2004 bringing the population to 1,120, 897.The County is mostly inhabited by Whites (80.53%), followed by Blacks or African Americans (8.95%), Asians (4.80%), Native Americans, and those from other races
The County’s population is fairly young with an average age of 35, with 24% below 18 years old and 11% over 65 years old. Hennepin County residents are economically blessed, with a per capita income of $28,789 and with only 8.30% of the total population living below poverty line.
Census 2000 highlights: Largest county in the state (by population); ranked first in the state for population growth during the 1990s; led the state in per-capita income ($40,126 in 1998
Hennepin County is famous for leading the State of Minnesota in terms of being the wealthiest county in the state with a per capita income of $40,126 way back in 1998 and the most populated county. It is also included among the Top 100 counties in the United States with the highest earnings.
Education
Planning for corporate relocation or employee relocation? Hennepin County offers some of the best colleges and universities for your children. If you prefer a Minneapolis school then you can opt for Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis Community and Technical College and the University of Minnesota. There are other colleges like the Anoka=Hennepin Technical College, Hennepin Technical College and the Normandale Community College.
Majority of Hennepin County’s residents are highly educated with 90.6% of the resident adults having a high school diploma and 39.1% with bachelor’s degree or higher educational attainment.
Economy
Hennepin County’s booming economy suffered a slight setback due to the smoking ban which was implemented in 2005. Clients who used to flock into the County clubs were turned off by the law banning indoor smoking on all establishments including bars. This has convinced officials to exclude bars located outside of the main areas of Golden Valley, Bloomington and Minneapolis from the ban since the said cities already have their own anti-smoking ordinances anyway.
Unemployment rate in the County as of 2006 is a mere 3.5% and is ranked number 2,514 in the US. Its poverty rate as of 2004 data is 9.3% and ranked 2546 in the US.
Wages in the County are high with workers in the finance and insurance sectors receiving an average of $87,798 followed by the manufacturing sector with an average wage of $58,651 per job, transportation and warehousing sector with an average wage of $49,540 and the health care sector with an average wage of $45,510.
Sales transactions in the County are levied a 15% sales tax effective August 2006 and will take effect for a period of 30 years. The earnings from the sales tax will be used to fund the construction of the Minnesota Twin’s baseball stadium under the management of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.
Crime
There were 55,240 crime incidents in Hennepin County as of the year 2000 based on statistics presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The data however covers only the offenses reported by concerned individuals and groups to the FBI and does not cover the latter’s law enforcement activities.
Larceny of theft was at the top of the list with 35,705 incidents during that period followed by burglary (7,652), motor vehicle theft (5,454), aggravated assault (2,904), and robbery (2,366).
Recreation
Relocating in any of the cities in Hennepin County is advantageous for people who want to live the good life which means a balanced environment of business and pleasure. Those who have decided on corporate relocation or employment relocation in the County found out that relaxation is easy in Hennepin with the availability of more than 27 thousand acres of parks.
The Park District alone is enough to respond to the relaxation needs of both residents and visitors (with at least 4 million visitors every year) as it boasts of facilities for cross country skiing, snowboarding, boating and fishing, in-line skating, hiking trails and a lot more. One good thing about the Park is that only 20% of the area has been allotted for development while the remaining 80% has to remain in its natural state.
The Three Rivers is another natural attraction of Hennepin County. It was named as such because the facilities are located in watershed areas that flow into the rivers of Crow, Minnesota and Mississippi.
Housing
With the establishment of a $3 million Affordable Housing Fund in 2002, Hennepin is more than ready to provide housing facilities to its residents and for those who wish to relocate in the County. A total of 295 housing units were built and 250 existing units were preserved through the Fund. There are also housing programs for senior citizens and disabled residents.
If you are relocating in the County, make sure to contact your local real estate agent as they can give you a choice of affordable houses for sale. You can also choose from the various housing facilities available in the County including condominiums and apartments.
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 WHITE BEAR LAKE REAL ESTATE
WHITE BEAR LAKE
The name White Bear Lake, which means abode of the Great Spirit, refers to both the city as well as one of the biggest lakes in Minnesota (2,416 acres). The lake got its name courtesy of a native legend that associates the lake with the appearance of a white bear.
This city, which is now considered one of the most attractive suburbs in the Twin Cities due to its proximity to St. Paul (only about 20 minutes), provides residents as well as visitors a refreshing mix of rural life (by providing easy access to fishing, swimming and boating activities) and city life (through a bustling business district).
Majority of White Bear Lake’s lands have been appropriated for public parks and open spaces (almost 59%) while the rest have been divided into single and multi-family use, commercial use (4.3%) and industrial (3.1%). The land used for public/semi-public and recreational purpose is around 18% of the total land area.
Population Profile
White Bear Lake is among the biggest cities in the Twin Towers, population-wise, with 24,325 people living in 9,813 housing units of the 2000 Census. It is interesting to note that 30.9% of the 9,618 households consist of non-families.
Majority of its residents are Whites (95.31%) followed by Hispanics and Latinos (1.75%) and Asians (1.54%).
The city’s population is quite young with a median age of 37 years with 24.8% of the population under the age of 18 and only 14.6% of the total population at the age of 65 years old and above.
With an average household income of $52,934 and a per capital income of $24,338, the residents are doing fairly well economically with only 3.3% of the families living below the poverty line.
Majority or 36.9% of its residents are into management and professional occupations while 29.6% are holding occupations as sales and office personnel. Only a meager 0.1% is into faming, fishing and forestry while 8.7% are into construction and maintenance.
History
White Bear Lake got the attention of literature lovers who suspected that F. Scott Fitzgerald inspiration in writing “Winter Dreams”, where he talked about living in Black Bear Lake, Minnesota, was in fact White Bear Lake. However, the suburb is more popular as a haven of gangsters from Chicago including Al Capone. But more than that, the novel “A Death Wish in White Bear Late” by Barry Siegel which narrated the gruesome murder by Lois Jurgens of her adopted three-year old kid named Dennis Jurgens in White Bear Lake, made the headlines for the suburb.
The city was ready for Commerce as early as 1871 with the buying of the first lot by Daniel Getty. Soon came the opening of a blacksmith shop a meat market and a boat building business. With a population of 435 and its incorporation as a village, White Bear Lake started to enact laws not only to regulate the residents but also to preserve the lake and its environs.
Thanks to its pristine lakes and clean environment, White Bear Lake became the favorite vacation destination in the area until such time when its real estate shifted to providing summer homes and lakeshore properties to both residents and wealthy visitors.
By 1950, White Bear Lake’s population grew to 3,646 which further ballooned to 12,849 in just ten years. It was recognized by the National Municipal League as well as Look Magazine in 1965 and was designated as an All-American City due to the progress of its citizens in solving the problems of their community.
Housing
Those who are looking at the possibility of corporate relocation or employee relocation in White Bear Lake can look forward to a better life considering the city’s penchant for clean and healthy living. Housing is also not a problem as there are real estate agents that are always welcome to give advice and point out housing opportunities whether it is a demand for single homes, duplex, condominiums or other real estate properties.
Of the 9,618 occupied housing units in White Bear Lake, 74.6% are occupied by the owners while 25.4% are rented. The average home value in the city is $178,600.
Business
Almost all businesses in White Bear Lake are affiliated with the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce. With 300 members that are into retail services, smaIl and medium scale businesses. Major auto dealers, manufacturing, healthcare providers and even Fortune 500 companies, the Chamber can very well claim to being the voice of business in the area. The Chamber also serves other suburbs in Twin Cities including North oaks, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, Dellwood, and North St. Paul.
If you are new in White Bear Lake then a membership with the Chamber might be of interest to you and your business. After all, the Chamber protects the interests of all businesses in the area.
Smarte Carte
One of the businesses that have established its roots in White Bear Lake since 1967 is Smarte Carte, a company that has made its mark in world business as a provider of baggage carts to various airports worldwide. The man behind the company is Jim Muellner, a resident of White Bear Lake.
Hughes Industries, commissioned Muellner to design and actually build luggage cart vending machines that are operated by the company on a self service basis. However, when Hughes went bankrupt, Muellner decided to buy the company and incorporated what is now known as Smarte Carte, Inc in 1967.
Today, the company does not only provide luggage carts to airports in Los Angeles and the Twin Cities (and a lot of airports worldwide) but it also supplies them with mechanical tags and other gadgets that further automated the airport system.
While Smarte Carte is no longer owned by Muellner now, it continues to be an innovator in automation, vending and computerized services while maintaining its headquarters in White Bear Lake.
Tourism
City-bred visitors who are tired of the usual attractions offered in their areas can easily go to White Bear Lake as it is only 20 minutes away from both St. Paula and Minneapolis. Here, they can swim and splash all day or go boating with their families and friends. No Boat? It’s not a problem because Tally’s Dockside offers boat and even pontoon rentals at reasonable prices.
White Bear Lake has maintained its rustic charm and you can spend the whole day bonding with your family just sitting by the lake or simply cruising. It is a favorite picnic site not only for visitors though but for residents as well.
White Bear Lake tourism becomes more appealing during the Manitou Days celebration. Revel in the fun offered by the Manitou Days Parade or simply visit the city’s Farmer’s Market.
If you think White Bear Lake is all about water-based activities then go check out the 18-hole Oneka Ridge Golf Course. You can challenge the best golfers here or just practice your skills at the putting green. The whole family can even have lunch at the clubhouse.
If you are fond of fruits then go pick strawberries and apples at the Pine Tree Apple Orchard, owned by former city boy Art Jacobson who hails from St. Paul but who fell in love with White Bear Lake and settled in the area in 1958. His family now operates a 300-acre orchard in White Bear Lake.
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 SHAKOPEE REAL ESTATE
Shakopee
Shakopee is not only a city in Scott County but it is the latter’s county seat. It is also home to the Canterbury Park horse racetrack and the Valleyfair Amusement Park.
Legends indicate that an Indian village called Teenatahotonwa used to be located in the east side of Shakopee and it was headed by Chief Shakopee, in whose honor the city was named after. Like all the other cities in Minnesota, Shakopee used to be inhabited by Indians and their burial mounds are found at a memorial park in the city.
Located near the Twin Cities, Shakopee provides its resident both the rural mystic of country life as well as the comforts of modern living. It is thus not surprising that Shakopee is one of the fast rising cities in Minnesota.
Population Profile
Shakopee is considered a growing city with a population of 20,568 people as of the 2000 Census. However, that number is said to have risen to 30,000 people based on 2004 estimates. There are at least 7,540 households in the city as of the last count.
Most of the residents or 91.61% are Whites followed by Asians (2.41%), other races (2.14%), and African Americans (1.33%). The rest is a mixture of Hispanics or Latinos and those from other races.
Majority or 58.2% of the 7,540 households consist of married couples that are living together. Shakopee’s population is very young with a median age of 32 years old which is considered younger than the median age for the whole country.
While it had a per capita income of only $25,128, it is surprising to note that only 1.8% of the families are living below the poverty line. However, a greater percentage or 3.5% of the total population are living below the poverty line.
The median age for residents in Shakopee, MN is 31.5 (this is younger than average age in the U.S.).
History
The city’s officials and residents are still collecting memorabilia and other historical stories and items to piece together an extensive history of Shakopee. However, a mural created by Harmon Arndt and displayed at the Shakopee High School Library, depicts the history of the area in more ways than one.
The mural came to be after the artist closely conferred with pioneering residents and leading citizens of Shakopee. The result is a mural that vividly narrates, albeit silently, the history of Shakopee.
The mural has been divided into several panels and each panel depicts a certain period in Shakopee’s history. The first one dates back to the presence of Sioux Indians who were said to be the early settlers in the area. Shakopee’s history would not be complete without mentioning Reverend Samuel Pond and his brother Gideon, Connecticut missionaries who came to Teenatahotonwa in 1847.
Among the two prominent settlers of Shakopee who were depicted in the mural are Thomas A Holmes (who is acknowledged as the father of Shakopee) and David L. Fuller. Holmes arrived in Shakopee in 1851 and stayed in the area with about 20 White families despite being outnumbered by the 800 Indian settlers.
The very first buildings in Shakopee, as shown in the mural, are the Methodist Episcopal Church (built in 1867), City Hall and Fire Department (built in 1883) and the Union School (which was opened in 1882). The first railroad train entered Shakopee in 1865.
Business
The Shakopee Area Chamber of Commerce, which was established in 1955, boasts of over 250 members from various business establishments in Shakopee. The booming economy of Shakopee is evident from the presence of several bank branches in the city.
One of the biggest banks with a branch in Shakopee is Guaranty Bank with bank assets of $1,914.6 million and deposits worth $1,477.4 million followed by
Voyager Bank with bank assets of $533.4 million and deposits worth $443.8 million, Wells Fargo bank with an asset of $398.671 million and deposits worth $311.546 million and by Prime Security Bank with bank assets worth $95.9 million and deposits worth $85.3 million. Citizens State bank of Shakopee with bank assets of $23.1 million and deposits worth $19.8 million has also been in the area since 1978. Other banks in the area include M&I Marshall and IIsley Bank, TCF National Bank and KleinBank.
Recreational Facilities
Shakopee is not all business. Those who want to avail of corporate relocation or employment relocation in Shakopee are assured of many magical and relaxing moments with their family and friends thanks to the various parks and recreation areas in Shakopee.
Shakopee’s 920-acre park is managed by the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department. Among the special facilities in the park are the Enigma Teen center, Aquatic Park, Ice Arena and the Jose Schleper Stadium. The city’s park and open spaces have been divided into three classifications namely the developed park and recreation facilities, existing open space & undeveloped park lands and future, anticipated park lands.
Developed Park and Recreation Facilities-Here are some of the parks that can be found under this classification:
• Lions Park-is a 50-2 acre aquatic park with youth building, picnic shelters, a warming house and restrooms.
• Tahpah Park-is a 50-acre park with a concession building as well as baseball and baseball field and stadium.
• 17th Avenue Sports Complex-is a 29.6-acre park with sports fields, restroom and a multi-purpose building.
• Community Center-is a 16.8-acre park with an ice arena and skate park.
Existing Open Space & Undeveloped Park Lands-Here are some of the parks that can be found under this classification:
• Eaglewood Park- is a 21.7-acre of open space and wetland plans for which are still unknown.
• Shutrop Community Park- is a 52-acre open space wetland with building.
• Southbridge Open Space-is a 228-acre wetland and open space.
Future and Anticipated Park Lands-Here are some of the parks that can be found under this classification:
Quarry Lake Park-is a 111.4-acre area with trails and recreational lakes.
Southbridge-is a 49.1-acre open space with playground.
Avid golfers an also apply for memberships at the Stonebrooke Golf Club, one of the finest golf courses in Twin Towers that boasts of an 18-hole course which were designed by experts with a view to taking advantage of the greatest resource of Minnesota—water. If you are not convinced, better experience the golf course yourself and avail of the ferry ride on your way to your next shot. The golf course also has 9-hole, par 20 course for golf enthusiasts. Stonebooke also offers enthusiasts a chance to play on the equally challenging executive 9-hole, par 30 course, the Waters Edge.
For most people who categorize shopping under recreational activities, there is not better place than Shakopee. The city is only a few minutes from the Mall of America, one of the largest malls in the world with over 500 specialty stores and other establishments. Shopping is also very convenient right at the Southbridge Shopping Center and the Crossroads & Shakopee Valley Marketplace.
Housing and Real Estate
Relocating to Shakopee requires a basic knowledge of the housing and real estate prospects of the city. The average home price in Shakopee is $173,453 while the average rental price for homes is $644. A majority or 78% of the housing units in the city are occupied by their owners, 19% are rented while 4% are considered vacant units. As of 2005, the average value of a house or condominium in Shakopee is $237,800m slightly higher than Minnesota’s $198,800.
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 APPLE VALLEY REAL ESTATE
Apple Valley
Located in the southeastern ring of Twin Cities suburbs, Apple Valley, Minnesota has had a long standing tradition of being a family-oriented community that prides itself on safety and commitment to education and youth. Although two thirds of the city’s households are married couples, and nearly half have children, it is also a place that attracts many individuals because of its close location to Minneapolis and because of its quiet, relaxed pace of life. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, or are looking for something different, Apple Valley real estate has many options that will be sure to satisfy a wide variety of needs.
Apple Valley is one of the larger and more affluent suburbs of the Twin Cities. With over 45,000 residents, this suburb is the fifteenth largest city in the state of Minnesota. Because of this, Apple Valley is able to maintain a strong community identity, while still remaining close enough to the Twin Cities to accommodate business commuters and those seeking to take advantage of the city’s recreational amenities. The median household income for the city is nearly $70,000, and its poverty rate hovers around two percent. It’s financial success is seen throughout the community, and is reflected in the real estate, as well as the excellent educational system provided by Apple Valley.
One of the most interesting and attractive features of the Apple Valley educational system is its dedication to developing “magnet” schools, or schools that carry an advanced focus of study for its students. This fall, three elementary-level magnet schools are being opened, carrying themes of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), International Studies, and Arts and Sciences, respectively. These three elementary schools will complement the successful School of Environmental Studies for high-school level students. These focused schools offer an alternative to the mainstream, comprehensive school system, and provides parents with several viable options in order to stimulate and accommodate the needs of their children.
Apple Valley provides some of the most superb real estate in the surrounding Metro Area. Many of the available homes are exquisite, multi-story mansions that reach into the millions; at the same time, there are a number of excellent single-family homes available in safe neighborhoods at more affordable prices for those individuals or families looking to start out. There are certainly many factors to consider, and of course, many options available. I encourage you to contact me if you are even considering purchasing a home; I want to help you find the home that is right for you.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 WAYZATA REAL ESTATE
Wayzata
Wayzata is a suburb in Minnesota that is characterized by its lakeside village earning for it the moniker “jewel of Lake Minnetonka”. True to form, Wayzata is the best location for anyone who wants to get a good view of the famous Twin Cities Lake. Despite a thriving business community, Wayzata has managed to maintain its small town ambiance along with plenty of parks and open spaces.
This city is an interesting place not only during summertime when you get to watch the passing cruisers and sailboats but also during wintertime when ice racers and skaters abound. Life’s modern amenities are also present in Wayzata including a wide-range of restaurants, fashion stores and home accessories making it an ideal place not only for short visits but also for relocation.
Population Profile
With a small population of only 4,113 people divided into 1,929 households, Wayzata is considered a small to medium-size city with a population density of 1,292.6 persons for every square mile of land. Majority or 96.11% of the population are Whites followed by Asians (1.34%) and a mixture of African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other races.
The average family income in Wayzata is $96,859 while the city’s per capita income is $63,859. Residents have a fairly comfortable life with only 2.3% of the entire population living below the poverty line. This is understandable as Wayzata is surrounded by the growing economies of Plymouth and Minnetonka, not to mention Wayzata’s growing reputation as a financial center.
History
The name Wayzata, which is sourced from the Sioux word Wayzata, evokes memories of the Indian settlement along Lake Minnetonka. The lake, which the settlers called “Big Water”, was an ideal site both for fishing and hunting. However, the settlers were forced out of the area after France claimed the land and sold it to the United States.
The pioneering family of Oscar E. Garrison settled in the area in 1852 and filed a claim for the land in 1854. A year after, Wayzata saw the construction of its first sawmill along with the first hotel and blacksmith shop. The growing economy of the Wayzata settlers (which relied on corn and wheat) was threatened by a grasshopper plague. Ultimately, it became a center for ginseng roots which were collected in the surrounding forests and sold to the Orient as an aphrodisiac.
One important part of Wayzata’s history is its development as a resort town area which was brought about by the influx of commercial steamboats operating within Lake Minnetonka. Tourists started to flock in the area after the Civil War. The extension of the tracks of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad to Wayzata made the area more accessible and was responsible for the construction of hotels and other commercial establishments in Wayzata. The start of the Gilded Age of Wayzata also saw the construction of an 800-room hotel in Minnetonka beach named Lafayette Hotel.
Wayzata is a living proof of the common economic boom and bust. And after the tourists moved on, Wayzata was established as a separate government entity with its own council. Ironically, the first act of the village council was to force the removal of the railroad track which was responsible for the economic boom in the area. The removal of the track took away Wayzata from the map resulting to an economic slump. A change of heart of the council led to the construction of the finest track in Wayzata.
The residential development of Wayzata started in the 1920s when the area became a tourist destination once again thanks to popular recreations like motor boating. But this time, most of those who were just visiting Wayzata became so enamoured with the city’s way of life that they decided to stay in the area.
Minnesota real estate particularly in Wayzata became a hit in the 1930s with the rising demand for summer cottages taking up most of the real estate projects. After that came the development of infrastructure (light, water and roads) in the area which makes Wayzata today an ideal area for real estate investing be it for a single family residence, condominiums, duplex, land or even log homes.
Education
Independent School District 284 serves the educational needs of Wayzata and nearby cities like Medina, Maple Grove, Orono and Minnetonka. Those planning to relocate in Wayzata can choose from multi-level schools in the area which caters to Grades 9 to 12, Grades 6 to 8 (3 middle schools) and K5 students (7 public schools for elementary).
Among the schools in the District are the Sunset Hill West Middle School, Kimberly Lane, Plymouth Creek Central Middle School, Birchview, Gleason Lake and Greenwood.
Exposure
Wayzata is considered a small city compared to the other cities in the Twin Towers but it had its share of fame in both television (thanks to TV shows Lost and 90210) and the big screen through the movie Fargo.
Wayzata Depot
The Wayzata Depot in Lake Street is a living remembrance of the beginnings of the railroad which brought the city’s economic development. The Depot houses the Wayzata Historical Society Museum which is far from the traditional museums where the viewers are forbidden to touch anything. This museum is an interactive one which allows visitors to experience and even use some of the memorabilia on display.
The museum showcases photos of Wayzata way back in the 19th and 20 centuries, the Wayzata Timeline which illustrates the city’s history, a ticket window which sells empire souvenir tickets, a 1930’s model of the Northern Empire Builder, the railroad clock and even the stationmaster’s desk.
If you are planning to visit Wayzata or have just relocated to the area, don’t forget to bring the whole family to the Depot. Children can even use the communication equipment used by the railroad and send a Morse code message.
Buying a home
If you are planning to avail of corporate relocation or employee relocation then you might want to consider the possibility of living in Wayzata. And when that decision has been made make sure you familiarize yourself with some tips in buying real estate in the Twin Towers.
Real estate investing is not an easy task but there are various real estate agents in Wayzata to help you choose homes for sale by owners. You can choose from single family residences or twos story homes depending on your budget. Real estate financing is also very accessible in Wayzata and the whole of Twin Towers.
When choosing real estate agents, make sure you choose a realtor who is a member of the national Association of Realtors. This will make your real estate transactions easier sine these realtors follow a code of ethics.
You can also choose from a variety of locations in Minnesota depending on your lifestyle. Wayzata is a second ring suburb just like White Bear Lake and North Oaks. If you want to relocate in a first ring suburb then choose Golden Valley, Oakdale or Roseville.
If you own a motorized boat then you might want to opt for real estate that is adjacent to a lake. However, Wayzata real estate properties near the lake can be very expensive. A real estate investment near Lake Minnetonka can be very expensive while real estate properties near the smaller lakes also command a price but are affordable.
Relocation in Wayzata for boat lovers is ideal because it is among the lucky cities with shorelines in Lake Minnetonka. Among the other cities that are similarly blessed are Deephaven, Shorewood, Orono, Excelsior, and Spring Park.
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 MAPLE GROVE REAL ESTATE
Maple Grove Minnesota
Maple Grove
This city in Hennepin County, State of Minnesota is known as one of the up and coming communities in the area. Maple Grove is known for having achieved a balanced commercial and residential growth with the corresponding city services required for such developments. Despite such developments, the city can still boast of several acres of trail system and open spaces thanks to a comprehensive land use plan that aims to maintain the quality of life in the community.
One of the attractions in maple Grove is the city’s Christmas Box Angel which usually attracts locals and visitors no matter what the season is. The attraction, which is located in the Arboretum, is a memorial which allows visitors to find peace and solace amidst mourning and grief. The original angel of hope statue is in Salt Lake, Utah and each year, new statues are being erected all over the world. There are at least 50 Christmas Box Angels worldwide.
If you are planning to avail of corporate relocation to Maple Grove then you might want to time your visit to the Candlelight Memorial at the Angel of Hope Stature every December and leave a white flower for your departed friends and loved ones. The occasion will give you a glimpse not only of the city but also of the whole community and how they thrive and support each other.
The Angel of Hope is one of more than 50 Christmas Box Angels throughout the world that are gathering places for anyone grieving the loss of a child of any age, for any reason.
History
The first inhabitants of Maple Grove were the Winnebago Indians. Then came Louis Gervais who settled in the area in 1851. During that time, the city saw minor growth including the construction of the town hall, church and many houses but there remained the large stands of maple trees which influenced the city’s name. The city saw its first school house in 1860 but prior to that, the educators used a vacant house where they teach the children.
Maple Grove experienced a rapid growth in the 1970s with the completion of the 492, 94/694 Interstates as well as the US route 169. The city was incorporated as a village in 1954 and became a city in 1974.
Community Profile
Maple Grove has a population of 50, 365 people as of the 2000 Census. Majority or 94.74% of the residents are Whites followed by Asians (2.52%), African Americans (1.05%) and those from other races. There are a total of 17,532 households with an average household size of 2.87.
The average age of the population is fairly young at 34 years, with 30.8% below 18 years of age and only 4.1% at the age of 65 or over.
Maple Grove has a per capita income of $30,544 but with an average family income of $81,873 and an average household income of $76,111. Only a small percentage of the total number of families or about 0.8% and 1.4 % of the entire population live below the poverty level.
Business
The city has an active business community and is home to a number of business establishments including the Boston Scientific Facility, C.S. McCrossan’s gravel mining area and the Independent School District 279. The science facility alone provides employment to more than 3,000 people.
One of the main attractions in Maple Grove is the lifestyle center which is home to at least 65 interesting shops and restaurants like the California Pizza Kitchen, Pottery barn, Borders Books & Music, National Camera Exchange, GoodThings and Hot Mama.
Another shopping destination in the city is The Fountains at Arbor Lakes which is an 850,000 square feet complex that houses establishments like Subway, Circuit City, the Holiday Inns & Suites plus a water park. The Grove is also a magnet for shoppers as it houses the Home Depot, OfficeMax and SuperTarget plus it is the location of the Fairview hospital complex.
Evident of the city’s robust economic growth is the estimated 6 million square feet of commercial area. It is also next to the Mall of America in terms of the number of retail stores.
As of the year 2007 the following banks have branches in Maple Grove: Wells Fargo Bank with $398,671.0 million in bank assets and $311,546.0 million in deposits; TCF National Bank with $14,749.0 million in assets and $9,880.2 million in deposits; Maple Grove Byerly's Branch with $217,802.3 million in bank assets and $135,903.1 million in deposits; Eagle Community Bank with $29.3 million in assets and $24.5 million in deposits; Americana Community Bank with $183.9 million in assets and $163.9 million deposits; KleinBank with $1,269.4 million in assets and $1,017.1 million in deposits and Inter Savings Bank with $951.6 million in assets and $588.8 million in deposits. There are also other banks with branches in the city.
Housing
If you are being offered a corporate relocation or employee relocation package in Maple Grove then you can be sure that you will have lots of options including homes for rent, apartments for rent or condominiums for sale and homes for sale. You can also choose your location whether you want to live in an urban setting or a more suburban one,
There are agencies in the city that aims to help locals and new residents in looking for real estate properties. There are several housing programs you can choose from depending on your requirements whether you require a lot to build your home, townhomes or senior housing.
The Metropolitan Housing can also help you find more affordable home for singles, senior and families. Most Minnesota cities like Maple Grove provide affordable housing to its residents because it is one way of encouraging stability and economic growth in the area.
Here is some additional Maple Grove Info:
In the outer northern suburbs, Maple Grove has become one of the strongest retail and shopping pockets in the suburbs. This sprawl has led to an impressive economic growth, which has attracted many satisfied residents to the city of Maple Grove. As expected due to its affluence, Maple Grove boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in the Twin Cities. If you are considering buying that dream home for you and your family, the time has never been better to invest in Maple Grove real estate.
One of the major draws to this area of the Twin Cities is its abundance of shops. The Arbor Lake area, which includes the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, the Grove, and the Fountains at Arbor Lakes, is the second largest condensed shopping area (behind Bloomington’s Mall of America) in the state of Minnesota. Here, people on any given night of the week can be found reading at their local coffee shops, going out to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in this area, or catching a cheap movie at the excellent dollar-theater. Maple Grove has generated a great deal of activity and excitement with this area, and provides the city with a strong economic backbone to facilitate other public interests.
The major one of these interests, of course, is education. Maple Grove’s public school system is consistently ranked as one of the better programs in the state, and their Junior High and Senior High schools are among the top in state-wide testing. Maple Grove is very much a family-oriented community, and many of the families who move here cite the excellent public school system as a major factor in their decision.
In terms of real estate, Maple Grove has quite a bit to offer in terms of the high-end. Many spacious multi-story homes are available in some of the Twin Cities most affluent neighborhoods, so if you are in the market for your dream home, I highly encourage you to consider Maple Grove real estate as an option. On the other hand, if you are looking at something a bit more reasonable, there are a number of fantastic single-family homes, duplexes and condominiums available at affordable prices. Whatever your needs, I highly encourage you to contact me to set up an appointment and discuss our options.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 PLYMOUTH REAL ESTATE
Plymouth
One of the most populated as well as one of the most affluent suburbs of the Twin Cities, Plymouth is home to nearly 69,000 residents, making it the seventh largest city in the state of Minnesota. This extremely desirable area boasts some of the most spectacular real estate in all of the Twin Cities, so if you are in the market to purchase your dream home, I highly encourage you to consider Plymouth real estate.
Plymouth is certainly among the wealthiest cities in the greater Metro Area. Its median household income is over $82,000 and its median income for a family is over $100,000. Because of this, Plymouth is able to provide a large amount of funding into public interests, such as their excellent public school district and comprehensive park systems. The excellent economic conditions in Plymouth allow for some of the best homes in the entire state. While some of the most spectacular multi-story homes reach into the higher end, there are many reasonably priced single-family homes as well as condominiums available for those potential buyers who are looking for a starter home. Whatever your need, I encourage you to contact me to set up an appointment to discuss your options.
Because of its close proximity to the Twin Cities, many residents of Plymouth work in either Minneapolis or Saint Paul, but prefer the tranquility of living with some distance away from city life. Still, Plymouth is easily within driving distance to be able to enjoy all of the entertainment amenities the Twin Cities has to offer. For those who prefer to stick a little closer to home on the weekends, Plymouth has a terrific selection of restaurants, as well as the beloved Plymouth Playhouse. This top-notch local theater company has been entertaining audiences for 33 years, and continues to delight the Plymouth community.
If you are even considering buying a home, or simply want to see what your options are, do not hesitate to contact me. In the current buyer’s market, the time has never been better to invest in your dream house, and Plymouth has a wide range of options that will suit a variety of needs.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
Additional Plymouth Minnesota information:
Plymouth
If you want to live in a community that provides a quality way of life then Plymouth is one of the best choices. The city has well-planned areas for commercial, industrial and residential development. The rolling terrain and greeneries provides a backdrop that lets you breathe amid the pressures of daily life.
Plymouth in Hennepin County State of Minnesota is 7th among the largest cities in the United States and is the 16th largest suburb in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Money Magazine named Plymouth No. 1 among the Top 100 best Places to Live in America. Among the factors considered for the selection includes the low crime rate, employment opportunities, housing and quality education in the city. Plymouth’s culture promotion via its open air ampitheater and the Top 3 ranking of its main school district among all the other districts in the State of Minnesota was also cited.
A survey shows that 95% of those surveyed thought that Plymouth provides either good or excellent quality of life for its residents with 37% classifying way of life in the city as excellent. Majority of the city’s residents expect such quality of life in Plymouth to remain the same in the next five years. It is also perceived by 90% of the residents as an ideal city to raise children while 70% rate it as an excellent place for retirement.
Plymouth Mayor Kelli Slavik attributed the city’s development to visionary leadership as can be gleamed from the city’s history. She also cited the community’s support, forward thinking and commitment to the promotion of the arts.
The city’s thrust is strategic development while protecting the environment. The community bats for the development of a first-rate park system that would improve the recreational facilities in the city while maintaining the natural open spaces permanently,
Plymouth is a fast growing community and if you are considering corporate relocation or employee relocation then the city’s strategic location, clean and green environment as well as its diverse housing stock would be among the best factors to consider relocating here. Another relocation factor to consider is Plymouth’s proximity to the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
History
Plymouth was originally inhabited by the Dakota who encamped near Medicine Lake. The first settler in the area was Antoine LeCounte who arrived in the area as early as 1848 but only settled in 1852. The town’s early development came in 1855 with the construction of a gristmill which was taken down in 1857.
Plymouth’s development took a new turn with the construction of churches, schools and a post office and even hotels by 1863. The primary trade then was farming but the construction of roads and other facilities made the city attractive to tourists. Plymouth became a chartered city in 1993.
Community Profile
Plymouth has a total population of 65,894 people as of the 2000 Census. However, the 2006 Census estimated the population at 70,102. Majority of the population are Whites (91.36%) followed by Asians (3.79%), African Americans (2.71%), and other races.
The average age for Plymouth residents is 36 years with only 7.6% of the population within the age range of 65 years old and above and only 27.1% below 18 years old.
Plymouth residents are generally well-off with an average household income of $77,008 and an average family income of $90,134. New estimates for the year 2006 placed the average family income to $101,936 and the average household income at $82,288. With a per capita income of $36,309, the city only has 2.6% of the entire population and 1.5% of the entire number of families living below poverty level.
Business
Plymouth is a city that is attractive both as a residential area and a place for business. It has almost reach a one is to one statistics for its population and job opportunities with 66,000 people and over 51,000 jobs. Among the major employers in the city are light manufacturing, telecommunications, research, insurance and computer-related industries.
Plymouth has more jobs per capital compared to the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The availability of job opportunities in the area is cited as the number one reason why life is good in Plymouth.
Housing
If you are planning to retire or relocate your family then Plymouth is a good choice because of the city’s competitive advantage not only in terms of education, business, culture but housing as well.
Over half of the city’s housing stock or 58% are single-family homes but you can also choose from the many condominiums, townhouses and apartments. If you are considering corporate relocation in the city then it would be good to note that as of 2006, the average price of a single-family home here is $367,900. There are lots of homes for rent, condominiums for rent or apartment for rents as 20% of the housing stock in the city is classified as for rent.
A housing maintenance code is imposed in the city to make sure that there is enough quality housing stock in the city. Thus, you can expect the regular conduct of building and property inspections to classify structures that are in need of repair or are already hazardous for the community.
While Plymouth already has a good mix of high-end and affordable quality housing, there is still a clamor for the construction of more housing stock for first-time buyers as well as for those with low incomes. Residents favour the imposition of tax breaks as well as development incentives for those who will invest in the development of affordable housing.
A resident in Plymouth means easy access to a quality life, the city center, the countryside and the beaches. Remember this the next time you have to choose a place for you and your family.
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 NORTH OAKS REAL ESTATE
North Oaks
North Oaks is a well-planned Minnesota city where all streets are owned by private citizens. Majority of the residential lots extend towards the center of the streets so they have been classified as private streets which are owned by the residents and maintained by the residents themselves. Even the parks and trails are owned and managed by the North Oaks Homeowner’s Association.
Aside from this peculiarity, travel from the city to the major cities like Minneapolis or St. Paul is a breeze, thanks to easy access to the freeway which makes travel time from North Oaks to both cities a mere 15 to 20 minutes. This can mean a lot to those who have to commute to these cities for business on a daily basis.
It is one of the largest communities in the Twin Cities with over 5,500 acres but has a small population of only 1,250 families. Naturally, the city boasts of an upscale area complete with all the comforts of city living as well as large lots and well, sturdy Oak trees.
Population Profile
North Oaks is lightly populated with only 3,883 people based on the 2000 census. Most of the residents are Whites (93.33%) with 4.61% of the population made up by Asians and 1.21% by Latinos and Hispanics. The rest of the population consists of Native Americans, African Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The fact that none of the total number of families lives below the poverty line is evident of the prevailing economic condition in the city. Only a small percentage of the total population lives below poverty level. Families in North Oaks have high incomes at an average rate of $152,380 per family. However, there is a big disparity between the average income of men ($100,000) and women ($47,019).
North Oaks is a good place for corporate relocation, employment relocation and residential relocation. Couples who are planning to move in would welcome the thought that at least 80% of the city’s adult population is married. However, there is still a large portion of the population who are still single which means the place can also be a good place for those who want to marry a wealthy person.
There might be a connection between the wealth of the North Oaks residents to the fact that most of the city’s population have graduated from college. While most of the residents work from home, an estimated 90% of those who commute drive to work.
Politics
The 45 miles of roads, all privately owned, contribute to making North Oaks a private city governed by a mayor (with a two-year term) and four members of the city council (with four-year terms but staggered). The city used to be known as North Oaks Village but its name was changed to North Oaks with the status of a 4th class city.
It would be interesting to note that Presidential candidate John Kerry got the top contribution (amounting to $31,460) among the North Oak folks during the 2004 elections.
NOHOA
North Oaks is a rich city not only in terms of the income of its residents but also in terms of history. It celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
Since most of the properties including land are owned by the residents, the North Oaks Homeowners Association is largely responsible for the over-all maintenance of the roads owned by its members including street sweeping, placement of street names and signs, resurfacing and snowplowing. The Association also takes care of the various recreational facilities including the Eastern and Western recreation Center, Tennis Courts, Pleasant Lake beach, soccer and baseball fields, trails and all the open spaces.
Housing
North Oaks residents pay more property taxes compared to residents of other cities in Minnesota. There is also a vibrant real estate and construction business in North Oaks with most homes newly constructed. However, 99% of the occupied housing units in the city are occupied by the owners.
Moving in
If you are planning to move in to North Oaks, or if you have just moved in, it would be a good idea to join the “Newcomers Club”, a social club for new and old residents as well. Membership to the group will entitle you to the monthly issues of the Acorn Newsletter. The various Club activities will give you an opportunity to meet the other residents of North Oaks.
Families are a big thing in North Oaks so there is an annual event called the Family Fun Days, which is specifically geared towards family bonding. And if you have just relocated to this Twin Towers city then you should know that December is the time for the Holiday Progressive Dinner in North Oaks where all couples meet. The Gourmet Club is also a good social event for couples who love wine and socializing.
Not to be left behind of all these socializing are North Oaks women who meet every month for dinner, speeches and entertainment.
Moving in to North Oaks means meeting those adorable but annoying deers! It is thus important to take note of plants that are resistant to deers so your gardens don’t become the deers’ favorite dinner hangout. Deers are a major problem among North Oaks residents particularly those who have manicured and landscaped lawns. The problem worsens during long winters as deers may wonder beyond their feeding areas and may eat plants that they do not usually eat including tree barks.
While putting up a fence can be a solution, there are ordinances that prohibit the construction of very high fences. The best solution is to settle for deer-resistant plants for your landscaping. And while not all plants are totally deer-resistant, there are at least 600 plants recommended by researchers and you can make use of them to avoid deer problems.
With the deer-problem and all, it can be said that North Oaks is not really a perfect place after all. However, considering the city’s peace and order condition, economic stability, wide open spaces, estate-sized residential lots and living comforts , North Oaks may just be one of the best cities in Minnesota to live in.
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 SAVAGE REAL ESTATE
Savage
Savage, Minnesota is an attractive and quiet suburb southwest of the Twin Cities. It is approximately twenty miles from downtown Minneapolis, which makes it a perfect location for those who work in the city, but prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle in their home and family life. If you are considering relocating to the Twin Cities, or are simply looking to gain a little distance from city life, Savage is a fantastic option.
One of the most attractive features of Savage is its wealth of natural resources, and its commitment to preserving them. Right off of the Minnesota River, Savage hosts the popular Eagle Creek. This creek is a popular spot for fisherman, with some of the best waters for brown trout in the area. Eagle Creek is also the home of Boiling Springs, a location where the water bubbles up, creating the illusion that it is boiling. According to Sioux legend, the springs produced a guiding spirit for the tribe; thus, the site is considered sacred. Savage’s Department of Natural Resources is extremely active and committed to preserving these areas amidst community development, and retaining the strong historical tradition. Certainly, many who live here are quick to name to natural beauty and riverfront recreation as an important factor in their appreciation of the city.
Savage is a friendly community, a place where neighbors know each others names, and a place where parents can feel safe with their children. The schools in the area are excellent, and with other suburbs such as Burnsville and Lakeville within striking distance, there is always plenty to do for entertainment without driving into the city.
While many of the people who move to Savage have a family, it is becoming an increasingly popular community for post-collegiate singles to purchase their first home. This area has many great homes to choose from, from spacious and comfortable single family homes, to sprawling multi-story homes. Furthermore, if you are more interested in building your dream home from the ground up, there are multiple lots of land for purchase with varying sizes to accommodate your individual needs. There are plenty of listings available at affordable prices, so if you are even considering buying a home, I strongly urge you to contact me to set up an appointment.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
More Savage MN info:
Savage
Savage is a suburban community in Scott County State of Minnesota. Prior to being named in honor of Marion Willis Savage, owner and trainor of famous racehorse Dan Patch, it was known as Hamilton village. Dan Patch got a record breaking 1minute and 55 second during the 1906 Minnesota State fair race.
United States. The population of Savage was 21,115 at the 2000 census; the Census Bureau estimated its 2006 population at 27,292.[5]
The city has a strategic location but more than its affinity with race horsing and the growing grains distribution industry as well as riverfront activities due to being a United States Navy shipbuilding port, people went and stayed in Savage because of the community’s inherent charm. The development of Savage as a center for industrial manufacturing can be attributed to the spill over growth from nearby Burnsville. However, the city still boasts of a possessing rural lands bordering some parts of the Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve as well as the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
History
Marion Willis Savage once owned a large farm in Hamilton Village where he trained his horses. The farm had a covered half mile track and a stable called Taj Mahal. At this farm was raised Dan Patch, the famous pacer who did not only won records but also the hearts of the villagers who in 1904 decided to name their community after its owner and trainor.
Hamilton Village was incorporated in 1892, taking the lead from the Hamilton Landing which is a port for boats owned and built by Irish and Scottish settlers headed by William Byrne. They named the port aftr a city in Canada. Byrne however settled in a nearby place which is now known as Burnsville.
The building of a railway line in 1865 and a post office in 1866 resulted to the Village becoming a center of trade and service. In 1894, the post office was named Glendale Post Station which was included in the Glendale Township which later on was joined with the village forming Savage in 1904.
The city was also home to a Military Intelligence School named Camp Savage. The school, which taught American military personnel the Japanese language, was formed in 1942 to improve US military intelligence.
Lack of interstate connection and construction materials in the area led to the underdevelopment of Savage despite the housing boom which took place after the war. However, the construction of the Bloomington Ferry bridge and the improvement of Highway 13 led to the population and economic growth of Savage
Community Profile
Savage has a population count of 21,115 as of the 2000 Census. Majority or 90.65% of the population are Whites while the rest are Asians (5.39%), African Americans (1.59%) and other races. Savage has a fairly young population with an average age of 31 years old. Only 2.6% of the population are aged 65 years old and above while 35.6% are below 18 years old.
Savage residents live a comfortable life with an average income of $75,097 for every household and an average income of 79,244 per family. With a per capita income of $26,858, only 2.3% of the population and 1.9% of families are living below the poverty level.
Recreation
All the thirteen parks spread out over 260 acres of land owned by Savage are maintained by the City Parks Development. These parks, which are open daily from 7A.M. to 10P.M., have very stringent rules on dogs and cleanliness. If you have availed of corporate relocation or employee relocation then you should be aware that the City does not allow hunting, archery, snowmobiles, tents and other structures and ATV or motorcycles inside the parks. Drinking of beer in the park and within 30 feet of any athletic field is also prohibited.
You and your family can join the over 3,500 residents who participates in the city’s recreational activities every year. The events include sports programs for children and adults, camps and trips.
Housing
Anyone would jump at an offer of corporate relocation to Savage or in any city in the State of Minnesota because of the quality of life in these areas. Buying a Minnesota home is a very logical and wise investment that anyone can make. And if you are worried about getting subprime mortgages or the possibility of foreclosures then you should arm yourself with the best information that can be easily found online.
If you are inspecting homes for sale and apartments for rent in Savage then look out for icky smell, dirty bathrooms and kitchens, busted lights, damp basements and peeling paintwork. By doing this, you can be assured that you are choosing quality real estate that is worthy your money.
You can take advantage of real estate price drops but do not succumb to the subprime mess where you get your real estate with little or even no down payment at all but you pay for the consequences particularly inflating mortgage payments.
Make sure that when you choose a condominium, a house for sale or an apartment in Savage, you do not only do extensive research but that you also have the support of a reputable real estate agent who can offer you the best deal possible without short changing you.
With a median household income of $75,097 compared to the State average of only $47,111, Savage residents are more than capable of investing in quality real estate. Owner-occupied houses in the city have an average value of $168,400 compared to the State average of only $122,400. On the other hand, buyers would benefit from knowing that the average asking price for housing units in the city is $230,900 which is a lot more expensive that the State average of $2,800.
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 EAGAN REAL ESTATE
Eagan
One of the most desired suburbs in the Greater Metro Area, Eagan is home to over 63,000 residents, making it the eighth largest city in Minnesota. Because of this, Eagan is easily able flourish as an independent city, while being conveniently located a mere fifteen minutes from downtown Minneapolis. With a strong sense of community, plenty of recreational opportunities, and an excellent public school system, Eagan’s real estate market has become increasingly in demand in the last several years. If you are considering relocating to the Twin Cities, or are currently living in the city and seeking some distance from city life, I strongly urge you to consider Eagan real estate.
In 2006, Eagan ranked twelfth in Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the United States.” Ever since, people who are looking to buy a home quickly turn to the wealth of options available in Eagan. Many excellent single-family homes are available for those looking to start out, as well as many larger multi-story homes. There are also a wide variety of duplexes and condominiums available, so whatever your needs, Eagan has something to offer. If you are even considering buying a home, whether this is your first home, or whether you are a seasoned home-owner, I urge you to contact me to consider your options.
One of the biggest reasons why Eagan ranked so high on the “Best Places” list is because of its superb educational system. Eagan High School has received numerous national awards for its academic achievements as well as its commitment to fine arts. It is also one of the most progressive schools in the country in its use and promotion of technology in the classroom. This strong school system attracts a wide number of families looking to give the best education possible to their children.
Eagan also boasts a wealth of recreational opportunities. The Eagan Civic Arena is a popular indoor ice skating rink that is open for skating lessons, youth hockey, and a number of other activities. For those who prefer to be outdoors, Eagan hosts an extensive series of parks that covers nearly 1,400 acres of land, so there are plenty of opportunities to go hiking or simply have a barbecue with your family. And when you feel like indulging in the urban experience, don’t forget that downtown Minneapolis is only fifteen minutes away.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
More Eagan Info:
Eagan: Where A Well-Off Community Thrives
Eagan is one of the best cities for corporate relocation and employee relocation due to its extensive greeneries and bountiful lakes and ponds. While these features make it a priority area for people choosing homes for sale or condominium, these features are also the very reasons why commercial establishments also prefer the area for investment.
The city is technically young having been incorporated only in 1974. However, it has grown by leaps and bounds and was named by Money Magazine as the Top 12 “Best Place To Live” in the United States.
Aside from its parks and open spaces, what makes Eagan an attractive area for residents and businesses is its proximity to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as to the airport and employment and investment opportunities.
History
Eagan was originally populated by the Sioux Indians who settled on the Black Dog Village along the Minnesota River. The fur industry has stirred the attention of the Europeans who explored the area in the 1600s. In fact, Eagan was under the French domain and the Spanish domain until 1803 after the United States obtained the area with its purchased Louisiana.
Eagan wand the other parts of Southern Minnesota were opened to settlers in 1851 after the signing of the treaties. The first settlers, who came from Germany, Ireland and French Canada, farmed the area and paved the way for the establishment of agriculture as the primary economic activity in Eagan up to the present.
With a population of 567, the Eagan township was established in 1860, two years after Minnesota officially became a state. Among the members of the first supervisory board were Patrick Eagan after whom Eagan was named, Robert O’Neill and James Callan.
Eagan experienced a slow population growth from 1880 to 1950. However, the establishment of the interstate highway system in the 1950s led to the growth not only of Eagan’s population but also the conversion of Eagan farmlands into suburban communities.
Eagan was officially designated as a city in 1974. And while it is considered a fairly young city, it is considered a developing community with focus on careful land use planning and sustainable development.
Community Profile
Eagan has a population of 63,557 with 23,773 households as of the 2000 Census. Most of the residents are Whites (88.03%) followed by Asians (5.31%), African Americans (3.41%) and other races. Eagan has a young population with an average age of 33 years. Of the total population count, only 4.2% are 65 years old or older while 30% are below 18 years of age.
The residents of Eagan are generally well-off with an average family income of $80,062 per family and $67,388 per household. With a per capita income of $30,167, only a meager 1.9% of the families and 2.9% of the entire population were living below poverty level.
Business
Eagan has a very active business community primarily because of its strategic location making it easily accessible to and from the MSP Airport and the freeways. Among the businesses that have established their presence in Eagan are Mesaba Airlines, Thomson West, Northwest Airlines and the bottling facility of Coca Cola Midwest.
The top employer of Eagan is Thomson Reuters with 6800 people, Blue Cross Blue Shield with 3900 people. Northwest Airlines with 1830 people, Lockheed Martin with 1600 people, US Postal Service with 1570people and United Parcel Service with 1400 people. Other companies employing from 200 to less than a thousand people are Goodrich, Wal-Mart, Skyline Displays, Wells Fargo Mortgage, and Ecolab.
Eagan mayor Mike Maguire confirmed Eagan’s phenomenal business growth along with the completion of long-awaited construction projects as well as the initiation of an energy conservation program. Eagan is experiencing a rise in new offices and industrial spaces which has in turn led to a rise in the vacancy rate of offices in the city.
The Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors reported an increase in office vacancy rates between the years 2006 and 2007. An estimated 12.5% of a total office space of 5.8 square feet has been left vacant in 2007 compared to the only 11.2% rate in the past year. This is however lower than the 14.6% vacancy rate reported in the Twin Cities.
It is ironic that while some small business have upgraded to Class A or B office spaces due to brisk business, several small businesses have closed shop due to survival problems and have left more Class C office spaces vacant.
Eagan is faced with a building and construction boom with 13 construction projects worth $1 million or more in 2007 alone. A total of $90.43 million in terms of non-residential building permits have been collected in 2007. The projects were a mix of renovation, expansion and new construction projects.
Among the 13 major commercial and industrial projects in 2007 are Staywell and DART industrial building. The Dakota County Community Development Agency also filed a permit for a $4.68 million project involving the construction of 55 senior housing apartments while Argosy University filed a permit for the construction of the $400,000 Yankee Doodle Professional Building. A $1.3 million expansion project has also been filed by the Post Office Bulk mail.
Housing
The Cedar Grove Housing Development resulted to an increase in Eagan’s population from 1960 up to the present. As of April 2007, there are 26,561 housing units in the city and 25,835 of these are occupied. If you are keen on accepting a corporate relocation or employee relocation in Eagan then it would be useful to note that the city has an average house market value of $263,458.
Notable residents
Among the famous resident of Eagan are Miss Minnesota USA 2006 Dottie Canon, USA Women’s hockey team star player Natalie Darwitz, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and stage actress Laura Osnes.
Eagan is an ideal place to live and do business in with a balanced social and economic infrastructure allowing its residents to live a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. So if you’re planning on relocating you should check out what Eagan has to offer for you and your family.
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 BLOOMINGTON REAL ESTATE
Bloomington
Though Bloomington, Minnesota is a suburb of the Twin Cities, it is the fifth largest city in the state of Minnesota, and the largest suburb in the greater Metro area. It is certainly one of the most prosperous areas in terms of business, and its residents take great pride in its separate identity from Minneapolis and St. Paul, while retaining a superb location to all of the amenities of the Twin Cities. Residents of Bloomington love its blend of the urban and suburban, and Bloomington real estate is of high interest to many people looking to purchase a home.
Of course, the most notable attraction of Bloomington is the world-famous Mall of America. With approximately 4.2 million square feet, the Mall of America (or MOA) is the largest shopping center in the entire country, and one of the largest tourist attractions in the state of Minnesota. It boasts nearly forty million visitors per year, and employs over 12,000 workers, making Bloomington a significant economic power, as well as a wonderful recreational feature of the city. With shopping, dining, and a full amusement park, the Mall of America is an extremely popular place for residents of Bloomington to spend a weekend afternoon.
While the MOA offers a busy indoor recreational atmosphere, Bloomington offers some of the most striking parks and natural resources in the state. Over one third of the city’s area is devoted to parks, allowing numerous opportunities to spend time with your family outside. Several lakes have coasts along Bloomington, and many more state and regional parks are available for hiking, fishing, or having a barbecue. Bloomington also hosts a popular aquatic center with an indoor pool, diving boards, and water slides; so those people who enjoy being able to stay active will never be at a loss for things to do.
Because of its wonderful location to Minneapolis, Bloomington real estate is extremely popular for those looking to stay close to the city, while it retains the strong sense that suburb life offers. Many younger, post-collegiate buyers choose Bloomington, as well as many families. The real estate market itself is red-hot right now, with many wonderful single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums available at affordable prices. For those looking for more space, there are a number of stunning multi-story homes available near the lakes and in some of the most affluent and desirable neighborhoods in the cities. If you work in Minneapolis, Bloomington is an easy fifteen minute drive away. Regardless of your needs, Bloomington offers a wide variety of options that can suit any needs.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
More Bloomington MN info:
Bloomington: City of Hospitality
Bloomington, which was named after Bloomington, Illinois, is a dynamic urban center in Hennepin County that is connected to the city of Minneapolis through the light rail transit. It is the State of Minnesota’s fourth largest city and forms the third core city with Miinneapolis and St. Paul.
It is a housing boom suburb which was established after World War II. Despite its reputation of being a bedroom community consisting of traditional middle class families living in single-family homes and upper-tier households living in condominiums and apartments, Bloomington has a healthy environment with lots of parks and open spaces courtesy of the Minneapolis Parks System and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Majority of the residents of Bloomington commute to nearby cities for work but the city also has a thriving economy. It used to be the base of the Twin Cities major league baseball, hockey and football teams but has developed into a magnet for the hospitality and retail industries. The city is home to Seagate, Toro and Ceridian companies.
History
Bloomington’s first European settlers are Peter and Louisa Quinn. Both were sent by the government to teach the modern farming methods to Native Americans in the area. They were followed by missionary Gideon Pond who introduced church services, farming and schooling in the area.
The territory where Bloomington belonged to was opened to settlers in 1851 and among those who first settled in the area were the families of Whalon, Ames and Goodrich. They named the area “Bloomington” which means flowering field, from the city where they came from.
The town of Bloomington was incorporated on May 11, 1858, the same day when the state of Minnesota officially became a state and was admitted to the union. The city’s population has reached 820 by 1880 and has grown to a thousand in the 1900s. The years 1940 to 1960 saw a rapid population increase and along with that came the city’s plan for housing facilities that are low-cost and low-density.
It was in 1952 when Toro Manufacturing Company, moved to the city. It was then considered the largest business in the city. Bloomington became a city in 1960 and the years after that saw a rapid growth in the city’s business and other affairs including the construction of the Metropolitan Stadium in 1956. The city became home to Minnesota’s major sports team like the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins
Community Profile
Bloomington has 85,172 residents and 36,400 households as of the 2000 Census. A large portion of its residents or 88.12% are Whites, followed by Asians (5.09%), African Americans (3.42%) and other races.
It has a mature population with an average age of 40 years. Of the entire population, 15.7% were 65 years old or older while 20.6% are below 18 years old.
Bloomington families have an average income of $67,135 which is evident of the comfortable economic status of the residents. The city has a per capita income of $29,782 but 4.2% of the population is living below poverty level.
Business
Bloomington’s hospitality industry is booming with over 7000 hotel rooms to cater to locals and visitors alike. The hospitality sector is doing well due to its proximity to major transportation routes as well as the Twin Cities international airport.
The city acknowledges the growing popularity of online transactions so it has streamlined its operations and has allowed people to transact business with City Hall online. The coordination between the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce has paved the way for the establishment of more efficient business processes making the city more attractive to investors.
If you are planning to relocate to Blooming you are at least assured of finding beneficial work opportunities here considering that it is home to major employers providing thousands of jobs to Bloomington residents. Among these companies are Mall of America with over 10,000 workers, Seagate Technology with 2,300 employees, Bloomington School District with 1,700 employees, Express Scripts with 1,700 employees, Health Partners with 1,540 employees and Donaldson Companies, Inc. with 1,200 employees.
The following companies also provide significant employment opportunities to Bloomington: The Toro Company, Thermo King, Holiday Companies, IKEA, Polar Semi Conductors, Inc., Ceridian and Ziegler, Inc.
Housing
Most corporate relocation and employee relocation packages are directed towards Bloomington not only because of the business and work opportunities offered by the city but also because of favourable housing and social conditions.
There are a total of 37,104 housing units in Bloomington as of the year 2000. Of the 36,400 occupied units, 25,682 are occupied by the owners while 10,718 are occupied by renters. The units occupied by the owners have an average value of $147,000 while those occupied by renters have an average value of $753.
Famous Citizens
Among the famous residents of Bloomington are Tony Oliva and Kent Hrbek of Minnesota Twins, NHL players Ben Clymer (Washington Capitals), Mark Parrish (Minnesota Wild), Erik Johnson, Tom Gilbert (Edmonton Oilers) and Peter Mueller (Phoenix Coyotes), Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin, Steve Rushin, former columnist of Sports Illustrated and Warren Spannaus, former Minnesota Attorney General..
The City of Bloomington also offers a good choice of institutional facilities for those planning to relocate here. The city may be a thriving business area but it also boasts of an environment that is ideal for family life.
If you want quality life that translates to success in both your financial and family life then take a good look at what Bloomington has to offer you ad your family. Perhaps, investing in Bloomington real may yet make your dreams a reality.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 ST LOUIS PARK
St. Louis Park
In the first ring of suburbs in southwest Minneapolis, St. Louis Park is an extremely popular suburb because of its close proximity to many of the attractive features of Minneapolis. Minutes from the Chain of Lakes, the uptown business district, as well as downtown Minneapolis, St. Louis Park has become one of the top locations for those looking to stay active in the city, while enjoying the advantages living in a suburb has to offer. If you are in the market for a new home, whether you are single or have a family, it is an excellent time to check out the wonderful real estate market St. Louis Park has to offer.
The arts and theater scene that is so abundant within the Twin Cities certainly does not stop at its city limits; in fact, St. Louis Park takes pride in its wide support and celebration of the arts. A wealth of independent theater can be found here, and the city is taking steps to ensure the growth and development of artistic ventures. For the third year in a row, St. Louis Park is offering funding towards community-based artists in an effort to continue the tradition of music, dance, film, visual arts and theater that are so vital to the personality of the city. There is also a great deal in terms of shopping in this community, with an expansive business district stretching between Excelsior Boulevard and Highway 100 that includes many wonderful restaurants, nightclubs, and two shopping centers.
As you can imagine, St. Louis Park offers a great deal of diversity in its demographics. There is a great mix of religious diversity, with roughly equal numbers of Jewish, Catholic and Protestant families. The median income for a household in the city is around $49,000, while the median income for a family is around $63,000. Many families who have employment in Minneapolis choose to live in St. Louis Park because of its convenient location, but because of its immediate location to the uptown area, many young singles and college graduates are finding the suburb to be a highly attractive place to call home. Therefore, there is a wide spread of real estate opportunities to look into; everything from condominiums, to attractive single story homes, to larger multi-story complexes are available and affordable. This truly is a wonderful community which only looks to grow larger in the coming years.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
More info you will find interesting:
St Louis Park: A Balanced Living
St. Louis Park is a first ring suburban Hennepin County, State of Minnesota. It has a buzzing commercial district comprised of restaurants, corporations, retail stores and other establishments. At least 60% of the city’s tax base consists of commercial, real estate and industrial development.
Corporate relocation to St. Louis Park is an attractive package since the city is conducive to family living with 51 parks, bike trail links and year-round recreational activities. The city has an established school system that answers the educational needs of its residents from preschool to high school.
History
St. Louis Park used to be known as Elmwood until it was incorporated and officially registered in 1886. It got its name from the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway that used to operate in the area.
The city’s development was fast tracked after the incorporation of the Minneapolis Land and investment Company by a group of rich industrialists in Minneapolis headed by Thomas Barlow.
The year 1893 saw the construction of new companies and at least three hotels in the city. By 1890, there were over 600 industrial work opportunities in the area. However, the city’s economic development suffered a setback in 1893 due to financial panic.
There was a surge in St. Louis Park’s development after World War II with massive population growth and a home construction boom between the 1940s and the 1950s. The city’s first shopping center, The Lilac Way, was constructed in the late 1940s followed by the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in 1950 and the Knollwood Shopping Center in 1956.
A total of 66 new subdivisions were constructed in 1950 and two more were added in 1953 and 1954 namely Kilmer and Shelard Park. Both subdivisions were added because of its sewer and water facilities.
Community Profile
St. Louis Park has a total population of 44,126 as of the 2000 Census with a population density of 4,122 persons per square mile. Majority or 88.91% of the residents are Whites, 4.37% are African Americans, 3.21% are Asians while the rest are Pacific Islanders and from other races.
The population is fairly young with an average of 36 years. Of the total population, 18.8% are below 18 years of age while 14.7% are 65 years old or over.
The average income for every family in the city is $63,182. Only 5.2% of the population lives below the poverty line while only 3% of the families are living below the poverty line.
Housing
With explosive economic growth in after WWII followed the housing boom in St. Louis Park. Almost 60% of the total homes in the city were built during the construction and housing boom between 1940s and 1950s. The boom was attributed to the several factors including easy home financing schemes, profitability of large scale construction and the returning veterans. It only took $7,000 to build a home during that time compared to the $200,000 you need today.
After the housing development came the development of the city’s commercial district. The first shopping center in Minnesota was the Lilac Way. This was followed by the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in 1950 and Knollwood Shopping enter in 1956.
One of the earliest multi-family housing units in the city is the St. Louis Park consisting of apartment buildings the sizes of which range from the large apartment building and the small units which measured almost half the apartments. A large portion of St. Louis Park is mainly residential with a home value ranging from $120,000 to over $600,000.
Today, the area is still very much dedicated to housing but with the thrust of redeveloping the infrastructure around it. The area is actually a one stop shop where one can find not only residential units but commercial establishments ready to cater to locals and visitors alike.
There are 20,782 occupied housing units in St. Louis Park and 63.6% or 13,219 are occupied by their owners while 36.4% are occupied by renters.
If you intend to avail of a relocation package in St, Louis Park then you better check out the First Time Homebuyer Program offered by the State of Minnesota as you may qualify for this if you have a $62,000 gross household income or less. Under the program you can avail of mortgage rates that are below the market rates.
If you intend to avail of houses for rent or lease an apartment or a condominium in the city then make sure you read the terms of your lease specifically the provisions on your security deposit, building rules and other pertinent issues which you may encounter. It is also best to think about getting a renter’s insurance to ensure you are protected in case of damage or loss.
There has always been a low vacancy rate when it comes to housing in the city, the lowest of which was 0.2% in 1979 and 0.3% after twenty years. There was a higher vacancy rate in the mid 80s due to the construction of new apartments during the period.
You can also seek help from the Community Action for Suburban Hennepin in terms of home buying training and counseling. If you want to avail of low interest home rates then check with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.
Residing in St. Louis Park means quality living that is a balance between a commercial and a quiet and peaceful environment. It is adjacent to other big cities in the State including Minneapolis and Edina so you can even go city-hopping for shopping and other purposes. | |
 WHITE BEAR LAKE REAL ESTATE
White Bear Lake
One of the most self-contained, community-oriented suburbs of the Twin Cities, White Bear Lake is a perfect place for those looking to settle in with a family. It offers a small town feel, while remaining an easy twenty minute drive to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Located northeast of the Twin Cities, White Bear Lake is a rapidly expanding area, so whether you are looking to buy a pre-existing home for you and your family, or are looking for some land to build your own dream house, White Bear Lake real estate has plenty of options to choose from.
The city of White Bear Lake is relatively small, but has an extremely strong community atmosphere, and is an important addition to the Greater Metro Area. At only 26,000 residents, and an area that covers ten square miles, it is the kind of town where families can provide a safe environment for their children, while also providing a healthy arts and entertainment district for recreation. Probably the most noteworthy feature of this suburb is its namesake body of water, the popular White Bear Lake. Covering 2,500 acres, it rivals the size of the community itself; as you can expect, this magnificent body of water attracts tourists, and is a central part of White Bear Lake’s economy. Summers are always a buzzing time near the lake, offering a clean, relaxed atmosphere for fishing, sailing and swimming.
Many residents of White Bear Lake take part in local events that solidify the community. Each summer, hundreds gather for Manitou Days, the annual festival that celebrates the city; some of the more popular events include a 5K race, a parade, a carnival, and the ever popular Beach Dance. This is a city where neighbors are not strangers, a characteristic that residents of White Bear Lake take immense pride in.
White Bear Lake is a strong middle-class community, with a median household income of $52,000. It is a very family-oriented community, so if you have children, or are planning to have children in the near future, White Bear Lake may be a good fit for you. It offers a wealth of real estate, with plenty of spacious and affordable starter homes, as well as some extremely spacious, multi-story houses. The community is also rapidly expanding, with several affluent housing developments being built off of Highway 61. There is also a large amount of available open land just outside the limits of the city, for those more interested in building their dream home from the ground up. Whatever your needs are, I am confident that I can help you find the home that suits your needs.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
MORE about White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake is a city located in Ramsey County in Minnesota. However, it is also popular as the name of one of the largest lakes in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The city is strategically located near the Twin Cities and is only 20 minutes to St. Paul.
It is a family-oriented community making it an ideal site for corporate relocation or employee relocation. The city boasts of a dynamic business district that can meet the demands of its residents and visitors. On the other hand, it does not fall short when it comes to offering a serene place for picnics, boating, fishing and other water-based activities thanks to the presence of the 2,500-acre lake which has always been the center of the community’s life.
Families always play a great role during White Bear Lake festivities like the Manitou Days which is highlighted by a parade. Ramsey Beach is a great place to build your family’s greatest sandcastle ever. After the hustle and bustle of work you can always opt to sweat it out by running along the Lake Avenue or practicing your golf swing at the Oneka Ridge Golf Course.
Majority or 45% of the lands in White Bear Lake are used by families with single families accounting for 39.5% or 2180 acres and multi-families accounting for 5.9% or 323 acres of land. Commercial land use is only 4.3% or 235 acres while industrial land use is only 3.1% or 173 acres. Public parks and open spaces account for 59% of land use which is equivalent to about 3,255 acres of land.
History
Europeans settled in the White Bear Lake area in the mid 1800s but prior to that, Native Americans already lived, hunted and fished along the banks of White Bear Lake. The area’s popularity as a summer resort area between the years 1870 to 1910 increased with the introduction of the automobile.
The area became a very popular summer resort that it was often visited by equally popular personalities like Barker-Karpis gang and writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. White Bear Lake became a vibrant community with lots of residential homes and family farms after World War II.
White Bear Lake has an exciting history and that’s not because of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the Black Bear Lake city in Winter Dreams. The city’s reputation as a de facto gangster haven when they need to cool off from the Chicago “heat” has even made the city a destination for curious tourists.
However, it was Barry Siegel’s narration in his novel “A Death in White Bear Lake” of the harrowing tale of Dennis Jurgens, a three-year old who was murdered by his own adoptive mother in 1965 which has placed the city in the map of controversial cities.
Community Profile
White Bear Lake has 24,325 residents distributed into 9,618 households as of the 2000 Census. Majority of the residents are Whites (95.31%) followed by Asians (1.54%), African Americans (1.08%), Native Americans (0.37%) and those from other races.
The average age of White Bear Lake residents is 37 years, with 24.8% of the total population below 18 years of age and 14.6% 65 years and over.
The City has a per capital income of $24,338 with an average income of $52,934 for each household and an average income of $60,196 for each family. Only 4.4% of the total number of residents and 3.3% of the total number of families live below the poverty level.
Business
White Bear Lake is home to Smarte Carte, an American company that manufacturers automated mailing devices, strollers and lockers. The company, which supplies some of the major airports worldwide with baggage carts, was featured in the Tom Hanks movie “Terminal”.
The company became bankrupt but was purchased by Macquarie Bank of Australia for $370 million in 2006.
A total of 70.3% of the population are in the labor force and 67.7% of these are employed.
Recreation
If you are an avid golfer then you will find corporate relocation or employee relocation in White Bear Lake ideal. The city offers five golf courses for its residents and visitors. Three of the five golf courses in the city are public including the Gem Lake Hills Golf Course, Manitou Ridge Golf Course and Oneka Ridge Golf Course. Two are private golf courses namely Dellwood Hills Golf Club and White Bear Yacht Club.
For live entertainment and food, families can take advantage of Marketfest which is now on its 18th year. This destination offers various activities for children, a classic car show, fine art, entertainment and a farmers market.
There are at least 22 parks in White Bear Lake among them Bossard Park, Cottage Park Nature Preserve, Ebba Park, Hidden Hollow Park, Jack Yost Memorial Park, Lakeview Park, Lion’s Park, Matoska Park and Memorial beach Park.
Your children will definitely have a grand time at the White Bear Lake Sports Center as it offers skating lessons for beginners. They can also enjoy various sports like racquetball, hockey, figure skating and wallyball. The Sports Center has programs for skating and hockey. December is an exciting time because this is when the annual skating competition is being held.
Housing
There are 9,813 housing units in White Bear Lake and 98% are occupied. Homeowner vacancy rate is 0.3% while rental vacancy rate is 2%. Of the total occupied housing units 74.6% are occupied by their owners while 25.4% are occupied by renters. The median home value for White Bear Lake is $178,600.
The City of White Bear Lake presents a holistic way of life to every family where the adults are given the opportunities to build a satisfying career and their children given the basic facilities to learn and play. If you want to relocate your family in a place that puts special emphasis on the family then White Bear Lake is an ideal option.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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 STILLWATER REAL ESTATE
Stillwater
Stillwater is a small town nestled near the St. Croix River in Minnesota. However, it is proximate to the City of St. Paul and other cities giving its residents easy access to the amenities provided by the Twin Cities. It is a peaceful community ideal for families who want the tranquility of a rustic town but with the comforts of modern life.
Aside from being known as a laid-back town with lots of history, Stillwater is a great place for booklovers particularly those looking for used, antiquated and hard to find books. Antiquarian bookstores have become an alternative destination for tourists. There are at least five antiquarian bookstores in Stillwater:
• Loome Antiquarian Booksellers in South Main Street
• Loome Theological Booksellers in 4th Street
• Noah’s Ark in Main Street
• St. Croix Antiquarian Booksellers in South Main Street
• Valley Booksellers in Main Street
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the day, you can easily go to Stillwater and come back to the Twin City on the same day. You can wander around the city and feel relaxed amid the St. Croix River as a backdrop.
Population Profile
Stillwater is a medium-sized city population-wise, with 15,143 residents as of the 2000 census. The average resident is within the 39 year-old range. The average income per family is pegged at $72,188, which shows how comfortable life is for Stillwater residents. Unemployment rate in the city is at 2.8% which may account for 3% of the total number of families living below poverty level. It registered a 1.5% job growth recently and with a very good future job growth of 16.4%.
Majority or 97.52% of the population of Stillwater consist of Whites and the rest are a mixture of Asians, African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and Latinos.
Housing
There are 5,926 housing units in Stillwater which means there are around 353.6 houses for every square kilometer of land. Most of the houses in Stillwater have been in existence for an average of 30 years, with an average home value of $296,200. Majority or 69.2% of the homes in Stillwater are owned by the occupants while 23.4% of the homes are being occupied by renters and the rest or 7.4% remains vacant.
New housing developments in the city’s outskirts have been on the rise in recent years. Among those that have sprouted in the area are condominiums and other housing facilities classified as medium-density.
History
Stillwater is one of the oldest towns in Minnesota and was founded by settlers who were attracted by the abundant lumber resources in the area. Such settlement was made formal with the signing in 1837 of treaties between the Ojibwa and Dakota tribes as well as the government of the United States. It shares a common day with St. Paul—both cities were incorporated officially on March 4, 1854.
Stillwater holds a very important place in the history of Minnesota’s statehood and is even referred to as Minnesota’s birthplace. Aside from being the venue of a convention that paved the way for the establishment of Minnesota as a state, the city’s importance was played up even more with its selection as one of the locations of the state’s three important institutions. While St. Paul became the capital and the University of Minnesota was placed in Minneapolis, the first prison site of the territory was in Stillwater.
Sawmills and steamboats played an important role in Stillwater’s history. Lumber used to be the main industry in the area of St. Croix River Valley and it was ferried through steamboats and processed in the various sawmills in Stillwater.
Attractions
Stillwater is an attractive destination even for international moviegoers and it has become a favorite location for Hollywood movies. Among the films that were filmed in the city are: Overnight Delivery which stars Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd; the 1996 films Fargo and Beautiful Girls, the 1995 films Grumpier Old Men and The Cure as well as the 1993 film Grumpy Old Men.
Stillwater may be historically rich but it is even more interesting at present both for sightseeing and for shopping. Here are some interesting places to see or visit while you are in the city:
Stillwater Lift Bridge
Witnessing the lifting of the bridge that connects Houlton, Stillwater and Wisconsin with the enchanting St. Croix River as backdrop, has always been a must-do for visitors and for first timers in Stillwater. Minnesota has two lift bridges and the other one is located in Duluth. The existence of the lift bridge is actually more for aesthetic and nostalgic purposes and not for traffic improvement (it has even contributed to the traffic problem in the area).
Riverboat Cruises in St. Croix
A cruise along the St. Croix River is always interesting. The St. Croix Boat and Packet Company has made the riverboat tour more interesting by adding lunch and dinner features to their daily cruise at an affordable price of only $16.95 per person. If you are not an early riser, you can enjoy brunch or even dinner through the Afton Hudson Cruise Line for only $25.95 per person.
Minnesota Zephyr Train
A train tour with dinner is what you can expect from the Zephyr Train and Cabaret. The tour becomes even more interesting with a periodic ambiance, enhanced by periodic costumes worn by the staff as well as music from the 1940s and 1950s. Dinner, which is priced at $71 per person, consists of prime rib, beef tenderloin, salmon or game hen.
Lumberjack Days
This celebration, which is being held every summer, is a sure hit with fireworks display, lumberjack shows, concerts, vintage baseball festival, race, treasure hunt, chess tournament as well as beer and wine tasting.
Aamodt's Apple Farm
This is a 60-acre apple farm which will allow kids to try their hands on apple picking. Not only that, both the children and their parents will also enjoy the pony and hay rides, the petting zoo and the strolling musicians. These activities will make you hungry though which would necessitate a trip to the bakery for turnovers, pies and cider which are all homemade.
St. Croix Valley Recreation Center
Stillwater residents usually gather at the Center for rest and recreation. The Center presents various recreational opportunities for hockey, ice skating or just plain walking. Social and private events can also be held at the Center’s function rooms.
Stillwater may be a small city but it offers both business and pleasure for those who yearn for the tranquility that only a small town can offer. Both residents and visitors can however expect that the St. Croix River will always play a great role in their day to day activities as this historic river provides the mesmerizing appeal of Stillwater.
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 ARDEN HILLS REAL ESTATE
Arden Hills
If safety for you and your family is a paramount concern then nothing beats living in Arden Hills in Minnesota. Arden Hills was named after France’s Ardennes Forest. However, residents claim that the name Arden was also taken from one of the hobby farms built by millionaire and Senator Joseph Hackey.
This city is known for being the location of popular schools, seminaries and other organizations like the Bethel University and Seminary, the Northwestern College, Mounds View High School and the Catholic Aid Association.
Arden Hills’s peace and order is commendable, with one violent crime rate for every 1,000 people. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has recorded 10 violent crimes in 2003, with zero statistics on murder and homicide.
The city, which belongs to the Twin Cities North area, provides a friendly atmosphere common among small towns yet it boasts of a good quality of life characterized by modern healthcare, low crime rate, quality educational system, low unemployment rate and affordable housing.
Population Profile
As of the 2000 census, Arden Hills was occupied only by 9,652 people who make up the 2,228 families living in 2,959 households. Arden hills’ population is slightly young with a median age of 36 years. Majority or 92.81% of the population are Whites followed by Asians (3.64%) and Hispanics or Latinos (1.36%). The rest is a mixture of African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other races.
Residents enjoy higher income with an average income of $64,773 for every household and an average income of $72,236 for every family. Only 3.9% of the population is classified as living below the poverty line.
Business
Arden Hills possess a bustling business community due to its accessibility to I-694 as well I-35W. It has highly-skilled human resources that are able to meet the demands of big corporations like Land O’Lakes, Boston Scientific and Syntegra.
Arden Hills is well situated to meet the needs of business. Corporations such as Boston Scientific, Land O' Lakes, and Syntegra have made Arden Hills their home.
Most of the population or about 4,160 people use their own means of transportation like a car or a motorcycle while 428 people travel by foot. Only about 37 people use public transportation. Transportation is fairly easy in Arden Hill and it usually takes around 29 minutes to go to work via a public transportation and around 18 minutes through other means of transportation.
Arden Hills Snippets
• Lake Johanna, along which Arden Hills is located, used to be a resting place for the Sioux people during their journey for the wild-rice harvest.
• The first settler to break ground in the area was Charles Perry.
• Arden Hill experienced a rapid growth between 1970-1979 during which a total of 1,065 housing units (which is about 1/3 of the present number of housing units in the city) were built.
• Arden Hills is the location of the Twin Cities Ammunition Plant or the TCAAP. It sits on almost 2,500 acres of land (around 1/3 of the total area of the city) which was purchased by the federal government during World War II.
• A total of 1600 acres of the TCAAP has been turned over to the National Guard and Minnesota Army Reserves, 118 acres to Ramsey County and several acres for the Ramsey County Public Works Facilities, the City Hall and the State of Minnesota.
• The city government seeks to purchase the remaining land measuring 585 acres to be allocated for housing, commercial, industrial, parks and open space.
Recreation
Moving in to Arden Hills can be a way of changing your life from a fast-paced one to a more relaxing and less stressful one. Families can visit one or all of the thirteen parks (with an estimated area of 102 acres in total) and renew their ties by taking long walks and picnics. The parks are meant for wholesome activities and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Pets are allowed but dogs must be put on leash and the owners are required to clean up after them. Here are some outdoor attractions you can choose from:
• Freeway Park-Despite a small area of only one acre, this neighborhood park has facilities for basketball, a hockey and skating rink, playground equipment and a warming house.
• Arden Oaks Park-One of the smallest parks in Arden Hill that offers 1.5 acres of open space with a basketball park and a playground for the neighborhood.
• Arden Manor Park-This 2.5-acre park has a basketball court, a playground and a picnic shelter.
• Valentine Park-This is a 3-acre park with a softball, baseball and soccer fields, basketball court, playground, a skating rink, trail and a warming house.
• Ingerson Park-With 5 acres of land, the park has a basketball court as well as a picnic shelter and playground equipment.
• Hazelnut Park-With 12 acres of land, this park can offer outdoor adventures to those who like to play soccer, softball, basketball and baseball, hockey rinks, picnic shelter and playground equipment, trail as well as a warming house.
• Crepeau Nature Preserve- With 12.5 acres of land, this park offer various trails to those who want to experience the outdoors.
• Cummings Park-This 17.5-acre park, which is located near Karth Lake, is easily accessible considering its connection to the trail system. Park goers will have their fill of adventures with the park’s softball, baseball and soccer fields, hockey rinks, basketball court, picnic shelter and playground equipment, warming house, restrooms and trails.
• Floral Park-This 20-acre park has softball, baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment and picnic shelter and trails.
• Perry Park-One of the largest parks, it has 20-hectares of land with facilities for softball, baseball and soccer, hockey rink, trail, picnic shelter and playground equipment, restrooms and a warming house.
Waste Management
Recycling is a serious thing in Arden Hills to keep its environment greener and healthier. The local government encourages the residents to recycle their wastes by regularly picking up their recycled wastes following the two-sort recycling system: mixed rigid which consists of cans, plastics and glass; and mixed fibers which consists of paper products like junk mail, cardboard, newspapers, and magazines.
Those who are moving in to Minnesota should take note that the state considers the dumping of wastes like computer monitors and televisions illegal. Electronic materials such as these can be brought to electronic recycling center which recycle electronic materials for a fee.
At Arden Hills, quality of life and safety of its residents are a primary concern. It may not exhibit the hustle and bustle of big city life but it sure does provide peace of mind to those who want to live a stress-free life.
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 FRIDLEY REAL ESTATE
Fridley
The City of Fridley in Anoka County State of Minnesota is accessible via Minnesota State Highways 47 and 65 as well as Interstate 694. People came up with tongue twisters when pronouncing the city’s name that it earned the moniker Friendly Fridley.
Fridley is known for celebrating the city’s 1949 incorporation through the “49’er” festival which is usually held June of every year.
History
The Red River Ox Cart Tail which was constructed in 1844 played a great role in the history of Fridley especially because the road was used by those transporting furs and other supplies to the settlers of the Red River Valley. John Banfill, the area’s first known settler, arrived in the town of Manomin in 1847. However, the population grew quickly and before the folks were aware of it, a post office and a ferry service were established.
If you were wondering why the city was named Fridley, it is actually the family name of Abram Fridley, who was elected in 1855 as the area’s first territorial representative. Manomin County was established in 1857 after it separated from Ramsey County. It became the country’s smallest county and in 1870 it became a Township annexed to Anoka County. The Minnesota State Legislature changed the township’s name in 1879 and named it after Fridley who was still a member of the legislature at that time.
Along with Fridley’s incorporation in 1949 was the establishment of the Fridley Free Press. However, the city’s funds were frozen after its incorporation was challenged in a lawsuit. Despite that, the city continued to operate thanks to the proceeds from the Fridley liquor store until 1950 when the case was resolved.
Fridley’s history was changed when it was hit by two F4 twister or tornadoes which damaged one in every four houses in the city. Another tornado hit Fridley in July, 1986 which destroyed the city’s environs. Winds of 80 miles per hour hit the city in September 2005 which destroyed many trees, houses and other properties not only in Fridley but also in Brooklyn Park, New Brighton and Blaine.
The city has been faced with many natural calamities but it continues to be in the forefront of development. With the completion of the Northstar Corridor commuter rail line in 2009, the city can already boast of being one of the locations of the first six rail line station in the Twin Cities.
Community Profile
The city is home to 27,449 residents distributed into 11,328 households as of the 2000 Census. Most of its residents are Whites (88.65%) followed by African Americans (3.42%), Asians (2.89%), Native Americans (0.82%) and those from other races.
Fridley’s population is fairly young with an average age of 36 years old, with 22.5% of its population below 18 years of age and 12% are over 65 years of age. The city has a per capita income of $23,022 with an average income of $48,372 for every household and $55,381 for every family. Of the total population 7.3% are living below poverty while of the total number of families 5.3% are living below poverty level.
Business
Medtronic Incorporated’s world headquarters is located in the City of Fridley and it is one of the city’s major employers. The company, which is included in the list of Fortune 500 Companies, manufactures implantable health electronic devices. The others are Park Construction Company, the producer of the Desert Eagle firearm---Magnum Research, Unity Medical Center, Kurt Manufacturing Company, Cummins, Minco Products, Inc. and BAE Systems,
Housing
The average value of condominiums and houses in Fridley has almost doubled in just seven years from the $120,300 median value in 2000 to $217,000 in 2007. This is more than the $213,000 average value of houses and condominiums in the State of Minnesota.
Majority or 11,328 of the 11,504 houses in Fridley are occupied. Of this number, 7,665 houses are occupied by their owners while 3,663 or 32% are occupied by renters. The number of rented houses in the city is more than the 25% rented houses data for the State of Minnesota.
If you are planning to avail of corporate relocation or employee relocation to Fridley then it may be helpful to note that as of 2007 the average asking price for houses and condominiums for sale is $229,353 while the average rent for houses and condominiums is $752.
Only 1,973 of the total number of housing units in Fridley are without a mortgage. A total of 4,746 housing units are mortgaged, 719 of which are under home equity loan, 617 are under a second mortgage and 23 have a home equity loan and a second mortgage.
Monitoring of the state of Fridley’s housing sector lies in the Housing and Redevelopment Authorities or HRAs. This office is tasked with the responsibility of making sure that houses, apartments and condominiums in the city that are dilapidated, overcrowded and obsolete are repaired and improved. This function has been strengthened by the enactment of the 1979 Tax Increment Financing Act which allows the HRAs to finance these developments using the tax increments.
The HRAs also make sure that housing rehabilitation and redevelopment programs are implemented and that new housing opportunities are made possible to meet the increasing housing needs of its residents.
Just like the other cities in Minnesota, the City of Fridley is also faced with mortgage foreclosure problems and the local government is addressing this problem. Foreclosures are not only personal problems of the homeowners but they also create problems for the city because homeowners who are faced with foreclosure problems are not able to properly maintain their properties. On the other hand foreclosed properties also create vandalism and safety problems for the community.
To avoid these problems it is important to get immediate assistance in case of financial difficulties and to discuss your problem with your mortgage company as they may be able to provide options for you. You can also choose from the various housing redevelopment programs offered by the HRA including Single Family Housing Programs and Revolving Fund which allows you to get a maximum loan of $35,000 at an interest of 5.25%, the Minnesota Fix-Up Fund which offers a maximum loan of $35,000 at an interest of 6.5%, Home Improvement Grants at a maximum of $15,000, Rental Property Housing Rehabilitation, Rental Rehabilitation Loans and other housing programs.
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 APPLE VALLEY REAL ESTATE
City of Apple Valley
There is more to the City of Apple Valley in the state of Minnesota than being a mere suburb of the Twin Cities. The name itself suggests the city’s development from being known as Lebanon Township to becoming a hub of commercial activity for over 52,000 people (2006 estimates). In fact, the 2000 census ranked Apple City the top 15 city in Minnesota, population wise.
So how did the city get its new name? The name Apple Valley came about because of a promise made by developer Orrin Thompson that every backyard in his developments will have apple trees. The backyards of houses located in the city’s southwest corner still have the apple trees and tourists an still check them out.
Population Profile
Apple City’s population is relatively young (following the 2000 census) with a median age of 34.5. Its residents are primarily whites (91.8%) followed by Asians (3.4%), with a minority of African Americans or Blacks (1.9%) as well as American Indians and Alaska Native (0.3%). Of the 16,344 total households, 75.9% or 12,399 consist of families. Majority or 88% of the occupied housing units are owned while 12% are rented.
The existence of over 700 business establishments is proof of Apple Valley’s flourishing economy. It is one of the cities in Minnesota that can boast of low unemployment statistics. Real estate financing, real estate development, commercial as well as industrial development in the city is also vibrant, with the amount of building permits issued from 2002 to 2003 amounting to over $159 million.
One of the most important concerns of those relocating in Minnesota (and in other states for that matter) is the quality of education. Apple Valley (which has one of the highest percentages of graduates for students in the high school level) belongs to Independent School District #196. In fact, it is among the top reasons why it is a favored relocation site.
Housing
The availability of housing programs and real estate possibilities in Apply Valley makes it an ideal relocation destination both for residential relocation and corporate or executive relocation. Along with the other communities in Dakota Country, the city is a participant to the Dakota County Community Development Agency which develops feasible plans for livable communities. Under this program, residents are assured of housing facilities that responds to their needs of a balanced community with access to various services as well as employment opportunities.
Apple Valley offers the following housing programs to old and new residents:
• Pre-purchase counseling
• Down payment assistance
• Home Stretch Homebuyer Education
• Mortgage foreclosure prevention
• First time homebuyer
• Home improvement loan programs
It also offers rental programs for those wishing to relocate among which are:
• Scattered site public housing
• Section 8 rental assistance
• Family town home and senior housing programs
Parks and Recreation
The City of Apple Valley provides sports and recreational facilities for its residents primarily through the Community Center. It is a favorite venue for sports including volleyball and basketball tournaments, community meetings and even family gatherings. Among the facilities of the center are: two gymnasiums (2 basketball court, 3 volleyball courts); kitchen (with oven, refrigerator and counter space) and a crafts room.
Relaxation and family events are a common thing here, what with 48 parks scattered all over 790 acres of open land space within the city. Here are the various outdoor adventures one can do in the city of Apple Valley:
Water-based activities
Watercrafts like kayaks, canoes and sailboats are available for rent and can be used to traverse Lakes Farquar, Keller, Cobblestone or Lavon.
Skating
Various city parks have amenities for those who love skating. Skating rinks and hockey rinks are available at Belmont Park, Duchess Park. Skaters would love the grind rails, half and quarter pipes as well as the fly boxes offered by Hayes Arena Indoor Skate Park.
Sports
If basketball, tennis or volleyball is your thing then you won’t be disappointed with the facilities offered by Greenleaf Park, Delaney Park and Farquar Park.
Open playground
Most of the parks have open playgrounds for children. The 10-acre Chaparral Park boasts of playground equipment for children. Farquar Park is an ideal place for families who are fond of barbeques and picnics.
Golf
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the amenities particularly the 190-acre course of the Valleywood Golf Course & Park.
Activities for senior citizens
Senior citizens will have the chance to show their prowess in pool, dart and other competitive activities offered by the Senior Center. Computers and library facilities are available. And the best thing is that, coffee is free.
Minnesota Zoo
One of the reasons people flock to the city of Apple Valley is the presence of the nationally famous Minnesota Zoo which opened last May 22, 1978. What is unique about this zoo is the fact that the animals are arranged according to their species. Thee exhibits have also been properly organized according to five themes.
Northern Trail features animals located in North
The ¾ mile walk trail will enable visitors to see various animals from the North including the Amus Tiger, Mexican Wolf, Bactrian camel, Prezewalski’s Horse and the Woodland caribou.
Minnesota Trail
The newly-renovated trail boasts of the new North Woods Look. Visitors will be able to see animals that are naturally found in Minnesota including the Wolverine, River Otter, Canadian Lynx, American Beaver and Cougar.
Tropics Trail
So much for the outdoors; this is an indoor trail but designed to make the visitors feel like they are actually in the tropics. Among the animals that can be seen here are the Binturong, White Cheeked, Tree-kangaroo, and the Komodo dragon.
Discovery Bay
Visitors who are fond of marine life will enjoy the marine wildlife theme of the Discovery Bay trail. This activity and marine center boasts of
Huge aquariums which afford visitors the chance to actually touch various marine resources in their actual environment like sharks, starfish and rays. They will also enjoy the performance of the 42-year old male Dolphin named Semo as well as his 5-year old daughter named Spree. The Dolphin Stadium can seat around 800 guests at one time. This part of the zoo is also witness to a tragedy when three of their dolphins died in a span of one year. Among the animals that can be seen here are the Grey Nurse Shark, Leopard Shark, Swellshark, Horn Shark and the Bottlenose Dolphin.
Wells Fargo Family Farm
Those who want to interact with the animal closely will have a grand time at this trail as they will be allowed to pet the animals. While it has a wide variety of farm animals like pigs, chickens, sheep, goats and cows, this part of the zoo only opens early spring due to budget constraints.
The City of Apple Valley is actually a small community of responsible people who puts a high premium on education and the co-existence of the residents. Business is not the only thing brewing here but also the social life of its people.
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 ANOKA REAL ESTATE
Anoka
If you want to trace the beginnings of Halloween then Anoka City in Minnesota would definitely part of your research. This city in Anoka County considers itself the Halloween Capital of the World. True to its reputation, Anoka City celebrates Halloween annually with a bang and a parade ever since 1920 (except for two years during World War II) when it hosted the first Halloween parade not for anything else but to stop Halloween pranks. In 1920, Anoka’s citizens and business sector joined hands and held a grand Halloween Party where children were treated to free candy and entertainment.
Anoka is also known as the site of the Anoka-Champlin Mississippi River Bridge which is included in the list of the National Register of Historic Places. The 10-span arch bridge which spans between Champlin and Anoka, was built by the Minnesota Bridge Company in 1929.
Also called the Ferry Street Bridge, this Anoka City landmark was renovated in 1991 and completed in 1998. The renovation however considered the historical status of the bridge and the original concrete railings as well as the other parts have been duplicated.
History
The fist immigrants to Anoka settled in the area in 1844 but it was not until the 1850s when a town has been established complete with a flour mill, a store and school to serve the residents. Joseph Belanger is considered the first settler in the area. He built a log cabin near the mouth of the Rum River and this was used as a trading post and later on as a temporary abode for temporary settlers in the area. The city’s name came from the Indian words Anokatanhan which means “on both sides” and Onokay which means “working waters”. In 1878, the City of Anoka was formally incorporated.
Twenty two year old Bjorn Skogquist, who was elected mayor of Anoka City in 2000 and then again in 2002, 2004 and 2006, is considered Minnesota’s youngest Mayor ever. He is known for encouraging young people to get involved in civil society and in campaigning for historic housing protection, code reform and open government.
The Rum River plays a great role in Anoka’s history particularly when the first logging operations in the area started in the late 1840s. The logs from Anoka area were transported to the St. Anthony sawmill by floating them through the Rum River and onto the Mississippi River. The first sawmill in the area started operations in 1854 and from then on other industries like wood working plants and those related to milling sprouted along the banks of the River Rum.
It was in the late 1885 when the sawmill industry in Anoka declined. However, this was also the start of the establishment of other industries including a potato starch factory and the Anoka Show Factory. Both businesses provided employment opportunities for the settlers.
The establishment of a ferry in 1856, which was the precursor of the Ferry Street Bridge, connected Anoka to the City of Champlin. The ferry served as the major means of transportation between Anoka and Champlin for 28 years until it was replaced by a steel bridge in 1884. This same bridge, which opens up to allow the passing of boats, remains a historical landmark in Anoka.
Community Profile
Anoka City has a population of 18,076 people distributed among 7,262 households as of the 2000 Census. Majority of the residents are Whites (93.15%) followed by African Americans (2.47%), Native Americans (1.05%), Asians (.093%) and those from other races.
The population of Anoka is fairly young with an average age of 34 years old. Of the total population, 24.6% are below 18 years old while 11.6% are 65 years old or older.
The city has a per capita income of $21,367 with 4.7% of the total number of families and 6.8% of the total number of residents living below the poverty level. Households in the city have an average income of $42,659 while families in the city have an average income of $55,311.
Among the city’s notable residents are Bill Tuttle, who became famous in the 1950s and 1960s not only as a major league baseball player but also because of his crusade again tobacco chewing; FOX News anchor Gretchen Carlson who is the 1989 Miss America; Trumpet player Larry Foyen who worked with Ray Charles and Maynard Ferguson; US Court of Appeals judge Herbert Funk Goodrich and US Olympic wrestler Brandon Paulson.
Housing
Those considering corporate relocation or employee relocation should consider Anoka as an option. As of 2007 houses for sale and condominiums for sale have an average price of $229,353. If you prefer to rent first while adjusting in Anoka then the average rental for houses is $695.
Majority of the housing units in Anoka are under mortgage. Of the 3,065 houses under mortgage a total of 468 units have a second mortgage, 552 units are under home equity loans and 37 units are under both second mortgage and home equity loan. A total of 722 houses are without a mortgage.
If you are a first time home buyer then you might want to avail of the first time home buyer’s certificate. You are considered a first time home buyer if you have now owned a house within a three-year period. With the certificate you may be able to buy a house at a lower interest rate or you can request for entry cost assistance provided you qualify. However, you have to undergo the Home Stretch which is a four-night workshop to get the certificate.
Anoka residents who are first time home buyers can also avail of the mortgage loans with interest rates that are below the prevailing market rates through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.
You can also avail of the Down Payment Assistance Program which provides deferred loans to first time home buyers. If you are eligible under the program then you can get as much as $5,000 with zero interest reducing your monthly housing cost to almost 30 percent of your income.
If owning a house is a top priority then Anoka City’s housing programs will definitely be a big help and will influence your decision in relocating to Anoka and investing in Anoka real estate.
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 SHOREVIEW REAL ESTATE
SHOREVIEW
Shoreview is a vibrant community in Minnesota that offers its residents the comforts of living in a medium-sized city with all the amenities of a big city but with the quiet life that only a city of this size can offer. The city is known not only for its bustling business community but also for its healthy environment and wide open spaces.
The city of Shoreview stands on 7,800 acres of land which includes 11 lakes and more than 1,400 acres of open spaces and park lands. It is perhaps this mixture of nature and modern life comforts that has consistently placed Shoreview in the list of the best places to live in the Twin Cities area.
Population Profile
There are 25,377 people and 9965 households in Shoreview as of the 2000 census. The 7,021 families in the city reside in over 10,127 housing units resulting to a density of 355 houses per square kilometer. A great majority or 93.28% of its inhabitants are Whites followed by Asians (3.65%) and the rest is a mixture of other races.
Most of the residents have graduated from high school (80.4%) while the rest are either have a Bachelor’s Degree (24.4%) or a Graduate Degree (17.9%). Only 1.3% of the total labor force is unemployed.
There is an average income per family of $80,946 and $68,941 for every household. Only 2.1% of the total population and only 1.3% of the total number of families has been classified as living below the poverty line
Peace and Order
One of the requisites for classifying a place as livable is its crime rate and Shoreview scores high in this department with a crime index of only 96.5 in 2001 compared to the 330.6 in the whole United States. During the same period, Shoreview registered no murder incident and only, five rapes, three robberies, eight assaults, 22 auto thefts and 48 burglaries.
The low crime rate in the city can be attributed to the efforts of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department in spearheading projects encouraging and involving community vigilance like Neighborhood Watch and Youth Mentoring. The city’s fire protection is provided by 70 firefighters from the Lake Johanna Fire Department which operates two of their four stations in Shoreview (which is owned by the city).
Where to go
Both young and old residents of Shoreview spend their free time in various recreational facilities provided by the city including the Island Lake Golf Center, the Shoreview Community Center, Public Archery Range and the Shoreview Skate Park. Here are some places for rest and recreation in Shoreview:
Shoreview Community Center
Most community activities are held in the Center while water activities are usually held at the Tropics Indoor Water Park. The Water Park is a safe place even for younger children who will surely have a blast in the park’s shallow play area, aqua blast and splashing trees. The Shark Attack waterslide is equally fun for both adults and young people. The Center boasts of an indoor running and walking track, courts for basketball and volleyball, a whirlpool as well as strength and fitness training facilities. The Fitness Center offers exercise facilities like treadmills, bikes, crosstrainers a free weight and a stretching area.
Shoreview is also an ideal place for biking enthusiast which is the main reason why it has been cited as one of the three Bicycle-Friendly Communities in the State of Minnesota.
Parks
• Bobby Theisen Park-is a 15-acre park with facilities for football and soccer, basketball, hockey, general skating and tennis. It has a portable rest room as well as a warming house.
• Bucher Park-is a 25-acre park which boasts of two ball fields, two tennis courts, hockey rink, facilities for football and soccer, volleyball and general skating. It also has playground equipment and a warming house.
• Lake Judy Park-is a 5-acre park with a picnic area for approximately 15 people, volleyball court and playground equipment.
• McCullough Park-is a 75-acre park with two tennis courts, two baseball fields, basketball area, football and soccer field, hockey rink, facilities for general skating, a one-mile wooded path with bridge and playground equipment with a climbing rock wall.
• Ponds Park- is a one-acre park with playground equipment, bench swing, a picnic table and path.
• Rice Creek Fields-is a park which boasts of a bus stop, water fountain, four softball fields for tournaments, lots of open spaces, and buildings with indoor restrooms and shelters.
• Shamrock Park-is a 23-acre park with two tennis courts, two ball fields, parking lot that can accommodate 120 cars, basketball court, football and soccer field, hockey rink, playground equipment and picnic shelter.
• Shoreview Commons-is a 40-acre park with a Skate Park, a Pavilion, football and soccer field, basketball area, picnic shelters and grills, paths, two tennis courts and two ball fields.
• Sitzer Park-is a 25-acre park with a warming house, paths, playground equipment, basketball area, hockey rink, two baseball fields, two tennis courts and a facility for general skating.
Transportation
If you are looking at the possibility of corporate relocation or employee relocation to Shoreview then you would be glad to know that transportation in the city is very accessible. Senior citizens can avail of the Care-A-Van transportation services for their trips to doctors, hospitals or even shopping. The Metro Communities Service is a good travel guide for new residents of Shoreview or for visitors because it can provide travel information and route alternatives. Resident and visitors who are going to North Oaks, Arden Hills, Lino Lakes, St. Paul, Roseville or Lexington can take the North Suburban Lines. For local public transportation needs throughout Lauderdale, Roseville, Little Canada and Arden Hills, there is a bus that operates six-days a week.
Media and Communications
Most radio and television frequencies are loud and clear in Shoreview as it has become a favorite site for their towers. Among the stations that have installed their transmission antennas in Shoreview include KMSP channel 9 and the Telefarm Towers by KSTP-TV.
Shoreview does not only provide the basic utilities for comfortable living but it also provides employment and social opportunities for those who are thinking of moving to this city.
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 ROSEVILLE REAL ESTATE
Roseville
Roseville is an ideal community that possesses almost all the characteristics of what a livable city should be. It provides a safe and quiet neighborhood along with a bustling business community. It is strategically located just a few minutes from the larger cities like St. Paul and Minneapolis thereby providing a convenient option for those who want a quiet life but with easy access to the main cities of Minnesota.
Most residents of Roseville are however content to stay in the city considering the various amenities the city has to offer like shopping centers and other establishments. Roseville is home to Har Mar Mall, Rosedale, the newly remodeled SuperTarget, Barnes&Noble bookstore, Minnesota’s first ever McDonald’s. In fact, the existence of numerous malls in the city is touted to be one of the main reasons for the high retail spending in Roseville which is more than the per capita retail spending of Bloomington, where the Mall of America is.
Population Profile
With a population of 33,690 as of the 2000 census, Roseville remains one of the highly-populated cities in Minnesota. Residents however do not run out of entertainment because Roseville is strategically located (and provides access to the major freeways like I-694, I-35E, Highway 280) so they can easily travel to other cities for major cultural and sporting events as well as for recreation and health care purposes.
The city boasts of several homegrown celebrities including Richard Dean Anderson of MacGyver, Peter Krause of Six Feet Under and Loni Anderson. The newest celebrity to be added to the roster is Jim Kramer who was declared champion of the National Scrabble Association during the 2006 IS Scrabble Open held in Phoenix, Arizona.
Almost 90% of the population consists of Whites followed by Asians (4.89%), Blacks (2.80%), Hispanics and Latinos (1.97%). The rest are made up of Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and from other races.
Roseville has a lower per capita income ($27,755) compared to the other Minnesota cities with an average income of $65,861 per family and $51,056 per household. Around 4% of the entire population and 2.6% of families are living below the poverty line.
Climate
Roseville provides an unpredictable climate for both residents and visitors who can expect long and cold winters as well as warm and short summers. The temperature fluctuations in the city have also influenced the type of plants in the area.
Housing:
More than half of the total housing units in the city consist of single families living in detached dwellings. However, the city also offers 4,396 apartments, multi-family dwellings, condominiums (1,413), Townhomes (950) and Duplex or Triplex (181). Almost half or 49.2% of the 14,598 households in Roseville consist of married couples.
Business
The various shopping malls (which include the 1.2 million square foot Rosedale Mall) and other business establishments in Roseville provide employment to over 30,000 people in the city. Among the main employment providers in the city are Target Corporation, Old Dutch Foods, Best Inc., McGough Construction, Veritas Corporation, Earthgrains/Metz Baking and the Department of Transportation.
Education
Those moving in to Roseville, Minnesota will have no problem finding an appropriate school for their children since the city belongs to the Roseville Area School District-ISD 623. There are private high schools such as the Lutheran church-affiliated Concordia Academy and the Catholic School St. Rose of Lima School. College students can choose between the Northwestern College and the Minneapolis Business College.
Where to go
While Roseville residents have easy access to the other major cities in Minnesota, those planning for corporate or professional relocation would welcome the fact that Roseville has 30 parks measuring 632 acres in total. Among the major parks and lakes are: Central Park, Harriet Alexander Nature Center, Langton Lake Park and Reservoir Woods, Lakes Johanna, Josephine and Willow Pond. Those who prefer golf to trekking and picnics can go to the Cedarholm Golf Course.
Housing
If you’re moving in to Roseville then it might be a good idea to get some financing and mortgage information from the Housing Resource Center. You can talk to one of their technical advisors and ask for the best housing program that fits your requirements.
Housing is an important concern in the city and this is evident with the Homeowners Rehabilitation Loan Program spearheaded by the Roseville Housing and Redevelopment Authority. RHRA has made available $250,000 to support home improvement projects of Roseville residents to encourage young families to stay in the city. The financing support can be used to improve the applicant’s property, improve the property’s accessibility to those with handicaps or to lessen maintenance of the property and save on energy costs.
To qualify under the Program, the property should be not less than 25 years old, occupied by its owner whether single or duplex type, should be located in Roseville, must be worth no more than $251,856 in terms of property tax valuation. Families applying for the loan should have an income of no more than 120% of the average household income.
A qualified homeowner can borrow as much as $35,000 payable for a period of ten years. This is a secured loan in the form of mortgage in RHRA’s favor. Aside from that condition, the borrower should have no record of defaulted in the payment of any government loan, no existing collections or judgments and should have a credit report containing records of late payments for over 60 days.
Taxes:
If you are planning on corporate relocation it might be interesting to take note that Roseville imposes one of the lowest tax payments compared to other areas in the Twin Cities. The local government usually imposes an increase in tax payments below the inflation rate.
Other attractions
Mill City Museum
One of the attractions in Minnesota that has kept visitors and residents coming back for more is the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. The city’s flour milling industry is historically significant for dominating flour production in the world market for more or less half a century. The same industry has fueled the city’s growth which is the reason why Minneapolis is more popularly known as the Mill City. The Museum is doubly significant because it is located right in the place where the Washburn A Mill used to stand. Both young and old would be amazed at the Flour Tower which consists of eight floors.
Fort Snelling
This historic site in St. Paul is witness to America’s ambition to rule the world starting with the Upper Mississippi Valley. The completion of Fort Snelling in 1825 completely changed the landscape of the place, with the military building sawmills and roads as well as planting all types of agricultural products while they enforced US laws and policies.
Roseville is an interesting to visit and definitely to live in. The local government support for its residents should offer enough attraction to those whoa re planning to move in to the city.
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 VADNAIS HEIGHTS REAL ESTATE
VADNAIS HEIGHTS
Vadnais Heights is an ideal place for those who prefer to live in a small community surrounded by woods, lakes and friendly people. Located in Ramsey County in the Twin Cities area, the City of Vadnais Heights is a showcase of friendly neighborhood, healthy environment and booming business.
The City is adjacent to other Minnesota cities particularly North Oaks, Maplewood, Shoreview, White Bear Lake and Gem Lake. The city’s residents are known for their active participation in community events like Taste of Vadnais and Heritage Days.
Despite its close proximity to most urban towns in Minnesota, Vadnais Heights provides residents a rural setting due to its natural habitat, active parklands that totals to around a hundred acres as well as woods and lakes.
History
The first settlers in the city in the 1940s were the French Canadian families of Morrisette, Vadnais, Bibeau and Garceau. One of the city’s main attractions, Lake Vadnais, was named after the Vadnais family particularly Jean Vadnais.
The city was incorporated as a village in 1957 and was made into a full-fledged city in 1974.
The City of Vadnais Heights used to be an agricultural town but veered towards commercialization and industrialization after the opening of the freeway that now links the Vadnais Heights to the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The establishment of modern sewer and water systems also encouraged the growth of the city.
Population profile
The City of Vadnais Heights has a medium-sized community of 13,069 people. The city is peppered with 5,132 housing units distributed at a density of 271.8 units per square kilometer of land. Like most cities in Minnesota, majority or 91.67% of the residents are Whites followed by Asians (4.53%) and a mixture of African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos and, Native Americans and other races.
Vadnais Heights has a fairly young population with an average age of 36 years. A great majority of its population are below the age of 25 with only 7.8% of the residents within the 65 year-old or above bracket.
The average household in the city lives comfortably well with a median income of $60,804 (per household) and a median income of $74,178 per family. Only 3.2% of the entire population lives below the poverty line.
Business
Vadnais Heights is not only an ideal place to live in but it is also an ideal location for business. The city’s healthy environment feature has not stopped it from becoming the home base of industrial businesses like Vadnais Technologies, Medical Graphics, H.B. Fuller, Festival Foods and Reel Precision manufacturing.
The construction of the $3.3 million City Hall building in 2001 has also encouraged more business activities in the area not only in terms of real estate, housing and construction but also in commercial establishments which include shopping centers and restaurant.
Those moving in to Vadnais Heights would be glad to know that the local government will not levy any tax increase on present or future residents as a result of such construction project. The newly-constructed City Hall was financed out of a 30-year savings by the city for such specific purpose.
One of the major organizations that aim to promote growth and development in the City of Vadnais Heights is the VHEDC. The independence of this non-profit organization from the city government allows it to coordinate with the business sector to enhance the business environment in the city. It is composed of private citizens and business people who provide the impetus for business growth through the provision of more job opportunities as well as new business establishments. It also provides financial assistance for those who want to establish a business in Vadnais Heights.
Education
Eyeing employment relocation or corporate relocation in Vadnais Heights but worried about the schooling of your kids? If you have plans of moving in to the city then you might want to be assured that educational institutions abound in Vadnais Heights.
Majority of the school-age residents go to the White Bear Lake Area School while the rest go to the Mounds View Public Schools. Those who require post-secondary education can go to Century College which is nearby or to the other institutions located in the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities. You can also opt for the other institutions in Saint Paul or Minneapolis since these cities are only minutes away from the City of Vadnais Heights.
Where to go
Private meetings and other organizational activities can be easily arranged with the Lakes Room Conference at City Hall. It has three conference rooms, each of which can accommodate from 10 to 25 people, and is equipped with television sets, conference tables that are laptop-friendly as well as equipment for presentations. A minimal fee is required for every reservation. For larger meetings, organizations can avail of the community room of the South Fire Station as it can accommodate 175 people.
Vadnais Heights has provisions for both business and pleasure. The Community Park (which an accommodate 150 people) has facilities for picnic shelters complete with restrooms, play lot as well as enough parking areas for visitors. Next to the Park is the Community Park Pavilion which can accommodate 50 people.
Outdoor activities for both youth and adults can be held in the fields. Reservation forms can be filled up online for a faster and more efficient processing. Residents can also make use of the Block Party Trailer for parties and other outdoor activities. It has the following facilities: parachute, volleyball poles and net, road barricades, tables and chairs, first aid kits and traffic cones.
The City of Vadnais Heights has gone a long way from a small agricultural town to a bustling place for business and an ideal residential site for people who wants to savor the tranquility of a small town but with the opportunities of a metropolitan area. Living in Vadnais Heights is like having the best of both worlds right in the palm of one’s hands.
If a clean and healthy environment, fresh air and a safe surroundings appeal to you then the City of Vadnais Heights is the answer to your prayers.
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 ROSEMOUNT REAL ESTATE
Rosemount
Rosemount may be a small city of only 36 square miles but it has all the ingredients of a bustling city including a developed agriculture, budding industrial development and a growing community. It is located near the Twin Cities area which makes it an ideal place to live in and earn a living.
Rosemount, which was incorporated in 1972, was named after a village in Ireland by its two founders, Hugh Derham and Andrew Keegan.
Population Profile
While not the smallest Minnesota city population-wise, Rosemount’s 14,619 residents as of the 2000 census is still fairly small compared to the other big cities in the Twin Cities area. Majority or 92.78% of its population are Whites, followed by Asians (2.13%) and African Americans (2.03%). Hispanics and Latinos as well as other races make up the rest of the population.
Those moving in to Rosemount for corporate or professional relocation should take note that majority or 70.1% of the 4,742 households in the city consist of married couples. Thus, the chance of finding a suitable lifetime partner from this city is a little remote. The residents are fairly young with an average age of 31 years.
Considering the existence of highly industrialized businesses in Rosemount, its per capita income is not so high at $23,116. The $68,929 average income for a family and $65,916 for a household is however high. Of the total families living in the city, only 2.2% live below the poverty line.
History
Members of the Santee Sioux tribe, particularly the Lower band Mdewakanton, were the original inhabitants of Rosemount. However, the land was turned over to the government in 1851 by virtue of a treaty signed by Indian leader Chief Little Crow.
The Irish have a great influence on Rosemount not only in terms of its name. Take a look at the following:
• A closer look at the flag of the Rosemount City will show a shamrock on it.
• The residents celebrate their Irish heritage every year through the Leprechaun Days celebration in July.
• Residents have Irish names like Duffy, McDonough, Neary, Corrigan.
One of the first hotels in Rosemount is the Prairie House Hotel which was opened in 1855. This was followed by the Rosemount House in 1859. The growth and development of Rosemount’s business area however started in the late 1860s with the opening of the city’s first general store in 1868, the first shoe store in 1869, the first blacksmith shop in 1872 and the first hardware store in 1873.
Business
Although Rosemount is a small community, its easy accessibility to the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis makes it an ideal place for business. Business is bustling in the city and is expected to grow in the next few years and this is evident with the reservation of over 500 acres of land for commercial and industrial development.
Despite Rosemount’s size, it is amazing to note that heavy industry makes up one third of the eastern part of the city. Among the businesses that are located in this part of Rosemount includes a facility for waste containment (SKB), Flint Hills Resources, Continental Nitrogen and Spectro Alloys. The city’s 80-acre business park is also home to Webb Business Promotions, Geometrix and Cannon Equipment.
America’s 14th largest oil refinery, Pine Bend Refinery, is located in Rosemount. It was also the location of Gopher Ordnance Works, a gunpowder plant which was in operation during the 1940s. The ammunition plant sat on 13,000 acres of land which displaced 90 families but which provided employment to 20,000 people.
Education
The first school house in Rosemount consists of a 14x18 inch structure which was constructed in 1858 and which opened only during summers. The educational facilities in Rosemount today are a far cry from that structure. Most of the city belongs to the state’s second largest school district, Independent School District 196. Aside from the public facilities, there are twelve schools which accept preschoolers up to Grade 12. Most of the residents however go to Dakota County Technical College.
Housing
Rosemount possess a dynamic community that continues to grow over the years. If you are moving in to Rosemount then there are a lot of housing options for you and your family including condominiums, single homes, town homes and low-income housing. The city, which has 4,845 housing units, is presently seeing a surge in home development and this is expected to go on.
Majority or 74.2% (3,592) of the housing units in the city are for single families, 22.4% or 1,086 for multi-families and 3.4% or 165 are mobile homes. As of the year 2000, the average value of a single family home in Rosemount is $154,000.
Where to go
Rosemount boasts of over 302 acres of land dedicated for 23 parks. Life in this city is never boring thanks to the existence of the Community Center which provides regular activities for the residents. The Center offers meeting and other facilities for organizations and other groups. But the thing that makes the place interesting for youthful residents is the annual skating classes. There are also facilities for senior citizens.
The Rosemount Parks and recreation Department also prepare regular activities for residents starting from the preschoolers (Tiny Tot Program), older children and even for their parents and families. The three activities that appeal much for the younger residents include the Safety Camp, Blarney Stone Hunt and the Leprechaun Days.
Trivia
Rosemount has hosted the USA Broomball National Championships several times in the past despite being a small city in terms of land area and its population. USA Broomball is an IFBA (International Federation of Broomball Associations) recognized body that governs tournaments; it also trains and certifies officials of the game.
Among the notable residents of Rosemount are US Supreme Court Justice Pierce Butler, Minnesota Vikings’ Mike Morris, Los Angeles Kings’ Tom Preissing and former Archer Daniels Midland CEO Duane Andreas.
If you have yet to decide whether to invest in a home in Rosemount or just to rent out a condominium or an apartment, it is best to know all the options that are available to you. This way, you can decide if living in a small city (but easily accessible to the other Minnesota cities) like Rosemount is indeed the thing for you.
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 MINNETONKA REAL ESTATE
Minnetonka
Minnetonka, which literally means the city of big water (minne for water and tonka for big), is one of the biggest cities in Minnesota (number 14 in terms of population. Lake Minnetonka’s (one of Minnesota’s largest lakes) eastern tip is located in the city.
Non residents may think that the city is the location of the entire lake because of its name. However, aside from the name Minnetonka, the only thing they share is a small portion of the Lake known as Gray’s Bay. Lake Minnetonka consists of about 14,000 acres and it is not surprising that while Minnetonka shares only a small portion of the entire lake, it is still among the favorite destinations of tourists.
Minnetonka Lake’s popularity to both residents and tourists can be attributed to its history as well as its inclusion in “The Song of Hiawatha”, an epic poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1855. The poem is a poetic narrative of Minnesota’s landmarks including the Minnehaha Falls and of course, the Minnetonka Lake.
Minnetonka Lake is perhaps one of the major reasons why Minnesota particularly Minnetonka is an attractive relocation site for those planning an executive relocation, professional relocation, corporate relocation and even employee relocation. The prospects of fishing on the Minnetonka Lake, which is becoming popular for fishing tournaments, has always been too much to resist for just about anyone. In fact it is being dangled by most relocation information brochures as one of the top benefits of relocating in Minnesota. The Lake is home to various game species including sunfish, northern pike, yellow perch and walleye.
Population profile
Minnetonka is quite densely populated with 1,893 persons for every square mile. Not surprising considering its population of 51,301 people and 22,228 housing units as of the 2000 census. Majority or 94.40% of the population are Whites, followed by Germans (24.7%), Germans (13.8%) and a mixture of Irish, Swedish, English, Asians and African Americans.
Majority or around 56.6% of the 21,393 households are composed of married couples while 29.1% are households with minor children. The population is slight matured with a median age of 41 years. Surprisingly (considering the population density) Minnetonka has provided well for its residents, with only 1.5% of the families and around 2.6% of the total population living below poverty level.
Minnetonka’s History
The local government of Minnetonka has always been known for its pro- environmental stance. True enough, this once-wooded wilderness may have developed into a highly developed city but it has kept its suburban character. Minnetonka is very rich in history from the time the Dakotas and the Ojibway Indians settled near the lake. European settlers from Fort Snelling made their way to Minnetonka in 1822. It was finally sold to the United States in 1851.
The first big business established in Minnetonka is the Minnetonka Mill which employed 40 workers and built the very first suspension bridge connecting Mississippi River to various towns. The second floor of the mill also housed a furniture factory and produced hundreds of chairs and bedsteads at first and thousands several months after its operations started.
However, several uncontrollable factors like the drowning of the manager of the mill in 1857, the competition from the other mills at St. Anthony and a fire in 1860 caused the temporary demise of the mill until 1869 when the mill’s operations started again thanks to Thomas Perkins. The mill was managed by Charles Burwell from 1874 to the 1880s. His home is now included in the list of historical places and is a popular tourist attraction. Milling has played an important role in the continuous development of the city and nearby cities as well.
Education
Private and public educational facilities are available in Minnetonka. The three school districts covering the city of Minnetonka are:
• The Hopkins School District (covers the central and eastern part of the city)
• Minnetonka School District (covers some portion of the western part of the city)
• Wayzata School District (covers some are in the northern border)
There are six elementary schools in Minnetonka namely: Clear Springs Elementary, Deephaven Elementary, Excelsior Elementary, Groveland Elementary, Minnewashta Elementary and Scenic Heights Elementary; two Junior high schools: Minnetonka Middle School East and Minnetonka Middle School West and one Senior High School: Minnetonka High School.
There are private educational facilities which can be an option for residents:
• Immaculate heart of Mary-a Catholic School which accepts preschool up to Eight grade
• Accell Academy-a college preparatory school accepting K-12
• St. John The Baptist-accepts Pre-k up to Grade 8
• Minnetonka Christian Academy
Government and Politics
While the city council (composed of the six council members and the mayor) exercises all policy and legislative making powers, it is the city manager who makes sure that the local legislations are implemented properly and that the city’s operations are going smooth.
Residents and those planning to relocate to Minnetonka should however take note that the city cannot refuse to divulge any information pertaining to the names and addresses of Minnetonka residents despite requests of confidentiality from the said residents themselves as such is considered part of public information.
Homestead
One thing that should encourage residential and employee relocation is the homestead policy of the local government which allows residents to apply for homestead for properties they are occupying as primary residence. However, a property cannot be automatically classified as homestead property as the owner has to apply for homestead first. The following are qualified to apply for homestead:
1. Residents who are occupying their property as their primary residence
2. Relatives who are occupying the properties of qualified owners (subject to a special application to be made by both the property owner and occupant relative)
So why should you apply for a homestead?
• Owners of homestead properties can avail of lower property tax
• A property must be classified as a homestead as a pre-requisite for other special property taxes granted by the local government
Homeowners who want to apply for homestead should make sure they get a copy of their Warranty Deed and Certificate of Real Estate Value. However, they can also present the following documents:
• Contract of Deed
• Quit Claim
• Trustee’s Deed
• Personal Representative’s Deed
To apply for homestead, you can either visit City Hall to submit the pertinent documents or you can send your application by mail.
Other local ordinances
Those eyeing to get residential real estate, condominiums and other real estate properties in Minnetonka should take note and abide by the following basic community rules:
• Ordinance 835.015 provides that all garbage containers must not be exposed in public view and should only be taken out the evening before garbage collection day. Residents who, for some reasons or another, could not store their garbage containers should make sure they screen the garbage bins to hide it from public view
• Ordinance 1200.040 allows residents to use private wells that have been registered with Public Works.
• Residents are mandated to conserve water and sprinkling of lawns between 11Am and 5PM is prohibited. There is also an odd-even scheme they can follow for water sprinkling beyond these hours. However, washing the cars through a hand-held hose is allowed any time of the day.
• Ordinance 300.30 regulates the display and posting of signs. It primarily prohibits the posting of signs on trees, utility poles, off-premise or advertising signs and signs within public rights-of-way. Real estate signs signifying an open house are allowed but only during Weekends from noon to 6PM. Garage sale signs are allowed from Thursday to Saturday.
• Ordinance 845.030 provides restrictions on the length of brushes and long grasses on lawns and landscapes.
There are other community rules and regulations all aimed at keeping Minnetonka a safe and ideal community to live in. These restrictions however make the city more attractive to those looking at the possibility of purchasing residential real estate or other properties in the city because it is proof of the local government’s thrust in continuously improving the city’s living conditions.
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 GOLDEN VALLEY REAL ESTATE
Golden Valley
Golden Valley, Minnesota is a city of only 20,281 people but it is the location of the General Mills corporate headquarters, Breck School and the Perpich Center for Arts Education.
Major League Baseball pitcher Aaron Sele, National Hockey League Member Jordan Leopold, KQRS Host Tom Barnard and Golf instructors Gerald McCullagh (who was cited as one of the Top 100 instructors by Golf Magazine) are among the famous people who were once residents of Golden Valley.
Population profile
Majority or 91.07% of the city’s residents are Whites, followed by African Americans (3.59%) and Asians (2.87%). The 2000 Census indicated the existence of 8,449 households and 8,589 housing units. Most of these households or 55.5% consist of married couples while around 26.5% are households with minor children. Compared to the nearby cities, majority of the population is quite matured with a median age of 43 years.
The fact that only 0.8% of the total number of families (or roughly 3% of the entire population) in Golden Valley live below poverty line and each household has a median income of $62,063 speaks well of the city’s vibrant economy.
Education
Here are the educational facilities in Golden valley, which may be of help to those considering professional or employee relocation but are hesitant because they have school-age children:
• Robbinsdale School District
• Hopkins School District
• Good Shepherd Catholic School
• Breck School
Major Attractions
There are quite a number of places to go in Golden Valley whether you want indoor or outdoor adventure. Here are among the favorite hang outs of both residents and visitors:
Brookview Community Center
The Center which is located at Brookview Parkway is a favorite venue for private and public occasions like weddings and birthdays or even meetings. It has community rooms that can accommodate as many as 200 people whether for business or private gatherings. It is also the location of the Golden Valley Seniors Centers and the Park and Recreation Department Offices.
Brookview Golf Course
The city-owned and operated golf course boasts of the following facilities;
• 18-hole regulation course
• 9-hole par 3
• Driving range
• Golf shop
Parks and Trails
Golden Valley has wide open spaces allocated for parks and trails. In fact, over 1,035 acres or almost 15% of the city’s land has been allocated for parks and open spaces. Take a look at some of these walkway and trails:
• Bassett Creek-7.6 acres
• Briarwood Bird Sanctuary-19 acres
• General Mills Headquarters-29 acres
• General Mills Research-57 acres
• Laurel Ave Greenbelt-34.5 acres
• Mary Hills-14.2 acres
• Pennsylvania Woods-22.6 acres
• Rice Lake-9.3 acres
• Westerb Ave Marsh-21 acres
Residents as well as those relocating to Golden Valley can look forward to the great outdoors. Here are some of the wonderful city parks:
1. Brookview Park-With 33 acres in its possession, Brookview is known as the largest park in Golden Valley. It has six tennis courts, two picnic shelters, three grills, two sand volleyball courts, softball field, basketball court, playground equipment and horseshoe pit.
2. Gearty Park-It has 4.7 acres of land dedicated to walkways and trails, basketball and tennis courts, softball and soccer fields, game squares, warming house as well as skating rinks
3. Sweeny Lake Park-Categorized as a small park with only one acre of land dedicated to playground equipment and some walkway and trails. However, it has a dock for small canoe launch.
The Golden Valley community believes in the American Dream. As a result of this community vision of creating an ideal suburb, they came up with a shared vision for the future of Golden Valley. “Envision Golden Valley” is spearheaded by over 70 volunteers who were trained to make this vision a reality. Believing in community participation and in the principle of shared responsibility, these volunteers have surveyed the vision of their fellow citizens on six categories:
• Transportation
• Community Engagement
• Development
• Recreation
• Environment
• Government
At least 600 residents responded to their call and expressed their shared vision of achieving a developed but quiet and safe neighborhood and a community growth with less traffic and which responds to social development. The community vision can be summarized into two basic aspirations:
1. Creatively Connecting People And Places-which means they laud the access provided by the highway system but they want more safe and quiet neighborhood with natural and open spaces for the community
2. Inspiring Care For Community-which means that while they value development, they place more importance on the basics like family, social relationships and protection of the environment including their wildlife, parks, air water, streets as well as the safety of the residents
To maintain the quality of life in Golden Valley, the local government has imposed rules that should be followed by residential home owners and even by other commercial establishments. Realtors who are brokering homes for sale or real estate investments should make sure their clients are well aware of these rules.
Local Ordinances
One of the ways by which the local government intervenes in Golden Valley is through property maintenance. This may be a personal issue but to maintain the real estate market value of the area, the local government has imposed the Residential Property maintenance Code of 2007.
Due to receiving up to 40 complaints per month on the average, the local government has seen it important to address issues pertaining to deteriorating residential properties as early as possible. Thus, it is taking a proactive stance on this matter.
The Code also requires the mowing and maintenance of lawns especially during the season when trees and other plants are experiencing faster growth. A warning will be sent to violators and when nothing is done to correct this, the city will take care of the maintenance but will bill the owner for the work. Aside from this, the Code prohibits the disposal of garbage (including tree waste) in solid waste facilities. The city also puts a premium on waste recycling.
Golden Valley should be classified as golden not for anything else but for its visions of a quality life for its people.
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 BURNSVILLE REAL ESTATE
BURNSVILLE
Do you recognize these names: Pipa soloist player Gao Hong, actor Cedric Yarbrough, actress and ice skater Kirsten Olson and Christian music artist Sara Groves. So what do these people have in common? Aside from being noted for their talents, all of them have been residents of Burnsville at one time.
With more than 2,200 business establishments catering to the day to day requirements of an estimated 60,220 residents, Burnsville, Minnesota is definitely a booming city. It is thus not surprising that throughout Minnesota, it has been ranked number four in terms of retails sales and number ten in terms of the quantity of manufacturing firms.
Population Profile
The 2000 census indicated a total of 24,261 housing units in Burnsville, with around 15,633 families. Of the 23, 687 households, 34.1% had minors living with their parents. A huge percentage or 87.54% of its residents are Whites followed by Asians (4.08%), African Americans (4.07%) and Latinos or Hispanics (2.86%).
A meager 3.7% of the families here are classified as living below the poverty line. Not bad for a city with a median income of $57,965 for households and $67,979 for families.
Those considering Minnesota relocation may want to consider relocating to this suburban community. Burnsville’s growth was highly influenced by the 1960 completion of the Interstate 35W’s. There are a lot of real estate investing possibilities like upscale housing and apartment units, condominiums, and even land.
Commercial Districts
Burnsville boasts of a lively and diverse commercial district consisting of a 1,275,703 square foot mall (Burnsville Center) as well as grocery stores, strip malls and restaurants located along Country Road 42. It has a good public transportation system operated by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority. However, most of the residents make use of their own vehicles for areas not serviced by the bus service.
The short travel time to the commercial district is also convenient for most residents who spend from 15 to 30 minutes to commute to and from the Valleyfair Amusement Park, Mall of America, the Buck Hill Ski Area, the downtown areas of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and even the St. Paul International Airport. Burnsville is also adjacent to the cities of Lakeville, Savage and Apply Valley.
Places to go
Burnsville families need not go far to experience outdoor adventure. There are parks and other entertainment facilities throughout. Burnsville Center is one of the cities biggest shopping areas.
Garage Youth Center
The center’s name may be a sight for sore eyes but the place itself is a melting point of musical talents. Foreign music artists from as far as Japan have performed in the center, a non-profit music club.
Burnsville Athletic Club
Composed of young volunteer sports enthusiasts, the Club boasts of hosting 1,300 baseball players under the K-12 level every year. Up to 80 to 90 basketball players between grades 3 to 12 also participate in the in-house sports intended only for teams belonging to the Club. However, it also hosts competitions for baseball and basketball traveling teams.
Birnamwood Golf Course
One relocation information that will attract those who are eyeing Burnsville is the presence of this a nine-hole public golf course. The Birnamwood Golf Course, which is located along the intersection of Parkwood Drive and Burnsville Parkway, is owned and the same time being operated by the City of Burnsville. This is a favorite venue for adult, junior and senior golf leagues, open golf, golf tournaments and annual passes.
Burnsville Performing Arts Center
The completion of the $20 million Burnsville Performing Arts Center sometime in 2008 is another reason for the brisk Minneapolis Real Estate movement particularly in Burnsville. The Center is located right in the heart of the city, particularly within the vicinity of 126th Street and Pillsbury Avenue in Nicollet Commons Park so you can expect a lot of real estate development along this district.
For a more friendly real estate development, the Burnsville, Minnesota city council has authorized the construction of the Center and the corresponding parking facilities without any increase in property taxes.
Burnsville Performing Arts Center aims to encourage love for culture and the arts not only among Burnsville residents. It also aims to attract corporate relocation and employee relocation. Once completed, the Center (designed by Ankeny Kell Architects) will have a 1000 seating capacity (for the main theater), another 150-seater theater, an art gallery and rooms for big events, receptions and business conferences. Once completed, it will be the venue of business conventions, concerts, local and touring theater productions, dance recitals and other cultural shows.
The construction of the Center has been a long-time priority of the Burnsville community which has been eyeing its construction since ten years ago. The city has purchased the land, where the Center will be located, last 2001. It is also one of the top reasons why AAA, one of the major business entities in Burnsville has decided to remain in the city.
Education
Education is a priority in Burnsville. The following educational facilities are available:
• Burnsville Independent School District 191-One 10 to12 high school
• Burnsville High School-Three 7 to 9 junior highs
• Eagle Ridge Junior High
• John Metcalf Junior High School
• Nicollet Junior High -Ten K-6 elementary schools
• Harriet Bishop
• Edward D. Neill
• Gideon Pond
• Hidden Valley
• Marion W. Savage
• Rahn
• Sioux Trail
• Sky Oaks
• Vista View
• William Byrne
Those relocating to Burnsville might want to know that Burnsville has committed to becoming an environmentally-friendly city by promoting a more efficient usage of water among its residents. It recently mandated some restrictions in water use to maximize the city’s limited groundwater sources and to avoid an increase in water charges in the long term. Here are the restrictions in water use which is mandated for all residents:
• Prohibition on watering of lawns between 11AM to 4PM
• Odd-even water sprinkling which allows residents and business establishments with addresses ending in odd numbers to water only during odd-numbered days while those with addresses ending in even number to water only during even-numbered days
However, the following are exempted from the scheme:
• New landscaping
• Lawns planted with new seeds
• Golf courses
• Athletic areas which require special conditions
• Flower pots
• Vegetable gardens
The city leads the Twin Cities region’s quest for suburban growth and development policies. This means a lot to real estate development since smart real estate growth and development leans towards the construction of sustainable-designed communities and veers from the sprawling communities concept. This is all part of the heart of the City project of Burnsville which involves 54 acres. The development strategy is already seen in the high rise development of Nicollet Commons Park.
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 CRYSTAL REAL ESTATE
Crystal
Crystal, Minnesota is located mere minutes away from Minneapolis, yet this beautiful suburb has a much different feel than its urban neighbor. With only 23,000 residents, Crystal manages to retain a more laid-back pace of life and a family-friendly environment, which appeals to many who are looking to relocate to the suburbs. This area has some of the best deals available in the real estate market today, and if you are considering buying a home for you and your family, I strongly urge you to consider Crystal real estate.
One of the main priorities of the city is to continue to keep neighborhoods safe and clean in order to maintain its small-town charm. Because so many families reside here, education is highly emphasized, as is maintaining the excellent city parks offered in Chaska. On any weekend afternoon, parents and children can enjoy time outside and get to know their neighbors. By emphasizing families, the city stimulates a strong sense of community, something that greatly contrasts the more hectic lifestyles of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The Crystal Cove Aquatic Center offers a wonderful pool in the summertime, as well as many programs for children and adults alike.
While Crystal offers a number of stellar neighborhoods, it is firmly committed to bringing others up to its high standard. Crystal’s Economic Development Authority has been busy in the last couple of years developing a program to improve neighborhood quality by buying older homes in poor quality for demolition, and subsequently selling the open lots to willing buyers. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in building their dream home from the ground up. Many lots are currently available at very affordable prices, and I would urge you to consider this option. There is nothing better than the luxury of customizing your own home.
On the other hand, there are also a wealth of possibilities with the pre-existing real estate offerings. Many great single-family homes are currently available, so if you are looking for a nice starter home in a comfortable neighborhood, there is plenty to look at. If you are looking for something a little larger, there are a number of multi-story homes available in excellent neighborhoods. Whatever your particular needs are in terms of size or location, I would be happy to set up an appointment with you to discuss your option in order to find the home that is right for you.
Buying a home, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned real-estate investor, is an extremely important decision. It’s important to have all of your options easily accessible so you can make sure you are buying the home that is right for you. For your convenience, we are a fully cooperating member of the Twin Cities real estate community. The multiple listing service, or MLS, allows all member agents to view what is available in the market so you don’t feel compelled to go with an agent you are not comfortable with. So regardless of the company sign in the yard, please feel free to give me a call to arrange an appointment to view a home that you are interested in. Our website contains many helpful tools to get you started on your journey today, including mortgage rate calculators, mortgage rate quotes, and online mortgage applications. If you would like to browse for yourself, check out our Search Online Now! application. This will grant you access to all of the homes currently available through our multiple listing service.
If you are looking to relocate to Minnesota, I will be happy to help you out with our relocation package and guide. I, as well as many of my clients, are relocation specialists, and depending on your situation, there are various employee and corporate relocation packages available. Many of us own rental property ourselves as well and would be happy to assist you in finding a rental, or to arrange a tour with you to acclimate you with the area. Please check my website as well for our convenient relocation salary calculator and other relocation services.
I’m extremely familiar with the area and have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life. When making an important life decision, such as relocating and/or purchasing a home, it is important to have someone on your side to give you honesty and expertise. I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions you have or to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.
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