Good fit for family? (Minneapolis, St. Paul: to rent, condo, townhouse)

[Sunbrite]

Daughter will be starting middle school in the fall and we are exploring different programs and towns. She loves art, architecture and animals/wildlife so looking for a middle school that would fit these interests. Have some family near St. Louis Park, so would be nice to be closer to there, but not absolutely necessary.

Looking for something similar to Hastings as far as the feel of the town, and would also prefer:

-Decent public schools (middle and high schools)
-Small town feel, maybe something in between the city and suburb
-Closer to Minneapolis (half an hour commute or less)
-Around 200K (more or less) range for home prices

Looking forward to insights. Feel free to DM.

[TXRunner]

Unfortunately, 200k around Minneapolis in most neighborhoods will only get you a condo or townhouse. Near St. Louis Park there are great neighborhoods such as Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Plymouth. These have great schools and you can get to Minneapolis fairly quick. However, like I said, 200k is not going to get you a house or even a townhouse in most cases. Looking at Hastings, the average home price looks to be $300-400k, quite a bit higher than 200k. In the suburbs I've listed it's more like $350-450k, with most townhomes going for $200-300k.

A lot of people go up to St. Michael or Albertville where there are a lot more homes to be had for $300-350k and the schools are great. However, you'll also have a longer commute, 45-60 min. or more, depending on traffic, to downtown.

[Glenfield]

You can get a house and the other things you’re looking for in Hopkins.

[UMN2BE]

You could look in the New Brighton or Mounds View area, that should check off most of the boxes and the public schools are decent. But $200k is probably not even going to get you a townhouse in those areas unless it's an older 1200sq ft 2br/1bath with a 1 car garage. $300k will give you a lot more options.

[Citykid3785]

I think you're price range is going to be crazy hard to find. With that said below are some places to that have most of what you might be looking for:

Hopkins
South St. Paul
West St. Paul
Roseville
Richfield
Chaska
Prior Lake

Again, price and commute are going to be tough with some of these

[Sunbrite]

Thank you!! Super helpful, please let me know if you have additional ideas/suggestions.

Yes, we are aware of the limitations we will have with our budget, but we won't be buying for some time. We would just like to rent in a place that we would eventually be buying in (and not have to change schools, etc.)

We would prefer an area where middle schools and high schools have some decent academic outcomes, they work with parents, and it's a good mix of students attending. We like a small-town vibe, more laid back. But would love to be closer to Minneapolis if possible (half an hour or less commute)

Thank you again, we will check these places out, and if you have more suggestions, please let me know, and feel free to DM.

[TxTnVtMn]

Maple Plain, perhaps.

Definitely a small town and quiet. 24 minutes from DT Minneapolis without traffic. Less than 20 min to St Louis Park.

For something more within the core suburbs, Hopkins or Osseo come to mind.

[Sunbrite]

Thank you! Maple Plain, I think that was near McGarry's Pub/restaurant, went there with the family for St. Patrick's Day years ago. Nice restaurant and area, thank you! Thank you for the 2 other suggestions too.