Relocating back to Outstate MN (Minneapolis, St. Paul: crimes, luxury, public schools)

[Poorstudent]

Hello all:

I’ve read most of the Minnesota threads, but posting a new one for some more specific info (hopefully). My family and I will be relocating back to Minnesota in about two years, when I retire from the military. We both grew up in the cities, and are looking at cities such as Alex, Brainerd/Baxter, Pequot Lakes, Fergus, and the Duluth area. Does anybody have insight/ability to compare those towns for a new family. Welcome was, schools, churches, etc. Work won’t be an issue, and we know the weather we are signing up for. We have family in The Cities, and in the Park Rapids area. Looking for a mid-sized town with most importantly a good community for our kids. We are familiar with all of the towns, but not from a resident perspective. Thanks!

[demtion35]

Originally Posted by Poorstudent

Hello all:

I’ve read most of the Minnesota threads, but posting a new one for some more specific info (hopefully). My family and I will be relocating back to Minnesota in about two years, when I retire from the military. We both grew up in the cities, and are looking at cities such as Alex, Brainerd/Baxter, Pequot Lakes, Fergus, and the Duluth area. Does anybody have insight/ability to compare those towns for a new family. Welcome was, schools, churches, etc. Work won’t be an issue, and we know the weather we are signing up for. We have family in The Cities, and in the Park Rapids area. Looking for a mid-sized town with most importantly a good community for our kids. We are familiar with all of the towns, but not from a resident perspective. Thanks!

I would pick Duluth, has more to offer than those other towns, however the towns you mentioned have a lot of appeal to them also. Park Rapids has a lot of trees and lakes around the area, but Duluth is much more exciting, and tons more to do.

Brainerd has a lot of lakes around there also, but personally I would not live in that town, it is nice though, but not for me.

[Beenaroundabit]

Originally Posted by demtion35

I would pick Duluth, has more to offer than those other towns, however the towns you mentioned have a lot of appeal to them also. Park Rapids has a lot of trees and lakes around the area, but Duluth is much more exciting, and tons more to do.

Brainerd has a lot of lakes around there also, but personally I would not live in that town, it is nice though, but not for me.

If I feel like seeing a half dozen Land Rovers or other luxury cars that aren't that common, I can just drive to Brainerd, aka the Northern MN version of Edina. .

[601halfdozen0theother]

I'd pick Grand Rapids, no question about it.

It's close to Park Rapids, close to Duluth, affordable, and is a good location for an easy occasional trip down to the Twin Cities.

AND, it's a super nice town. It's in a beautiful area, has an excellent community college, a great public library, and plenty of shopping. The public schools are good, too.

Listen to the local radio station, KAXE, to get a feel for what the community is like: KAXE | Authentic Local Radio in Northern Minnesota

[Campeador]

Originally Posted by 601halfdozen0theother

I'd pick Grand Rapids, no question about it.

It's close to Park Rapids, close to Duluth, affordable, and is a good location for an easy occasional trip down to the Twin Cities.

AND, it's a super nice town. It's in a beautiful area, has an excellent community college, a great public library, and plenty of shopping. The public schools are good, too.

Listen to the local radio station, KAXE, to get a feel for what the community is like: KAXE | Authentic Local Radio in Northern Minnesota

I love Rapids too. Nice area--lots of beautiful lakes and woods and rivers; cool community too.

Then again, Duluth and the north shore has a different appeal that I find really intriguing. More elevation and lots of outdoor opportunities. UMD's influence is nice; more going on overall than the other options OP is considering.

[Teak]

For getting up to Park Rapids and down to Minneapolis on a regular basis, Alexandria would be more centrally located for you. Lots of lakes in the area also.

[meo92953]

Be careful of the Fergus Falls area. I lived in Underwood until last September & there were ( & still are, from what I hear,) a lot of drugs in the area. A friend's son was recently hospitalized after smoking pot which was laced with k2, a form of rat poison. He's still in the hospital undergoing tests. Scary.

Not sure how Grand Rapids or Alex are. I grew up near Grand Rapids & it was a great town back then. But that was years ago.

Duluth is beautiful but cold. I almost moved there once but the temperatures made me re-think that plan.

Just about anywhere outside of the city you are going to find good fishing lakes & even some in the city but the only one s I can think of off hand are Lake Phalen in St. Paul & White Bear Lake. I'm sure there are others though.

[demtion35]

Originally Posted by meo92953

Be careful of the Fergus Falls area. I lived in Underwood until last September & there were ( & still are, from what I hear,) a lot of drugs in the area. A friend's son was recently hospitalized after smoking pot which was laced with k2, a form of rat poison. He's still in the hospital undergoing tests. Scary.

Not sure how Grand Rapids or Alex are. I grew up near Grand Rapids & it was a great town back then. But that was years ago.

Duluth is beautiful but cold. I almost moved there once but the temperatures made me re-think that plan.

Just about anywhere outside of the city you are going to find good fishing lakes & even some in the city but the only one s I can think of off hand are Lake Phalen in St. Paul & White Bear Lake. I'm sure there are others though.

There are no drugs in the town you live in> What town is it?

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by demtion35

There are no drugs in the town you live in> What town is it?

If the location on the profile is correct— Cochise Sheriff's Office: street crimes unit arrests three, seize meth and heroin | Local news | tucson.com

[meo92953]

Originally Posted by demtion35

There are no drugs in the town you live in> What town is it?

I currently live near Sierra Vista, AZ & I'm fairly certain there are drugs here, but, they were pretty prevalent in Underwood & Fergus Falls. Too many drug busts, burglaries & motor vehicle accidents on account of drugs. I haven't met the younger population here yet & don't know folks as I did when I lived there so haven't heard much of what it's like here.

It's a sad situation & I don't know how it happened. My grandparents had a farm outside Underwood & it was unheard of to lock doors - but that was a long time ago.