Moving to MN with Horses and need advise. (Minneapolis, Shakopee: rental, houses)

[jdelong15]

May be taking a promotion on the West side of Minneapolis and will be moving out with the family and horses. I don't want to sell my house in UT because the job may only be a three year deal. Are there any areas you would recommend that may have houses for rent with horse property? I would be willing to communte about 20 miles. Office would be around 394 and 169. Also, which elementary schools would you recommend? We have one in Kindergarten and one in 2nd grade this next year. Thanks for any info you can offer.

[golfgal]

I would look out toward Chaska, maybe down by Jordan and Belle Plaine. You should be able to find some place to at least board your horses there and still be within reasonable driving distance to work--or if you live closer to work, easy drive to see the horses. There is a racetrack, Canterbury Downs in Shakopee and several horse farms around there as well. It might put you farther than 20 minutes though. West of 394 and 169 gets you into expensive lake home country and that won't be an option most likely, not much "land" there. I know there are a few posters here from Delano and they love it there and love their schools. That is more rural and might be an option, but probably 30 minutes to work? That is on the west side of the metro.

[Glenfield]

Northwestern Hennepin county/ eastern Wright country is big horse country. Look in Medina, Corcoran, Delano and points west. You can get out as far as Rockford or Waverly in Wright county and still be within 30 minutes of 394 and 169. There are plenty of horse farms and hobby farms in the area. I can't say whether or not there are or aren't a lot of rental opportunities for farms, but if not, you could rent a house and board your horses very nearby. I believe that Scott country (Jordan and Belle Plaine) will be beyond your desired commute, and there are often bridge closings across the Minnesota during spring floods that can lead to some very long detours.

[snofarmer]

Look around the stillwater area.

[Kebinminn]

I'd look north or west of where you'll be working. Ramsey has some rural areas and I bet they could have horses there, the places Glenfield mentioned are all good although some are on the higher end of the price range if that's a concern.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by snofarmer

Look around the stillwater area.

Personally, I wouldn't like the commute from the far east side of town to the western suburbs. That's going through the thickest traffic during rush hours. Stillwater is very nice, but it's not at all convenient to the western suburbs. Kebinminn is right that some parts of western Hennepin Co. are expensive, but you can also find some reasonably priced places. That's purchase price. I suppose rents are similar. Wright Co. can be downright cheap to buy in.