Why is Stillwater, affluent for a North suburb not bring in as much of the wealthy that a Edina or Kennwood does (Minneapolis: to buy, school district)

[lexuses82]

I live on the north end of the Twin Cities metro (Hugo) and had a huge interest in the Stillwater area. I often visit the walking trails and park system and downtown. Stillwater seems to be one of the more affluent areas of the north. Though being very nice, after also visiting other areas like the SW metro , why does Stillwater not have the same wealth and huge attraction for wealthy people that places like a Kenwood or Lake of the Isles or Edina does. Both spots have amenities that attract a wealthier group. Stillwater has attractions such as the gardens, the golf courses, and the historic downtown, and excellent school district. Stillwater seems like an excellent choice for the upper class in Minneapolis.

[rzzzz]

because it's too far away

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by rzzzz

because it's too far away

from downtown Minneapolis where most of the high paying jobs were traditionally located, and the west side where the old money families lived.

[uptown_urbanist]

I grew up around here thinking Stillwater was a separate town outside of the metro area; I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like it's only been in more recent years that it's been considered an actual suburb. Certainly it's a LONG way from Minneapolis; many people, especially those who can afford to buy anywhere locally, prefer not to take on that daily commute and therefore prefer to enjoy Stillwater as weekend visitors (or in some cases, as retirees).

[Pisces69]

People gotta work and the majority of jobs are in Bloomington.

[demtion35]

Maybe it does have more money than those other places you mentioned/would not surprise me if it did.

[Hotfeet]

Originally Posted by lexuses82

Stillwater seems like an excellent choice for the upper class in Minneapolis.

It's an excellent choice for the upper class in the eastern side of the Twin Cities, but as mentioned above it is too far away to warrant a commute to Mpls or Bloomington.

What seems especially appealing is that Washington County taxes are so much lower than other metro county taxes. In addition, schools are very good, there are great restaurants and plenty of nature, along with reasonable peace and quiet. I could maybe put up with a commute to St. Paul but that would be my limit.

[Yosh01]

A lot of affluent people who live on the eastern side of MSP and who also want to live in a non-urban area tend to migrate more northeast toward Dellwood or north toward North Oaks. The affluent people I've known who live near Stillwater tend to own hobby farms or large acreage lots around Lake Elmo or Afton. I think of Stillwater itself as a distinct tourist town with a good balance of economic classes, not a haven for the well-to-do.

[KallyKaleidoscope]

Because it's noisy at night! Haha
And most of the wealthy residents in that area tend to live in Woodbury where there are more amenities available as previously mentioned.

[AndreaSoup]

It is not easily accessible. 36 is horrid at rush hour.

Nice town, it's where the rich kids from high school lived, but it is not really feasible to want to make that trek day in/day out to (either) downtown.