Any affordable nice towns within 30 miles from Plymouth (Chaska, Prior Lake: house, to buy)

[happygolucky5]

I just moved down to Monticello from living up north this last year. I work in Plymouth and I am looking to buy a house within 30 miles or so to work. Any recommendations for me? I like a small town atmosphere with good school districts and some outdoor recreation.

[golfgal]

St. Michael, Delano, Chaska, Buffalo, Waconia. Jordan is nice too but 34 miles away.

[Kebinminn]

Maple Plain. I don't know anything about the schools but it's a small town, someone I knew lived there and was very happy. It's close to Baker Park reserve.

[ZaraZoteBuccaneer]

Originally Posted by golfgal

St. Michael, Delano, Chaska, Buffalo, Waconia. Jordan is nice too but 34 miles away.

I agree with Waconia and Chaska, but more specifically on Chaska. They were rated as one of the best small towns in the US a year ago according to Money Magazine, I know the Mayor and city leaders well, they are very community oriented.
Also a decent school district (as far as test results go) but growing quickly (and kind of a very liberal board). My kids do not go there but I have enough connections to know the truth about them.
If you need a smaller area for privacy or whatever you're looking for, then look a little to the west. Still very quiet out there, lots of potential with Waconia & Cologne. Norwood/Young America shares some district territory out there - an "ok" school district especially for elementary but failing in some respects. NYA feels a little dumpy too as it is still segregated from the metro communities, but it's cheap and safe. And finally there is the Cologne Academy and numerous other private schools (financially reasonable) to consider all over the eastern half of the county.
I've mentioned in other posts that taxes are still low out there (for the quality of life you receive). Some would argue with me because the county is raising this somewhat lately but you can still beat out many other metro areas in property rates. I also need to give kudos for a lot of the churches in the area. Lot's of variety to chose from and I'm glad to help you find something if you want, I've been all over so feel free to ask!
The drive from Plymouth to anywhere in Carver County would not be bad either with a new 212 freeway through there. Seriously, check this place out.
I would not look south of the MN river for living if you want to stay employed in Plymouth. One good spring flood or winter commute across the bridges will change your mind if you do. However still some nice areas down there too - Jordan is not on my list of nice (yet) as I rate it like NYA. Prior Lake would be better.

[knke0204]

St. Michael and Albertville.... Or Otsego... St. Michael has many very nice homes and is an extremely family oriented city. Albertville is the same, just not as big. Both of them are huge Catholic communities, with a catholic grade school, and 3 beautiful Catholic churches. Also, the communities are building the biggest and most expensive high school in Minnesota history, which opens this fall. Actually, the district has 6 brand new schools built since 2000. You can cry about taxes, but at least you know your kids will be educated by top notch teachers, have state of the art classrooms and equipment, and have strong athletics to be raised with. Plus this whole economic bust has once $270,000 homes going for $200,000

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Originally Posted by knke0204

St. Michael and Albertville.... Or Otsego... St. Michael has many very nice homes and is an extremely family oriented city. Albertville is the same, just not as big. Both of them are huge Catholic communities, with a catholic grade school, and 3 beautiful Catholic churches. Also, the communities are building the biggest and most expensive high school in Minnesota history, which opens this fall. Actually, the district has 6 brand new schools built since 2000. You can cry about taxes, but at least you know your kids will be educated by top notch teachers, have state of the art classrooms and equipment, and have strong athletics to be raised with. Plus this whole economic bust has once $270,000 homes going for $200,000

Not to throw your two gems under the bus again but St. Michael and Albertville = Agrestic and Majestic (from Showtime series "Weeds")

[knke0204]

Originally Posted by Slig

Not to throw your two gems under the bus again but St. Michael and Albertville = Agrestic and Majestic (from Showtime series "Weeds")

Hahaha, that's funny! Nice Weeds Reference...

Yeah it tends to get that feel, but there are areas of the two cities that give the rural feel and stray away from the suburban feel.

I think that STMA (St. Michael-Albertville) have much more of a sense of place.. I would say Otsego is more like Agrestic... There is hardly any commerce, or city center. St Michael and Albertville have traditions and the "Main Strip" of Laboux Avenue, 241, and 37

[moving123456]

Originally Posted by Kebinminn

Maple Plain. I don't know anything about the schools but it's a small town, someone I knew lived there and was very happy. It's close to Baker Park reserve.

Maple Plain students go to Orono schools.

[happygolucky5]

Thanks for all the posts and information. I will kept this information in mind.

[Sarah Maske]

Buffalo is fantastic and has great deals. BEAUTIFUL and ESTABLISHED community. Has old and new. Good schools. I know a super realtor up there who could give you the inside scoop if you'd like to contact him. He will give it to you like it is.