Twin Cities Relocation

8 Tips For Finding Your New Home

A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you.

House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you’ll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. These eight tips will guide you through a smart homebuying process.

1. Know thyself
Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a multistory home? If you’re leaning toward a fixer-upper, are you truly handy, or will you need to budget for contractors?

2. Research before you look
List the features you most want in a home and identify which are necessities and which are extras. Identify three to four neighborhoods you’d like to live in based on commute time, schools, recreation, crime, and price. Then hop onto REALTOR.com to get a feel for the homes available in your price range in your favorite neighborhoods. Use the results to prioritize your wants and needs so you can add in and weed out properties from the inventory you’d like to view.

3. Get your finances in order
Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you’re comfortable spending each month on housing. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.

Gather your financial records and meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter spelling out how much you’re eligible to borrow. The lender won’t necessarily consider the extra fees you’ll pay when you purchase or your plans to begin a family or purchase a new car, so shop in a price range you’re comfortable with. Also, presenting an offer contingent on financing will make your bid less attractive to sellers.

4. Set a moving timeline
Do you have blemishes on your credit that will take time to clear up? If you already own, have you sold your current home? If not, you’ll need to factor in the time needed to sell. If you rent, when is your lease up? Do you expect interest rates to jump anytime soon? All these factors will affect your buying, closing, and moving timelines.

5. Think long term
Your future plans may dictate the type of home you’ll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for five to 10 years? With a starter, you may need to adjust your expectations. If you plan to nest, be sure your priority list helps you identify a home you’ll still love years from now.

6. Work with a REALTOR®
Ask people you trust for referrals to a real estate professional they trust. Interview agents to determine which have expertise in the neighborhoods and type of homes you’re interested in. Because homebuying triggers many emotions, consider whether an agent’s style meshes with your personality.

Also ask if the agent specializes in buyer representation. Unlike listing agents, whose first duty is to the seller, buyers’ reps work only for you even though they’re typically paid by the seller. Finally, check whether agents are REALTORS®, which means they’re members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. NAR has been a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.

7. Be realistic
It’s OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don’t be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded.

On the flip side, don’t be so swayed by a “wow” feature that you forget about other issues—like noise levels—that can have a big impact on your quality of life. Use your priority list to evaluate each property, remembering there’s no such thing as the perfect home.

8. Limit the opinions you solicit
It’s natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. But remain true to your list of wants and needs so the final decision is based on criteria you’ve identified as important.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has found happiness in a brownstone in a historic Chicago neighborhood. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

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4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

By knowing how much mortgage you can handle, you can ensure that home ownership will fit in your budget.

Here are six surefire ways you can get your finances in order before you buy a home.

Homeownership should make you feel safe and secure, and that includes financially. Be sure you can afford your home by calculating how much of a mortgage you can safely fit into your budget.

Instead of just taking out the biggest mortgage a lender qualifies you to borrow, consider how much you want to pay each month for housing based on your financial and personal goals.

Think ahead to major life events and consider how those might influence your budget. Do you want to return to school for an advanced degree? Will a new child add day care to your monthly expenses? Does a relative plan to eventually live with you and contribute to the mortgage?

Still not sure how much you can afford? You can use the same formulas that most lenders use, or try another of these traditional methods for estimating the amount of mortgage you can afford.

1. The general rule of mortgage affordability
As a rule of thumb, you can typically afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. If you earn $100,000, you can typically afford a home between $200,000 and $300,000.

To understand how that rule applies to your particular financial situation, prepare a family budget and list all the costs of homeownership, like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable, as well as costs specific to your family, such as day care costs.

2. Factor in your downpayment
How much money do you have for a downpayment? The higher your downpayment, the lower your monthly payments will be. If you put down at least 20% of the home’s cost, you may not have to get private mortgage insurance, which costs hundreds each month. That leaves more money for your mortgage payment.
The lower your downpayment, the higher the loan amount you’ll need to qualify for and the higher your monthly mortgage payment.

3. Consider your overall debt
Lenders generally follow the 28/41 rule. Your monthly mortgage payments covering your home loan principal, interest, taxes, and insurance shouldn’t total more than 28% of your gross annual income. Your overall monthly payments for your mortgage plus all your other bills, like car loans, utilities, and credit cards, shouldn’t exceed 41% of your gross annual income.

Here’s how that works. If your gross annual income is $100,000, multiply by 28% and then divide by 12 months to arrive at a monthly mortgage payment of $2,333 or less. Next, check the total of all your monthly bills including your potential mortgage and make sure they don’t top 41%, or $3,416 in our example.

4. Use your rent as a mortgage guide
The tax benefits of homeownership generally allow you to afford a mortgage payment—including taxes and insurance—of about one-third more than your current rent payment without changing your lifestyle. So you can multiply your current rent by 1.33 to arrive at a rough estimate of a mortgage payment.

Here’s an example. If you currently pay $1,500 per month in rent, you should be able to comfortably afford a $2,000 monthly mortgage payment after factoring in the tax benefits of homeownership.

However, if you’re struggling to keep up with your rent, consider what amount would be comfortable and use that for the calcuation instead.

Also consider whether or not you’ll itemize your deductions. If you take the standard deduction, you can’t also deduct mortgage interest payments. Talking to a tax adviser, or using a tax software program to do a “what if” tax return, can help you see your tax situation more clearly.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who’s owned her own home for more than 20 years. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

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Two Special Twin Cities Home Buying Programs

One program is called FPP-Foreclosure Partnership Program, and the other is NSP2 Homebuyer Assistance Program.  Both programs offer incentive money for a purchase.  I can use these financing programs with one of our mortgage investors.  Consider checking them out to see if they’d work for you.

HennipenCounty-Non-forclosedHomes-overview

HennipenCounty-Nsp2-overview

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Rebuilding Credit To Get A Mortgage

Often, especially in this market due to the recession, we find potential home buyers who have had a life event or “bump in the road” that affects their ability to obtain a new loan. If you want to buy a home, you will have to have a certain number of reporting trade lines and for certain length of time. MOST mortgage programs require 3-5 trade lines and a minimum of two years of reporting. The other criteria is the actual credit score-which generally has to be 620, 640 or even 660 as it is all lender dependent. A manual underwriting where they use alternative credit such as rent payments, cell phone bill, utility bills, and the cable bill might be able to be used-but only with a few certain programs and lenders. So, the best bet is to re-establish credit as quickly as possible. HOW ABOUT NOW!! Don’t wait-it will only extend the time until you are going to be eligible. I have put together a list of resources that might be helpful. This list is only a starting place for your research. If you find another good resource please post it in the comments below so that the list can be expanded upon.

TOP IDEAS FOR CREDIT RE.doc

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Buying Rental Property In The Twin Cities

Have you ever wanted to own rental property, but were unsure where to start? I teach a class on the topic. I’ve decided to make the outline into a PPT. I cover the information in my class in much more depth and breadth, but this will give you a lot of useful information. If you are interested in discussing purchasing a rental property as an investment, just give me a call and we can set up a time to meet and review how I can help you become a “real estate mogul”.

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Mortgage Insurance May Still Be Deductible For Some Buyers

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Is There An Opportunity Right In Front Of YOU

I just watched an amazing video which I’ve posted below called the Money Tree. There are so many different interpretations. One that struck me was that people are oblivious to opportunity that is right in front of them. How many of us are looking for something that we already have or is within our reach? How many people are NOT buying real estate today when they could be looking at this as an incredible wealth building opportunity for what it is over the long term-assuming properties rise again in value? I was showing homes this past weekend. It was incredible to see townhomes in great communities selling for 40-60% less than they had sold for just as little as 5 years before. Luckily for my client, we are going to make an offer and ACT. Watch this video and don’t let the opportunities in your life pass you by. Don’t let life pass you by. Happy New Year and may 2011 be your best yet!

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December Is The Time To Reflect

Are each of us doing all we can to make the world a better place? Many of us have our favorite charity and organizations we support. RE/MAX is a very large sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network. Many people don’t realize how much has been given. Each time I sell a home, I automatically donate a portion of my commission to this organization. Other RE/MAX agents like myself contribute from their commission checks as well. Together, with RE/MAX we have collectively given over 100M. I would encourage everyone to consider finding an organization they believe in and make giving a part of their life. Just imagine what the world could look like?

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Getting Ready to Sell Your House

While most experts see little good news in 2011’s housing market, economic downturn is no reason to neglect maintenance on a home or lose sight of future plans to relocate.

The critical issue is planning intelligently for what spending you do now to make sure it’s worth your money later. And even if your plan to sell your property is more than a year away, it’s not a bad idea to get your finances in order as well. In the coming months, you’ll be addressing tax issues, so it’s a good time to look at your overall financial picture with a qualified financial planner as well as a trained tax expert.

The October MacroMarkets Home Price Expectations Survey doesn’t see a meaningful increase in home prices until 2012, though appreciation is expected to go up on average more than 14 percent through 2014.

As you wait for your opportunity, here are some ideas to incorporate in your planning:

Check your credit report and score: If you plan to finance a new property once you sell, it makes ample sense to lower your debt and clean up any discrepancies in your credit data well in advance of any move into the market. Remember, you are entitled to one free copy of each of the major credit reports in any given year, and you can obtain them from one resource – www.annualcreditreport.com. Avoid all the services with expensive TV commercials calling themselves “free” – if they ask for a credit card number, you are not getting a free report. Also, so you can spot discrepancies and keep a watchful eye on the possibility of ID theft throughout the year, stagger your receipt of your reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion (the major credit ratings agencies) at different points during the year.

Get a home inspection: Go through local channels – lenders, friends, real estate professionals you trust – to find a licensed home inspector who can look over your property and help you develop a list of potential repairs and upgrades that you can do economically given that you’ll have months before you put the property up for sale. Checking your home’s structure – roof, foundation, windows, etc., as well as its mechanical parts – heating/AC, installed appliances, plumbing – can give you an early warning system for expensive repairs that a prospective buyer’s inspector would find anyway. Try now to make sure there are no problems that will kill a deal later.

Ask a trusted broker for advice: Structural experts can determine whether your home is working properly – real estate brokers may or may not be equally expert at spotting these flaws. But generally, they can be trusted on matters of appearance – whether the grounds around the home are well maintained as well as whether the home’s interior is inviting to the eye of potential buyers.

Don’t overinvest in improvements: In the 1990s, spending $40,000 on a kitchen in many neighborhoods could recover that amount of money and more in the final sales price. In today’s market, those payoffs are a distant memory. Experienced brokers generally do a good job steering you away from overpaying for improvements, but there are other resources to doublecheck the spending you’re planning to do. Remodeling Magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value report provides estimates on specific projects by region, including projections on cost recoupment.

Appeal your property taxes: If you’ve never appealed your property taxes before or have not done so in many years, do so when your appeals period is open. Lowering your taxes as much as possible may help make your property more salable.

Declutter and don’t re-clutter: Start making a list of items you might donate – furniture, clothing, household items, etc. Make sure they’re in good condition and if you’re having trouble setting a value, check on eBay or other auction sites to see if you’re being fair to yourself while not drawing the attention of the taxman.

December 2010 — This column is produced by the Financial Planning Association, the membership organization for the financial planning community, and is provided by John Mazzara 952-929-2577  john@johnmazzara.com , a local member of FPA.

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HUD Has A YouTube Channel-Here Is There Vid On Buying A Home

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Google lets you create cool templated websites

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Can Home Ownership Contribute To Your Wealth?

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Minnesota Foreclosure And Distressed Home Fact Sheets PLUS Twin Cities First Time Buyer Special Programs

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Twin Cities Foreclosure Update

<p style=”text-align: center;”>Here is our latest newsletter that has updates on foreclosures in the Twin Cities.<a href=”http://www.homesminneapolis.net/ForeclosureNewsletter.pdf”><img src=”http://www.homesminneapolis.net/ForeclosureNewsletter.jpg” alt=”" /></a></p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”>Also, watch the video below<object classid=”clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000″ width=”400″ height=”300″ codebase=”http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0″><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true” /><param name=”allowscriptaccess” value=”always” /><param name=”src” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/a6AnHt0TIeU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0″ /><param name=”allowfullscreen” value=”true” /><embed type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”400″ height=”300″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/a6AnHt0TIeU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0″ allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true”></embed></object></p>

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Minnesota First Time Home Buyer Tips

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Top Seven Tips For Home Buyers

Recently I was asked to create a list of top tips. Here is my list. I have been selling homes for over 25 years. I hope these help you make better choices and improve your real estate making decisions.

1) Before you begin to search for a home, always get prequalified FIRST. Seek out an experienced mortgage broker to arrange your financing. Even if you think you want to use a large bank, at least see what a broker has available. In fact, you may find that a broker can deliver the same mortgage to you cheaper from the “same” large bank you were considering. Generally, brokers have access to wholesale pricing as well as more products and programs than traditional large banks or in-house type lender arrangements that you find at large real estate companies. Besides pricing, you might find special grant money or unique loans that otherwise would not be made available. Also, regarding special programs, if you can identify the cities or areas you might be interested in, you may want to call the local HRA (housing redevelopment authority) and see what they offer. Today, we are seeing special programs for purchase or post purchase rehab of foreclosed and short sale properties from the cities themselves. The FHA 203K loan is a program that can be used for rehab on any home. It is not tied to any city or any property specific status. There are a couple of versions of this loan-limited and extensive rehab. FHA loans have size limits that vary based on the geographic location of the property. Not all lenders make this loan available, so seek it out if it is of interest.

2) Look at all homes for sale. Don’t exclude any specific sector of the market. Initially, you may have wanted to run away from short sales, foreclosures, and auctions. Ultimately, once you get a feel for the marketplace, you may actually decide to focus on distressed properties. When buying in the distressed segment be prepared for a more complex process. Knowing that upfront will help. Depending on the community, almost 50% of the transactions are not “traditional” sales. Distressed sales often sell for what the market will bear, whereas traditional sellers may be unable or unwilling to adjust to the realities of the market. Until job creation comes back and our economy starts growing beyond anemic levels, expect distressed home sales to be a large part of the market. Frustration may set in but don’t allow it to influence an otherwise good decision in your purchase. Don’t be put off by some dirt and light repair, analyze the structure and the location.

3) Look to your Realtor as a partner. Loyalty works both ways. An agent only gets paid upon a successful closing. We only stay in business with happy repeat clients and referrals. Most Realtors will work extremely hard for you if you work exclusively with them. Agents work on commission, so they need to know that they will eventually get paid for their time invested in helping you find the right home. If you are an investor and you approach five different agents to “call me” when you get a really good deal, you will probably never get a call. If on the other hand, you work with one agent who you assume is competent, you will get a phone call when they see something that meets your criteria.

4) If you are an investor or want to become one, seek out agent representation from someone who knows the rental property market. The rental real estate game can be rewarding but can also cost you a lot of money and aggrevation if you make a mistake. How can an agent who has never been a landlord really give you good advice on how to buy and manage rentals? Not all agents have the same level of experience. This is a recommendation not to be taken lightly. You want to be “educated” not provide someone an education at your expense.

5) Be prepared to engage technology in your search. Twenty-five years ago we used MLS books and did open houses. Today, we use virtual tours, websites, blogs and auto generated emails to deliver properties to your in box. The internet opens up information to everyone in a very user friendly way. If you are a younger buyer, you are probably engaging in texting, email, and video. The agent you choose should be embracing technology and be able to deliver the information you need in the way you want it delivered.

6) Have a home inspection upon an accepted purchase agreement. Don’t come away from the inspection and expect that everything in the home that is reviewed must be fixed at the seller’s expense. An inspection, in my opinion, is to discover hazardous items or items that would require a very large expense to change or repair that you were not initially aware of. Remember, an existing home is not a new home. This means it will have various amounts of obselecense and required repairs. An inspection report is not meant to be a renegotiation tool or checklist. I think the best home inspection is the one that makes you feel comfortable after “getting to know” your new home so you can make a purchase with “your eyes wide open”. Give your inspector permission to tell you are buying a great home. Otherwise, he or she may feel they have to manufacture some item of concern in order to justify the expense of the report.

7) Use an independent title company to do your closing. The buyer is allowed to choose their title company. The captive title companies (known as affiliated business arrangements) which are tied to the real estate or mortgage company are often not as competitively priced as outside vendors. When have you or someone you know ever directed the selection of the closing/title company? If you are like 99% of the people, the answer is never. Yet, this one simple recommendation could save you hundreds of dollars.

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Data.gov – A Cool Site With Lots Of Great Info

http://www.Data.gov I just found this site and wanted to share it.  It has a ton of info and reports.  If you have a project or just an “inquiring mind”, this is sure to be a hit.  Check it out and get the data you need.

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Scenic Lake Minnetonka – Make Memories With Twin City Cruises

By Dave Cormack

Lake Minnetonka comprises over 14,000 acres in Minnesota, and is a scenic tourist destination for many travelers seeking a serene environment for vacationing. The lake derives its name from the first residents of the area, who referred to the body of water as Minnetonka, or Big Water. In 1852, Alexander Ramsey officially registered the name of Lake Minnetonka, and in the following year, the first hotel was built on its shores. Steamboats surveying the lake became popular among tourists in the 1880s, allowing visitors to the area to experience the abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery of this picturesque area. Today, Twin Cities Cruises continues this tradition with its Lake Minnetonka pleasure cruises, offering guests a traditional paddleboat excursion and three exclusive luxury yacht options to choose among.

Paradise Destiny II

Capable of carrying up to 100 passengers, Twin Cities Cruises’ Paradise Destiny II offers a luxurious way to see the sights of Lake Minnetonka in style. The Paradise Destiny II is available for weddings and receptions, and both decks boast floor-to-ceiling windows providing magnificent views for passengers. Formal dining is available at an additional charge, and the dance floor and buffet area are designed to make any outing special.

Paradise Princess II

For a more intimate tour of the Lake, the Paradise Princess II offers a smaller venue for weddings, receptions, and sightseeing excursions. A small dance floor and buffet are available on-board, and guests enjoy complimentary snacks during their tour of Lake Minnetonka. The Paradise Princess II can carry 60 guests in luxurious comfort.

Paradise Grand

With room enough for up to 60 passengers, the Paradise Grand is a lovely way to see the beautiful natural scenery of Lake Minnetonka. Like all yachts in the Twin Cities Cruises line, the Paradise Grand offers a climate controlled salon and fully-stocked bar and is available for weddings.

Wedding ceremonies on board these yachts are restricted to forty guests; a beautifully appointed area is also available on shore for larger weddings. Full bar service is provided on each of the yacht tours and LCD televisions with DVD and VCR players are available for use on board. All three yachts are available for charter; prices are available from Twin Cities Cruises on request.

Looking for a memorable way to celebrate your wedding, reception, anniversary or just looking to take a relaxing cruise on Lake Minnetonka we can help you.
Please visit our website http://www.twincitiescruises.com for additional information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cormack
http://EzineArticles.com/?Scenic-Lake-Minnetonka—Make-Memories-With-Twin-City-Cruises&id=3935126

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Very Top Five Twin Cities

By Christopher L Brooks

Twinned city agreements (also called sister cities) are designed to foster international cooperation, by which I mean give town officials a pleasant place to play golf and relax for a week whilst on their yearly ‘culture mission’. And you can’t do culture without margaritas.

Most cities will have one or more sisters. The will to foster international links with as many cities as possible is as strong as the desire to have more than one yearly free holiday courtesy of public funds. Also, you get to make signs with your city’s name on them in big writing, and ‘twinned with some other city’ in smaller writing underneath, showing what a cosmopolitan hub you are.

Most cities have realised that these are the essential points of the sister city agreement (Fancy sign, golf holiday), and keep quiet about it in case anyone notices. However, some five cities dared to stand out from the crowd. It may be that they have an unusually large number of twins, or twins in strange places, or have totally missed the point of twinning altogether, but all of them stand out in such a way that makes them as great a twin as Romulus was to Remus. (i.e. quite willing to beat your brother to death with a shovel if it means that it’s your name that gets to go on the sign.)

Let’s tee off…

5. London, UK

There are 46 places named after London. This is because in the past the British investigated new lands with nothing but a map, a pink marker pen to illustrate which parts of the map now belonged to the Empire, and several thousand cannons just to make sure that the surviving natives agreed with the man with the marker pen.

Despite this, nowhere called ‘London’ is also twinned with the real London. This is not because these lil’ Londons have never suggested to their eponymous big bro’ that twinning would be a jolly good idea, but because London has always refused these twinning requests.

However, London has to be seen to be making foreign friends these days, to make Britain look less insanely imperial. People look to London to set the British example due to its tremendous influence, particularly in the UK, since one in five people in Britain would say that they live in the Greater London area. (Actually they wouldn’t. They’d say “Why the fack d’you care where I’m facking from? Fack off.”)

Anyway, London has twinning agreements with New York, Moscow, Berlin, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur and Kuwait city. This seems like a good number, but London has also got so called ‘friendship agreements’ with 18 more cities. Friendship agreements are awarded to places with which, although London wants to be associated with them, it doesn’t want to go all the way. This is similar to when someone breaks up with you and says “Hey, I still want to hang out with you, but let’s be friends, yeah? Cool? Cool, I’ll ring you. Don’t ring me; I’ll ring you. I promise.”

4. Keighley, Yorkshire, England

Keighley is a medium sized town whose claim to fame is that they started the whole twinning thing back in 1905 with Suresnes in France. They didn’t really get the hang of things straight away though, and in 1920 claimed to have ‘adopted’ Poix-Du-Nord. This talk of adopting another town sounds vaguely patronising, and if there is anything the French hate it is being patronised (Probably because they are annoyed that they didn’t get the chance to do it first).

3. Coventry, England

Gosh, these English towns are getting a lot of mentions, aren’t they? They seem to have a problem with just picking a couple of nice places to play golf. Coventry bucked convention by not only picking a flamboyantly ostentatious twenty six twins to twin with but also has a strange understanding of the word ‘nice,’ believing it to being synonymous with ‘had the shit bombed out of it.’

Coventry itself was bombed quite severely during the Second World War, so it feels some empathy with its brothers-in-bombing. Among its twins are Dresden (Razed in 1945 by 4000 tons of allied bombs), Sarajevo (besieged for 4 years in the 1990s and smashed by surrounding tanks) and Stalingrad (Twinned with Conventry in 1943 a few months after the Battle of Stalingrad, where 2 million Soviet and 800,000 Axis soldiers died in a massive campaign to seize the city, which ended with the city being mostly destroyed.)

Coventry has developed a kind of deranged solidarity with its woebegone fellows (probably because they got brain damage from all of those bombs). It does bill itself as the city of peace and reconciliation, but maybe it’s all a ploy so that no one can say the arrangement is just for the benefit of a few officials’golfing holidays. And besides, these bombed cities are among the most interesting places to play golf. They’ll certainly have a lot of new bunkers.

2. Baghdad

Poor Baghdad; Although nine cities are listed as twins for Baghdad on Wikipedia, none of these are reciprocated on the apparent twins’ own pages. These supposed twins include London, who doesn’t even include Baghdad as one of its many ‘friends.’

This is surely rather disappointing for a city which, for hundreds of years, was the largest in the world and was also once the centre of science, culture, and medicine (But not golf, tellingly). Throughout its history angry men have repeatedly turned up and set fire to it, from the Turks and Mongols at the start of the last millennium through to the most recent incursions at the start of this one.

On the plus side, it can surely only be a matter of time before Coventry extends a cheerful invitation of twinning on some bomb-scarred notepaper.

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Until recently, Dubai was a few shacks and some hardy farmers traipsing around in the desert. Then one of them pointed out that while farming sand is still as hard as ever, it may be easier to encourage other countries to take this sticky black stuff that just pours out of the ground off our hands. Then whoomph, insta-propserity.

For Dubai, bigger is better. Bigger buildings, bigger hotels (with bigger bills), and a much bigger list of twins than any one else. Dubai has thirty one twin cities, and has amassed them in a timescale quicker than it takes Coventry to say “Excellent, Baghdad is on fire. Fetch the official humourous novelty bomb-shaped invitation envelopes.”

Dubai’s twins include loads of global big-hitters, such as Moscow and Geneva, but also some rather curiously small places like Dundee in Scotland, which does rather suggest that the Dubai planning authority used a strange technique to pick its new twin; looking up the index of an atlas and picking the town next on the list after Dubai.

Dubai is a relatively new face on the world stage, and is quick to make new friends. That’s the spirit! Except, I expect that it’s spirits that might be the problem, because as soon as the other cities’ mayors actually visit and realise that Dubai is an alcohol free emirate, they’ll rapidly cool on the whole idea. What fun is a round of golf on your free holiday if there aren’t any mojitos in the clubhouse afterwards?

By Christopher Brooks, author of Very Top Five blog

http://www.verytopfive.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_L_Brooks
http://EzineArticles.com/?Very-Top-Five-Twin-Cities&id=4149298

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Check Out Energy Rebates

EnergyStar.gov –  Check Out Energy Rebates

This is a government site that offers lots of energy saving tips as well as explains what energy saving grants or credits might be available.

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Foreclosure Trends Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of my foreclosure trends newsletter.  As you can see, the trend is not our friend, in the sense that the housing market has not recovered.  Until jobs come back and people are employed and feel safe in their employment, they will tend to avoid making a committment.

ForeclosureTrends.pdf

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Twin Cities Foreclosure Trends-From our MLS & Realty Trac

Besides the board of realtor sites:  http://theThing.mplsrealtor.com and market data posted elsewhere at http://www.MplsRealtor.com I have a subscription to Realty Trac.  My subscription gives me additional data about foreclosures and trends within certain zip codes.  This is in addition to my daily subscription to Finance & Commerce (a business newspaper that prints all the foreclosure information as well as very timely articles regarding the business community).  If you are looking for someone who has experience and access to information about distressed sales, we need to be working together.  Whether buyer or seller-I can help you understand the market we are in and the options and opportunities available to you.  Give me call today.

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Real Estate Information

These are a couple of my newsletters that have a ton of valuable information. Go check them out.

Foreclosure Market Trends Newsletter
http://www.realtytrac.com/MarketTrends/NewsLetter.aspx?guid=131bd355-1b69-4bd1-99cd-2f0c9a936810

Real Estate Cyber Space Tips
http://www.REcyber.com/cybertips/r11627

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Minnesota

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Outstanding Video-An Inspiration To All-Be The Best You Can Be!

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Twin Cities Home buyer book

Thinking about buying a home but don’t know where to start? Why not start by reading the home buyer hand book that we have provided below. It is a great place to start to get the information you need. When you’re ready, we would love to help you find and finance a new home.

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Open Source Documents-Unbelievable Resources-Find YOUR topic of Interest

If you’ve never visited http://www.Archive.org, you are missing a wonderful site.  From this site, you will find many resources that are out of copyright and you can download and use them as you wish.  You will find all the classics and some fun things as well.  Just for fun, I have the download of a book called “Little Gardens” which is a book about setting up a garden on a city lot.  This is just one of the MANY fun things you’ll find.  You can download and watch old music, movies, and cartoons as well.  Plan to spend some time on the site should you decide to visit, as it is very cool.  Click here to download the book Little Gardens

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Sell Your Home Faster-Learn The Home Selling Secrets Of Successful Sellers

Here is a special report that outlines over 450 ideas on how to sell your home faster.  This report is just one of the many home buyer, home seller, and investor reports that I can make available to you.  Read this report and call me to arrange a time to see how I can help.  Download Now

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Extension And Expansion Of Home Buyer Credit-4/30/2010

A Big WOW!!  The credit has been expanded to include homeowners who have owned their home for the past 5 years. No longer do you need to be a first time buyer.  The dollar limit is $8000 for first time buyers and $6500 for move up buyers.  This GREAT news.  Combine this with 50 year lows in interest rates, and you’d be crazy not to consider making a move.  If you feel secure in your job, think hard about buying  home at this time.  We can help you make the right move. Visit this site-which is from the National Association Of Home Builders  http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php This site give you all the rules and regulations as they now apply.

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Why Foreclosure Is Often Preferred By The Loan Servicer Instead Of Offering A Loan Modification

Have you ever wondered why a foreclosure occurs when a better solution might have been a modification?  Would you like to read the facts and figures and see how mortgages are bundled, sold and serviced?  You will soon see it is isn’t pretty, we are in the midst of a crisis, and it is likely to get worse before it gets better.  That being said, you can probably guess why-it’s about the money.  It is a little more complex than that-the report is 60 pages-but is explains the incentive and disincentives that are at conflict within the mortgage market today.  Once you understand how all the pieces go together, you can see that something “different” needs to be done.  I am a strong free market believer, but in this case, the government needs to have a mandate and rule that is guided towards keeping people in their homes.  Left to current industry solutions, the mortgage mess will continue to play out and get worse.  If you click on the link below, you will find the free report from the National Consumer Law Center.

http://www.consumerlaw.org/issues/mortgage_servicing/content/Servicer-Report1009.pdf

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Home Buyer Tax Credit Information Update

It’s now official!! The tax credit has been extended and expanded. YOU NEED TO HURRY! You now have until the end of April 2010. The following summary of the credit is provided by the National Association Of Realtors. The following two documents cover the changes in the new law. Now get out there and buy a home!!

NAR FAQ: Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes
NAR Issue Brief: Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes

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Neighborhood Stabilization Program- Hennepin County Redevelopment Tool

We work within the parameters of this program. One of our lenders will accept this form of funding. READ more about it and see if it might work for you. We would love to help you find and finance a home within the areas that qualify.

http://www.hennepin.us/neighborhoodstabilizationprogram

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Down Payment Assistance Programs (DAP) Lender Approved In MN

On of our lenders has pre-approved various down payment assistance programs. These programs MAY have changed and MAY be out of money when you contact them. Things change all the time. With that being said, we can use these programs in conjunction with FHA, My Community and the Home Possible loan programs. We are a Minnesota mortgage broker and may be able use these programs for YOUR transaction. Call us to begin the loan process and we can work together to find you a combination of funding sources that would work for you. Click Here

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First Time Home buyer Loan Programs & Other Special MN Loan Programs

Here is a matrix that is very helpful explaining just some of the mortgage programs and their guidelines. There ARE more loan options than these as well. MN loan options are constantly coming and going-guidelines change. We don’t work with all the programs, but we do work with many of them. Call us to help you navigate through the home purchase process and select the right loan for you. Look at the Matrix of programs provided. Click Here

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Minnesota Real Estate Newsletter Gives Access To Great Computer & Life Tips

I maintain a number of real estate sites, blogs, and newsletters. One newsletter that provides a number of computer tips to help you function better with a computer is http://www.REcyber.com/cybertips/r11627 The site is full of cyber space tricks and great places to visit. We have link to this site on the list of MN Real Estate links, but I wanted to highlight this particular newsletter because it different from what most agents provide. From this newsletter, you can also access all the back issues-from 2001 and beyond. It is really quite a useful resource-spend some time there if you have a chance.

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10 Things To Consider When Moving To The Twin Cities

When you want to move to another city, there are things you need to consider and think over and over again to make sure that:

• You are not making the biggest mistake in your life
• You have a budget that can sustain you in the big city until you have found a job.

Usually, people fail to see the reason why they have to plan before they can move out from their comfort zone. Living with parents seem to be the most ideal plan but there is some point in your life where you will have to leave the home of your childhood and venture into the unknown. This is the most difficult phase because for someone who has been living with parents even way into the adulthood, they will have troubles living on their own, managing their own life and living alone.

If you are moving out because you are getting married, that is another problem but most people make their first move out of the house due to job transfer or getting a new job which is far away from home. So, they will have to move out to a place closer to the office so that they will be easier to go to work.

Now, there are ten things you need to consider when moving to a big city especially Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul. Moving to Minneapolis or St. Paul can be difficult without a proper plan.

Accommodation

Have you found your accommodation in the new place? Have you rent the new home? Do you like the new home? Is the home affordable to you?

There are the questions you should be thinking way before you move there. Of course, when you want to rent a home, you will have to take some time off and go there so you can see for yourself the home you want to rent to make sure that you are not conned by scammers agent.

You must make sure that you can afford to pay the rental of your new home. The rental must be compensated with the utilities and amenities included with the home. Sometimes, you might like a home but too expensive for your wallet so either you negotiate for a better price or you back off and find other places.

Transportation

This is easier if you have your own car but unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege to own a car so you need to make sure that it is not a problem for you to go to work if your home is slightly far from your office. If you can walk to your office then there is no problem. Other wise you will need to make sure that bus or train service is available.

Food

Food is never a problem especially when you have the money but you have a budget to follow so it is not like you can eat whatever you want. Make sure that you can prepare your own meals at home. Then, check out the local grocery store so you will know where to buy grocery and food. Look out for the prices as well. This allows you to make a budget for food. In times like when you are working, you will have to have lunch somewhere nearby or in the café so you need to spend some money but it is ok, as long as you have plan ahead on how much you can spend for lunch.

Entertainment

What’s life without entertainment? I am sure that while you are in the big city, you will have the urge to have a tour and check out nearby locations to see if there is anything interesting. Occasionally you might want to catch a movie with your friends and colleagues so make a budget for entertainment as well but plan wisely so it doesn’t interrupt with your bigger expense. Otherwise, wait until you are stable before you venture for some outdoor entertainment.

Utilities & Amenities

Check out if you have to pay for the utilities bills such as electricity and others. If there are some bills you need to settle, make sure that you settle the bill as soon as possible to make sure that you don’t accumulate the bills which might end up more than you think when you finally realised about the bills.

Housekeeping

When you are living with your parents, your mum would be doing the laundry, the cooking and the cleaning of your room but when you are living on your own, you will have to do everything yourself. Make sure that you schedule when to do your laundry like every once in a week or twice in a week. Then, make sure you tidy your home and clean up any mess.

Security Level

Is your home located in a secure area? An area that has access to the police station, fire department and hospital or clinic? These are very important as you might be living alone and if something happened to you, you need to know where to ask for help. You need to be friends with your neighbours so that in case of emergency they can look out for you and help you.

Packing & Unpacking

So, you have a lot of things you want to bring along yet there is little space in your new home. You will need to discard those you don’t need at all so that you don’t clutter your new home. Remember you don’t have your mum there to help you tidy up and clean up. When you want to pack your items, make sure you use boxes so it is easier for you to store all your things. It is also easier for you to move the boxes around. You can buy new boxes or if you have some spare old boxes from the old set of TV or any boxes you find.

Moving Company

Do you need the service of moving company? For example, you might need to use the lorry and you can hire a lorry from the moving company. They provide the lorry, you pack your own things and they will help you to load the items into the lorry and deliver them to your new place with you in the lorry or with you in front of them in your own vehicle. Of course, hiring the lorry would cost you more but if you want to avoid the hassle, you should get the help from a moving company.

Total cost of moving

Finally, the most important part is to calculate the average total cost for you to move out.
This is to make sure you have the budget or else you have to find ways to cut down the cost.

Once you have considered all these, then you are set to move out and live on your own.

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A Guide of Relocating To Minnesota

Sometimes in life, there is a point where you have to relocate to another town or another country.  If you want to keep employed with the same company, sometimes you have to move-especially if you are being sent to work there. It would be lucky for you if your assignment involves a corporate relocation to MN. This can be a good news or a bad news for some people depending on how they deal with it. Minnesota is a very interesting place and suitable for anyone who wants to relocate to a new place and live a new life. Relocating to Minnesota can be easier if you have the right preparation and people to help you out. Yes, we have cold weather.  But, with the advent of global warming, our winters are becoming more bearable.

People choose to relocate to Minnesota for many reasons. The job opportunities are wide with low crime rates and beautiful scenery. There are simply many reasons why you can never say “no to Minnesota or also known as the North Star State.

If you are planning to relocate to Minnesota, there are many towns in Minnesota and you might want to consider.  For example, consider relocating to Stillwater. Stillwater is not only a small town in Minnesota but it is also a historical town in United State. Stillwater is located on the St. Croix River. There are only about 15,000 residents in Stillwater with almost 6.5 square miles of area.  Stillwater is within the Washington County and is part of the Twin Cities.  However, Stillwater is just one small town in Minnesota and there are many other towns to explore.

What is so special about Minnesota?

Minnesota has an average of six million residents and more than 75% of the residents are of western European descent. Most of the population is more focus on the Twin Cities. Christian is the dominant religion in Minnesota with a few other religions such as Protestant, Roman Catholic and Jewish. We are quite a melting pot, especially over the past few years with a number of large populations coming in from outside of the United States.

There are many existing homes in Minnesota are ready for you to move in. However, if you like, you can build your own custom house. If you have a piece of empty land in Minnesota, you can build your own home on the land with your own design. However, it can be time consuming, so most people prefer to buy readily available property. As such, it is better to buy properties that have been completed to save time and money.  You will find existing homes often offer better values than new construction as well.

The average price for a principal homestead in Minnesota can be anything between $100,000 to $200,000.  It really depend on the area and the types of property. Houses would be about $150,000 and above in most of the metro area.  Getting a mortgage in Minnesota is easy if you are eligible. The most important thing about buying a home is getting pre-approved before you buy a home. Due to tighter credit conditions, you will need to have a fairly clean credit background.  The willingness to pay is an important point to be taken into consideration by the bankers.

The climate in Minnesota is generally humid with temperature reaching 0 degrees Fahrenheit in January. However in July, the temperature can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with occasional heat wave that land Minnesota. Overall, the temperature is bearable. Snow has been recorded of an average 42”. You can expect some rain, hail stone and thunderstorms throughout the year. There has been tornadoes being reported happening in Minnesota as well. Drought is reported to happen every 10 to 50 years.

The people in Minnesota care about health very much. As such, they have the highest rate of outdoor activities participation such as exercise. This is why Minnesota has the lowest premature death rate and infant mortality rate. More than 91% of the residents have health insurance. The health care in Minnesota including hospitals and clinics are of top quality and hygienic to provide the best health care for the residents.

The education in Minnesota is excellent. With University of Minnesota and other state colleges, there is no need to worry about your children’s education. They will have the finest education in Minnesota. There are about 32 institutions in Minnesota and more than 20 private colleges and universities.  Minnesota provides excellent quality of education for its residents and opportunities to further their studies to higher levels.

Public transportation in Minnesota is never a disappointment. You can easily access to bus services. Minnesota’s main airport is the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). It is also the headquarters for the Northwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines. There is also public transit available. However, public transit in Minnesota is limited to the bus systems in big cities at the moment.

If you are a NFL fan, you are not going to be disappointed with Minnesota Vikings. Don’t forget the Minnesota Twins either, who were the stars and winners of the 1987 and 1991 world series. Baseball is also represented by the St. Paul Saints and the Women’s Basketball is represented by the Minnesota Lynx. There is a marathon known as Grandma’s Marathon that is being held every year during summer time in Duluth, Minnesota.

The crime rate in Minnesota is considerably low compared to other states in US.

If you want to relocate to Minnesota, you can consider getting professional help such as relocating services of a Realtor and Minnesota mortgage broker. They are the experts in helping people to relocate whether for personal purposes or corporate relocation to MN and other states. There are many relocation services available and you can choose the best to help you from the start until the end of the relocation process.

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Minnesota

Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota and the largest city is none other than Minneapolis. The popular symbol of Minnesota is the Common Loon, which is a bird that is available in the northern parts of the state. If you have decided to relocate to Minnesota, it would probably be a correct step to have a new life in a new place and experience new culture. Generally, the people in Minnesota are very friendly and helpful. Being as a new resident is definitely scary but with the warm wishes and welcome from the local residents, I am sure you will be able to cope with a new lifestyle in a new neighborhood without any problem.

The famous Twin Cities is made up of Minneapolis and Saint Paul located in the center of the state. Minneapolis is the most populated city in Minnesota. It is a quite attractive location for people who are looking for experience in a big city. Minneapolis is a sleek and majestic city with the most amazing skylines. As for Saint Paul, it is known for its rich architecture and history. There are many attractions in the Twin Cities and you can spend all the time you have once you have relocated to the Twin Cities and to explore the cities and have fun.

Minneapolis is named as one of the best American cities to live. Minneapolis is also named as one of the most cultural communities in the US. It is being rich in history and amenities for the 400,000 residents in the city. Minneapolis is a budding metropolis and any prospective newcomers who come to this city will find the pleasure of living in such a diverse and cultural city.

This city has all types of spacious apartments, duplexes, single-family homes and condominiums. You can find your dream home here without any trouble at all. There are simply too many properties here in Minneapolis and there is definitely at least one property that is suitable for you.

On the other hand, Saint Paul is a scenic and historical city. As the host to more than 300,000 residents in the city, Saint Paul has many to offer. The city distinguish from Minneapolis by many aspects and because of this, Saint Paul is more likely to attract older population than Minneapolis. Apparently, many people feel that Saint Paul is a more satisfying city to settle down and raise a family.

The economy of Minneapolis is definitely one of the many reasons that attract many people to relocate. The economy is bright, education opportunity is great, healthcare is top of the world, location is beautiful and scenic and crime rate is the lowest make it more appealing than any other cities.

Entertainment in Minneapolis is unbelievable. I am sure you will find the satisfaction of being in Minneapolis better than anywhere else. Night life is never boring in Minneapolis. You walk up to any bar or disco and you will expect to have a great time hanging out there. You can hang out alone without a partner and still have an enjoyable night out. Daily life in Minneapolis is always exciting and there are more things to expect than you can imagine. Everyday you will get surprises and you don’t even know it. However, I can assure that Minneapolis is the right place for you to settle down so you can raise your kids in a safe, happy and natural environment without having to worry about anything else.

Saint Paul is just like Minneapolis. It offers never ending entertainment and night life to those who have been living in the city for years or newcomers. You will find that even though Saint Paul is more traditional than Minneapolis but the amount of entertainment is on the same par or perhaps even more for some of you. Of course, it depends on the individuals but Saint Paul will never disappoint you. Living is about enjoying and fulfilling destiny and if you find your way into Saint Paul, perhaps your destiny lies in Saint Paul and you will have to find out yourself.

When it comes to crime rate, be assure that Minneapolis and Saint Paul has a quite low rate. However, crime happens everywhere so as long as you are careful and take great care of yourself, your family and tighten the security level, you are safe. The police department is doing a great job and you can be assured that your safety is their priority in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. You will find that the security level in both cities are very tight and you feel safe even when you are walking on the street and thus you don’t have to constantly worry about everything, which makes living a painful experience, if you have too many worries.

Education and literacy is definitely high quality in both cities, offering the best of what they have. You will be assured that your children receive the finest education in their life with the opportunities to further their studies in any areas of interest and at anywhere they desire. You can benefit from the many scholarships and bursaries given out to the bright students. This is to help you lighten your burden to finance your children’s education.

While it may seem that relocating to the twin cities is difficult. Basically, when you want to relocate to another city or a country, there are many things involve such as property and the delivery of your furniture and household items. However, to make things easier, you can find that there are many relocating services available to help you out in times like this. When you want to relocate, it is best to get someone to help you so you don’t feel burned out. On the same subject, it is best to get to know a mortgage broker to help you with the mortgage process. This is to ensure that you get the financing you need for your new home while waiting for the old home to be sold off to someone else.

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Minneapolis Condominium Markets – Buying or Renting a Condo

Today if you are interested in living in Minnesota, you’ll find that many people are deciding to go with twin cities rental condos instead of going with Minnesota homes for a variety of reasons. There are many great downtown Minneapolis condominiums available not to mention downtown Minneapolis lofts and downtown St. Paul lofts. If you are looking for housing in the area, you will quickly notice that it is easy to find a good Minneapolis condominium, so you may be wondering if condo living in Minnesota is a great idea for you. Well, let’s take a closer look at why the condominium markets are doing so well, the deals you can find, and the great benefits you can enjoy if you choose condo living.

Downtown Minneapolis Condominiums a Great Urban Housing Choice

While there are other urban and suburban choices for housing, such as Minnesota homes, you’ll find that many people are finding Minneapolis condominiums and downtown St. Paul lofts to be a great urban housing choice. Instead of living out further from the city these housing choices keep them closer to the city, and while at one time real estate trends were high in suburban living, the trends in this area are beginning to lean towards condo living in the major cities of Minnesota.

Over Building Has Led to a Soft Market

Wondering why twin cities rental condos have become such a great opportunity and why so many people are choosing this route? Well, the main reason is that over building of condos in these areas have led to a soft market. So many condos were built in a short amount of time and now the supply is higher than the demand, which has led to excellent deals. This is definitely a great time to get involved in renting or even purchasing a condo in the twin cities area.

Rent Condos Now for Great Deals

Because of the soft market and the great availability of downtown Minneapolis lofts, condos, and downtown St. Paul lofts, you’ll find that now it is easy to rent condos for great deals. If you’re looking for low cost housing, this is an excellent choice, since the deals are excellent right now.

Benefits of Condo Living in the Twin Cities

Of course you may be wondering if condo living in the twin cities area is really a great choice for you. Well, you’ll actually find that there are many great benefits to living in condos. Here are just a few of the excellent benefits that you can enjoy when you go with twin cities rental condos.

• Benefit #1 – Avoid Dealing with the Long Morning Commute – First of all, one of the main benefits that you can enjoy when you decide to go with condos in the twin cities area is that you’ll be able to avoid dealing with the long morning commute. While many people enjoy suburban living, you’ll find that the commute can get expensive. When you live closer to town in a nice condo, you may be able to take public transportation or even to walk to work. This will mean that you won’t have to worry about the long commute to work and you’ll definitely save money in gas costs as well.

• Benefit #2 – It’s Now Affordable – Although you may think that living in downtown Minneapolis condominiums is expensive and cost prohibitive, you’ll actually find that the opposite is true. You’ll find that it is very affordable to live in twin cities rental condos at this point in time, and it’s actually one of the best choices in housing in the area if you are looking for options that are affordable.

• Benefit #3 – No Upkeep to Worry About – Many people love living in condos because there is no upkeep to worry about. You don’t have to come home from work to worry about a lawn to more or landscaping to keep up, and the maintenance on the buildings are usually taken care of as well. If you like the idea of living a maintenance free life, then you just may find that condo living is a great option for you.

• Benefit #4 – Many Great Condos to Choose from in The Twin Cities Area - There are many great condos to choose form in the twin cities area as well, which is another great benefit. Whether you are looking for downtown St. Paul lofts, downtown Minneapolis lofts, or even a Minneapolis condominium, you’ll find that you can find about anything you like right now. There are many great options that are available to you, and this is a big benefit to you when you are interested in purchasing or renting a condo in the twin cities area.

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Relocating to Minnesota – Twin Cities Real Estate

If you are looking for a great place to relocate, you’ll find that relocating to Minnesota is an excellent option today. Whether you are from California, New York, Mississippi, Texas, or even Ohio, you’ll find that Minnesota is a wonderful place to move. There are a variety of reasons that moving to areas in Minnesota, such as Minneapolis Minnesota or even St. Paul, is a great idea. You’ll find that this state has much to offer you. Of course before you decide that this is the right place for you, it’s important that you take a look at the general benefits of relocating to Minnesota and at the real estate market in the state as well.

General Benefits of Relocating to Minnesota

If you’re considering Minneapolis, Minnesota or another city in the beautiful state of Minnesota, you’ll find that there are many general benefits to relocating to Minnesota. Here is a closer look at some of the excellent general benefits you’ll enjoy when you decide to move to this state.

• Benefit #1 – Excellent Schools with Great Performance - First of all, you’ll find that Minnesota has excellent schools with great performance. In fact, many of the schools in the Minneapolis area actually score very highly when it comes to the No Child Left Behind guidelines. If you happen to have children, more than likely great schooling is a high priority for you, so excellent schools are definitely a drawing point.

• Benefit #2 – Easy Commutes to Work – You’ll find that most Minnesota homes are actually located so that you have a reasonable and easy commute to work. This is an important consideration for working families, especially with the recent hikes in gas prices.

• Benefit #3 – Reasonable Taxes – Taxes on real estate in the area are fairly reasonable as well. In some places across the country, real estate taxes are skyrocketing, but the taxes in many locations are quite low within the state of Minnesota.

• Benefit #4 – Great Jobs Available – Jobs in Minnesota are plentiful, which is another great benefit to relocating to this area. There are many great jobs that are available and with the growth in the job market, many families are finding that this area is a great place to relocate to. Especially in the St. Paul and Minneapolis areas, you’ll notice that there are excellent jobs that are available, which is definitely a top drawing point.

• Benefit #5 – Cost of Living is Relatively Low – Compared to many other regions in the United States, you’ll find that the cost of living is relatively low. Although prices have been driven up due to increases in gas prices and the real estate market troubles recently, you’ll find that comparatively the cost of living is lower than many other places around the country today.

The Real Estate Market

No doubt you are interested in the real estate market as well if you plan on relocating to Minnesota. Whether you are planning to buy in a rural area or you are interested in twin cities real estate, there are some things that you need to know about the market before you make your decision about the relocation. Let’s take a look at the real estate market and how it’s looking for families that want to relocate to the area.

• Real Estate is Going for Low Prices – First of all, you’ll find that real estate is going for low prices right now. In fact, you’ll find that twin cities real estate is down and homes are going for very low prices. Although this is not necessarily a good thing for those who are selling, it’s great for you if you want to relocate to this area and find Minnesota homes for a great price. The low prices definitely are attractive if you are considering a relocation to the Minnesota area.

• Many Types of Real Estate Available – You’ll also find that there are a variety of different types of real estate available that you can choose from if you move into the area. You can purchase nice single family Minnesota homes, but they are not your only option. You’ll find that condominiums, apartments, and even town homes in the area are excellent choices as well.

• Mortgage Rates are Low – Right now the mortgage rates in the area are low, making it a great time to purchase Minnesota homes. This means that not only will you be able to find a great deal on your home in the area, but you’ll also be able to find great rates on the mortgage that you need as well.

As you can see, there are definitely a variety of great benefits to relocating to Minnesota. If you are looking for quality schools, great jobs, reasonable real estate prices, and low rate mortgages, then Minnesota may be a great place for you to move in the near future. Take the time to find out more about the real estate options that are available to you today.

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Inver Grove Heights: Where Everything Is Closer Than You Think

Inver Grove Heights in Dakota County has attracted settlers to the area’s vast land resources even before it was made a city in 1965.  This attraction is expected to increase the city’s population to over 44,000 by the year 2020.

The city’s rolling wooded terrain as well as the existing park facilities and its nearness to the Mississippi River Valley has made it an ideal place for those who want to live a good life that is closer to nature. Despite the almost rural attraction of the city, business and commercial development is never far behind creating a good mix of urban and rural living for its residents.

Inver Grove Heights is ideal for families so if you are being offered a corporate relocation or employee relocation package by an employer then it might be a good idea to consider what Inver Grove Heights has to offer in terms of business and community life.

September in Inver Grove Heights is dedicated to families not only from the city but also from nearby areas.  The city celebrates Inver Grove Heights Days by sponsoring events that the family can participate in including parade, street dance and fireworks display.

Holidays in Inver Grove Heights are events that are much-awaited by children because of the decorative lighting and activities entered along Main Street.  Commercial establishments and residential areas celebrate the Season by initiating activities like the Christmas Tree Lighting, Hay Rides, Arts and Crafts Show, Reindeer Sleigh Rides and Santa Brunch.

History

Settlers began to claim lands in the west side of the Mississippi River after the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed in 1851.  Among those who first settled in the area were Germans who staked their claim on the wooded farmland, Irish who established their farms along an area now known as Rich Valley Boulevard and the English and French settlers who built their houses near the Mississippi River.  Such was the influence of these settlers that the city was named Inver, after an Irish fishing village and Grove after a German town.

The Inver Grove Township was incorporated in 1858 and from then on, hundreds of people settled in the area establishing four churches, 240 farms and four school districts by 1880.  The late 1880s saw the development of the area’s commercial and industrial districts.  Then the Village of Inver Grove was incorporated by people living in the area near the railroad sometime in 1909, creating two areas which existed for over 56 years.

Community Profile

Inver Grove Heights has a population of 29,751 people and 11,257 households as of the 2000 Census.  A great majority or 91.80% of the residents are Whites, followed by African Americans (2.10%), Asians (2.01% and those from other races.

The city has a fairly young population with an average age of 34 years.  Of the total population 27.3% are below the age of 19 while 7.8% are 65 years old or over.  The average family income was pegged at $68,629 while the average household income was pegged at $59,090.  The $25,493 per capita income of the city is low compared to other Minnesota cities, with 4.2% of the total population living below the poverty level. .

Inver Grove Heights belongs to Independent School District 199 which runs five schools including Salem Hills Elementary, Simley High School, Pine Bend Elementary, Inver Grove Heights Middle School and Hilltop Elementary.

The city’s current mayor is George Tourville while State Representative Joe Atkins (who is known to be the longest-serving mayor of the city) and Senator Jim Metzen represent the city in the legislature.

Business

Inver Grove Heights is becoming a hub of commercial growth as evident with the construction of a hotel, several restaurants and a movie theater near Highway 52 and Blaine Avenue.  The interest of business establishments in Inver Grove Heights has remained strong because the city is strategically located to almost any major destination in the State of Minnesota including Mall of America and the Veterans Memorial Community Center which boasts of an indoor waterpark.

This strategic location coupled with the wonderful environment of the city has made Inver Grove Heights a favorite destination when they have to visit the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and the nearby attractions.   And since it is adjacent to these areas, most of the city hotels provide free transportation to their guest to and from the airport, Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo.

Tourists and residents alike can enjoy the city’s various attractions but when the malls and city life becomes too much for comfort then there’s always the more rural activities like fishing, sailing and skiing to turn to.  Inver Grove Heights’ rivers and lakes are also only minutes away from the city.

Housing

If you and your family are eyeing Inver Grove Heights as your future home then you can already start looking at the wide array of housing facilities like apartments, houses for rent and condominiums.  You can even contact a reputable real estate agent who can give you advice in purchasing a lot and building your dream house.

Housing in Inver Grove Heights is in demand which explains the median asking price of single family homes there which was pegged at $328,000 in 2000.   The median home value in Inver Grove Heights is slightly higher at $137,800 compared to the $111,800 in the United States and $118,100 in Minnesota.

The usual question asked by those who want to relocate in Inver Grove Heights is the amount involved in maintaining a house in the city.  The monthly median owner cost for houses that are occupied by their owners is $1,182 when the house is mortgaged and $321 when the house is not mortgaged.

Of the total number of houses in the city as of the year 2000, 8,724 are owner-occupied homes while 2,533 are renter-occupied homes.

If you are bent on relocating your family then nothing beats Inver Grove Heights for quality and environment-friendly living.

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Eagan: Where A Well-Off Community Thrives

Eagan is one of the best cities for corporate relocation and employee relocation due to its extensive greeneries and bountiful lakes and ponds.  While these features make it a priority area for people choosing homes for sale or condominium, these features are also the very reasons why commercial establishments also prefer the area for investment.

The city is technically young having been incorporated only in 1974.  However, it has grown by leaps and bounds and was named by Money Magazine as the Top 12 “Best Place To Live” in the United States.

Aside from its parks and open spaces, what makes Eagan an attractive area for residents and businesses is its proximity to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as to the airport and employment and investment opportunities.

History

Eagan was originally populated by the Sioux Indians who settled on the Black Dog Village along the Minnesota River.  The fur industry has stirred the attention of the Europeans who explored the area in the 1600s.  In fact, Eagan was under the French domain and the Spanish domain until 1803 after the United States obtained the area with its purchased Louisiana.

Eagan wand the other parts of Southern Minnesota were opened to settlers in 1851 after the signing of the treaties. The first settlers, who came from Germany, Ireland and French Canada, farmed the area and paved the way for the establishment of agriculture as the primary economic activity in Eagan up to the present.

With a population of 567, the Eagan township was established in 1860, two years after Minnesota officially became a state.  Among the members of the first supervisory board were Patrick Eagan after whom Eagan was named, Robert O’Neill and James Callan.

Eagan experienced a slow population growth from 1880 to 1950.  However, the establishment of the interstate highway system in the 1950s led to the growth not only of Eagan’s population but also the conversion of Eagan farmlands into suburban communities.

Eagan was officially designated as a city in 1974.  And while it is considered a fairly young city, it is considered a developing community with focus on careful land use planning and sustainable development.

Community Profile

Eagan has a population of 63,557 with 23,773 households as of the 2000 Census.  Most of the residents are Whites (88.03%) followed by Asians (5.31%), African Americans (3.41%) and other races.  Eagan has a young population with an average age of 33 years.  Of the total population count, only 4.2% are 65 years old or older while 30% are below 18 years of age.

The residents of Eagan are generally well-off with an average family income of $80,062 per family and $67,388 per household.  With a per capita income of $30,167, only a meager 1.9% of the families and 2.9% of the entire population were living below poverty level.

Business

Eagan has a very active business community primarily because of its strategic location making it easily accessible to and from the MSP Airport and the freeways.  Among the businesses that have established their presence in Eagan are Mesaba Airlines, Thomson West, Northwest Airlines and the bottling facility of Coca Cola Midwest.

The top employer of Eagan is Thomson Reuters with 6800 people, Blue Cross Blue Shield with 3900 people. Northwest Airlines with 1830 people, Lockheed Martin with 1600 people, US Postal Service with 1570people and United Parcel Service with 1400 people.  Other companies employing from 200 to less than a thousand people are Goodrich, Wal-Mart, Skyline Displays, Wells Fargo Mortgage, and Ecolab.

Eagan mayor Mike Maguire confirmed Eagan’s phenomenal business growth along with the completion of long-awaited construction projects as well as the initiation of an energy conservation program.  Eagan is experiencing a rise in new offices and industrial spaces which has in turn led to a rise in the vacancy rate of offices in the city.

The Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors reported an increase in office vacancy rates between the years 2006 and 2007.  An estimated 12.5% of a total office space of 5.8 square feet has been left vacant in 2007 compared to the only 11.2% rate in the past year.  This is however lower than the 14.6% vacancy rate reported in the Twin Cities.

It is ironic that while some small business have upgraded to Class A or B office spaces due to brisk business, several small businesses have closed shop due to survival problems and have left more Class C office spaces vacant.

Eagan is faced with a building and construction boom with 13 construction projects worth $1 million or more in 2007 alone.  A total of $90.43 million in terms of non-residential building permits have been collected in 2007.  The projects were a mix of renovation, expansion and new construction projects.

Among the 13 major commercial and industrial projects in 2007 are Staywell and DART industrial building.  The Dakota County Community Development Agency also filed a permit for a $4.68 million project involving the construction of 55 senior housing apartments while Argosy University filed a permit for the construction of the $400,000 Yankee Doodle Professional Building.  A $1.3 million expansion project has also been filed by the Post Office Bulk mail.

Housing

The Cedar Grove Housing Development resulted to an increase in Eagan’s population from 1960 up to the present. As of April 2007, there are 26,561 housing units in the city and 25,835 of these are occupied.  If you are keen on accepting a corporate relocation or employee relocation in Eagan then it would be useful to note that the city has an average house market value of $263,458.

Notable residents

Among the famous resident of Eagan are Miss Minnesota USA 2006 Dottie Canon, USA Women’s hockey team star player Natalie Darwitz, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and stage actress Laura Osnes.

Eagan is an ideal place to live and do business in with a balanced social and economic infrastructure allowing its residents to live a balanced and sustainable lifestyle.  So if you’re planning on relocating you should check out what Eagan has to offer for you and your family.

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Savage

Savage is a suburban community in Scott County State of Minnesota.  Prior to being named in honor of Marion Willis Savage, owner and trainor of famous racehorse Dan Patch, it was known as Hamilton village.  Dan Patch got a record breaking 1minute and 55 second during the 1906 Minnesota State fair race.

United States. The population of Savage was 21,115 at the 2000 census; the Census Bureau estimated its 2006 population at 27,292.[5]

The city has a strategic location but more than its affinity with race horsing and the growing grains distribution industry as well as riverfront activities due to being a United States Navy shipbuilding port, people went and stayed in Savage because of the community’s inherent charm.  The development of Savage as a center for industrial manufacturing can be attributed to the spill over growth from nearby Burnsville.  However, the city still boasts of a possessing rural lands bordering some parts of the Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve as well as the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

History

Marion Willis Savage once owned a large farm in Hamilton Village where he trained his horses.  The farm had a covered half mile track and a stable called Taj Mahal. At this farm was raised Dan Patch, the famous pacer who did not only won records but also the hearts of the villagers who in 1904 decided to name their community after its owner and trainor.

Hamilton Village was incorporated in 1892, taking the lead from the Hamilton Landing which is a port for boats owned and built by Irish and Scottish settlers headed by William Byrne.   They named the port aftr a city in Canada.  Byrne however settled in a nearby place which is now known as Burnsville.

The building of a railway line in 1865 and a post office in 1866 resulted to the Village becoming a center of trade and service. In 1894, the post office was named Glendale Post Station which was included in the Glendale Township which later on was joined with the village forming Savage in 1904.

The city was also home to a Military Intelligence School named Camp Savage.  The school, which taught American military personnel the Japanese language, was formed in 1942 to improve US military intelligence.

Lack of interstate connection and construction materials in the area led to the underdevelopment of Savage despite the housing boom which took place after the war.   However, the construction of the Bloomington Ferry bridge and the improvement of Highway 13 led to the population and economic growth of Savage

Community Profile

Savage has a population count of 21,115 as of the 2000 Census.  Majority or 90.65% of the population are Whites while the rest are Asians (5.39%), African Americans (1.59%) and other races.  Savage has a fairly young population with an average age of 31 years old.  Only 2.6% of the population are aged 65 years old and above while 35.6% are below 18 years old.

Savage residents live a comfortable life with an average income of $75,097 for every household and an average income of 79,244 per family.  With a per capita income of $26,858, only 2.3% of the population and 1.9% of families are living below the poverty level.

Recreation

All the thirteen parks spread out over 260 acres of land owned by Savage are maintained by the City Parks Development.  These parks, which are open daily from 7A.M. to 10P.M., have very stringent rules on dogs and cleanliness.  If you have availed of corporate relocation or employee relocation then you should be aware that the City does not allow hunting, archery, snowmobiles, tents and other structures and ATV or motorcycles inside the parks. Drinking of beer in the park and within 30 feet of any athletic field is also prohibited.

You and your family can join the over 3,500 residents who participates in the city’s recreational activities every year.  The events include sports programs for children and adults, camps and trips.

Housing

Anyone would jump at an offer of corporate relocation to Savage or in any city in the State of Minnesota because of the quality of life in these areas.  Buying a Minnesota home is a very logical and wise investment that anyone can make. And if you are worried about getting subprime mortgages or the possibility of foreclosures then you should arm yourself with the best information that can be easily found online.

If you are inspecting homes for sale and apartments for rent in Savage then look out for icky smell, dirty bathrooms and kitchens, busted lights, damp basements and peeling paintwork.  By doing this, you can be assured that you are choosing quality real estate that is worthy your money.

You can take advantage of real estate price drops but do not succumb to the subprime mess where you get your real estate with little or even no down payment at all but you pay for the consequences particularly inflating mortgage payments.

Make sure that when you choose a condominium, a house for sale or an apartment in Savage, you do not only do extensive research but that you also have the support of a reputable real estate agent who can offer you the best deal possible without short changing you.

With a median household income of $75,097 compared to the State average of only $47,111, Savage residents are more than capable of investing in quality real estate.  Owner-occupied houses in the city have an average value of $168,400 compared to the State average of only $122,400.  On the other hand, buyers would benefit from knowing that the average asking price for housing units in the city is $230,900 which is a lot more expensive that the State average of $2,800.

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Bloomington: City of Hospitality

Bloomington, which was named after Bloomington, Illinois, is a dynamic urban center in Hennepin County that is connected to the city of Minneapolis through the light rail transit. It is the State of Minnesota’s fourth largest city and forms the third core city with Miinneapolis and St. Paul.

It is a housing boom suburb which was established after World War II.  Despite its reputation of being a bedroom community consisting of traditional middle class families living in single-family homes and upper-tier households living in condominiums and apartments, Bloomington has a healthy environment with lots of parks and open spaces courtesy of the Minneapolis Parks System and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Majority of the residents of Bloomington commute to nearby cities for work but the city also has a thriving economy.  It used to be the base of the Twin Cities major league baseball, hockey and football teams but has developed into a magnet for the hospitality and retail industries.  The city is home to Seagate, Toro and Ceridian companies.

History

Bloomington’s first European settlers are Peter and Louisa Quinn.  Both were sent by the government to teach the modern farming methods to Native Americans in the area.  They were followed by missionary Gideon Pond who introduced church services, farming and schooling in the area.

The territory where Bloomington belonged to was opened to settlers in 1851 and among those who first settled in the area were the families of Whalon, Ames and Goodrich.  They named the area “Bloomington” which means flowering field, from the city where they came from.

The town of Bloomington was incorporated on May 11, 1858, the same day when the state of Minnesota officially became a state and was admitted to the union.  The city’s population has reached 820 by 1880 and has grown to a thousand in the 1900s.  The years 1940 to 1960 saw a rapid population increase and along with that came the city’s plan for housing facilities that are low-cost and low-density.

It was in 1952 when Toro Manufacturing Company, moved to the city.  It was then considered the largest business in the city. Bloomington became a city in 1960 and the years after that saw a rapid growth in the city’s business and other affairs including the construction of the Metropolitan Stadium in 1956.  The city became home to Minnesota’s major sports team like the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins

Community Profile

Bloomington has 85,172 residents and 36,400 households as of the 2000 Census.  A large portion of its residents or 88.12% are Whites, followed by Asians (5.09%), African Americans (3.42%) and other races.

It has a mature population with an average age of 40 years.  Of the entire population, 15.7% were 65 years old or older while 20.6% are below 18 years old.

Bloomington families have an average income of $67,135 which is evident of the comfortable economic status of the residents.  The city has a per capita income of $29,782 but 4.2% of the population is living below poverty level.

Business

Bloomington’s hospitality industry is booming with over 7000 hotel rooms to cater to locals and visitors alike.  The hospitality sector is doing well due to its proximity to major transportation routes as well as the Twin Cities international airport.

The city acknowledges the growing popularity of online transactions so it has streamlined its operations and has allowed people to transact business with City Hall online.  The coordination between the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce has paved the way for the establishment of more efficient business processes making the city more attractive to investors.

If you are planning to relocate to Blooming you are at least assured of finding beneficial work opportunities here considering that it is home to major employers providing thousands of jobs to Bloomington residents.  Among these companies are Mall of America with over 10,000 workers, Seagate Technology with 2,300 employees, Bloomington School District with 1,700 employees, Express Scripts with 1,700 employees, Health Partners with 1,540 employees and Donaldson Companies, Inc. with 1,200 employees.

The following companies also provide significant employment opportunities to Bloomington: The Toro Company, Thermo King, Holiday Companies, IKEA, Polar Semi Conductors, Inc., Ceridian and Ziegler, Inc.

Housing

Most corporate relocation and employee relocation packages are directed towards Bloomington not only because of the business and work opportunities offered by the city but also because of favourable housing and social conditions.

There are a total of 37,104 housing units in Bloomington as of the year 2000.  Of the 36,400 occupied units, 25,682 are occupied by the owners while 10,718 are occupied by renters.  The units occupied by the owners have an average value of $147,000 while those occupied by renters have an average value of $753.

Famous Citizens

Among the famous residents of Bloomington are Tony Oliva and Kent Hrbek of Minnesota Twins, NHL players Ben Clymer (Washington Capitals), Mark Parrish (Minnesota Wild), Erik Johnson, Tom Gilbert (Edmonton Oilers) and Peter Mueller (Phoenix Coyotes), Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin, Steve Rushin, former columnist of Sports Illustrated and Warren Spannaus, former Minnesota Attorney General..

The City of Bloomington also offers a good choice of institutional facilities for those planning to relocate here.  The city may be a thriving business area but it also boasts of an environment that is ideal for family life.

If you want quality life that translates to success in both your financial and family life then take a good look at what Bloomington has to offer you ad your family.  Perhaps, investing in Bloomington real may yet make your dreams a reality.

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Richfield

Richfield City in Hennepin County, Minnesota is bordered by equally big and developed cities like Minneapolis, Bloomington and Edina.  It is strategically located near the Minneapolis and St. Paul International Airport making it an ideal location for tourism and business.

This year’s 4th of July is very exciting in Richfield as it has prepared a five-day free celebration for all families in the city.  Most of the events will be held at the Veteran’s Park including the carnival, str4eet dance, fireworks and fun night. The event is expected to promote not only patriotism but also love of family.

History

Richfield used to be a small farming community way back 1850s and the name Richfield was taken from the fertile land where the area is located.  Former Ohio Militia General, Richfield Justice of the Peace and Minnesota State Senator Riley Bartholomew was among the first settlers of the area. In fact, the Bartholomew House in Wood Lake is considered a historic place that has been included in the National and Minnesota Registers of Historic Places.  The first town hall was built in 1879 and among the first residents of Richfield are families from the New England area, Irish and Germans and later on immigrants from Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

Richfield became a village in 1908 but its population and economy started growing only in the late 1940s as farmlands were sold and converted into homes and commercial establishments.  Clarence Christian, the city’s first mayor, started serving the city in 1951.  The city had a speedy growth after World War II with people scurrying for Twin City jobs.

Community Profile

Richfield has a total inhabitant of 34,439 people as of the 2000 Census.  Majority or 81.25% of its residents are Whites followed by African Americans (6.65%), Asians (5.30%) and those from other races.  Richfield’s population is relatively young with an average age of 37.  A small percentage or 16.4% of the resident are 65 years old or over while 20.2% are below 18 years old.

While the average family income of $56,434 is comparable to other developed cities in Minnesota, 6.3% of Richfield’s population is living below the poverty level.  The city’s per capita income is $24,709.

Health care in Richfield is taken care of by nearby hospitals and medial facilities including Abbot-Northwestern Hospital, Inc., Children’s health Care and Phillips Eye Institute.
Business

Richfield is an ideal investment haven and this is evident with Best Buy Company’s decision in 2003 to relocate its corporate headquarters in the city.  Best Buy, a Fortune 100 company and the country’s largest electronic retailer, is the city’s largest employer.  Most people relocate to Richfield with the hope of finding suitable employment with Best Buy and its subsidiaries including Pacific Sales, Magnolia Audio Video and Geek Squad.  Best Buy and its subsidiaries operate over 1,150 stores all over the country as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, China and Turkey.

While Best Buy is no doubt the backbone of Richfield’s economy, the other small and medium businesses also add up to employment and income opportunities in the city. Richfield has a 2,444 net job growth between 2001 and 2003.  The city employment has also increased from 10,090 in 1995 to 15,000 in 2005. As of September 2007, Richfield has an unemployment rate of 4.8% compared to Minnesota’s 4.7%.

Richfield Chamber of Commerce President Steven O. Lindgren refers to Richfield as a “suburban community” that is clean and enjoying brisk business but which also has a “small town heart” which makes it possible to keep the community spirits high and the local government responsive to their needs.

Several banks have established their branches in Richfield as of 2007. Among these are the M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank with $48,017.4 million in bank assets and $31,598.7 million in deposits; Wells Fargo Bank with $398,671.0 million in bank assets and $311,546.0 million deposits, First National Bank of the Lakes
with $59.3 million in bank assets and $53.0 million in deposits and Bremer Bank with $2,390.6 million in bank assets and $1,784.8 million deposits.

Attractions

Corporate relocations to Richfield are attractive both to individuals and married employees because of the city’s bustling business sector and clean environment.  It has 39 restaurants and a wide array of commercial establishments (including the Mall of America) as well as parks and open spaces.

Aside from being adjacent to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Richfield is also home to the Valleyfair Amusement park, Mystic Lake Casino and the Canterbury Park race Track and Car Club.

One of the top attractions of Richfield is the Mall of America which opened its doors to the public in 1992. Known as the largest retail and entertainment establishment in the country, the 4.2 million square foot Mall of America is home to four major department stores, 520 world class shops, the Nick Universe Amusement Park a Walk-Through Aquarium with 1.2 million gallons of water and several other shops.  The mall’s parking area can accommodate over 20,000 vehicles.

If you want to get closer to nature then Richfield’s parks including Augsburg Park, Monroe Field, Taft Park, Lincoln Field, Nicollet Park, Fremont Park and Sheridan Park are just a drive away.

Famous Citizens

Among the famous citizens who were born in Richfield are NHL player Darby Hendrickson, College basketball players Ray Brown, Travis Brown and Stephen King and WNBA’s Susan King.  Gold medalist and USA men’s hockey team member Steve Christoff, environmentalist and Arctic explorer Will Steger and stage performer Russ King are residents of Richfield.

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St Louis Park: A Balanced Living

St. Louis Park is a first ring suburban Hennepin County, State of Minnesota.  It has a buzzing commercial district comprised of restaurants, corporations, retail stores and other establishments.  At least 60% of the city’s tax base consists of commercial, real estate and industrial development.

Corporate relocation to St. Louis Park is an attractive package since the city is conducive to family living with 51 parks, bike trail links and year-round recreational activities.  The city has an established school system that answers the educational needs of its residents from preschool to high school.

History

St. Louis Park used to be known as Elmwood until it was incorporated and officially registered in 1886.  It got its name from the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway that used to operate in the area.

The city’s development was fast tracked after the incorporation of the Minneapolis Land and investment Company by a group of rich industrialists in Minneapolis headed by Thomas Barlow.

The year 1893 saw the construction of new companies and at least three hotels in the city.  By 1890, there were over 600 industrial work opportunities in the area.  However, the city’s economic development suffered a setback in 1893 due to financial panic.

There was a surge in St. Louis Park’s development after World War II with massive population growth and a home construction boom between the 1940s and the 1950s.  The city’s first shopping center, The Lilac Way, was constructed in the late 1940s followed by the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in 1950 and the Knollwood Shopping Center in 1956.

A total of 66 new subdivisions were constructed in 1950 and two more were added in 1953 and 1954 namely Kilmer and Shelard Park.  Both subdivisions were added because of its sewer and water facilities.

Community Profile

St. Louis Park has a total population of 44,126 as of the 2000 Census with a population density of 4,122 persons per square mile.  Majority or 88.91% of the residents are Whites, 4.37% are African Americans, 3.21% are Asians while the rest are Pacific Islanders and from other races.

The population is fairly young with an average of 36 years.  Of the total population, 18.8% are below 18 years of age while 14.7% are 65 years old or over.

The average income for every family in the city is $63,182.  Only 5.2% of the population lives below the poverty line while only 3% of the families are living below the poverty line.

Housing

With explosive economic growth in after WWII followed the housing boom in St. Louis Park.  Almost 60% of the total homes in the city were built during the construction and housing boom between 1940s and 1950s.  The boom was attributed to the several factors including easy home financing schemes, profitability of large scale construction and the returning veterans.  It only took $7,000 to build a home during that time compared to the $200,000 you need today.

After the housing development came the development of the city’s commercial district.  The first shopping center in Minnesota was the Lilac Way.  This was followed by the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in 1950 and Knollwood Shopping enter in 1956.

One of the earliest multi-family housing units in the city is the St. Louis Park consisting of apartment buildings the sizes of which range from the large apartment building and the small units which measured almost half the apartments.  A large portion of St. Louis Park is mainly residential with a home value ranging from $120,000 to over $600,000.

Today, the area is still very much dedicated to housing but with the thrust of redeveloping the infrastructure around it.  The area is actually a one stop shop where one can find not only residential units but commercial establishments ready to cater to locals and visitors alike.

There are 20,782 occupied housing units in St. Louis Park and 63.6% or 13,219 are occupied by their owners while 36.4% are occupied by renters.

If you intend to avail of a relocation package in St, Louis Park then you better check out the First Time Homebuyer Program offered by the State of Minnesota as you may qualify for this if you have a $62,000 gross household income or less.  Under the program you can avail of mortgage rates that are below the market rates.

If you intend to avail of houses for rent or lease an apartment or a condominium in the city then make sure you read the terms of your lease specifically the provisions on your security deposit, building rules and other pertinent issues which you may encounter.  It is also best to think about getting a renter’s insurance to ensure you are protected in case of damage or loss.

There has always been a low vacancy rate when it comes to housing in the city, the lowest of which was 0.2% in 1979 and 0.3% after twenty years.  There was a higher vacancy rate in the mid 80s due to the construction of new apartments during the period.

You can also seek help from the Community Action for Suburban Hennepin in terms of home buying training and counseling.  If you want to avail of low interest home rates then check with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.
Residing in St. Louis Park means quality living that is a balance between a commercial and a quiet and peaceful environment.  It is adjacent to other big cities in the State including Minneapolis and Edina so you can even go city-hopping for shopping and other purposes.

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Eden Prairie

Eden Prairie in Hennepin County is an ideal destination not only for business but also for people who want quality and classy living.  Cited by Money Magazine as the 10th Best Place To Live in the US, it boasts of being the base of over 2,200 business establishments as well as 2,250 acres of parks, 1,300 acres of open space and 170 miles of trails.

Quality of life in Eden Prairie is outstanding and this has made it a favorite destination for corporate relocation, employee relocation and family relocation.  The city is a few miles away from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and is adjacent to numerous recreation areas, restaurants and museums.

History

Eden Prairie might be an economically and vibrant city nowadays but this has not always been the case. It used to be a slow growing village with slow economic and social growth between 1880 and 1960.  Among the first settlers in the area were Native Americans until a treaty in 1851 opened land near the Mississippi River allowing pioneers of Eden Prairies to settle in the area.

The first sign of development in the area was the construction of the Flying Cloud Airport in 1946.  The construction of Interstate Highway 494 in the 70s widened the city’s reach and rightly so because it was also during this time when the Eden Prairie Shopping Center was constructed.  Finally, it became a Statutory City in 1974.

The city got its name after writer Elizabeth Ellet described the area as a garden spot—thus the name Eden.

Community Profile

From a population of only 2000 in 1960, Eden Prairie has grown to a city with almost 60,000 people by the year 2000.  From an agricultural and a sleepy village, Eden Prairie has become a thriving and vibrant community preferred by most businesses.

Majority or 71.66% of the city’s population are Whites, 13.28% are African Americans, 4.82% are Asians while the rest are Pacific Islanders and other races.  The city has a fairly young population with an average age of 35 years, with 30.5% below the age of 18 and only 4.9% are 65 years old or over.

While the city has a per capita income of $38,854 and an average family income of $72,258, 11.9% of the population is living below the poverty line.  Eden Prairies is among the highest income places in the United States within.

Business

Eden Prairie’s has proven itself a haven for businesses and this is evident with the presence of establishments like Super Valu Grocery, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Shipping Logistics (both classified as Fortune 500 companies), ADC Telecommunications, Fargo Electronics, Lenox Group, Minnesota Vikings, Starkey Laboratories and SurModics pharmaceutical delivery systems to name a few.

Life is very comfortable for Eden Prairie resident with a family median income of $105,177 compared to the best places to live average family income of only $76,893.  The purchasing power of the residents amounts to $81,343 compared to the best places to live purchasing power of $68,109.

The city spells clean living for its residents as they have an air quality index of 75.4% compared to the best places to live air quality index of 71.9%.  Personal crime risk in Eden Prairie stands at 17 while the best places to live averages 45. The national average is 100.  Personal crime incidents rate is 88 compared to the best places average of 228.

Eden Prairie has 2,699 restaurants, 35 movie theaters, 114 bars, 135 public golf courses, 61 libraries, 4 museums and 13 ski resorts.

Sports

If you are considering a corporate relocation package then Eden Prairie is one of the best places to go to since it has a very active sports program for the youth. There are sports programs and trainings for basketball, baseball, football, ice hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track and Field and Wrestling.

If golf is your thing then the privately-owned 18-hole Bearpath Golf and Country Club designed by Jack Nicklaus would be an ideal weekend destination.  The golf course has a naturally lush environment.

The sports program of the Eden Prairie High School was also named by Sports Illustrated Magazine in 2007 as the best among the other cities in the State of Minnesota.

In the Movies

Eden Prairie has had its share of publicity in the national and international area.  Several movies have been filmed in the city including the Mallrats and Drop Dead Gorgeous both of which were filmed at the pre-remodeled Eden Prairie Center Mall.  The city was also indicated as the residence of character Mike Yanagita in the movie Fargo. The city was also featured in the movies D3: The Mighty Ducks and Graffiti Bridge.

Housing

There are homes for rent, condominiums and apartments for rent in Eden Prairie.  Low income residents can seek the aid of the Housing and Community Services if they want to avail of low-priced apartment complexes in the city.  Affordable houses for rent can also be accessed through the Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority. You can also avail of the Section 8 Project-Based housing where you pay a rental of only 30 percent (or less) of your income.

Affordable home ownership is likewise provided by the city in coordination with the non-profit community land trust Homes Within Reach.  Under the partnership single family homes are bought by Homes Within Reach and then sold to qualified home buyers.  Aside from being a qualified home buyer you also have to qualify for a mortgage offered by a commercial lender and meet the income requirements to be able to avail of this benefit. While the average price of the homes under the program is only $150,000, ownership is however retained by the community and it is then leased to the home owner for a minimal fee.

If you just intend to renovate an existing house, you can avail of the low interest home repair loans.  Lenders usually slap a 5% simple interest rate on repair loans payable in 10 years.

The average price of home in the city is slightly higher at $289,259 compared to the average price of homes in the best places to live of only $259,566.

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Minnesota-Top Attractions For MN Visitors

Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota has always been a popular tourist destination.  When you are thinking about visiting this state, you’ll find that you will really never run out of things to do or sights to see.  Make sure that you make a list and plan your trip, because there is so much out there.  Consider some of the following sights when you are considering making a trip up north to visit this incredibly notable place.

The End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum

Does someone in your family have a love of trains and think back wistfully to the time when they were the main method of getting across the country?  Think about heading to the End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum, where you will find a gorgeous model railroad display that will give you a close view of an authentic reproduction of the Currie railroad yards. This is a great example of a railroad the way it would have stood at the beginning of the twentieth century, and for the history buffs, you’ll also get to see a restored water tower, general store and schoolhouse.

The Minnesota Zoo

Located in Apple Valley and just a few short minutes away from the famous Mall of America, you’ll find this incredibly popular and accessible zoo.  The Minnesota Zoo draws thousands of familys every year, and you’ll be able to ooh and ahh over more than 400 species of animals.  You can wend your way along five major trails through the zoo to check out the different habitats and to take part in the regular education programs that happen on a regular.  You’ll get see gray wolves, pumas, coyotes and much more.   You’ll also get to see gibbons, many species of birds and reptiles of all sorts.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

The Metrodome in Minneapolis is home to the Minnesota Viking and the Minnesota twins, and it is located in the heart of downtown.  If you are a sports fan with a lot a of love for baseball or football, you’ll find that this is going to be one of your top ports of call.  Keep an eye on the website, because you’ll find that the Metrodome is about more than just sports.  There are also a lot of great family events that happen there.  It has been around since 1956, was expanded in 1979 and shows every sign of being around for many years to come.

The Science Museum of Minnesota

When you want to learn a little more about Minnesota or just the world around you, you’ll find that it is time for you to check out the Science Museum of Minnesota.  It is easily accessible from Minneapolis, and it has been around since 1907.  It is one of the more comprehensive and entertaining museums in the region, and you’ll find that you are in a great place when you want to spend an afternoon or even the entire day.  When you go, you’ll find an impressive 10,000 square feet of temporary gallery exhibits and five permanenty display halls.   You can check out subjects ranging from paleontology to the human body to the Mississippi, and you’ll find that there are lots of great things to do on your visit.

Root River Valley

When you want to enjoy some of the natural wonder that Minnesota has to offer, make sure that you check out the Root River Valley.  You’ll find that this is a great way to check out the river gorge in southeast Minnesota and it is a perfect retreat when you want to get away from it all.  This region is well known for its gorgeous bluffs, beautiful farmlands, and scenic river views and you will find that there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied.  Check out the bird watching that you can do, the canoing that you can enjoy and the trout fishing that is world famous.

Lake Calhoun

If you are in the city and want to get away from it all, why not head to the shores of Lake Calhoun?  It is the larges of the five lakes that make up the Minneapolis chain of lakes, and you’ll find that whether you want a place to sun yourself in the summer or to join in on games of beach volleyball, this is the place to go.  With more than three miles of lake to enjoy, you can bike, walk or run and it provides a great getaway for people who occasionally need to forget that they are in a city.  Also keep in mind that during the winter, you can have some prime ice fishing as well.

First Avenue

Never let it be said that Minnesota lacked for nightlife.  In Minneapolis, you’ll find that the First Avenue Nightclub is always making some waves.  First revealed during the 1970s, this club became known as one of the most famous danceterias of the day.  Today, yo’ll find that you can some amazing shows there, whether you are interested in a hard core punk show, hip hop, or world music.  Take some time to figure out what shows are playing the next time that you are in the Twin Cities and really consider what your options are going to be.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Whether you are interested in canoeing, kayaking or fishing, you’ll find that the Boundary Waters Canoe area has you covered. This is a protected wilderness area and you’ll find that there are no power lines, roads or motorized vehicles allowed in the region; this is one of the most authentic outdoors experiences that you can get.  This area stretches for more than 150 miles along the Canadian border, and you’ll find that among the bluffs and the waterfalls that you can see herds of deer, awe-inspiring moose and busy beavers, all on a single canoe ride.

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Edina

Edina is a first-ring suburban city in Hennepin County, State of Minnesota which started out as a farming and milling community back in the 1860s but has now developed into a metropolitan community.  Most of the original residents of Edina were Scottish and Irish immigrants and some have remained to see their city grow into a community that offers one of the best living conditions for its residents.  With 39 parks, high quality medical and educational facilities and regional shopping areas, Edina has indeed become a city to watch out for.

History

Edina used to be part of the City of Richfield in Minnesota in the 1850s after the original 17 family settlers migrated to the Richfield Village due to Ireland’s potato famine. The English and Scottish farmers followed and established a community along the Minnehaha Creek.  Edina was born after the residents decided to separate from Richfield Village in 1888 and establish a new village.  Among the names that were floated around include Westfield and Hennepin Park but it was Edina which was chosen by the villagers.

If you take a look at Edina’s street names, you would notice that most of them are the names of the families who once occupied Edina among them Code Avenue, Grimes Avenue, Cooper Avenue and Gleason road.

Community Profile

Being a resident of one of Minnesota’s ritziest cities can have its price but no one is complaining since majority of Edina’s residents are considered rich, with the average household income amounting to $66,019 in 1999 compared to the $37,974 average household income of Minneapolis.  The city’s per capita income amounts to $44,195 while the average income for every family amounts to $93,496.  Poverty is rare in Edina with only 2% of the total number of families and only 3.3% of the total population living below the poverty line.

Edina has a total population of 47,425 people as of the 2000 Census.  A total of 12,870 families live in the city’s 21,669 housing units.  Majority of the residents are Whites (94.28%) followed by Asians (2.99%), African Americans (1.15%) and the rest are native Americans, Pacific Islanders and those from other races.  The city’s population has an average age of 44 years, with 22.9% below the age of 18 and 22.7% were 65 years or older.

The high quality of life in Edina is evident with the vehicle ownership statistics in the city.  A total of 81% or 18,269 of Edina’s workforce drove a car alone when going to work while only 3% or 711 used the bus and 7% or 1,469 carpooled.  A small percentage of the workforce uses the taxi, motorcycle and bicycle when going to work.

Business

Money is circulating in Edina and if you are planning on corporate relocation or employee relocation or just plain vacation then you would not be disappointed with Edina’s commercial establishments.  This is shopper’s destination and if you happen to pass by here do not miss Southdale Center, a fully-enclosed. Climate-controlled shopping mall considered a first in the United States.  Other shopping centers include the Centennial Lakes Plaza, Yorktown, Galleria and 50th & France which Edina shares with Minneapolis.

Alcoholic drinks are controlled in Edina and these items are sold only in municipal liquor stores in Southdale, Vermon & Interlachen Blvd and 50th & France.  Nowhere else can you find this commodity in Edina.  Despite its commercial success, there is only one hotel in Edina and this is the Residence Inn by Marriott. The 225-room, 6-suites and 79-Condominium Westin Edina Galleria Hotel & Residences is still under construction and is expected to be completed by 2008.

Housing

Most houses and condominiums in Edina use utility gas (94%) while only a few use electricity (5%) and fuel oil or kerosene (1%) as their heating fuel.   Apartments are however a different story as only 66% of the dwellers use utility gas, 28% use electricity and the rest use fuel, kerosene, bottled, tank or LP gas.

One of the set-offs when living in a rich city like Edina is the ever increasing cost of living particularly the sky-rocketing housing costs.  The average price of houses for sale in Edina has increased by $185,000 from only $215,000 in 1997 to $400,000 in 2004.  It is thus a good idea to invest in real estate properties in Edina now before real estate prices sky rocket in the future.

Corporate relocation is becoming a trend because of the increasing number of ordinary people being displaced in Edina due to a wide disparity between their incomes and the cost of housing.   If you belong to the high-income bracket employees and your company offers you a relocation package in Edina which includes a condominium, duplex or a new home then make sure you know about the real state of real estate in Edina by consulting a real estate agent.

To solve the growing disparity problem, the Edina Affordable Housing Taskforce has released a set of recommendations for affordable housing in Edina.  The community has participated in the consultation and the results of the study will be used to jumpstart a plan for affordable housing in the community.

Despite the growing concern for expensive housing in Edina and a median rent rate of $654, the city only has a 5% vacancy rate.  Majority of the 29,669 housing units or 76% 916,072) are occupied by the owners.

Famous Citizens

Edina is a rich city and it is not surprising that not a few billionaires have made the city their home.  Among them are Best Buy founder and chairman Richard M. Schulze (who is a present resident) and Minnesota Twins baseball franchise owner Carl Pohlad. Schulze is No. 102 in Forbes’ List of 400 wealthiest Americans in 2007 while Pohlad is No. 107 in the Forbes List of the United State’s richest persons in 1992.

Famous singer and song writer John Denver lives in Edina with his first wife Ann Martell from 1968 top 1971. Professional Tennis player Mardy Fish, professional Wrestler Ric Flair and Author Vince Flynn are also from Edina.  Professional golfer Hilary Lunke (who won the US Women’s Open in 2003) and Ice Hockey Player Bill Nyrop (who won three National Hockey League Stanley Cup Championships) are also from Edina.

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St. Paul

St. Paul is famous not only for being the other half of the Twin Cities (the other part being Minneapolis) but also for being America’s most livable city.  The city will however be placed in the world map once it hosts the Republican National Convention in September 2008.

Politics aside, St, Paul aims to make life and the environment better for its residents through the promotion of commuting alternatives in the city specifically the Freewheelin bike sharing program during the convention where a thousand bikes will be lent to program participants, 75 of which will be left to the city after the event.

More popularly known as the capital of the State of Minnesota, St. Paul is Minnesota’s most densely populated county.  Together with Minneapolis, it is the 15th largest area in the United States with 3.5 million residents as of the last Census.

History

St. Paul used to be a tavern that developed into a trading outpost known as Pig’s Eye in honor of Pierre Parrant, the man who started it all.  Parrant was blind in one eye.  As the city became the melting pot of European explorers, American soldiers and Native Americans, it ultimately became Minnesota’s transportation and trading center until it became a city in 1858.

City and Community Profile

St. Paulites live in a city that is further divided into 17 City Districts including Saint Anthony Park, Merriam Park, Highland Park, Battle Creek, Como Park, Dayton’s Bluff, Downtown, Greater East Side, Macalester-Groveland, North End, Payne-Phalen, Summit Hill, Summit-University, Hamline-Midway Thomas-Dale, West Seventh and West Side.

St. Paul has a population of 287,151 people consisting of 112, 109 households.  The city is home to 115,713 housing units occupied by 60,987 families.  Majority or 67.02% of the residents of the city are Whites followed by Asian (12.36%), African Americans (11.71%), Native Americans (1.13%) and the rest are Pacific Islanders and those from other races.  St. Paul is home the Mexican population, the reason why a Mexican consulate has been established in the area.

St. Paul has a young population with an average age of 31 years.  The elderly or those aged 65 years and over make up only 10.3% of the total population while those under 18 years of age make up 27.1% of the total population.

Business

As part of the Twin Cities, St. Paul is an ideal site for business and this is evident with the number of major corporations that have made the city their home including St. Jude Medical, Minnesota Life, Lawson Software, Travelers, 3M and Gander Mountain.

City Attractions

St. Paul is an exciting destination for those who seek entertainment and those planning to relocate in the city will get their share of fun and excitement. One of the attractions here, which was born out of a criticism the city got from a New York reporter who compared the city to Siberia during winter is the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.  Minnesota Lake is a fitting icon for the Winter Festival considering that the ice formations in the lake were the source of the Festival ice castle.  Among the Festival attractions include ice horse racing and bobsledding. Another attraction is the appearance of the Royal Family during the festival.

The St. Paul historic Landmark Center in Rice Park also serves as a time capsule and a memorial to that time when the building served as a post office and Federal Court House.  The pink granite building with that red tile roof is now an arts and culture and an information center. Infamous people like Baby Face Nelson and John Dillinger were tried in the same building when it was still used as a court house.

The Wabasha Street Caves is another historical site having been home to mobsters before it was converted into a venue for band music.  Nothing however beats the 12-day Minnesota State Fair, known as United State’s largest state fair when it comes to the average attendance on a daily basis.  If you want the best of Minnesota livestock, cooking and art then go to the fair.

Famous Citizens

St. Paul is the birthplace and resident of many famous people including world-famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald (who was born here), Peanuts creator Charles M. Schultz (who was born in Minneapolis but was a resident of St. Paul from infancy), journalist and Civil rights activist Roy Wilkins (who grew here), playwright August Wilson (who lived here from 1978 to 1990), photographer John Vachon and painter LeRoy Neiman.

Housing

Most executive relocation and corporate relocation package focus on St. Paul because of the many housing opportunities in the city.  You can choose to invest in real estate properties like condominiums, apartments, house for sale or get a good real estate agent to look among the mortgaged houses facing foreclosure proceedings for a good buy.  You can also avail of the Minnesota Housing Mortgage Loan Programs targeted towards first time Minnesota home buyers or those with moderate incomes.  To be eligible for the Minnesota Housing First-Time Home Buyer Loan make sure you are a first time home buyer, you have acceptable credit and that you meet the requirements for income limits and the home cost limits.

It is easy to get a housing mortgage in St. Paul and you can get some help from reputed real estate agents who will assist you in finding the best mortgage deals in town.  A good relocation package in one of the best cities in Minnesota like St. Paul is more than enough incentive for any employee who is being offered an employee relocation option.  Living in St. Paul can be a mixture of the urban and laidback lifestyle because while the city is the center of trade and commerce as part f the Twin Cities, the local government has also managed to maintain the city’s environs quiet and favourable to building families.

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Minneapolis: A Clean and Green City

If there is one thing that Minneapolis should be famous for it is the city’s dedication to maintaining its reputation as among the greenest cities in the State of Minnesota.  True enough, Minneapolis has proven it is hell-bent in protecting the environment through the Minneapolis GreenPrint which is its guide to attaining sustainable development.

The Minneapolis GreenPrint is a framework based on ten healthy environment indicators.  An annual GreenPrint Report is submitted to the City Council to measure the environmental interventions being done by the city each year which can include street sweeping, installation of solar panels on city building roofs and other private sector initiatives.

The environmental efforts of Minneapolis go a long way considering that it is Minnesota State’s city and Hennepin County’s county seat.  With St. Paul, it forms the now-famous Twin Cities, and has 3.2 million residents as of the last Census.

Employee relocation and corporate relocation usually targets Minneapolis due to its clean and healthy environment.  With twenty lakes, creeks and lots of waterfalls, Minneapolis is a city that is abundant in water. It is thus no surprise that its name is taken from the Dakota word “mni” for water and polis for city, to mean water city.  In fact, Minneapolis is also called the City of Lakes.

History and City Profile

The history of Minneapolis is largely tied to water primarily because of the city’s physical make up.  Minneapolis lies on an aquifer and so the city is serious in managing its watershed areas.

Business in the city is mostly hinged on finance, trucking services, industry and health services.  Several companies engage in milling, chemical and agricultural products, food processing and similar businesses.  It is home to some of America’s Top Companies including Xcel Energy, Target Corporation, Ameriprise Financial and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Donaldson Company, PepsiAmericas and US Bancorp.

Minneapolis does not however just boast of a clean environment and good water sources but it also boasts of a holistic development that made it to the Kiplinger survey of Smart Places to Live in 2006 (it was ranked number 2 together with St. Paul).  It has also been included in the list of Seven Cool Places for Young Professionals and was chosen as the United States’ Top Tech City survey by Popular Science in 1995.

The city, along with St. Paul’s $145.8 billion gross state product accounts for 63.8% of the State of Minnesota’s gross state product.  The year 2000 was a bad year for the area as it experienced a recession but it has bounced back in 2005 with a growth in personal income by 3.8%.

Culture and the Arts

If you are thinking of relocating in an area where you can expose your family to culture and the arts then Minneapolis should be your best bet.  Theater is big here starting with the Guthrie Theater which was designed by 2008 Pritzker Prize Winner Jean Nouvel.

Minneapolis is a haven for art and the artists.  It has been ranked the most literate city in America and this can be one big reason for relocating in the area especially if you have children or you have a great interest in culture and the arts.  It is home to the largest literary and book center in the country known as Open Book.  It boasts of the Loft Literary Center which is a venue for contemporary and traditional arts and crafts.

If you are offering a relocation package for your employees then make sure you mention the existence of the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, the city’s largest museum with over a hundred thousand collection of art and other historical items.

The most famous contribution of Minneapolis to the American music industry is Prince.  This world-famous pop icon is a product of the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Sports

Minnesota relocation can become more exciting with the knowledge that sports means a lot to its residents.  Among the teams that raised the flag of Minneapolis are the Minneapolis Millers (known for contributing 15 baseball players to the Baseball Hall of Fame), the Minneapolis Lakers basketball team (with six championships on its belt in all the three leagues) and the NWA Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club (now known as the American Wrestling Association).

The Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Twins (won the 1987 and 1991 World Series), the Minnesota Lynx WNBA, the Minnesota Wild hockey team and the National Lacrosse League team Minnesota Swarm are just some of the teams that make up the vibrant sports atmosphere of Minneapolis.

Employee relocation in Minneapolis is very appealing to those who have families considering the city’s well-designed park system, considered the best in America in terms of design, financing and maintenance.  Residents of Minneapolis have to thanks Theodore Wirth for this.

Housing

There are a variety of Minneapolis relocation package and if you want to find out about this you can get the services of a relocation specialist who will be able to provide you with important relocation information to help you decide if moving to Minneapolis is indeed the right decision.

Minneapolis real estate can offer you lots possibilities and you can choose from any of the real estate listings in the city including single family residences, single story homes, condominiums, duplex, or lakeshore properties.  You can even purchase or mortgage land and build your own house.  However, it would also be ideal to look at the latest foreclosure listings as they may be new homes on the list that are quite affordable.

Still unsure about moving to Minneapolis?  Think of how clean the air you are going to breathe once your family relocates in the city. Think of the artistic and cultural exposure your family is going to get.  Think of how important quality of life is and think of Minneapolis.

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