If you are new to the Minneapolis area, you may want to know a little more about our the Minneapolis life style, what homes are like here, the climate, our schools, employment and recreation opportunities.

Population:  The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area has a population of about 3.1 million out of 5.3 million for the State of Minnesota as a whole.  Population by metro county as of the 2010 census is:

Hennepin	1,152,000  (Minneapolis, Edina, Wayzata,  Plymouth, Maple Grove, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Golden Valley, etc.)
Ramsey	508,000  (St. Paul, Maplewood, Shoreview, Roseville, North Oaks, White Bear Lake, etc.)
Dakota	398,000  (Eagan, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Mendota Hts, Inver Grove Hts, etc. )
Anoka	331,000  (Anoka, Ramsey, Coon Rapids, Andover, Baline, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, etc)
Washington	238,000 (Woodbury, Stillwater, Afton, Bayport, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Hugo, Lake Elmo, etc.)
Scott	130,000 (Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, etc.)
Carver	91,000 (Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Carver, Waconia, etc.)

Commutes:  Typical commuting times are about 20-30 minutes, sometimes longer for homes in outlying suburbs.

Average Temperatures:  We have hot summers and cold winters, but enjoy all of our seasons. 

Lake Homes:  If a body of water can accommodate a motorized boat, Minnesotan's will refer to it as a lake.  If not, it will be referred to as a pond, marsh or wetland.  In the Minneapolis metropolitan area, homes around Lake Minnetonka and around the Minneapolis Lakes are among the most prestigious and most expensive.  Lake homes on smaller lakes also command premiums.  Outstate lake homes and cabins are popular weekend destinations for boating, fishing and getting away for some quality time.  Click here for a list of some of the larger metro area lakes with residential neighborhoods on their shores, and for links to Yacht and Sailing clubs.

Golf Course Homes:  Did you know that Minnesota has more golf courses per capita than just about anywhere else in the country?  If your passion is golf, I can find a home on a course or in a golf centered neighborhood that is just right for you.  Click here for links to some of our beautiful golf courses.

New Construction:  While new construction activity has dropped about 75% from it's peak in 2005, new homes are still being built.  I can assist you in selecting a custom or production builder, finding model homes to view, or in finding a lot on which to build a home.  Click here to link to some additional information about builders and new construction options.

Town Homes and Condominiums:  If letting someone else do the lawn care, show shoveling and exterior maintenance is your idea of living the good life, a town home or condominium may be for you.  We have down town high rises and lofts with views of the city skyline and Mississippi river front and tranquil suburban settings with maintenance free lifestyles.  There are association maintained properties within walking distance to shops and restaurants as well as those tucked away for privacy and seclusion.  I can help you find the property that suits your desires and your budget.

Rental Homes:  As an alternative to traditional apartment complexes, I have access to a selection of homes available for rent and can assist you in comparing options and in lease negotiations.  I provide both tenant and landlord representation.

The Average Home:  A resale home in the Minneapolis Area has about 1500 finished square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a 2 car garage, is located on a quarter acre lot and sells for about $195,000.  Most of our homes have a basement and an asphalt shingle roof and are wood frame construction.  Typically, we heat with a natural gas furnace and have central air conditioning.  Windows are double thermal-panes and there is about a foot of insulation in the attic and 6 inches in the walls if the home was constructed in the mid-1980's or more recently.  Most homes within the Minneapolis city limits were primarily built between 1900 and 1940.  Homes in the first ring of suburbs were built predominantly in the 1950's and 1960's.  Most homes in the larger, 2nd ring or beltway suburbs, were built in the 1970's to the present.  Most new construction is now in the communities beyond the beltway.  Average home prices by community can be found by clicking here.

Schools and Higher Education:  Minnesota has a tradition of investment in it's schools and higher education, resulting in high academic achievement and a well educated work force.  Our school districts, while generally named for a community, do not always follow the same boundaries of the community.  A district may include territory from adjacent communities, or have some of the named community territory inside the boundary of an adjacent school district.  It can be confusing, I know.  I have the capability to refine home search parameters to specific school districts, and with some extra hand screening, can narrow a search to the attendance area for a specific school.  If you want to do some research on your own, click here for a links to both private and public schools and institutions of higher learning.

Major Employers:  Click here to see a list of major employers in the Minneapolis area along with links to the company or organization's website.

Professional and Recreational Sports:  Whether you are a spectator or participant, we have something for everyone.  If you don't find what you are looking for on the list, let me know and I'll find it for you.  Click here to go to my Sports Page for information and tickets.

Local Entertainment:  From fine dining to casual fare, from comedy clubs to broadway shows, we have just about every entertainment and diversion you can imagine.  Click here to see my Entertainment links.