Tech Hub - 10/3/2017

I have lived in Minnesota for 33 years and have worked in Eden Prairie for 10 years as a software developer. The Minnesota metro is known for its high number of fortune 500 companies, and Eden Prairie has many such companies focused on technology. Some of the larger ones include Optum (UnitedHealth Group), C.H. Robinson, and Kroll On Track. A mid to senior level developer can make 100k+ per year here. These high paying tech jobs are reflective of the high price points in housing stock in Eden Prairie. You will not find any new housing under $350k. Most new single family homes start in the $400k+ range. Once you get over 3000 sq/ft you're looking into the 500-600k range. If you're smart, you'll do what I did and buy a house farther out in the burbs. The North Metro and South East have much more affordable homes in and around the $200k range. Other than the high cost of housing the prices in the area really aren't any more expensive than any place else in the metro area. Lots of shopping in the city center where the mall is surrounded buy lots of residential housing. It's more of a family oriented city, so younger adults would be best served living closer to Minneapolis where all the goings on are going on. The local "bar" would either be the bowling alley, Panino Bros, or some other chain restaurant with a bar. So think of Eden Prarie as simply a good place to raise kids, work, or enjoy the amenities as a retiree. There are basically 4 groups of people in Eden Praire; upper-middle class white tech workers and executives, Somalian refugees, Indian tech contractors, and old retired people, All of these groups get along very well and most people are friendly and respect each other. I don't see any snobbery as others have mentioned other than that people like to show their wealth in their cars and expensive homes. I'm sure you will find the same in any other expensive city though. The Walmart here is probably the only place that doesn't feel like Eden Praire; it feels "Walmart". Lots of good people watching. I shop here, prices are good; don't try to return anything on a Friday as it's check cashing day. My co-workers seem to think Walmart is too good for them so they shop at Target; as if they treat their workers any better? That I don't understand, mild elitism I suppose. Overall I would say Eden Prairie is a great place to work, but I wouldn't live here personally any more due to the cost of housing. Buy a house in Savage or farther south east or west. Or you can buy a 2 story 3000 sq/ft+ house in northern Brooklyn Park in the $350k range if you really want some good value.

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I love it here! - 12/29/2015

Eden Prairie (EP) is a great place to live. Lots of shopping, plenty of restaurants, small businesses, large employers, low unemployment rate, only about 15 minutes to Minneapolis. Three highways go through EP - 212, 5, 312; as well as I-494 E/W AND N/S (don't ask!). Easy commutes to other suburbs, Mpls, and St. Paul. 15-20 minutes directly west of MSP International Airport and the Mall of America (and IKEA). Clean, safe bus "depot" - take the new, clean, smooth-riding Southwest Metro buses to all professional sports team games as well as Golden Gopher football for cheap. Currently, $5 buys you a round-trip ticket on a SWMetro bus to the state fair in August ("The Great Minnesota Get-Together"). I'm in my late 40's and have lived here for 9 years. I disagree with other comments regarding "stuck-up" people. Yes, EP is basically an upper-middle-class area (rent for apartments is high and just goes up every year), but as a visible member of a minority group (LGBT), we have found EP residents to be kind, friendly, fair, and open-minded. You'd think EP would be controlled by a conservative city council, but since we've lived here, it's been mostly Democrats, with a very good, responsible, fair Mayor (Nancy Tyra-Lukens, (D)) Not many non-profit volunteer opportunities, but some with the city or churches. EP does seem to care about its residents and neighbors. Housing is really expensive (but worth it if you can afford it); renting is also expensive. EP schools are really great - very good academics, sports teams, ACT scores, graduation rate; good teachers, conservative school board. EP has been listed as one of the top three cities (for its population) to live in for the whole country for several years in a row now, and I agree. EP is a great place to live, whether you have kids or not.

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Love Winter? You'll love it here. - 5/4/2014

Winter starts in September and doesn't end until May. There is lots of snow, and from December - early April, white snow against gray skies will be the prevalent color, interspersed by some brown-green from the cedars and other evergreens.

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Just a few thoughts - 2/2/2013

I have grown up in Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN to be exact. I have lived in Woodbury, Eagan, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Minneapolis and now Eden Prairie. I do have to say I am not a fan of winter although the snowfall is very beautiful here, but we do have harsh winters. I think if you’re prepared for it, it’s not so bad. My Mother loves it here best she loves the idea of having a cup of j cocoa sitting by the cracking fire and snuggling up with a good book or movie. While my brother loves skiing and playing in the snow with his friends. Besides Apple Valley, Eden Prairie is my favorite place to live. Has great education with the Eden Prairie, high school and near Minnetonka East Middle school two schools. EP has the EP Mall and many stores and shops. I guess what I love most is the fact that I have the luxury of private suburban living and the convenience of having all the stores I love in driving and sometimes walking distance. Eden Prairie is very clean. They are very on top of handling crime and sometimes overly cautious (depending on who is your neighbor)! Eden Prairie likes to help its own. We have so many people who love to donate food, clothes, furniture and so much more and if you live in the area you have access to this help. And no one gives away rags it’s all very good quality and many times name brand items. It can be really expensive to live in this city but I do love what it has to offer. I am conveniently located by 3 highways so my commute is very easy and I have options when roads are closed or what have you. I do have to agree with everyone who mentioned the culture shock you have if you are not used to passive aggressive behavior. I have heard many people say most of the people they met in MN are "fake". Most people don’t think I’m from here because I’m so upfront. So if you are more outspoken you may appear rude or unruly in these parts of town. Because people can be more manipulative, and it is more important to be wise in how you handle people or you will look like the villain. Now knowing that, you can have a great life here especially if you love biking, walking, hiking, theater, shopping, and eating out. Minnesota offers great restaurants and places for couples or families.

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taxes - 3/4/2011

this is an expensive socialist democrat area with very high income, property and personal taxes.

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Eden Prairie, MN - 5/13/2008

I could no agree more Kyle... I have grown up here, and Kyle put it very well... long cold winters and very short, but nice summers... Great schools and education! Good for some sports but other than that, its NOT a really "FUN" place to live...

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Awesome for family - 2/21/2007

a great place to raise kids. Extensive parks, outdoor activities, team sports, amazing schools

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I've lived here over 20 years - 2/6/2007

I'm 23 and I've been here since I was one. Currently, I'm looking to move away. I thought I'd share my comments about EP since there are none. PROS: This is a very safe city to live in. There is one part that is shady, but that's it. Few weirdos anywhere you go, but hey, that's life. CONS: Unless you are materialistic, shallow, and self-centered, I would not recommend raising children here. The community has become very high salary over the last ten years. The kids in the school system are pretty shut off to anyone that isn't in their own clique. Meeting new people here is nearly impossible unless you work with them. I went to Normandale Community College, and most of the friends I made there lived in Bloomington (which I would much more recommend). Restaurants are very homogenous. You could find them anywhere. The only unique restaurant I could think of is EP Vietnamese Cuisine. If you go into Minneapolis or St. Paul frequently, or wish to for social activities, work, etc. then this is the LAST place you should live. I go to school in St. Paul and it takes about half an hour to get there without traffic. EP once bordered the country side. People are now moving further away to Chaska and Chanhassen, so I guess it's not too bad. SW Metro bus depot is good is you work downtown. For the most part, it's rich, stuck up, and a far drive from anything. If you make +$100K a year, and love really cold winters, this place is for you.

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