Tech Hub
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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.
JDawg | Brooklyn Park, MN