Honestly, at this point, it's too early to tell. I'm applying/interviewing to positions all over the Cities, so it'll heavily depend where I end up working permanently. I guess for now what I'm really looking for is like, if there's a go-to resource for up to date info for people who are moving to the area, so I can read up on the different places around the metro area for pros/cons, crime rates, local amenities, transit options, home values, infrastructure, etc. etc. etc. (That is to say, I
wasn't asking anyone here to type out all this kind of info for every municipality for me!
)
Do you want a place that will have good hockey programs as well (for your kids and such)?
I know there are people around the country that have moved to MN for that reason alone, so it's not an outrageous thing to look to ask about if you're looking into that or not.
Personally, I've been on the East Side of St. Paul my whole life, and the hockey program here is in its last stages - in its terminal stages at this point.
Cities (suburbs, more specifically) I am looking to move to when I finally get away from this God forsaken area, are somewhat limited to:
South St. Paul - legendary hockey program, nice, small-city feel super close to the "big city" - they've had I believe three SSP products in the NHL within the last year or two - it's a total win for a guy like me who was raised on the East Side and want my kids to grow up in an area that is low crime, clean somewhat, and has a great hockey program for my kids.
Stillwater/Bayport - just a perfect area all around. Just far enough yet close enough to live the night life/pro sports of the big cities.
Forest Lake - farther away, but super nice area.
Woodbury/Lake Elmo/Lakeland - super area all around, their hockey program is growing as well.
White Bear Lake - very similar in many regards to my above-stated about SSP. Actually might be where I move to eventually...
Honorable mention: Eagan, Maple Grove, Anoka or Elk River. All fantastic areas with legendary youth hockey programs.