Best Performing Cities Index

The James J Hill Library is one resource that makes the Twin Cities a “best performing” area. They recently sent out a “site of the week” that we thought would interest anyone thinking about relocating. Five Minnesota locations make their tops lists.

Here’s what Hill had to say about the resource:

Best Performing Cities Indexhttp://bestcities.milkeninstitute.org/

If we were looking for proof that location, location, location is important in the success of a business venture, we'd find it in the Best Performing Cities Index.

The Index separately ranks large and small cities "by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth." Take a look at your location and compare it to the national average on job, wage, and high-tech GDP growth. Then peruse the overall ranked list of cities, or create your own rankings based on several categories.

This location, location, location is more "regional economy" than "street corner," but as a small business, knowing about trends in the surrounding economy can be just as important as picking the right storefront.

Focus on Anoka County

The City of Anoka considered itself the Halloween capitol of the World. They were the first city to organize a citywide celebration. It’s a great time to check out their haunted houses. But in this perfect fall weather, it’s also a great chance to check out the homes for sale. (We are featuring homes in Anoka County on the web site this month.)

Anoka is just north of both Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. It lies on both sides of the Rum River, which enters the county approximately 20 miles north of the City of Anoka. In fact, the name Anoka originates from the Indian language, meaning "on both sides."

There are 121,187 housing units in Anoka. Almost 40 percent of home contained children under 18; 60 percent of the homeowners were married. The median income for a household in the county was $57,754, and the median income for a family was $64,261.

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae

Last week, the government gained control of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. What that means for homeowners and homebuyers isn’t quite clear yet. But to start to understand what it means it makes sense to understand the history and purpose of each organization.

Recently Amy Goodman, from Democracy Now, spoke with economist and writer Max Fraad Wolff on the mortgage companies. They talk about the history as the current political views on the recent buyout. It is difficult to strike a balance between not allowing homeowners in jeopardy to be left stranded without a home or means to get a home with a desire to not force taxpayers to pay for the financial failures of the private companies. Read the article or listen to the show for more details.

Submitted by Holly LaRochelle

Don’t Miss the 2008 Minnesota Solar Tour

2008 Minnesota Solar Tour
Saturday October 4, 2008

The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) has created a the self-guided, public Minnesota Solar Tour featuring 70+ exemplary homes, businesses, and institutions that have incorporated renewable energy into the design and operation of their buildings.

From geothermal heat pumps using the earth as a huge thermal buffer to wind turbines elegantly spinning in the breeze and the many incarnations of solar energy between earth and sky, this event offers local residents an opportunity to find out how their neighbors are trimming their energy bills, increasing their energy independence, and taking steps to address global warming. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in solar and other renewable energies to view installations and talk with building owners, builders, architects, and planners about their experiences.

Home Builders Going Green

Natural Built Home is your one-stop-shop for eco-friendly building supplies. They are located in Minneapolis but service homeowner and builders through the Twin Cities area. They have a wide range of products ranging from counter tops to cleaning supplies. They also have a number of classes. For example an upcoming class is the American Clay Half Day class, where learn how to apply play plaster to your walls.

Submitted by Holly LaRochelle

Minnesota a Great Place

We’ve known it for years but not the research is backing us up – Minnesota is a great place to live.

• Forbes has named the Top 10 Cities for earning a living and Minneapolis is coming in at number 2.
  


• Money Magazine named Plymouth, MN as the Top Most Livable Town.
  


• Minnesota ranks in the top 7 for "Greenest" states, 3rd for Wind Energy Production, and the Twin Cities were ranked the 5th Cleanest in the World in 2007 by Forbes.
  

We’ll try to take the praise in our understated Minnesotan way – we always knew we were well above average!

Submitted by Ron Jensrud

TWIN CITIES HOME DESIGN AND THEN SOME!

It’s tough out there. Twin Cities home sellers are languishing, waiting for the “just right” home buyer to come along. While home buyers in Minneapolis and St. Paul alike are restricted by more stringent mortgage requirements. It’s going to take a while for the pendulum to return to the middle.

In the meantime, it might be best for some Twin Cities home owners to just stay put. In the spirit of making your house the home you’re looking for, the city of Minneapolis is hosting the Midwest Fall Home and Garden show at the Minneapolis Convention Center. You’ll get so many home design and gardening ideas, you’ll go home and take out the tool box. (or the telephone to call your contractor!) http://www.homeremodelingshow.com/
Let Buyers Real Estate Group be your host. Contact us for free tickets.

And, what about a downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul condo? Lots of folks are buying an “urban cabin”, or looking to stream line their life style by buying a Minneapolis or St. Paul condo, or making a condo their first home. Condo sale prices have increased by almost 6% market wide, while inventory has decreased by almost 10%. Want to check out condos and lofts? Check out the Twin Cities Loft and Condo Living Tour in November.

Make sure you let us be your host and your guide. Even if you’re just looking, make sure you don’t get caught dealing with the builder’s agent. That’s NOT in your best interests. Call us for your FREE tickets and set up a time to go.

Don’t forget, you can get creative design ideas, travel destinations, gardening tips and fabulous recipes from my online By Design magazine.

Submitted by Susan Hofflander