What do you guys/gals think?

[Eric_Kruger]

Some recent happenings have the future wife and I thinking about picking up and moving. We have always wanted to move north of the metro and have discussed the areas around Alex, Brainerd, and very lightly the Duluth area. Were both in our mid 20's, have a 4 year old, and one due within the next few weeks, and both have college degrees with experience. we both like the area we are in now but are curious about other areas. Were looking at purchasing a new house and dont know if this is where we wanna set down our definitive roots for our family.

Ive spent some time on C list looking through Jobs and a few other sites and there seems to be good markets in both areas, Plenty to do and see, and a fair amount of housing.

Alex has always been a favorite spot for me since we have family with vacation places in the area, I can transfer to the store up there very easily, and its not as far of drive.

Brainerd would have better perks for her since she has already been inquiring about jobs with longstanding offers from one place (she has family in the area that has offered her a position any time). The market for jobs for me looks promising but without actually driving up and checking it out I cant be sure. And again not far from the metro should we wanna come down for a visit.

So what are your guys thoughts? Is it worth it in this economy and time to move the whole family? Are these two areas good choices? any suggestions on other areas? Neither of us are really "city folk" but dont mind heading out into the metro every once in a while, but we have no interest in living there or any closer than we are now (about 45 minutes from downtown minneapolis)

We have up to 3 years to decide what we wanna do as we both want to figure it out before we turn 30, we figure by then the kids wont have been in school to long and wont be affected terribly, and it will give us time to figure it out. Should it happen sooner than later, thats fine, but we are for sure putting some time into deciding.

[JeremyCampbell]

I'm guessing Brainerd,Only because your in a good location with good size lakes surrounding that Arnt too far away.The other thing is to check the schools rateing in the state and see where it falls.My wife and I did that when we wernt sure what area near st cloud to move and we ended up in sartell.Supposely sartell is in the top ten in the state.Being in construction I Had to make sure I was near a city like st cloud for my business.If something ever happened where my business failed I have a city full of jobs in my profession or another to fall on. I prefer to be on the out skirts of a city,.Far enough from the..well you can fill in the blanks

[CANOPY SAM]

Did we already talk about this somewhere else, or was it someone else entirely asking the same question?

My wife and I have been married for 24 years. We have 4 terrific kids. Together we've lived in 7 different towns and cities over those 24 years. Some we've really enjoyed, and some have been obvious stepping stones to the next location.

I love the Twin Cities, the culture, and everything about it, but I have no desire to live there. For my liking at least, there are just too many people in too small an area, and way to much traffic and controlled intersections.

This decision is entirely and completely up to you and your spouse. I wouldn't let anyone else's thoughts or opinions sway you one way or the other.

I learned many years ago to leave it all up to the good Lord. He'll open doors, and/or close them in our lives as He sees fit, and according to His plan. I just go where He leads me, and have been blessed immensely for following His lead. He knows better than anyone what (and where) is best in our lives. Ask Him, and watch and wait for His response. If your heart is in the right place, and you trust Him, the answer will be obvious.

Go in peace brother. You'll know when the time is right, and where you're supposed to be.