Forest Lake Minnesota School are Full of Ranger Pride!

Most people have no idea how many communities are a part of Forest Lake School District #831.  The district with the motto, “Inspire the Learner…Ignite the  Potential!,” is geographically huge. Located 35 minutes northeast of the downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, this district encompasses one of the largest areas in the state with over 240 square miles. Forest Lake schools are the educational home of 12 communities in 3 different counties. Students come from Columbus, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Linwood in Anoka County. Other attendees are from Wyoming and Stacy in Chisago County. Many children are from homes in New Scandia Township, Forest Lake, Hugo, Marine on the St. Croix or May Township in Washington County.

As a REALTOR® that works throughout the north and east Minneapolis/St. Paul metro, I have sold a number of homes within District #831. Many residents love the fact that the schools are structured with kindergarten through 6th grade in the elementary schools, 7-9 grades in the junior highs and 10-12th grades in the senior high. It may be “old school” but preferred by many in the area.

There is one high school, Forest Lake High School. Students have many options whether on a college or vocational track. Advanced placement classes, advanced technical/vocational classes and College in the Schools are popular programs at FLHS. With awarding winning sports, theater, speech, music and other extracurricular activities, there is no end to Ranger Pride!

The two junior high schools, Century and Southwest are both located in the heart of Forest Lake. Century Junior High is located across from the high school on highway 97 and Southwest Junior High is on 10th street just south of the business district.

There are 8 traditional community elementary schools (two featuring Spanish Immersion) and one tuition-free Montessori school that are a part of the Forest Lake district. Columbus Elementary, Forest Lake Elementary, Forest View Elementary, Lino Lakes Elementary, Linwood Elementary, Scandia Elementary and Wyoming Elementary are all schools in district #831. Several of these primary schools have been named Minnesota Schools of Excellence. Central Montessori is one of the gems of the district. It provides public elementary education based on Montessori teaching methods and is available tuition-free to all elementary students in the Forest Lake district. Another attractive option is the Lino Lakes Elementary with its STEM education, focusing on a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum. A Spanish immersion primary education is also offered at either Lino Lakes or Forest View Elementary.

 

Need to know more about buying home in the Forest Lake Minnesota area?
Let me be your professional guide. If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of Boardman Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2015 www.terieckholm.com

Wyoming, MN—A Perfect Place to Call Home

People love living in Wyoming. And I am not talking about the state; I am referring to the City of Wyoming, located just three miles north of Forest Lake, Minnesota. Though some may think the area was named after the state out west, it was named by Dutch and German immigrants who settled the area when they arrived in the late 1800’s. They had relocated from the east coast and their new Minnesota home reminded them of Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania.

With the recent annexation of Wyoming Township, approximately 7000 people call the city of Wyoming, Minnesota home. Here is a top ten list of reasons why this small town is such a great place to live.

#10—The Wyoming Library. Giese Memorial Library is a full service library open 6 days a week (closed Mondays). Located in the center of the community on Forest Blvd (Hwy 61) there is always something special to do…story time, author readings, computer classes.

#9—Local Police and Fire. The City of Wyoming is proud to have its own police department and volunteer fire department.

#8—Wyoming Elementary. Grade school aged children living in Wyoming do not have to travel far to class as Wyoming Elementary is located in the heart of the community on Forest Blvd. The school is an integral part of the Forest Lake Area School District 831.

#7—Parks, Playgrounds and Trails. “Where can I play?” is hardly ever an issue for residents in Wyoming. With 17 playgrounds, parks and trails located throughout the community, there is always somewhere to have fun!

#6—Natural Resources. Wyoming, MN encompasses a large portion of the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management area which is a gem of lakes and wetland for hiking, bird watching and hunting. The Wyoming community is on the south end of the Sunrise River and several residents make their homes on the shores of Comfort and Ashton Lakes.

#5—Employers. Fire trucks and fiberglass are two of the many things manufactured in the Wyoming community. Several companies including AllSafe, Artifex Millwork, Hallberg Marine, Polaris, Rosenbauch General Safety, Sunrise Fiberglass and URSA Major call Wyoming home.

#4—Hospital. Most suburban residents have a bit of a drive when there is a medical emergency but not the residents of Wyoming. Fairview Lakes Medical Center is a full service hospital with 24/7 urgent and/or emergency care.

#3—Conveniently Located. Just off 35E and north of the 35E/35W split makes getting to Minneapolis, St. Paul or Duluth a breeze.

#2—Eclectic Options for Living. Whether you want the convenience of a low-maintenance detached townhome or the wide open spaces of a 10+ acre hobby farm, you can find an affordable option in Wyoming.

#1—Friendly People. The number one reason for living in Wyoming is the welcoming community atmosphere. Isn’t that what most people search for in a place to call home?



Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Creativity in Forest Lake, Minnesota—Arts in the Park, Community and Schools!

When considering a relocation to a smaller suburb of the Twin Cities some will wonder, what is there to do for entertainment? Is there a cultural side to a community like Forest Lake, MN? Absolutely, YES!

While the community of Forest Lake is well known for water adventures on its lakes, there is shore side element of fun too. There is a strong tradition of theater in the schools, churches and community that has several productions keeping residents entertained year round. Musical options are also part of the mix with a in-the-park concert series. Arts in the Park, is a tradition that keeps Forest Lake families and visitors entertained all summer long.

While perusing YouTube, I came across a video produced by a group of young film makers from the Forest Lake High School. This was created a while back but as it was shot in the Forest Lake community it showcases much of the town (and some great area talent too)! Take a look…It is a very good short film.


This summer, Masquers Theatre Company, a community dinner theater located in Forest Lake, will be presenting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in July. Tickets for the show are on sale now. Click here to check out Masquers website for all of the details.


Don’t miss any of the concerts in the great summer tradition of Arts in the Park! The much loved event will kickoff in 2009 with The Rockin’ Hollywoods on a special Friday night concert June 19th.
2009 Tuesday Night Schedule at the Lakeside Park Gazebo:

• June 9 The Contenders
• June 16 The Wonderful World of Woody - 6:00 p.m./Root 66 - 7:00 p.m.
• June 23 North Star Concertina ClubJune 30 Brio Brass
• July 7 Teddy Bear Band - 6:00 p.m./Rich and the Resisters - 7:00 p.m.
• July 14 Riverside Swing Band - 7:00 p.m.July 21 Savannah Blue - 7:00 p.m.
• July 28 Lehto & Wright - 7:00 p.m.
• August 4 Alphabits - 6:00 p.m./Gallactic Cowboy Orchestra - 7:00 p.m.
• August 11 Bavarian Musikmeisters - 7:00 p.m.
• August 18 Jeff Brooks - 7:00 p.m.
• August 25 Fresh Squeezed Country - 7:00 p.m.

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Wyoming, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008

The City of Wyoming, Minnesota on the northeastern edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area is a hidden gem! According to the city's website the town was named after the first settlers who in 1855 relocated from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. Wyoming boasts its own police and fire departments, city utilities, library, hospital, elementary school and several community parks. Neighborhood shopping is great with a cute coffee shop, drug store and grocery store in the heart of the town.

Activities are abundant in Wyoming. Not only is the center of the community located smack dab on the walking/biking/snowmobile trail that runs along Hwy 61, there is the new Stars and Strikes bowling, laser tag, restaurant and meeting facility too. Several great fishing lakes are nearby including, Forest Lake, Coon Lake and Comfort Lake. Hunting is a favorite activity of many Wyoming residents as areas of Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management area are within its border. Wyoming Elementary is an integral part of the Forest Lake District 831 school district which provides community sports and activities for individuals of all ages.

Commuting into St. Paul or Minneapolis is a breeze from Wyoming as most residences are a within 3-5 minute drive to I35. The city is just 3 miles north of Forest Lake which is home to the NEW Park and Ride lot for an express commute to downtown Minneapolis.

A good fall pumpkin crop isn't the only big surprise for Wyoming, MN. Real estate in southern Chisago County is finally selling at a pace similar to other areas in the metro. The cumulative Days on Market (DOM) Statistic for single family homes in Wyoming was 163 days or just over 5 months in the third quarter. This time frame is down significantly from the 7 months/214 DOM statistic in the first half of 2008.

Inventory levels are significantly lower in all price points which is a good indicator of a positive trend. Though the highest number of homes available is in price points under $300,000, this category is selling faster translating to about 10 months of inventory. But homes at higher price points still struggle for sales. A DOM of 74 days sounds great in the $400,000-$500,000 category but with only one sale, it is an anomaly. With inventory levels down and sales up, Wyoming is in a better position than it was earlier this year. Current numbers show about 11 months of inventory for Wyoming homes over $300,000, as compared with 4 years of inventory based on sales in the first half of the year.

The amazing deals on the homes in the Wyoming area reflect the changed market. The prices on many existing homes for sale in the Wyoming community have been priced aggressively to entice buyers to drive just a little further north.

Mid Year 2008 Wyoming residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000 ~ 38 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 12 Sold Listings, 136 DOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 17 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, 302 DOM

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listing, 74 DOM

$500,000 and Up ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings, N/A DOM

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7 /1/08 through 9/30/08.

Photo Featured Home in Wyoming MN:


25797 Freeport Avenue, Wyoming, MN 55092



Articles on Wyoming, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Wyoming, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008
• Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch—A Fall Tradition in Wyoming, MN
• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.


Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Wyoming, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008

The City of Wyoming, Minnesota on the northeastern edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area is a hidden gem! According to the city’s website the town was named after the first settlers who in 1855 relocated from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. Wyoming boasts its own police and fire departments, city utilities, library, hospital, elementary school and several community parks. Neighborhood shopping is great with a cute coffee shop, drug store and grocery store in the heart of the town.

Activities are abundant in Wyoming. Not only is the center of the community located smack dab on the walking/biking/snowmobile trail that runs along Hwy 61, there is the new Stars and Strikes bowling, laser tag, restaurant and meeting facility too. Several great fishing lakes are nearby including, Forest Lake, Coon Lake and Comfort Lake. Hunting is a favorite activity of many Wyoming residents as areas of Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management area are within its border. Wyoming Elementary is an integral part of the Forest Lake District 831 school district which provides community sports and activities for individuals of all ages.

Commuting into St. Paul or Minneapolis is a breeze from Wyoming as most residences are a within 3-5 minute drive to I35. The city is just 3 miles north of Forest Lake which is home to the NEW Park and Ride lot for an express commute to downtown Minneapolis.

Real estate in Wyoming, MN in southern Chisago County is still selling but it is selling slower than other areas in the metro. The cummulative Days on Market (DOM) Statistic for single family homes in Wyoming is 214 days or approximately 7 months. That is roughly 2 months longer than areas just to the south and west in Forest Lake, Ham Lake and Lino Lakes.
Inventory levels seem to be in line with surrounding communities for price points under $300,000 with about 16 months of inventory. But at higher price points, the inventory level is quite high which translates to approximately 4 years of inventory for Wyoming homes over $300,000, if sales continue at this slower pace.

The amazing deals on the homes in the Wyoming area reflect the changed market. The prices on many existing homes for sale in the Wyoming community have been cut drastically to entice buyers to drive just a little further north.

Mid Year 2008 Wyoming residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000 ~ 53 Active Listings, 5 Pending Listings, 19 Sold Listings, 201 DOM
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 16 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 256 DOM
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 4 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listing, N/A DOM
$500,000 and Up ~ 4 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings 417 DOM

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1 /1/08 through 6/30/08.

Featured Home in Wyoming MN (Pictured Above):
25797 Freeport Avenue, Wyoming, MN 55092

Articles on Wyoming, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008
• Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008
• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore
• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Lino Lakes, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2007

Lino Lakes continues to grow and real estate is affordable. Conveniently located near the junction of the 35E and 35W split north of the Twin Cities, Lino Lakes is a 33 square miles treasure. With 13 lakes and acres of beautiful protected wetland, the community is served by three school districts; Centennial District #12, Forest Lake District #831, and White Bear Lake District #624. The gem attraction is the pristine 2,700-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve is situated within the heart of the city. Lino Lakes is committed to maintain this treasure and its natural settings and wildlife habitats for years to come.

Real estate in Lino Lakes, MN in Anoka County is affordable and selling—though admittedly at a slower pace than most sellers would like. The third quarter numbers show area homes are staying on the market an average of 159 days. Looking at current inventory levels and the rate of sales for homes priced under $300,000, there is about 5-6 months of inventory as it stands today.

While homes under $300,000 in Lino Lakes have a manageable inventory level, similar to other areas of the Twin Cities, high end homes are selling at a slower pace. Based on the 3rd quarter statistics it would take about a year to sell the current inventory of homes. This is much better than communities to the north, like Ham Lake and Forest Lake, which have about 2-3 years of high-end home inventory.

3rd Quarter Lino Lakes residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 49 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 23 Sold Listings

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 32 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings

$500,000 and Up~ 18 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings

Lakeshore available in Lino Lakes:
2 Active Listings
Centerville lakeshore price range: $334,900-$439,900

1 Home on Rice Lake
1 Home on Centerville Lake

Acreage properties available in Lino Lakes:

10 properties listed on 1-2 Acres priced between $224,900-$399-900.
5 properties listed on 2-3 Acres priced between $220,970-$399,900
1 property listed on 3-5 Acres priced at $289,900
1 property listed on 5-10 Acres priced at $420,000
1 property listed on 10-15 Acres priced at $525,000

For additional information on any current Lino Lakes real estate listing or for additional information on buying a home in Lino Lakes contact Teri Eckholm directly at 651-336-7073.

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7/1/07 through 9/30/07.

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore

Goodbye Summer! As the MN State Fair Ends, Another School Year Begins in Forest Lake.

September always means one thing in the Forest Lake school district

: Back to School. Summer fun and events are over and a new school year begins. As soon as the final footlong hotdog is sold at the Minnesota State Fair and the final blue ribbon awarded, the school bells ring and new opportunities begin.

Memories of the fair have yet to fade. The corn dogs were great and the ride on the Space Needle was awesome. It is a once a year chance to see the entire Twin Cities from the top of the tower. Our chance sighting of a presidential hopeful before he officially threw his hat into the ring was exciting. Minnesota is a great place to stump even for a not yet official candidate like Fred Thompson. Catching a glimpse of a former Twin like Kent Hrbek at some place other than the Metrodome is just one reason to attend the fair. Learning about our great state from exhibits is another. It is amazing what has been fished out of Minnesota lakes and how it can be transformed into art.

Summer is officially over with the end of the state fair. Now a week into the school year district residents are anticipating Forest Lake Rangers football games, band concerts and the field trips. Approximately 7,500 students attend the 12 Forest Lake schools. The district encompasses one of the largest geographical areas in the state, 240 square miles and serves 12 communities. Towns and cities include Columbus, Linwood, Ham Lake, Hugo, Scandia, Lino Lakes, Marine, Stacy, May Township, Forest Lake and Wyoming. From preschool through adult continuing education

there is something for everyone in the Forest Lake area schools programs.

As summer ends we are no longer on top of the world but with our feet firmly on the ground. Students and their families become more deeply involved in school activities. It is time to visit a school, sign up for a class, attend a musical or cheer at a sporting event. It may be the end of summer in Minnesota but the fall is always the start of something special to residents in the Forest Lake School District.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com/

Linwood Minnesota Real Estate Marketing Statistics for First Half of 2007

The Linwood real estate market in southeast Anoka County has experienced a slowdown but homes are still selling. Per the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors, sales for the 13 county Twin Cities area are down 16% in the first half of 2007 compared with sales in the first half of 2006. The average home price fell 2%.

This mid-year update for Linwood real estate reflects the sluggish market with many existing home listings and a longer than average days on market (DOM). Though existing home inventory is high, homes are selling in the lower price ranges. There were very few homes sold in prices above $400,000 in Linwood. Linwood homes have an average cummulative DOM of 148 days. This statistic looks promising as it is lower than the overall average DOM in surrounding communities but almost all Linwood sales have been for lower valued homes which due tend to sell a bit more quickly. For reference to other areas in the northeast Twin Cities metro, Ham Lake has a cumulative days-on-market statistic of 208 days; Lino Lakes is173 DOM and Forest Lake is 168 DOM.



(Click here for complete Ham Lake Statistics.)
(Click here for complete Lino Lakes Statistics.)
(Click here for complete Forest Lake Statistics.)

The following are statistics of current single family residential market activity in the Linwood area for the first six months of 2007.

Under $300,000~ 36 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 17 Sold Listings; Average Cumulative Days on Market for Sold Listings: 141
$300,000-400,000 ~ 11 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings; Average Cumulative Days on Market for Sold Listings: 183
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings; Average Cumulative Days on Market for Sold Listings: N/A
$500,000 and Up~ 7 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings; Average Cumulative Days on Market for Sold Listings: N/A
Lakeshore available in Linwood:

16 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings during first half of 2007.

Linwood lakeshore price range: $ 134,900-$1,149,900.

3 Homes on Fawn Lake Lake
7 Homes on Martin Lake
5 Homes on Linwood Lake
1 Home on Typo Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/07 through 6/30/07.

Featured Listings in Anoka County:

• 1517 128th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449


• 15065 E Vermillion Circle NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304


• 1988 Robin Lane N, Centerville, MN 55038

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!


• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"


• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!


• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com/