I recently got a question on Trulia from a prospective buyer who is moving to our fair state this August.  She informed me that they were relocating here for a short period of time (4 Yrs) and wanted to buy in an area where the home they purchase would at least maintain its value over that time, or even (god forbid) appreciate a little bit.

My first instinct was to tell her to buy in Southwest Minneapolis or Edina.  Turns out my instincts were correct, but I wanted to back it up with facts and data.

Going back 7 years, below is the average sales price for Edina, MN.

           YEAR              AVG Sales Price

1. 2008                 $528,724
2. 2007                 $490,257
3. 2006                 $502,437
4. 2005                 $450,131
5. 2004                 $402,321
6. 2003                 $396,287
7. 2002                 $353,081

The % change from 2007 to 2008 was an increase of 7.8% and from 2002 to 2008 Edina’s Average Sales Prices went up 49% making Edina the best performing community in the Minneapolis Metro Area…for sustaining consistent appreciation.

NOTE:  I researched this information on the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors Website: www.mplsrealtor.com and to see the full report - click here historical-average-mpls.pdf

And, while the homes are more expensive - it is a safe bet, that you can buy a home in Edina, and not lose.  (Most of the time.  There are always exceptions for every rule.)

But - if you are in the market to buy in Edina - then you can see a complete list of active homes  by clicking here.

Edina was in the news this weekend. And the story did nothing to dissuade people that Edina isn’t the stuffy suburb everyone thinks it is. The article reported on a stern email sent from the city to residents whose children were suspected of …putting handprints in the fresh concrete sidewalk. Yes, young vandals were tagging their territories with hand prints, ages and dates.

But on the upside, you can see how all over issues Edina can be. If you’re in the market for an upscale culture of excellence, the City of Edina is a must-see. It starts with its location– just southwest of Minneapolis- and adjacent to two major highways that allow residents easy access to big city benefits while surrounded by high-end suburban amenities.
Overwhelmingly populated by older, tastefully updated homes, “Old Edina” is a sought after location near the commercial Mecca of 50th and France. The draw is boutique shopping, established eateries like the venerable Convention Grill (where one of the best burgers in the Twin Cities awaits in this retro diner) and the juried art fair held on the intersection the last weekend in May.

There has been some controversy as small 50’s bungalows are purchased only to be knocked down and replaced with larger McMansiony type homes just up the legal property allowances. Neighbors are fighting back. Here is an recent article in the national magazine Preservation about Edina’s plight.

But when most people think Edina, it’s all about top-notch education. It’s frequently found in Newsweek’s top 100 public high schools list. Whether it’s the District’s French Immersion School, 100% high school graduation rate or intensely competitive youth sports program recognized in Sports Illustrated, Edina shuns mediocrity.

While outsiders are quick to associate the area with economic status, Edina’s wealth of public green space shouldn’t be overlooked. Residents have unparalleled urban access to 44 parks and a litany of recreation centers.

If you’re looking for a sure bet, you may find your new address in this classy first-ring ‘burb.