St Croix Far Eastern Suburbs Hudson, WI

In the late 17th century through the 18th century, fur traders settled along the banks of the St. Croix River. In the mid-19th century, logging replaced fur trading as this area's largest industry, and many of the mill towns along the St. Croix, including Stillwater, boomed as the logging industry expanded.

As population grew along the St. Croix, the far eastern suburbs of the metro area remained sparsely populated with mainly farmers. In the mid-1950s, the interstate system joined the area with the city, attracting families and commuters.

As a local in this area, you have access to the fabulous art scene in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Catch a touring Broadway shows at the Orpheum, or indulge in an experimental show at the Jungle Theater. Art lovers head to the Minneapolis Institute of Art of the Walker Art Center, while those who prefer interactive exhibits check out the Children's Museum or the Science Museum.

When hungry, eastern suburbanites have their choice of a range of restaurants and bars scattered throughout the area as well as a few restaurant districts. If you are in the mood for scenic lakeside views and a handful of restaurants within walking distance from each other, check out the western banks of White Bear Lake. In a converted Victorian sits Acqua, where you can get acquainted with braised lamb shanks or hearty bowls of spag bol. For dessert, stroll over to nearby Eat at Banning and 5th. This establishment serves up cheesecake and pie as well as classically Midwestern bars, such as lemon bars and nine-layer bars. Main Street in Stillwater is another fun nightlife destination for restaurants as well as bars. At Pub 112, enjoy live bands, karaoke and open mic nights while sipping your choice of 30 different taps. At Maple Island Brewing, choose from a constantly changing list of local craft beers that includes everything from oatmeal stout to fruit-flavored brews. For dancing in a club-like environment, check out The Freight House, the largest club and event center of the region.

Metro transit buses serve the far eastern suburbs and some of the villages along the St. Croix River. Route 219 runs through White Bear Lake and North St. Paul into downtown St. Paul, and the Route 294 express bus takes commuters from Stillwater, Lake Elmo and a handful of far eastern suburbs into downtown St. Paul, where they can transfer to another bus into Minneapolis.

For drivers, Interstate 94 runs through the south end of the eastern suburbs, over the St. Croix and into Wisconsin. Residents living close to I-94 can take it straight into either downtown. Alternatively, ring road I-694, located west of Lake Elmo, runs north and south through this area and joins to I-35 and I-94.

Cabs and Uber serve the area, and residents have ample opportunities for safe walking and bicycling. Some areas such as downtown Stillwater even offer residents the chance to live in a completely walkable community, but If you plant to live in Woodbury, North St. Paul or other far eastern suburbs, you typically need a car.

Parks are scattered throughout the area, and although most are designed for families, some such as the Still Wagging Dog Park in Stillwater cater to furry patrons.

Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater has plenty of free outdoor fun for families. During the winter, an annual twinkle parade featuring Santa in a fire truck and The Teddy Bear Band runs through this park.

For less than $5 admission, Pioneer Park near Stillwater shows visitors what life was like during pioneer days. In addition to touring an authentic school, post office and village shop, enjoy events such as pancake breakfasts, harvest fests and bluegrass concerts.

If you want to see how the land looked before pioneers arrived, check out the Maplewood Nature Center. This free natural area hosts classes about wildflowers, and its wooded hiking trails draw visitors from around the metro area.

Living in the far eastern suburbs bears similar costs as living in the rest of the metropolitan area, but prices vary wildly from suburb to suburb. While renting a one-bedroom apartment in Minneapolis or St. Paul costs $961 or $839 respectively, renting a one-bedroom in Woodbury costs $1,000 on average. However, if you look in White Bear Lake, you are likely to find a one-bedroom apartment priced around $860.

However, while city dwellers typically pay for parking, residents of the far eastern suburbs park for free in most areas, and gas is extremely affordable. The gas stations around the St Croix and in the eastern suburbs typically price gas at 25 percent less than the national average.

If you want a ride into the city, you can hop on a bus for $3 or ride transit all day long for less than $7. When you are ready to enjoy a frosty pint of beer after a long day, expect to pay around $5 for a pint in the touristy areas and less in the more suburban areas. At a brewery, you can sample a flight of beers for around $10.

Shopping opportunities exist throughout the region. If you love scouring gift shops for bibelot and trinkets, check out the shops lining Main Street in Stillwater or pop into Collaborations, a vintage boutique down the street. If you prefer shopping closer to the city, head to Woodbury Lakes. This outdoor shopping center hosts large department stores as well as small fashion boutiques, such as Elodie, Sisu and J'La Vie. The eastern suburbs have chain grocery shops such as Rainbow or Trader Joes, Minnesotan-owned luxury grocery stores such as Kowalski's and tiny independent shops. In Lake Elmo, Hagberg's Country Market features a great deli and sandwiches made to order, and in Stillwater, independent grocer Brine's Market and Deli sells everything from granola to full Thanksgiving dinners. The Stillwater Farmers Market brings local produce and artisan fare to the area through the summer and early fall, or drive to the farmers markets in downtown St Paul or Minneapolis.