We're expecting our first child. When should we move to the suburbs?
Not as soon as you think. Here's my real advice: Your life changes dramatically in year one. Don't add a move to that chaos unless you must. Plenty of people stay in the city until a child is 2-3, then move before school age. That said, if you KNOW you want the suburban school district eventually, buying now means 5 years of appreciation and stability. The question isn't 'when' but 'does the timeline match your financial and emotional bandwidth?' Move once, move right. Let's map your 5-year vision.
I wrote this answer, and I stand behind it. I'm Chris Deutsch, a Minneapolis Realtor (MN #20382264). Twenty-five years of walking these neighborhoods, checking basements, and sitting across kitchen tables from people making exactly this call. I re-check every answer and date it — this one was last verified .
If your situation is more specific than the market, that's the one worth talking through. Email me at chris@lakesarearealty.com.