French filmmaker Louis Malle wanted a town that truly represented what he perceived as America's 'God Country'. In his search for that metaphoric promised land of American dreams he looked no further than Glencoe, Minnesota to be his documentary's shining star.
Glencoe was founded in the mid-1880s as a farming community
French filmmaker Louis Malle wanted a town that truly represented what he perceived as America's 'God Country'. In his search for that metaphoric promised land of American dreams he looked no further than Glencoe, Minnesota to be his documentary's shining star.
Glencoe was founded in the mid-1880s as a farming community. It was dubbed 'Glencoe' because of the green rolling hills that so closely resembled its sister city in Scotland. The first true business to take root in the town was the local creamery that was built in 1889. From those first humble beginnings, Glencoe has grown to a town of almost 6,000, and still proudly retains its charm as a true American classic. Located only 50 miles west of the thriving metropolises of St Paul and Minneapolis, Glencoe is sure to appeal to you if you are seeking a slower pace of life in a true country setting.
The small size of Glencoe makes it difficult to search for apartments, but don't fret yet. Approximately 82 percent of the homes are owner occupied with the remaining 18 percent of the residences consisting of rental homes and not apts for rent. Apartment complexes are very rare in the city, but you should have no trouble finding rental housing. The Chamber of Commerce will probably be your best bet to find available apartments, so make sure to check in with them. It's not a bad place for your first stop in your new hometown either! They'll give you the lay of the land and help you get settled quickly. You can also look in local papers for private homeowners who are offering studio apartments in their homes, or premier apartments.
Make sure you're prepared to make the move, however. This means having everything in order. Sure, you want to be confident that you're big screen TV won't break on the moving truck, but don't get ahead of yourself. In order to actually land your new home, you need to actually, you know, get it. Have all of your documents in order. This means making sure your credit report is clean, and proving to your prospective landlord that you can actually afford the place. So, have pay stubs or a job offer letter handy. No sweat!
Glencoe doesn't really have neighborhood designations itself. It just has an overall small town feel and friendliness. If you are looking for rental homes, your best bet is to check local papers, call a few real estate agents or drive around the small town to look for homes with a house for rent sign perched in the front yard. With a bit of persistence and flexibility you will be successful. Several things will dictate if you opt to live in the north, south, west or east parts of town. Usually people pick housing close to work or particular schools. The town is so small, that you are usually within walking distance of shops and restaurants no matter where you opt to take up residence. Complexes and Buildings in Glencoe
1102 Hennepin Avenue North: If you want an apartment in downtown Glencoe, there is a 4,355 square foot building located at 1102 Hennepin Avenue North that may offer apartments for rent. Units in this building have undergone complete remodel recently.
Northwood Apartment Complex: Located at 1411 to 1413 E. 16th Street in Glencoe you will find the Northwood Apartment Complex that has one and two bedroom apartments. If you need more space they also have large three bedroom rental town homes available that give you ample elbow room. You will need to check with the apartment managers, but generally you will need to undergo both a credit and background check prior to moving in. You will also usually need to provide first, last and deposits up front before you can take up residence.
Town's Edge Apartments: At 1710 Newton Avenue North, at Glencoe's edge, sits the Town's Edge Apartments. Overlooking a lush wetland, the small complex does occasionally have rental homes available. They have one, two and three bedroom units that are located on the ground floor or second floor. The apartments are all within walking distance of the local high school, and close to public transportation. Small dogs and cats are also welcome at Town's Edge. You should ask to see if there is additional pet deposits required to have Fido or Kitty. Garages are available and there is a community laundry facility for residents. If you have children, they will more than likely enjoy romping on the cheerful on-site rainbow playground and swings. Be ready to undergo an application process prior to gaining approval to move in.
Kestrel Park Townhomeshomes: If you want to live in what many people consider premier apartments, the Kestrel Park Town Townhomes sit at 2419 14th Street SE. Each home has its own attached garage. You can choose from either multi-level rental housing or single level. There are one and three bedroom units. Each has its own patio for your summertime barbecue or to sunbathe on. For people with children, you will find an on site playground for the kiddies to enjoy. Each of the rental homes has its own washer and dryer. Think of the money you will save not having to go do laundry every few days. In the summer months, Glencoe can become quite hot, and even humid, so rest assured that each of the townhouse has air conditioning so you can feel comfortable during the hot summer months.
Outdoor recreation abounds in, and around, Glencoe. In the southwest of Glencoe's 32-acre Oak Leaf Park, you will find the Glencoe Wildlife Sanctuary. Within its pristine, safe borders you might be lucky enough to catch glimpses of elk, waterfowl, deer and other regional wildlife.
From June to August you can escape the summertime heat by heading to the Glencoe Aquatic Center where you can slip slide down the 150-foot flume slide into the refreshingly blue water. There are also drop slides and even a kiddie frog slide to entertain the little ones.
If you are the type of person that likes to kick up their heels, look no further than one of Glencoe city's famous free concerts they host each year. Its the perfect place to get out and mingle with the locals of your new town. Another way to meet locals, and become a part of the community, is to visit the Farmers Market which is held every Thursday during the summer months at the city's Glencoe City Center.
Each June, Glencoe celebrates its strong history in the dairy industry by kicking off the Dairy Day Celebration which always proceeds the Glencoe Days Celebration. Fun for young and old alike, the town offers a variety of family activities, fireworks, food and live music concerts over the course of several days.
Glencoe is what many consider to be the picture of a true American small town. What some may, such as Malle, perceived as the 'promised land'. If you want a strong sense of community, look no further than Glencoe, Minnesota.
