Real Estate Blog for the North & East Twin Cities

Friday Night History Cruz in North St Paul Minnesota brings out an eclectic variety of the best classic cars on the east side of the Twin Cities. This Cougar maybe an oldie...but definitely a goodie too. The NSP History Cruz is a Friday evening summer event that is not to be missed!

North St Paul is a community rich in history. If you stop by on a Friday night in the summer, you might feel that you have stepped back in time. The Friday Night History Cruz has been at home in North St. Paul since very humble beginnings in 1996.  The History Cruz is an informal car show where several hundred classic enthusiasts park along 7^th Avenue in the downtown of this quaint little town so residents and visitors alike can stroll down memory lane while enjoying a corn dog,  a cone from the Hometown Creamery or  a slice of Randy's Pizza.

My family tries to get down to the North St Paul car show at least a few times every summer. Last Friday, as a way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend, we ventured down and snapped a few photos.

As we walked down the sidewalk where there are now antique shops where the Miller's Shoes, Harry's Drug and the flower shop used to be, we realized how much has changed. The movie theater and Mac's Dinette were demolished years ago. Silver Skate roller rink has been a church for decades. Still there are homes and families that have been a part of this community for over a century. As former North St Paulites we always run into one or two familiar faces.

As much as things change, there are those maintaining the past, whether a historic home or classic car. North St Paul continues to have the buzz of a vibrant community, especially when the classics come to town!

Featured North St Paul Historical Home

Click address to take a virtual tour of  2503 16^th Ave E

People love living in North St Paul. And I am not talking about living on the north side of Minnesota's capital city; I am referring to the City of North St Paul, located just EAST of St. Paul Minnesota along Highway 36. It is a quaint little town with a rich history that was founded in 1870 by Henry Castle on the banks of Silver Lake. He named the town's main streets after his children, Henry, Helen, Margaret and Charles. When it incorporated in 1887, 221 people called the Village of North St. Paul home. From those humble beginnings, the town has grown considerably. As of 2008, nearly 12,000 people call the City of North St. Paul, Minnesota home.

Here is a top ten list of reasons why this community is such a great place to live.

#10-Water and Electric. Most cities provide the basic utilities of water and electricity to its residents. But few communities can boast water from five wells drilled deep into the earth for a pure, natural source of drinking water and their own power grid like North St. Paul can!

#9-Local Police and Fire. The City of North St. Paul is proud to have its own police department and volunteer fire department.

#8-Cowern Elementary, Richardson Elementary and North St Paul High School. Go Polars! North St. Paul has two K-5 grade schools and a high school within its borders. Cowern Elementary is located on the south side of 36 at Margaret St and South Ave. While both Richardson Elementary and North High School are located on the north side of 36. Richardson bisects 16th Avenue and North is located along 11th Avenue. All three schools are an integral part of the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School District #622.

#7-Silver Lake Park, Beach and Fishing Pier. Many North St. Paul children have learned to swim on brisk summer mornings in the water of Silver Lake , a tradition that continues into today! And few resident can say they have never dropped by the annual Historical Society summer Ice Cream Social for a vanilla cone scooped by a neighbor. Although there are several other parks and playgrounds scattered throughout North St. Paul, Silver Lake is one of the most often visited.

#6-Unique taste treats! Homemade French fries at Village Pizza, Broasted Chicken from Pizza Factory and award winning homemade ice cream from the HomeTown Creamery ice cream shop are just a few of the delectable treats served daily in North St. Paul.

#5-Booya! The fall tradition of the North St. Paul fireman's booya is an experience that no resident of North St Paul can resist! After a night of cooking up a ‘secret recipe'stew in giant pots, the volunteer fire department serves up their brew for all. Whether purchased by the bowl or pot, it is a fall tradition enjoyed by community residents for nearly a century!

#4- Friday Night History Cruz. Love classic cars? Spend a Friday evening in North St. Paul for the History Cruz. Hundreds of car enthusiasts invade the main street of downtown North St. Paul, 7th Avenue, to show off their prized vehicles and see the shiny chrome fenders of yesteryear.

#3-The Snowman. The snowman has been greeting the residents of North St. Paul since it was constructed in the 1970's. It was originally downtown behind what is now K&J Catering, but later moved to a park at the corner of Hwy 36 and Margaret Street. For those keeping statistics, the snowman is 44 feet tall and weighs about 20 tons!

#2-Eclectic Options for Living. Whether you want the convenience of a low-maintenance townhome, a historical turn of the century treasure, a 1950's rambler or bungalow, or a recently constructed, modified two story, you can find an affordable option to rent or purchase in North St Paul.

#1-Friendly People. The number one reason for living in North St Paul is the welcoming community atmosphere. Isn't that what most people search for in a place to call home?

FEATURED NORTH ST. PAUL LISTING:

**HISTORICAL TREASURE** 2503 16th Avenue E, North St. Paul, MN 55109

Additional Articles that might be of interest:

• Time to Rethink the Bridal Registry! Couples Today Want a First HOME!
• 100 Real Estate Questions Answered for the First Time HOMEBUYER!

• Deciding Whether a Home on a Minnesota Wetland or Environmental Lakeshore is Right for YOU!

• 2009 Real Estate Sales Statistics for the North and East Metro

Think You Could be At Home in North St. Paul, MN?

Open House SUNDAY June 13th 1-3PM

2503 16th Avenue E

The beauty of this turn-of-the-century charmer has been lovingly restored & enhanced with many modern conveniences!

• Stained Glass window in foyer and original decorative glass in living room and dining room.
• Original wooden staircase and newel post.
• Maple hardwood floors restored through kitchen, baths, living room, dining room, hallways and three of four bedrooms.

• Maple hardwood floors restored throughout home...Gleaming original hardwood in kitchen, baths, living room, dining room, hallways and three of four bedrooms.
• Remodeled kitchen (2007) adds modern conveniences while remaining true to historical look.
• Note the new dishwasher, Silestone counter, pantry and cabinets, plumbing and light fixtures.

• Open floorplan and lots of windows with original detailing.
• Original woodwork and over-sized baseboard moldings.

• Gas Fireplace/stove added in 2007 to the living room provides alternate heat and ambiance.
• Newer roof (2000) and furnace (1996). Home does have central air conditioning.
• New high quality vinyl siding with transferrable warranty installed fall of 2009.

• Remodeled full bath (2007) with double vanity, mirrors & lighting that reflect the historical period.
• Spacious bedrooms! 3 upstairs and one on the main level.
• Storage Galore! Huge closets in every bedroom-some have two. Plus full basement and oversized single stall garage.

This updated home loaded with charm!

Priced to sell at $259.900!! $229,900!!

Directions: Hwy 36 to 120, North to 17th, West to Helen, South to 16th. Home is at the corner of 16th and Helen. (Between St Peter's Church and Richardson Elementary).

Need to know more information about how to make this historical North St. Paul treasure your own? Call me, Teri Eckholm/ReMax Specialists at 651-336-7073 or visit www.terieckholm.com and click featured homes to see additional photos.

Or check out the virtual tour/slideshow for a complete view of 2503 16^th Ave by CLICKING HERE!

Open House SUNDAY March 21th 1-3PM

2503 16th Avenue E

The beauty of this turn-of-the-century charmer has been lovingly restored & enhanced with many modern conveniences!

• Stained Glass window in foyer and original decorative glass in living room and dining room.
• Original wooden staircase and newel post.
• Maple hardwood floors restored through kitchen, baths, living room, dining room, hallways and three of four bedrooms.

• Maple hardwood floors restored throughout home...Gleaming original hardwood in kitchen, baths, living room, dining room, hallways and three of four bedrooms.
• Remodeled kitchen (2007) adds modern conveniences while remaining true to historical look.
• Note the new dishwasher, Silestone counter, pantry and cabinets, plumbing and light fixtures.

• Open floorplan and lots of windows with original detailing.
• Original woodwork and over-sized baseboard moldings.

• Gas Fireplace/stove added in 2007 to the living room provides alternate heat and ambiance.
• Newer roof (2000) and furnace (1996). Home does have central air conditioning.
• New high quality vinyl siding with transferrable warranty installed fall of 2009.

• Remodeled full bath (2007) with double vanity, mirrors & lighting that reflect the historical period.
• Spacious bedrooms! 3 upstairs and one on the main level.
• Storage Galore! Huge closets in every bedroom-some have two. Plus full basement and oversized single stall garage.

This updated home loaded with charm!

Priced to sell at $259.900!! $229,900!!

Directions: Hwy 36 to 120, North to 17th, West to Helen, South to 16th. Home is at the corner of 16th and Helen. (Between St Peter's Church and Richardson Elementary).

Need to know more information about how to make this historical North St. Paul treasure your own? Call me, Teri Eckholm/ReMax Specialists at 651-336-7073 or visit www.terieckholm.com and click featured homes to see additional photos.

Or check out the virtual tour/slideshow for a complete view of 2503 16^th Ave by CLICKING HERE!

I took this photo a few days ago of the icicles on a home in North St. Paul, Minnesota. Sadly, it wasn't the only home in the area with serious ice dams and scary icicles. It seemed every other home was decorated with these seasonal visitors. While pretty in some respects, they are dangerous....and not just to someone walking underneath either.

As a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities north metro, I have often see the damage that ice dams and icicles cause to homes. Icicles are often indicators of a serious threat to the roof and interior of your home. They are often the byproduct of ice dams that weaken your roof and can cause water damage inside your home. So if you have icicles decorating the eaves of your home, don't ignore them. Call a roofer and have them evaluated and removed as soon as possible.

People love living in North St Paul. And I am not talking about living on the north side of Minnesota’s capital city; I am referring to the City of North St Paul, located just EAST of St. Paul Minnesota along Highway 36. It is a quaint little town with a rich history that was founded in 1870 by Henry Castle on the banks of Silver Lake. He named the town’s main streets after his children, Henry, Helen, Margaret and Charles. When it incorporated in 1887, 221 people called the Village of North St. Paul home. From those humble beginnings, the town has grown considerably.

As of 2008, nearly 12,000 people call the City of North St. Paul, Minnesota home. Here is a top ten list of reasons why this community is such a great place to live.

#10—Water and Electric. Most cities provide the basic utilities of water and electricity to its residents. But few communities can boast water from five wells drilled deep into the earth for a pure, natural source of drinking water as well as their own power grid and wind turbine like North St. Paul can!

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

#8—Cowern Elementary, Richardson Elementary and North St Paul High School. Go Polars! North St. Paul has two K-5 grade schools and a high school within its borders. Cowern Elementary is located on the south side of 36 at Margaret St and South Ave. While both Richardson Elementary and North High School are located on the north side of 36. Richardson bisects 16th Avenue and North is located along 11th Avenue. All three schools are an integral part of the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School District #622.

#7—Silver Lake Park, Beach and Fishing Pier. Many North St. Paul children have learned to swim on brisk summer mornings in the water of Silver Lake , a tradition that continues into today! And few resident can say they have never dropped by the annual Historical Society summer Ice Cream Social for a vanilla cone scooped by a neighbor. Although there are several other parks and playgrounds scattered throughout North St. Paul, Silver Lake is one of the most often visited.

#6—Unique taste treats! Homemade French fries at Village Pizza, Broasted Chicken from Pizza Factory and award winning homemade ice cream from the HomeTown Creamery ice cream shop are just a few of the delectable treats served daily in North St. Paul.

#5—Booya! The fall tradition of the North St. Paul fireman’s booya is an experience that no resident of North St Paul can resist! After a night of cooking up a ‘secret recipe’stew in giant pots, the volunteer fire department serves up their brew for all. Whether purchased by the bowl or pot, it is a fall tradition enjoyed by community residents for nearly a century!

#4— Friday Night History Cruz. Love classic cars? Spend a Friday evening in North St. Paul for the History Cruz. Hundreds of car enthusiasts invade the main street of downtown North St. Paul, 7th Avenue, to show off their prized vehicles and see the shiny chrome fenders of yesteryear.

#3—The Snowman. The snowman has been greeting the residents of North St. Paul since it was constructed in the 1970’s. It was originally downtown behind what is now K&J Catering, but later moved to a park at the corner of Hwy 36 and Margaret Street. For those keeping statistics, the snowman is 44 feet tall and weighs about 20 tons!

#2—Eclectic Options for Living. Whether you want the convenience of a low-maintenance townhome, a historical turn of the century treasure, a 1950’s rambler or bungalow, or a recently constructed, modified two story, you can find an affordable option to rent or purchase in North St Paul.

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

FEATURED NORTH ST. PAUL "Turn of the Century"LISTINGS:

Build Equity! 2338 South Ave E, North St. Paul, MN 55109

Restored Classic! 2503 16th Avenue E, North St. Paul, MN 55109

Additional Articles that might be of interest:

• Snapshot of 2009 Year End North St Paul MN Market Statistics
• Could this be the WINTER to Move Up to a Bigger House? YES!!
• The Extended and Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit Passes!
• Attention Veterans! 7 Steps to Buying a Home with a VA Loan

Think You Could be At Home in North St. Paul, MN?

Welcome to 2503 16th Avenue E!

The beauty of this turn-of-the-century charmer has been lovingly restored & enhanced with many modern conveniences!

•  Stained Glass window in foyer and original decorative glass in living room and dining room.
• Original wooden staircase and newel post.
• Maple hardwood floors restored through kitchen, baths, living room, dining room, hallways and three of four bedrooms.

• Maple hardwood floors restored throughout home...Gleaming original hardwood in kitchen, baths, living room, dining room, hallways and three of four bedrooms.
• Remodeled kitchen (2007) adds modern conveniences while remaining true to historical look.
• Note the new dishwasher, Silestone counter, pantry and cabinets, plumbing and light fixtures.

• Open floorplan and lots of windows with original detailing.
• Original woodwork and over-sized baseboard moldings.

• Gas Fireplace/stove added in 2007 to the living room provides alternate heat and ambiance.
• Newer roof (2000) and furnace (1996). Home does have central air conditioning.
• New high quality vinyl siding with transferrable warranty installed fall of 2009.

• Remodeled full bath (2007) with double vanity, mirrors & lighting that reflect the historical period.
• Spacious bedrooms! 3 upstairs and one on the main level.
• Storage Galore! Huge closets in every bedroom-some have two. Plus full basement and oversized single stall garage.

This updated home loaded with charm is PRICED TO SELL at $259,900!  Just Reduced to $229.900!!

NOTE:  This is NOT a foreclosure or short sale property! Buyers will get a quick answer on any submitted offer as this home is being by a traditional seller.

Need to know more information about how to make this historical North St. Paul treasure your own?  Call me, Teri Eckholm/ReMax Specialists at 651-336-7073 or visit www.terieckholm.com and click featured homes to see additional photos. Or check out the virtual tour/slideshow for a complete view of 2503 16^th Ave by CLICKING HERE!

North St Paul, that quaint community on the east side of the Twin Cities with the big smiling snowman, has had a similar year over year changes from 2009 compared to 2008 as many other communities in the metro. New Listings are down and sales are up which equates to less inventory. The average sales price is down but not in a free fall. It is down just over 7% and with the ratio of price received versus list price going up, this eastern Ramsey County community seems to be making a bit of progress toward a more stable balanced market. The average days-on-the-market statistic is down by well over 10% so homes are staying on the market for less time. Traditional sellers that reside in North St. Paul who are considering a move to take advantage of the tax credit will have an opportunity this spring as there are few well maintained homes at lower price points as compared to buyers in the current market.

2338 South Ave E, North St Paul, MN 55109

Open Sunday November 29 from 1-3 PM!

Turn of the Century Charm! Huge yard! Just REDUCED to $99,900

A 2BR/2BA "diamond in the rough" that could use a bit of polishing but it has the good "bones" that is unique to historic homes.

Newer furnace (Estimated install date 1993). Serviced 10/2009.

Electrical service update by licensed electrician in 2005.

Original hardwood flooring in dining room and loft areas.

Decorative plaster ceilings in living and dining rooms. 

Built in corner cabinet in dining room.

Side porch with French doors opening to living area.

Footed bathtub in upper bath.

Full basement with several large lookout windows.

Huge fenced backyard with plenty of room to construct a garage and still have room to play. 

Washer, Dryer, Range and Refrigerator included in sale.

Not a foreclosure or short sale property! Buyers will receive a quick answer on any submitted offer.

More Photos at www.terieckholm.com

For additional information on the home contact Teri Eckholm, REALTOR, RE/MAX Specialists at 651-336-7073

 Looking for additional information on North St Paul? Check out this article:

 North St. Paul, MN-A Perfect Place to Call Home