It may be a little bit crowded since it happens during the busy high season, but the Lakes Bluegrass Festival in Crow Wing County, where Baxter is located, is worth attending just the same. See it in August, and try your hand at fiddle playing at one of the free workshops.
Surrounded by some of the undeniably coolest-named areas in the world, including Crow Wing County and Paul Bunyan State Trail, Baxter, Minnesota is a full barrel of fun
It may be a little bit crowded since it happens during the busy high season, but the Lakes Bluegrass Festival in Crow Wing County, where Baxter is located, is worth attending just the same. See it in August, and try your hand at fiddle playing at one of the free workshops.
Surrounded by some of the undeniably coolest-named areas in the world, including Crow Wing County and Paul Bunyan State Trail, Baxter, Minnesota is a full barrel of fun. Renowned as a popular tourist destination, folks who live here enjoy wide-open spaces, friendly neighbors and a rapidly growing community. Of course with only around 7,600 residents, Baxter retains its small town feel while enjoying a few bigger city thrills, like tasty eateries, fancy salons and local boutiques. In addition to parks and play areas, there are also great fishing areas, hiking trails and more lakes than even the rush of summer tourists know what to do with. Yes, Baxter is pretty idyllic, and it's a fabulous place to make a new life. If you love nature, why not enjoy it year round?
Making a move to anywhere, even somewhere as paradisiacal as Baxter, calls for some organizational skills and forethought. Even if you've moved several times in your life (or on the flip-side, if you've never moved at all), it's important to refresh your memory on the sort of things to have handy and the things to know before you begin stuffing boxes full of your belongings. Here are some reminders.
The Basic Papers
Being disciplined about finding a new place to live doesn't require too much of you; simply gather together a few essential documents including your ID (or a copy), a few recent pay stubs (try at least three) and a copy of your credit report. You may not actually need the physical credit report, as most landlords will look it up on their own time, but you should go over the information to ascertain whether or not there has been any suspicious activity. Nothing can ruin a search for apartments faster than identity theft.
If you find your credit score is less than sparkling, don't fret. There are many people in the same circumstances. To help bolster your claims, make sure you obtain some helpful references that relate to your interest in securing a residence who can sing your praises when called to.
The Housing Landscape
Knowing your options in advance can help keep your dreams in check. For instance, you're not going to find too many hyper-modern glass-walled installations here. But you will find plenty of new builds all the same. Most homes are from between 1970 and now, so you have your pick of slightly charming and fully upgraded with all the essentials of 21st century living. If you favor something a bit more retro, there are a few options from before the '60s, so keep your eyes peeled.
As for Baxter rentals, there are limited options outside of the single-family home, which dominates the scene. It's easy to see why. There is so much room you may as well build big with plenty of breathing room between buildings. Plus, Baxter enjoys a low cost of living, so it's more affordable to build here than many places in America. That doesn't leave apartment seekers totally high and dry. There are a few apartment complexes with one-bedroom apartments and similar accommodations as well as a number of townhouses for rent. Prepare yourself for more good news: There's a decent chance you can find a rental property with all bills paid. They're not in the majority, but if you keep your ear to the ground you can find 'em.
One more thing: The vacancy rate here is lowest of the low. The town is growing though, so you can expect some more buildings to go up before long. That said, it's important to grant yourself a hefty amount of time, say a few months, to searching for the perfect opening.
There are distinct features to each section of Baxter that can make one area more appealing than another for you. Check out what they've got before committing to a lease.
East Side: If you're looking for access to shops, restaurants, bars and other amenities, this is the side of town with which to get cozy. Sure, there is slightly less room between houses, but you're in the midst of a beautiful forest; it's hard to complain. This side is closer to the older city of Brainerd where there is more of a commercial build up. There are also far more apartment rentals on this side -- check out Cypress Courts or Clearwater Estates Apartments. Afterwards, head over to Bonanza Steakhouse or Poncho & Lefty's for a meal.
West Side: With three major lakes nearby (and several smaller ones) and no industrial anything, this is the side to choose for total peace and quiet. Access to Highway 371 and 210 is a little tougher in some areas, but you probably won't be bothered by the lack of traffic. There are rental houses aplenty, but don't cross your fingers for a studio apartment.
One of the great things about living in a vacation destination is you have access to all the fabulous natural amenities year round. Understanding how Baxter natives live both in the high season summer months and slower off-season is essential to deciding whether or not this is the perfect place for you.
Recreational Riches
It should be plainly obvious but in case it isn't: Baxter is full of good times for those who love outdoor adventures. Whether it's fishing in summer or ice fishing in winter, there are lots of great water sports thanks to the abundance of lakes local to the area, including Rush Lake, White Sand Lake, Red Sand Lake and Perch Lake. It's not all about the waves though. Trails for hiking and biking, bird watching and hunting and the humbling Milford Mine Memorial Park are all good options for those looking for something less aquatic.
Transport
Getting around in Baxter calls for a few things: hiking boots, mountain bikes and cars. What you won't find here is much public transportation. Not only is this the Midwest, famous for its lack of public transit (save Chicago), but it's also straight up in the woods. Don't count on calling a taxi for a trip to the local dive bar.
Best market dealsThese units are the best deal in town.