Relocating to the Twin Cities from Hawaii.... (Minneapolis, St. Paul: renting, low crime)

[franklin42]

My girlfriend and I are planning on relocating to the Twin Cities area within the next year. I know it sounds crazy moving from Hawaii but we have our reasons(really really expensive, limited job opportunities, isolation, half an hour to the nearest "grocery store"...). We will miss a lot of things in Hawaii but we are ready to move on. I'm originally from Massachusetts so the weather is not a factor. We are in our mid/late 20's and are looking for a neighborhood thats low in crime and not too urban but is close to "stuff". A neighborhood that is relatively close to both downtowns(30 minutes max) is a plus. We've done a ton of research on different places but it would be nice to have a local's point of view. Any info would be great! Thanks.

P.S. If anyone wants any info on the Big Island of Hawaii, I would be happy to help out!

[Robert P Stewart]

It really depends - where do you want to work? I help folks relocate all the time - even a couple from Hawaii over the past few years.

I'm a Lakeville fan - Golfgal is head-over-heels in love with Rosemount. We have our reasons. South of the cities would be a great fit, based on what you've described.

Robert

[Minnehahapolitan]

"not too urban" is kinda vague. Do you want to not live in Downtown or want a just develped cornfield? I like Saint Louis Park, but more info would really help.

[yellowsnow]

I love the Big Island. It's my favorite.

I used to live in Plainville MA. Close to Attleboro. Winter here is NOT the same as winter there. Just so you know.

I think I would vote for south too. Just because of your age and what you said you wanted.

Best of luck!

[franklin42]

First off, thanks for all the info. I guess what I meant by "not too urban" was that we are looking for more of a "2 or 3 bedroom house" feel in a neighborhood? Somewhere between cornfields and downtown? Does that make sense? I'm used to cities like Boston where you have to drive for miles to get that kind of feel. We're over it I guess. We both lived in the Allston/Brighton area of Boston for years and we're looking for something a little more laid back(but not as laid back as Hawaii!) I'm kind of new at this so bear with me! As far as work goes, my girlfriend is currently in the healthcare administration field(She also has a degree in film. Another reason we are seeking civilization.). I am currently a self employed sub contractor(Anything from finish work, furniture refinishing, drywall...). We are also both Landlords out here and will be renting out our property when we leave.We're pretty mellow(we don't go clubbing or bar hopping) and don't need a ton or "action" to be happy. We also have 2 dogs(another reason we are looking for a house with a yard etc.) Some areas that have been recommended so far: SW Minneapolis, Nokomis, St. Louis Park,Highland, Como Park and St. Anthony Park. Any info about these specific areas would be awesome. We are planning a trip in September to narrow the search down. Thanks for listening and any more info would be great! Hope this clears some stuff up and can't wait to visit!

[Ben Around]

The neighborhoods you mention have a lot in common. All are generally pre- WWII housing stock, small lots on a grid street layout with alleys in the back, sidewalks and tree shaded streets. All are very conveniently located: easy access to both downtowns, MOA, airport, urban lakes, all have good transit service and are connected by the cities' massive bikeway system. They all have lower crime rates and have seen higher home appreciation in recent years than many areas of the city and suburbs. The only yellow flag that jumps out for me is Nokomis: much of it is in the flightpath of MSP, so lots of airplane noise.

A couple other neighborhoods to consider that are similar to the ones you cited are Macalester-Groveland, Desnoyer Park and Merriam Park in St Paul.

[franklin42]

Thanks Ben. I'll be doing some research on those neighborhoods you recommended. Take care!

[Slackajawea]

You're giving up Hawaii for six month long winters???

Actually it's not that bad. I'm a Californian and I adjusted in no time.

If you're looking for a suburb that's interesting and not strictly "bedroom community" I'd recommend Edina, St. Louis Park or Hopkins. All are established suburbs with the kind of house you're looking for, good schools, low crime, and some interesting places to shop, eat and hang out.

If you're looking for a neighborhood within one of the cities, I'd recommend Crocus Hill (lots to do), Mac Groveland (fun, college atmosphere) or Highland Park (most "suburban" feeling) in St. Paul, or just about anywhere west of I-35 in southwest Minneapolis, particularly Uptown or Linden Hills. I'm also particularly fond of Northeast Minneapolis which is a great old working class neighborhood with tons of things to do, though I'm told by Minnesotans that crime there can be a problem. (I'm from Oakland, CA, so things have to be pretty bad or they come in under my radar.)

[Slackajawea]

I forgot to mention in my previous post that Nokomis has really bad airport noise. It's a great area other than that, and the prices are more attractive because of the noise, but if you like the area make sure that whatever house you're looking at has had the MAC improvements done to deaden the noise.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Northeast has more nuisance crimes than Southwest or South, but it doesn't have gangbangers and thugs roaming its streets. There is no need to fear the area.