Moving to MN for residency. Help (area, day/night life, interracial dating) (Minneapolis: fit in, high school)

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by Beenhere4ever

Depends on what amount of "campus life" you want. The U runs shuttle buses all over the metro area. So you only have to live as close as your tolerance for rental costs permits. I actually went while living in Stillwater. We had a whole car pool arrangement out there. But I didn't party in Dinkytown or anything like that. I was an older student. Oh, and nothing will "force you to interact". You'll have to push yourself to interact. Most neighborhoods are integrated, but no one will approach you if you look standoffish. This is Minnesota, and most of us respect personal space. But if you follow your interests, that's going to put you with people like yourself.

I'm saying that if you're a doctor or even a resident, you WILL be FORCED to interact with all of your patients and co-workers, who are often of many different nationalities. I hope you don't disagree with this and you just misunderstood what I was trying to say.

[1stpontiac]

Originally Posted by Min-Chi-Cbus

I'm saying that if you're a doctor or even a resident, you WILL be FORCED to interact with all of your patients and co-workers, who are often of many different nationalities. I hope you don't disagree with this and you just misunderstood what I was trying to say.

He never said he's a doctor. He is moving to MN to establish residency (as in, where you live) for purposes of getting in-state college tuition down the road, not to attend a medical residency (as in, training after med school).

He said he is looking into something in the veterinary sciences, where, I agree, he will likely still need to work with people of different nationalities.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by 1stpontiac

He never said he's a doctor. He is moving to MN to establish residency (as in, where you live) for purposes of getting in-state college tuition down the road, not to attend a medical residency (as in, training after med school).

He said he is looking into something in the veterinary sciences, where, I agree, he will likely still need to work with people of different nationalities.

I totally read that as if he's a new medical resident at a local hospital (the U of M hospital) -- woops!

[Kb33]

Originally Posted by Min-Chi-Cbus

I totally read that as if he's a new medical resident at a local hospital (the U of M hospital) -- woops!

He never said he's a doctor. He is moving to MN to establish residency (as in, where you live) for purposes of getting in-state college tuition down the road, not to attend a medical residency (as in, training after med school).

He said he is looking into something in the veterinary sciences, where, I agree, he will likely still need to work with people of different nationalities.

Woah I am so sorry for all the confusion. I should have written in the beginning because I am a female and I do want to live there even if I weren't going to college. I love that I can experience difference. I am truly tired of feeling stuck with the same boring people. Thanks again everyone. All advice is needed!

[Kb33]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Downtown Stillwater, especially on the weekends is very busy--so much so that the "locals" rarely venture downtown . It's a charming, Victorian town along the river that is pretty family oriented. It would be pretty quiet day to day but with plenty to keep you busy on the weekends.

Really? I love that idea of historic Victorian. When you say it's busy on the weekends is there any nature activities to do there or more like shopping areas in walkable distance? I'll certainly research on the area. Thank you. In the meantime anything on the Como area? (I may have to write another post for others to see)

[dravogadro]

Plenty of stuff - Como Park is great to visit and they have the zoo and much more.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by Kb33

Really? I love that idea of historic Victorian. When you say it's busy on the weekends is there any nature activities to do there or more like shopping areas in walkable distance? I'll certainly research on the area. Thank you. In the meantime anything on the Como area? (I may have to write another post for others to see)

Stillwater IS beautiful, but quite far from the rest of the metro and racially and socioeconomically homogenous.....not ideal for what your "wants" are, I don't think.

Como, on the other hand, is a bit closer to your needs and another BEAUTIFUL (emphasis intended!) area! I don't know a ton about its demographics, but perhaps others more familiar with St. Paul and the Como neighborhood could fill you in on that. Como is an excellent choice to consider though, and is rarely brought up in these forums to transplants primarily because it's more of an established family-friendly neighborhood than a fun place to meet new people and locals.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by dravogadro

Plenty of stuff - Como Park is great to visit and they have the zoo and much more.

FREE zoo! Again, the Como Lake/Park area is so unbelievably beautiful to me that I was in (literal) awe when my wife and I went to the area last year. It's such a rarity in an urban setting!

[1stpontiac]

Originally Posted by Kb33

Really? I love that idea of historic Victorian. When you say it's busy on the weekends is there any nature activities to do there or more like shopping areas in walkable distance? I'll certainly research on the area. Thank you. In the meantime anything on the Como area? (I may have to write another post for others to see)

Como Park is great...free zoo (not the nicest ever, but they are improving it little by little, and hey, its free!) there are always people out walking, biking, and pushing their strollers around the lake. As for the area around it, west of Como Park (between the park and the fairgrounds) is a beautiful little neighborhood, although it is pricey for the size of houses. East of Como Park is not so good, crime-wise. Take a look at the crime maps of St. Paul and it becomes fairly obvious which areas to avoid.

And I'm in a minority on this forum for this part, but I'm never as convinced by all the suggestions to look at Stillwater. It is a beautiful town, with some fun stuff, but its also far enough away that I don't think it feels like part of the metro. You'd be looking at a 30 minute drive (in good traffic) to get to the UMN St. Paul campus. You'll find yourself spending lots of time on the road if you want to take advantage of lots of the amenities of the metro (museums, theatres, parks, etc).

For the people who want to live in a small town close to the metro, I think its a great option. But if you are looking to experience Minneapolis St. Paul, I'd recommend coming closer in.

[Kb33]

Great! Well thanks everyone. I love both areas just from your thoughts. I've researched both places and seeing that I want to move there 2 years in advance perhaps Stillwater would be nice to start off with. Of course I need to make my travel plans. I wouldn't make any decisions without surveying the areas first. I'd really like to see the State fair on the 23rd. If not this year than next definitely. I truly appreciate the help.