Accepted a job offer in downtown st paul - looking for advice (Minneapolis: apartments)

[ryanclemson]

Hey all.

I am really excited to have an accepted a great job offer in downtown St. Paul. I graduate college in May, and I'm looking at my options for moving to St. Paul.

As a recent college grad, finances will be tight (but not too restrictive), and I am weighing my options for relocation. I currently live in Fargo, ND and the thought of life in downtown sounds really exciting. I have spec'd a couple places within walking distance (via the skyways) to my new job. But I'm wondering if it would be more cost effective (or socially beneficial) to live outside of the downtown area.

Does anybody know where recent college grads usually live? Would you recommend walking to work, or living further from downtown and commuting?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Ryan

[golfgal]

Downtown St. Paul isn't the most happening place for young singles--downtown Minneapolis has a more active younger singles community. If you can walk to work living in St. Paul I would say go for it because you can always drive to meet friends, etc. There are plenty of places in St. Paul to hang out though and Minneapolis is just a few minutes away--especially if you are not driving during rush hour. Take the money you save on gas and car repairs and put that into a fund for a downpayment on your first house.

[nick is rulz]

^ yeah I second that. Downtown St Paul is pretty quiet other than when there are Wild games.

[Slig]

I know a decent number of people in their 20's living in downtown St. Paul. It's definitely an improving area and the Central Corridor line will help greatly when it's finished in about 5 years. Check out the condos/apartments off of sheperd road just a couple blocks away from the Xcel.

[eatporknbeans]

I am a guy in my 20's who works in DT St Paul and have for going on 2 years now. I suppose, being a pretty low key guy, I have a natural affinity toward St Paul but I can attest to it's cleanliness, relative safety and general accessability....not to mention all the hidden gems. Although I've been living in the Highland Park area, I have recently found a cheap studio in a historic hotel downtown but I don't move there until February so I can't tell you how it is....although confusing at first, we do have a great bus system that connects the twin cities quite well. I sold my car recently so location is everything....did I mention how historically beautiful St Paul is???? One "downfall" is that the lack of a nightlife....for me, I can just go to Minneapolis or St Paul's Grand Ave...I don't really mind that DT St Paul "dies' after nightfall....we do have the only 24 hour eatery in either of the downtowns, that being Mickey's Diner (better atmosphere than food)

I guess this is a little choppy 'cuz I could probably go on and on and don't want to miss anything....if you want info on the building I'm moving in, I know they have one bedrooms but only had the studio available when I inquired, so based on location, I took it....and at $435, I can't beat it.