Need advice on apartments (Minneapolis, St. Paul: apartment complex, condo, job)

[MishaPETROV]

Hey guys,
I am looking for a nice apartment (1 or 2 bedroom) in the twin cities, preferably close (within 30 minutes at the most) to Univeristy of St. Thomas, and also preferably in a nice community with young people. I could pay rent up to $2,000. Any advice will be appreciated.

[Minnehahapolitan]

That would leave you pretty open. Saint Paul, or Mpls.? Old building, or new? Quiet and residential, or vibrant and urban, or somewhere in between? Young college people or just young people in general?

[MishaPETROV]

That is exactly my problem - I don't know. I am looking for a place where professional people in their 30s would live (not college kids), a place for single people and maybe couples (but not families with kids). I don't know whether old or new, or whether in Minneapolis or St. Paul. I just got a job moving to twin cities in a few months and need a nice place where other professionals in their 30s would live.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Ok. I would begin by looking in the Uptown area. It is safe, relatively inexpensive, gentrified and very conveniently located. There are alot of old buildings, but quite a few newer ones also.

[MishaPETROV]

Thanks!! One more question - how is driving from Uptown to University of St. Thomas? Does it involve driving on the freeway/major highway? How long does it take? Do you have a link of apartment complex that you can recommend?

[Minnehahapolitan]

I can't think of many particular complexes. Most buildings in Uptown have fewer than a dozen units. Driving to Saint Thomas can either be on freeways or side streets. Side streets will obviously take longer, but you would basically take Lake Street to the River.

[MishaPETROV]

Thank you, this is really helpful. Do you know, roughly how long would it take to drive on the sidestreets and on the highway? Do people usually drive from Minneapolis to St. Paul (or is it more common to live in the city where the job is?)

[Slig]

That wouldn't be the best commute. I would recommend checking out some of the areas in St. Paul closer to St. Thomas. I don't know where nice apartments are in that city but the Summit area is pretty nice.

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by MishaPETROV

Thanks!! One more question - how is driving from Uptown to University of St. Thomas? Does it involve driving on the freeway/major highway? How long does it take? Do you have a link of apartment complex that you can recommend?

St Thomas does have a campus in Minneapolis but the main one is in St Paul so it depends on which one you are attending. Driving from Uptown to St Paul could be a major pain so you might be better off looking around there. There are many small older apartment buildings all along Grand Avenue and in Highland which is just a few minutes drive from St Thomas. You can just drive up and down the streets in these areas or run a quick search on move.com or forrent.com or craigslist.

[regionalperspective]

theres a new "community" that was built several years ago near 280 and University, in anticipation of the new LRT that is planned for that area. The name of the apartment/condo mix is Emerald Gardens. Might be a fit.