23 yrd old moving to work at Fort Snelling, where is a good place to live? (Minneapolis: apartments)

[tamtam1902]

Hi all,
I am 23 year old female who is moving out to MN to take at job at Fort Snelling. I would love any suggestions on areas to live that would provide entertainment and an environment for young professionals. My job suggested areas such as Eagan, Richfield, Bloomington, Burnsville and Savage. I am very out going and am looking for a city that will have plent of things to do at my age including a minimal commute to work. I am looking for a two bed room apartment that accepts dogs and in a safe area. Any suggestions would make my move easier.

Thanks!

[SoDak11]

I would say anything along the light rail would serve you well since you can take that directly to work. Not sure what your price range is, but you should be able to find something in the city of Minneapolis that accepts your pets and is in a safe area. I know there are a number of apartments and/or condos that have been built right near the light rail stations. Particularly, I'm thinking of areas near the 46th and 50th street stations. If you really want a lively area, than I would suggest looking in downtown Minneapolis. Again, you can get something very close to the light rail (lots of condo buildings looking for renters now) that would accept pets. I don't really see any point in living out in the suburbs unless your work is out there, but since its on the light rail, look in the city!

[Minnehahapolitan]

You job suggested those areas because it is suggesting areas for older people, not for a 23 year old. You could live in most areas that are around the rail line: Downtown is nice, the West Bank is a bohemian/immigrant/college area with alot in and around it. The stops south of Lake Street are very residential and quiet. There isn't much in them, but they are convenient and a little less expensive. Uptown and Whittier are good, but you would want a car for the commute. Saint Paul is close also, areas like Mac-Groveland have alot of young families and a few college kids. Highland Park is more family orientated, but very safe and comfortable.

[Slig]

I would check out the Powderhorn and Longfellow communities of South Minneapolis. They are both right along the light rail in South Minneapolis, inxepensive, and close to everything. Your commute from there would be under 15 mintues.

[BarbaraMN]

I'd look in the Nokomis area of Minneapolis as well. Around 46th and Chicago Ave there seems to be a lot of young people and some nice shops and places to eat. I'd stay away from the 'burbs at your age.

[Haver]

I concur on the Nokomis neighborhood. There's a regular bus outside my door that takes to light rail within 10 minutes, prices are affordable, and my neighborhood is bordered by parks on three sides (Lake Nokomis, Minnehaha creek, and west river road). It's also the safest neighborhood in Minneapolis, adjusted for population (read a ranking last week but forgot to save the link). There's a dog park at Minnehaha park around 54th street and the service road east of Hiawatha.

Downside is airport noise, but it varies depending on where you are - there are maps you can look at to dodge the worse of it. Its one of those areas that looks sleepy but has an artsie undercurrent to it which hasn't yet been "discovered" ... I may be off base on that last remark but I think with the light rail, low prices and safe environment it's got potential. Also, its hard finding a rental anywhere in the twin cities that accepts dogs, so you'll have to dig for a bit. Also, Fort Snelling is a huge area, and no matter where you're working at Ft. Snelling you face the prospect of a respectible hike from the light rail station, perhaps half a mile or more (you can bring a bike on the bus and light rail, however).

[nick is rulz]

yeah echoing whats already been said, look in Powderhorn, Nokomis, or Longfellow.

Eagan, Richfield, Bloomington, Burnsville and Savage will all bore you to tears.

[Slig]

With gas prices the way they are it would only make sense to take advantage of working at a light rail stop. If you lived a few blocks away from any light rail stop you would have the greatest daily commute ever. I'm envious.