Working in East Bank/Nicollet Island area (Minneapolis, Windom: relocating, gated)

[dpabowen]

I hate to start another in a seemingly endless series of "where should I live" posts, but I haven't found what I'm looking for, so here goes. We are relocating from Texas to Minneapolis this summer, and my office is in the area right across the Mississippi River from downtown. I think it's called the East Bank.

We want to live pretty close to my work if possible, since I don't want to have a commute over 20 minutes -- 30 minutes max. It should have all the conveniences like groceries, restaurants, and other shopping close by. We like living in the city where there are lots of things to do. We have twin baby daughters, so we aren't overly concerned with schools at this point.

We can spend up to 300K and would like at least 3 br/2 ba. We aren't adverse to living in a condo. I wouldn't mind being able to commute by public transit if possible. I understand that we would come to regret not having 2 car indoor parking in the winter, so that would be a consideration. Finally, it needs to be safe, not that it needs to be a gated community or anything (we can take a little grittiness -- we used to live in L.A. -- but I don't want my wife to feel unsafe with my two kids).

Understanding that this is a pretty specific list, and it may not be doable, here are our priorities: 1. commute time, 2. 3 br/2 ba, 3.
convenience/safety

[Slig]

Northeast Minneapolis would be a good place to start looking. Very convenient location, safe quiet area and you'd be able to get a nice home on your budget.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I would actually live within walking distance of work. There is alot in the area, transportation can get you anywhere. A very safe area, you may even choose to stay as your daughter begins school.

[Thegonagle]

Single family, townhouse, loft, or plain ol' condo?

Lots of options on either side of the river.

If you just drive anyway, and want a single-family in a quiet, peaceful area that's a short distance away, north-eastern Northeast (Waite, Audubon, and Windom) is a beautiful area, and is close to the re-developed apache plaza shopping area in the city of St Anthony, and near Quarry Center between Stinson and Johnson.

If you have any inkling that a townhouse, condo, or loft would be good for you, you can get a nice one in downtown (north loop, mill district) or within walking distance on your side of the river with respect to your job.

Edit: Here's the requisite link to the Minneapolis street/neighborhood map... http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/abou...ghborhoods.pdf