Moving to the Cities and PANICKING! (Minneapolis, St. Paul: apartments, loans, home)

[Asia89]

I will be moving to the Twin City area in roughly a month. I would like to go back to school at the University of Minnesota; however, my boyfriend is looking at apartments in Maple Grove. From what I've read the commute isn't more than 30 minutes, but with gas prices, winter weather, traffic, and the like I can only imagine...(In fact I've had many sleepless nights imagining the worst possible scenarios)

I've also looked at bus schedules, but it appears they leave in the day and return in the afternoon. This may be a problem if I end up working in Maple Grove and decide to take evening classes. Suggestions?

Also, I've heard mixed stories about the job market. I have three years experience as a medical receptionist, but I'm more than willing to fill any administrative/clerical/you-name-it position to get by.

I'm from Northern Michigan so I'm used to long (never ending even!) winters and a dismal job market, if that helps.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Minnehahapolitan]

I would be panicking thinking about a commute from Maple Grove too. It could be worse. You have to plan, predict and get used to it. Is there a particular reason why he is looking there?
I don't know what to tell you about the job market either. It is the Bush economy.

[Asia89]

He just likes the area and has found an apartment in our price range. He works from home so he will have minimal commute issues. I keep trying to push him closer to the cities. Maybe comments from here will help!

[JenLee]

You really don't want to commute from Maple Grove to the U of MN. I'm talking JUST gas prices alone; it will be expensive! Check out St. Anthony for a nice commute and community, or Grand Ave. in St. Paul. Both have MUCH better public transportation that Maple Grove!

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by JenLee

You really don't want to commute from Maple Grove to the U of MN. I'm talking JUST gas prices alone; it will be expensive! Check out St. Anthony for a nice commute and community, or Grand Ave. in St. Paul. Both have MUCH better public transportation that Maple Grove!

I agree, Highland Park area would also be an option. There are nice areas there and it is an easy commute to the U as well as very close to several hosptitals/clinics. Finding a job with experience as a medical receptionist won't be difficult. I see jobs advertised for these positions all the time. Maple Grove to Minneapolis is one of the busiest commutes in the metro area. If he wants a more suburban feel, Eagan is similar to Maple Grove as far as apartments go and MUCH easier/closer commute to the U and downtown St. Paul--where you will most likely find a job.

[jzak1972]

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

I would be panicking thinking about a commute from Maple Grove too. It could be worse. You have to plan, predict and get used to it. Is there a particular reason why he is looking there?
I don't know what to tell you about the job market either. It is the Bush economy.

No it's not the Bush economy, has little to do with political leadership. It's called capitalism, the free market.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by jzak1972

No it's not the Bush economy, has little to do with political leadership. It's called capitalism, the free market.

Yeah, the same "free market" that let Microsoft crush all competition in violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust act, that allowed banks to wantonly speculate on bad home loans, and that allows the airline industry to eat itself as its cost structure spirals out of control (a logical conclusion to the deregulation of the 1970's if you've been bothering to follow at all).

Forgive me if I don't blindly worship at the "free market" altar. I think it's screwed over enough people already.

[golfgal]

getting back to the topic.....

[shoni]

Eden Prairie might be another area to look into. There is a park and ride with buses all day long that take you directly to the U of MN. There are many dr. offices in EP and many are close to the park and ride....convenient for work and school. I'm not familiar with the price of apartments in the are but that's easy enough to check out on line.

[Asia89]

Thank you so much everyone for your help! I'm starting to feel much better about the pending move.

He's leaning toward moving to the Eagan area. Can anyone tell me what to expect to pay in utilities (roughly). We are looking at 2 bedroom apartments.