Graduate moving back to St. Paul area in May, best area to live?--Highland? (Minneapolis: apartments)

[hopes&dreams]

Hello there everyone!

This May I will be graduating from college. I am originally from Chaska. I've been out of state for school for the last 4 years and can't wait to return back to MN. I plan on living somewhere in St. Paul. (While I enjoyed the suburbs at the time, I don't think I can handle living there again) What I am looking for is an area that is relatively safe. I have common sense and know how to take care of myself, but I want a place I could feel safe running alone or parking my car at night and walking by myself. Also many places within walking distance. (Food, theater, bookstore, etc.)

I am pretty familiar with most areas and neighborhoods all over the city. I have been searching for places and Cleaveland Ave. around St. Kates seems like a good match for me. I also would enjoy living around Grand Ave.

Anyone have any imput? My price range would be up to about $750 or so. Suggestions in Minneapolis would be taken as well.

Thanks!!

[chilaili]

I lived in Highland before, during and after going to St Cate's and I highly recommend it. If you live fairly close to the Ford Parkway/Cleveland Ave intersection then everything you need will be within walking distance. It's a very safe area or at least it definitely used to be. Because it's an older neighbourhood I think it has almost a small-town feel to it whilst being very close to either city as well as the airport and has easy access to other suburbs. If you're looking to rent, the Highland Village apartments are very nice altho not cheap. They don't have A/C but I lived there quite happily for 5 years once I got a small unit from Sears installed.

[Minnehahapolitan]

If I lived in Saint Paul, it would probably be somewhere within walking distance of Half-Price Books. You would have everything there.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by chilaili

I lived in Highland before, during and after going to St Cate's and I highly recommend it. If you live fairly close to the Ford Parkway/Cleveland Ave intersection then everything you need will be within walking distance. It's a very safe area or at least it definitely used to be. Because it's an older neighbourhood I think it has almost a small-town feel to it whilst being very close to either city as well as the airport and has easy access to other suburbs. If you're looking to rent, the Highland Village apartments are very nice altho not cheap. They don't have A/C but I lived there quite happily for 5 years once I got a small unit from Sears installed.

I live there now, and yes, it is still very safe. In addition to the Highland Village apts., there are lots of apts on Cleveland, and there are several more charming old buildings closer to the River, down by Highland Pkwy & Woodlawn, also very convenient to the Village. This is a very handy neighborhood, perhaps the most conveniently located in the metro.