Move to Mpls this summer, looking for suggestions on Apt selection (Minneapolis: apartments, safe area)

[ChazZZ]

Hello, everyone, I will relocate to Minneapolis from Indiana this summer for my new job. Now I am searching desperately for an apartment to live. Since I have no idea about Minneapolis area, any suggestions or opinions are welcome!

My requirements are listed as following:
1: 1BR
2: Safe and quiet (My top concern. I lived near Indiana University in Bloomington for two years and really enjoy the safety and tranquility in that neighborhood.)
3: My company is on South Sixth Street MN 55402. Less than 20 min in commute by public transit in rush hour is acceptable.
4: I will probably do some travelling, so it will be nicer it is near the lightrail.
5: Less than $600/month I guess?
6: Parking Lot. Indoor parking will be nicer.
7: convenient for groceries shopping. I have a car.

I would appreciate your help!

[chilaili]

I'm not positive but I think it will be difficult to find anything under $600 that is less than 20 minutes from your work address and that's close to public transportation, but you might find something a bit further out. Is there any chance you could visit Minneapolis before you move so you can drive around and check out some of the surrounding neighbourhoods? ApartmentSearch.com has an office in Minneapolis and they may be able to advise you too.

[ChazZZ]

Originally Posted by chilaili

I'm not positive but I think it will be difficult to find anything under $600 that is less than 20 minutes from your work address and that's close to public transportation, but you might find something a bit further out. Is there any chance you could visit Minneapolis before you move so you can drive around and check out some of the surrounding neighbourhoods? ApartmentSearch.com has an office in Minneapolis and they may be able to advise you too.

Thanks, Can you recommend some safe and quiet neighborhoods? Is the University of Minnesota area safe? (such as Dinkytown)

[uptown_urbanist]

The area around the U is fun, but Dinkytown is definitely not "quiet."

I'd check out some of the neighborhoods along the Hiawatha Line - Longfellow or Nokomis might offer something closer to what you're looking for, although I don't know about prices. Northeast Minneapolis would be a fairly easy commute, too, and there might be some more affordable housing options to be found (and some quiet - but not boring - areas).

[Ben Around]

Check out Merriam Park in St Paul. Lots of apartments along Marshall Avenue and surrounding streets, from Snelling to the river. I'm guessing you'll find some $600 1-brs. there. Also, <20 minute bus commute to downtown Mpls from there.

[ChazZZ]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

The area around the U is fun, but Dinkytown is definitely not "quiet."

I'd check out some of the neighborhoods along the Hiawatha Line - Longfellow or Nokomis might offer something closer to what you're looking for, although I don't know about prices. Northeast Minneapolis would be a fairly easy commute, too, and there might be some more affordable housing options to be found (and some quiet - but not boring - areas).

Thanks for your reply! I went through some posts here, finding that St. Louis Park a lovely neighbourhood to live. It's a pity that the closet lightrail station is 5 miles away.

What about Longfellow? Is that a safe area?

[chilaili]

I think so. I have friends who live there with their children and seem quite happy about it. Nokomis, which is on the other side of the light rail, is a very residential and safe neighbourhood but might be a more expensive. Worth taking a look at though. A private landlord might have something in your price range.

[uptown_urbanist]

I haven't lived in Longfellow, but I think it's pretty safe. Nokomis is, too.

If you wanted to try St. Louis Park you could check out the bus schedules, too. Not as convenient to the airport, but it's still close enough in that it wouldn't be a big deal.

[ZCar]

I live in Longfellow (a couple blocks away from the 46th street light rail station) and it is safe. Its close to the parkway and is a fast commute downtown. I have a two bedroom for $785/month so I think you would be able to find a 1 bedroom for around $600. Good luck.