got a Job offer in Minneapolis. Need to know how much money is sufficent (Bloomington: apartment, lawyers)

[sarwiya]

I've got a job offer in Minneapolis probably 50k + benefits + relocation. I'm married with a new born 4 month old baby girl. Is this 50 k package sufficient to live comfortable in a 2BHK rented accom. I am currently based in Bombay, India. Please advise...

[golfgal]

You should be able to find an apartment in the $1000/month range in a nice area of the cities and do fine on $50,000/year assuming you spend your money responsibly. Some areas of the Twin Cities metro area are more expensive then others and you want to try to find a place close to where you will work. What city is your job in?

[sarwiya]

the office is at 12 South 6th St. Minneapolis 55402

[golfgal]

That leaves you a lot of options for places to look. If you are driving in you probably want to look in the western suburbs, Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka, etc. if you want to live in a more suburban area. If you want to take public transportation, Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount or West Bloomington would be options. I don't know the Minneapolis neighborhoods all that well if you want to be in a more urban setting but there are others here that do.

[sarwiya]

I've never lived outside India. how difficult Minneapolis could be... in terms of ethnicity issues etc?

[yellowsnow]

I work in the tech field and a large number of my coworkers are from India. Mostly Chennai. Some are on H1B visas.

You will feel uncomfortable at first. It's not bad, just different. I would feel the same way if I moved to India. There is a large Indian community here. You will make new friends, from all over. I have lived in other countries before and it will be a while before you get used to hearing and listening to English all the time. It will be a challenge but it's doable. If you are outgoing and friendly, you will do well. Living in another country is an education and an adventure.

The Indian women I know do have some trouble with the cold weather. Most of them had never seen snow till they came here. They also are quite tiny and have some problems finding clothes. The average American woman is larger than the average Indian woman.

50K is enough if you are reasonable. You won't be able to afford everything you want but you will be able to get what you need. Good luck!

[JenLee]

I know a number of health care professionals from India; the biggest complaint (from 2 nurses) I've heard is that Minnesotans are too quiet and reserved!

From what I've been told, it's easier to live near the U of MN (either campus) to be in a more diverse community. Some suburbs seemed to be "totally white" (as one nurse told me) when she first moved here and she felt very uncomfortable because she didn't see any non-whites in her neighborhood for several months.

[Minnehahapolitan]

50,000 will be sufficient. Nothing fancy, but you will live OK. There has been alot of growth in our Indian population. Most live in the city of Minneapolis itself. There are large numbers in east Bloomington, Richfield and Eagan. Where in the city is your job located?

[sarwiya]

its at 12 South 6th St. Minneapolis 55402. heard about the H1B visa today. it was over petitioned by more than double its quota. what is the best way to get through a VISA. the company is also talking with its immigration layers about this. please advise.

[yellowsnow]

Originally Posted by sarwiya

its at 12 South 6th St. Minneapolis 55402. heard about the H1B visa today. it was over petitioned by more than double its quota. what is the best way to get through a VISA. the company is also talking with its immigration layers about this. please advise.

The best thing you can do is relax and let the lawyers at your company manage the problem. Good luck!