Small town feel in a big time city (Minneapolis, St. Paul: foreclosures, condo)

[Dave0824]

Howdy,

As this is my first post I'd thought I do a bit of introducing before I jumped into my question. I am a 25 year old single college grad (from UMN-TC) and I'm brand new to posting here. I have been reading threads here for quite some time now and am really impressed by the knowledgeable and benevolent community here, makes me proud to be born and raised in MN!

Now to the question: Does anyone have any recommendations in regards to cluster of shops (neighborhood center?) locations in St. Paul/east metro? I'm looking to buy a house under 200k in an area that has a high degree of walkability. Something that gives me the freedom to walk to an area where I can get a haircut, grab a cup of coffee, pick up a gallon of milk at a small grocery store or maybe watch a movie and eat. An area of more historic feel would be nice too, not just a strip mall.

The reason I want east side is due to my job being in Oakdale. I don't want to deal with the congestion of Minneapolis traffic. Basically anything west of 280 is a no go for me. I don't really want to live in a condo or have to worry about finding parking. An ideal (but perhaps unrealistic) house is a 3 bedroom house, 2 bath, 2 car garage with central air and gas heat.

Crime is of another concern as I realize my price range is possibly too low to achieve my desired amenities without finding myself in shady neighborhoods. Grand Ave and Highland Park might have some options, but it seems I'd have to get lucky and find some foreclosure and/or dump to really buy into those neighborhoods.

Honestly, Dinkytown would be perfect for me, except the fact that it is in Minneapolis and housing prices are out of my range. I am aware of walkscore.com but seems the only neighborhood I can narrow it down to is the Como Lake area... but even that doesn't really have what I am looking for.

Anyways, I really appreciate any insight that you can offer, and thank you for your time.

[golfgal]

I would try Stillwater, Hastings, Hudson and Prescott in WI. Your price range might limit you some but you won't have to worry about ending up in a shady neighborhood in any of these towns.

[MplsTodd]

I'd recommend the bluff area of the West Side of St. Paul. It's high on a bluff with incredible views of downtown St Paul, plus a large collection of interesting homes. The neighborhood is a pretty tight-knit community (I know a few people who live there and they love it). There is also a wide range of home prices. There's a small retail area on Smith Avenue, from Baker to Stevens.

[Clifford63]

Originally Posted by MplsTodd

I'd recommend the bluff area of the West Side of St. Paul. It's high on a bluff with incredible views of downtown St Paul, plus a large collection of interesting homes. The neighborhood is a pretty tight-knit community (I know a few people who live there and they love it). There is also a wide range of home prices. There's a small retail area on Smith Avenue, from Baker to Stevens.

North St. Paul is also a good possibility. Close to Oakdale, has a downtown, and reasonbly affordable.

[cdubs3201]

Originally Posted by Dave0824

an area that has a high degree of walkability. Something that gives me the freedom to walk to an area where I can get a haircut, grab a cup of coffee, pick up a gallon of milk at a small grocery store or maybe watch a movie and eat.

I grew up in MN, lived in Minneapolis for a while as well. I really don't think you can find that type of area to the extent that you are looking for. Yes there's walkability and small shops-areas, but not enough where you could supply yourself on that level. Minneapolis/st. paul just isn't THAT big, you'll have to do a LOT of walking.

The only place in the midwest that you could probably find that degree of walkability and freedom of walking would be a city like Chicago...but that would be one heck a commute if you work in oakdale.

[MplsTodd]

Originally Posted by cdubs3201

I grew up in MN, lived in Minneapolis for a while as well. I really don't think you can find that type of area to the extent that you are looking for. Yes there's walkability and small shops-areas, but not enough where you could supply yourself on that level. Minneapolis/st. paul just isn't THAT big, you'll have to do a LOT of walking.

The only place in the midwest that you could probably find that degree of walkability and freedom of walking would be a city like Chicago...but that would be one heck a commute if you work in oakdale.

Although I agree that Chicagos neighborhoods score higher on the walkability scale, I'd have to disagree that its the ONLY place in the Midwest. There are lots of neighborhoods that provide a lot of amenities within walking range:

Uptown
Linden Hills/Fulton
Grand Ave in St Paul
East Hennepin/near Northeast

[Clifford63]

Originally Posted by cdubs3201

I grew up in MN, lived in Minneapolis for a while as well. I really don't think you can find that type of area to the extent that you are looking for. Yes there's walkability and small shops-areas, but not enough where you could supply yourself on that level. Minneapolis/st. paul just isn't THAT big, you'll have to do a LOT of walking.

The only place in the midwest that you could probably find that degree of walkability and freedom of walking would be a city like Chicago...but that would be one heck a commute if you work in oakdale.

True that MSP metro is not Chicago, but there are plenty of places to live where there is reasonable degree of walkability. The challenge is finding that in a location and price range that suits the original poster.

[Khaalathas]

South Saint Paul has alot of little clusters - has a small town feel in the middle of the city. Some pretty decent places in your price range as well. Would be a short drive to oakdale. Otherwise as others have said Hudson, Stillwater, I would even say Maplewood might have some options for you as well. Or even check some foreclosures and you can get alot more house if your willing to sift through the junk to get to the good stuff. Alot more looking but hey if it saves ya 50k+ I would say its definitely worth the effort. If you need a realtor I know a real good guy that specializes in foreclosures I could refer ya to, just PM me and I'll get ya the info.

[Dave0824]

Thanks everyone for the responses! I appreciate your input!

Originally Posted by Khaalathas

South Saint Paul has alot of little clusters - has a small town feel in the middle of the city. Some pretty decent places in your price range as well.

Originally Posted by Clifford63

North St. Paul is also a good possibility. Close to Oakdale, has a downtown, and reasonbly affordable.

Any cross street(s) that you would recommend?

[golfgal]

In South St. Paul you want to be north of Southview or immediatly south of Southview Ave. The closer you get to 494 the less desirable the neighborhoods. Also, stay west of 7th Ave or so.