Questions About a Minneapolis Neighborhood (Marshall, Cleveland: transplants, apartment complex, neighborhoods)

[Julian10]

For crime stats go to this site:
Crime Maps

As you can see in the 5th Pct. crime map, Phillips has the majority of the crime. I highly recommend contacting the precinct where you are thinking about living. Ask for the CPS (Crime Prevention Specialist). They will have a list of safe apt. buildings for college students. I recently contacted the CPS for the downtown pct., sent an email and had an answer within 3 hours.

Best of luck.

[DannyBanany]

Thanks guys! I've never lived in a larger city before so I don't really know what to expect as far as crime and what times/spots are bad and which aren't. I'm used to just hopping in my car, parking it wherever, and walking around anywhere I want!

We're both pretty big guys and all three of us have pretty good heads on our shoulders but I still don't want to risk something bad happening just so save a little money each month! Julian, thanks for the Crime Maps!

[DannyBanany]

Well, I came up last weekend and after a long couple days of apartment tours and getting turned around on several streets, we found the perfect apartment! It's right in between both schools, in our price range, and right on the Mississippi River bike path. Not to mention, it's really sexy!

I saw some nice places that cost too much... and come to think of it, some crappy places that cost too much. But overall, we're very happy with our location. I can't wait to move up!

Can anyone recommend a good (cheap) place to get used furniture and housewares? I'll be bringing the basics but I'd like to know of a good place in case I forget anything.

[lesleeannc]

Originally Posted by DannyBanany

Also, we're considering Stevens Square. It's a longer commute to the Universities but it's significantly cheaper too. Any input on that area? I'll probably keep asking about certain areas on here as I go along in my apartment search!

Hi there! I used to live in Stevens Square prior to moving to Ohio for college. I loved it but it's not for everyone... I never really felt "un-safe" per-se but it was on 1st and Franklin and Franklin is kind of known for it's "shifty" characters. But, you just have to keep your eyes and ears open and try not to put yourself in bad situations... (i.e walking around at midnight, drunk with lots of money or expensive goodies in your bag)

I'm a girl and when I lived there I was 21 so being close to the downtown and uptown nightlife was amazing. I had one run-in with a man and had to call the cops but like I put myself in a bad position (drunk, with drunk friend, walking down street at 2am)

But, I look back on living in Stevens Square with nothing but fond memories and would consider moving back in that area- especially nice the public transportation is prime there!
Would I move Phillips neighborhood-- if I was constantly with my fiance I would feel safe but living alone, no way!

Hope that helps!

[SoDak11]

Originally Posted by DannyBanany

Can anyone recommend a good (cheap) place to get used furniture and housewares? I'll be bringing the basics but I'd like to know of a good place in case I forget anything.

I wouldn't bother with used stuff. Just head to IKEA and you'll be set up in an afternoon.

And welcome to the Cities from another SoDak transplant! -East River mind you.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by SoDak11

I wouldn't bother with used stuff. Just head to IKEA and you'll be set up in an afternoon.

And welcome to the Cities from another SoDak transplant! -East River mind you.

IKEA has some good deals on alot of stuff, but not all of their stuff. I would look on craigslist for something like a couch or a bed (not mattress, eww.)

[uptown_urbanist]

Check out craigslist and garage sales for cheap finds. There's also a couple of Savers (a chain of large thrift stores) around; there are multiple locations, but I believe there's one on Lake right off of Hiawatha. I've mostly been to the one in Bloomington, and they sometimes have good stuff. If you have a relative or friend in the area considered a senior citizen you can get an extra discount (I think it's 30 or maybe even 40 percent) off on Tuesdays.

[DannyBanany]

Thanks Leslee! But I've already chosen a place. I did like what I saw of Stevens Square though. I actually looked at a place on Franklin across from Augsburg and it was a DEFINITE NO-GO!!! It was above a bar and after the tour, a swarm of cops came rushing past us and stopped down the street.

I'm definitely happy with the one we chose. Especially because it's right on the bike/jogging path. I noticed that the path was pretty dead after dark though. Is it safe after sunset? I'm used to being able to run at any time and pretty much any place so I thought I'd ask. We're right off Marshall on the river (for reference).

[DannyBanany]

Thanks for the suggestions of places! I think I'll get all the basics covered, but like most moves, you always need something or leave something behind!

Another question, I'll be working while going to school and although work-study is easier for students I'd like to have the possibility of a job outside of school too. I thought of waiting tables or even just working in some shop on Grand. I have 5 years experience as a manager and I'm pretty charismatic and social but I hear it's a little difficult to get a job in the cities. Do most places like shops and restaurants hire easily??? I think I might come up early to look for a job too.

[DaPerpKazoo]

Those paths are okay after dark. I wouldn't recommend venturing down into the woods at night though, unless you're in a group. If you're running rather than walking and you stay on the upper paths by the street, you should be fine. I know there has been a lot of activity down in the woods over there though.

I once painted the exterior of an apartment complex a bit north of there on the same side of the river (just south of the railroad bridge) and we used to see a lot of suspicious people making trips down into those woods. You'd see cops going down there pretty often as well.

On the other hand I've walked and biked those paths by the road at night on multiple occasions and never seen anything threatening.

Another interesting thing about the woods on that side of the river is that they're home to a large number of big drain outfalls and as such the area is one of the biggest urban exploration destinations in the Twin Cities. Some of the outfalls over there lead to huge drains that travel for several miles inland and often feature some cool underground complexes. Take a look at Action Squad - Minneapolis Urban Adventurers for some info on them. Both the Lucky 13 drain and one of the Triple Helix drains are over there. Also, see the giant green vent stacks disguised as trees at the intersection of River Road and Emerald for evidence of the underground complexes in the area.