Considering a move to Minneapolis(Maple Grove, Plymouth, etc...) (St. Louis Park: apartment, unemployment rate)

[riverg]

Hey everyone,

I have been thinking about moving to the Minneapolis area. I was checking out some of the towns and was wondering which ones were the best. I really like what Maple Grove has to offer. Does anyone know anything about this town? I am looking for a 2 bedroom apartment for under $1200/month. Also, what is the economy like in the area, are there jobs? I work as a janitor at a hospital right now and make around $12/hour. Does anyone know how the pay would compare in the area? Also, here is some more information about me. I am 18 and live in New Jersey so does anyone know where to get a good pizza or bagel up there? lol. I am going to college for a degree in Psychology and was looking into transferring to the University of Minnesota. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
River

[lalife]

If you attend the University of MN, do not live way up in Maple Grove. Way too far to drive. The Dinkytown area around the college is affordable and safe.

Don't know about the economy for unskilled jobs at this time. From the doom and gloom on the New Jersey board, while Minneapolis does have about a 9% unemployment rate (for those reported, higher unreported) it's probably not as bad as New Jersey.

[riverg]

actually i believe it's about the same around 9%

[Kebinminn]

Love Maple Grove but it is a hike from the U. Maple Grove is a growing suburb, it seems like there's a lot going on there. It's more of a family suburb, not a place I'd recommend to a young college student.

[riverg]

so what are the best places for college students in the area

[uptown_urbanist]

What are you looking for in a city or neighborhood? Maple Grove and Plymouth are two of the absolute last places I would expect a college student, especially a potential U student, to look (unless they had a job out there, or family, or some pressing reason) as they're pretty family-oriented modern suburbs and not convenient to school.

The neighborhoods around the U are very student-oriented, and with your budget you could get something very nice. You could also try somewhere like Uptown or Whittier; both are popular with young people, although aren't student neighborhoods. There's a far greater mix of ages and people. Those areas areas aren't suburban, though. While some college students certainly do live in the suburbs, they're not really hotbeds of much student action. If you wanted a more modern place not in the city but still closer in (and near Uptown and the lakes) you could look at St. Louis Park.

I guess my main question is what led you to Plymouth or Maple Grove to begin with. Style of housing, type of suburb, something else? If you can be a bit more specific we can give you some more targeted suggestions.

[riverg]

well, i figured that minneapolis is probably too expensive itself so i just started to look at the places around it. I want something that is fast paced and a decently nice place. I didnt realize that those places weren't good for a college student. thats why im on here to find out where is

[StilltheSame]

River,

I second the request for a good pizza place. No offense but a local place with something even close to a New York style pizza.

[lalife]

Originally Posted by riverg

so what are the best places for college students in the area

If you want walkable to the college, then Dinkytown is it. That neighborhood is full of college students. Also, it seems like a fun place to live for someone who is a student as there are places to go, such as coffee shops, pizza joints, cheap restaurants etc. As a newcomer to Mpls, in addition to the drive from the suburbs, you would feel isolated out there, IMO.

[MrMinneapolis]

I second dinkytown, or as I mentioned in other threads...the 7 corners area. Those are the best places if your a student at the U