need to find my utopia ... taking suggestions (Minneapolis, Rochester: fit in, apartments)

[goose7]

Ok so here's my story -

I am currently living in Phoenix AZ and am finishing school. Its way too hot down here all year round and its way too crowded for me. So I've been trying to figure out where that "perfect place" for me is after I graduate within the next year. I have a gf and we "had" plans of both moving after we graduate but she recently told me she'd rather stay here in Phoenix so I guess that leaves me to find my "home" on my own ....

I think I have it narrowed down though - since I am originally from the midwest I want to be closer to what I am familiar with. So with that I have some "criteria" that I am trying to fit into a place to live
1. I do not want to move into another big city like Phoenix
2. I miss having the 4 seasons and dream about having snow for Christmas again
3. I'd like to be closer to my family - the MN/ND area - but not too close either - something within a day of driving distance
4. I want to have some type of gay culture -

I have been playing with the idea of Boulder CO, Spokane WA or even the suburbs of Minneapolis. Unless anyone has any better ideas

Any comments or suggestions are welcome - since I am so very up in the air with it all ...

goose7

[kuan]

Minneapolis would be great although snow at Christmas isn't always a given here.

[acrylic]

Yeah, I agree, Minneapolis or any of the suburbs, most definitely. It also depends on where your job would be. There is cheap (but very nice) new housing in the Otsego/Rogers area. You can buy yourself a nice new house for very low payments a month. Though, if you're on your own, I'd doubt you want to do that.
But definitely Minneapolis area. And about the "gay culture": There's a bar/club called Gay 90's in downtown Minneapolis. Interesting place. Never been in it, not even planning to, but it sure has a vibe to it when you're walking by. =p

(Isn't it funny though, you're wanting to move to MN while I'm wanting to move to AZ after I graduate?)

[AriEsStaR*]

I would also suggest the Minneapolis area. Uptown is a neat/trendy area. The 'gay culture' I would say is up to its standards. Many of the apartments/condos might be high up for the cost. But I think you could find something reasonable for you. So, Minneapolis/Uptown would probably be your best bet! =)

[Thedosius]

It's hard to guess exactly what will fit your preferences, but here's a few things to think about-

I'm guessing that if you didn't like Phoenix, you probably won't want to live within Minneapolis proper. Though Phoenix is larger, it's pretty sprawled out. The Twin Cities metro area is also pretty sprawled out, but I'd guess the city proper is about as dense and crowded as Phoenix.

The Twin Cities have one of the highest per-capita concentrations of lesbians/gays/etc. That likely goes hand in hand with its heavy concentration of arts and theater and thriving creative community in general. That being said, there is no Boystown (Chicago) or Greenwich Village- the les/bi/gay community is pretty widespread and integrated throughout the region, so there is no gay ghetto. However, some suburbs are fairly well known to have relatively high concentrations of gay people, most notably Golden Valley. Golden Valley is a pleasant, quiet community just to the west of Minneapolis, and I have a (gay) friend who lives there. It sounds like you might like that kind of quiet bedroom community no more than a 15 minute jaunt into the heart of Minneapolis.

I'd also look at St. Louis Park for similar reasons. Other suburbs I can't comment on- I'm an inveterate city boy! However, as I said the gay community is very widespread here, so I think almost any suburb would likely be fine. Just look for the cutest houses, knowing that they are natural magnets for members of the Family.

[slamont61]

I would suggest moving out my way. Park Rapids is a very nice area with plenty to do. What type of work will you be looking for once you graduate?

We are roughly an hour West of Fargo and a couple hours away from the Twin Cities area. Kind of in the middle of it all. The seasons are perfect here. The best of summer, spring and fall yes, but Winter is the greatest here. (it is if you enjoy ANY out of doors activity - skiing Cross Country or Down Hill, Snowmobiling or Ice Fishing.) Winter is my favorite with all the Snow and Frozen lakes. The cold we just deal with. There are casinos not far for indoor entertainment in the Winter. There are Resorts all around the area and tourists are abundant all summer long. Plenty of things to see and do.

And then when it's time, this is the very best place to raise a family. The Schools are great, activities are super. If you like nature it's all around. Hunting season is treated like a national holiday. Fish Hunt Camp hey, it's all around us. Me I just enjoy getting out into the woods and smelling the Pine Forrest. The Gazillion Lakes make this area truely special.

[goose7]

Wow! Thanks for all of the helpful information! Someone asked what type of work I will be looking for after graduation - and I will be an RN - so I dont think (or I hope not at least) that finding nursing work won't be a problem no matter which area I live in

[molochai2580]

Originally Posted by goose7

Wow! Thanks for all of the helpful information! Someone asked what type of work I will be looking for after graduation - and I will be an RN - so I dont think (or I hope not at least) that finding nursing work won't be a problem no matter which area I live in

Of course with a RN you could move to Rochester MN and work for Mayo Clinic here. We have the four seasons, it's not nearly as big as Phoenix, you can get to the MN/ND border within your day of driving.

There is also a gay culture here. It is probably smaller than the cities. Here is their website.

About.com: http://www.glcsmn.org/

[golfgal]

Nurses in MN are some of the highest paid in the US too so that is nice. Nurses do pretty well in MN, especially in the metro and Rochester but other parts of the state as well.

[slamont61]

You can write your own ticket with that degree. You need to decide weather or not you want to live in the city - or out in the country. We do have hospitals out here in the woe begotten lands that time forgot. Just kidding, time didn't forget us. It just runs a little slower out here.

Minnesota has the very best of both worlds. The twin cities are way above average for City life and the balance of the state has SO MUCH nature and small towns that its incredible. Incredibly beautiful that is. Really it's a choice you'll have to make sooner or later but the options are there.