Rochester apartments (not too far from downtown) (St. Paul: hardwood floors, rentals)

[kindofindie]

Hey everyone:

I'm planning a move to Rochester at the beginning of October to take a job there. Right now, I live about 4 hours away, but I have to start looking for an apartment. I know the city a little, and I've had the chance to drive around a bit.

I'm looking for an older apartment building in the central city (or not too far out). The five apartments I've lived in since college have been older, with hardwood floors and natural light and a lot of character. I'm looking for something similar. It doesn't have to be big...it's just me who's moving. Online searches and glossy apartment magazines generally only turn up the big suburban complexes, and I can't stand places like that. I've spent most of my life in St. Paul, and then went to college in Milwaukee, so I'd like to keep the urban feel.

Does anyone have any ideas on where I should look, geographically? I'll be checking the Post-Bulletin and Craigslist for listings, but I probably just need to get up there and start looking. I'm particularly interested in the downtown and southwest areas, but I'm flexible. I'll be working downtown.

Also, any ideas on good rental companies? I'm aware of Paramark and RGI Group. Paramark has a couple of buildings over by St. Mary's that look pretty good as far as what I'm looking for.

Thoughts??

[fromupthere]

www.3rdavenueloft.com/index.html I've seen this one posted on Craig's list. I think it's close to downtown. To me it has that urban look but I've never been there. RochesterMNRentals This guy is a realtor who has rentals. He might be able to help you out.

I have a friend who has a rental property and he doesn't have good things to say about RGI.

Check out rent.com too. You might find something there. I've never paid that much attention to what's for rent downtown. If you are going to be working for Mayo, they may have info for you too.

If you have any more questions, just ask.