moving to minneapolis (Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato: fit in, 2010, apartments)

[vron812]

Hello all! Sorry to post another one of these threads, but I’m in need of some advice…

I’m a recent college grad thinking of moving out to Minneapolis this spring. I'm planning on taking a few courses at University of Minnesota over the next year and enrolling in a part-time graduate program for fall of 2010

I’m currently living in Philadelphia. I’m really into mountain biking, road biking, skiing, hiking, basically anything outdoors. I love cold weather and lots of snow! I want to live somewhere pretty diverse, with friendly people, and a variety of outdoor activities… which all led me to Minneapolis.

I have been reading however that it is a difficult city for meeting people. This worries me a little because I am 24, single, and interested in meeting other people with similar interests. I am fairly reserved myself, and often mistaken for being unfriendly or difficult to get to know (but I think I’m a pretty nice person actually!). I am hoping that this is the case in Minneapolis?

So basically, I want to live in a large city and meet other young people. Good grad schools to choose from and entry-level job opportunities are important factors. Do you think that Minneapolis is a good fit?

If so, which areas would you suggest looking for apartments? I don’t need much and am thinking around $500ish for rent. I’m not into the club/wild party scene but do like a decent nightlife where I can drink some beers and enjoy a live band. I do want to be around other young people. I will have a car and since I’m a female and will probably be living alone, safety is up there in priorities. After reading some other posts, I'm thinking uptown?

Also, is anyone willing to further advise me on some econ programs in the area? I’ve been researching a number of schools but I would like to get some opinions from local Minnesotians on the different schools/programs.

Sorry for such a long question! I know NOTHING about Minnesota. All I know is that I want OUT of Philly! I would really appreciate any suggestions or advice anyone could offer. Thanks so much!!

[uptown_urbanist]

Yes, I think Minneapolis sounds like a good fit. It can be tough to meet people, but I think that's true everywhere. You'll have an advantage because you're young and will be meeting people at your University classes as well - I think the biggest complaints in the friend-making department tend to come from older people moving to the suburbs (which is a tougher scene to crack, I think - people are just more established in their routines.) And yes, Minnesotans do tend to be a little more reserved than in some regions, but that doesn't mean they're not friendly. I think you'll be fine on that front. The University of Minnesota offers many, many good graduate programs, and if the economics program there doesn't suit you then you'll have other options around to choose from, too. The economy is rough, but that, unfortunately, is true everywhere. There are a lot of companies headquartered here, and although not all of them are thriving at the moment there are still some jobs out there to be found. You could also look at the University of Minnesota itself for a job; I think they offer good benefits, and you'd meet tons of people of similar age and with similar interests.

I'm biased, admittedly, but I highly recommend Uptown. For your budget you will probably either have to look for a studio (not sure what they start at, but there might be something in your price range) or find roommates. Uptown has people of all ages, but there are many, many in their 20s and 30s, many also looking to meet new friends. There are lots of entertainment options, and plenty of places to enjoy a good beer. (not Yuengling, though - at least I haven't found any yet!) There are also many outdoors activities in Uptown (lakes, bike trails, etc.). Skiing in MN tends to be cross-country, which is readily available locally. You have a car and will therefore have easy access to all sorts of other trails (ski, bike, hiking) around the metro area and beyond; there are some beautiful areas offering all sorts of outdoor activities to be found within a several hour drive of the Twin Cities. It's a completely different feel than Philadelphia, and while I love Philly Minnesota has a lot to offer, too. Parking generally isn't a problem, at least not compared to many neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Uptown is also pretty central, so with luck you won't be too far away from work.

I don't have it readily available, but I'm pretty sure that the relatively recent book Who's Your City? (by Richard Florida) ranked Minneapolis as a good option for young people.

[vron812]

Uptown_urbanist, thanks for the response, it was very helpful! And for confirming Uptown, I think it will work well for me. I’ve had seriously doubts about moving to Minneapolis and have nowhere to turn for advice so thanks!

Another question about schools:

I am having trouble finding schools that offer a master’s program in economics. Does anyone have any recommendations on schools in the Minneapolis area that offer a program? Right now it looks like Saint Cloud is the only option.

I know it’s a little far but do people live in Minneapolis and commute to Saint Cloud for classes?

If not, how is the living in Saint Cloud? I am looking for an urban setting with a lot of outdoorsy young people. What about job opportunities there? And I’m assuming living would be A LOT cheaper there than in Minneapolis? I keep reading that it is only a party school/town, but I went to James Madison University that had a bad rep for being a party school in Virginia, and the area itself is beginning to have a lot to offer. I’m guessing that’s true for Saint Cloud? Being 24 and looking to move away from the college scene would anyone still recommend living there?

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by vron812

I know it’s a little far but do people live in Minneapolis and commute to Saint Cloud for classes?

That's a 60-mile commute each way if you're coming from the Uptown area (which is in the southern part of Minneapolis). Granted it's on the interstate and mostly in the opposite direction from rush-hour traffic, but I have no idea how northbound I-94 is in the morning, and you'd have to get to I-94 in the first place.

I can't say anything about living in St. Cloud (I'm a Mankato State grad myself, and that long enough ago that what I remember probably doesn't apply anymore).

[kuan]

Originally Posted by vron812

I am fairly reserved myself, and often mistaken for being unfriendly or difficult to get to know (but I think I’m a pretty nice person actually!).

Oh I think you'll fit in just fine.

[golfgal]

St. Cloud isn't really any less expensive than the Twin Cities and you will probably have more job opportunities in the Metro area. One other place to consider would be Duluth.

[MplsTodd]

I'd be amazed if St Cloud is the only school offering a masters in economics, but I've never looked into it myself. I would have expected the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business to offer a degree in economics. Though I could be wrong.

If St Cloud is your only option, I wouldn't recommend commuting to Uptown, unless you really like lengthy commutes.

Regarding meeting people, there are lots of organizations, clubs et al here in the cities--good way to meet folks.

I think you'd like Uptown and the lakes.

[jonjacob_83]

I will say being 25yrs old in Minneapolis has been a lot of fun. I would recommend living in Uptown not St. Cloud just because there is a lot more to do here and its more diverse. As an outsider who moved here for school I would say Minneapolis is a great city. There is a lot to do here; great biking all over the city! I recommend living in Uptown or NE Mpls (artsy area and close to U of M).

I have two complaints about the Twin Cities; (the first won't bother you) winters are too cold and the second is Minnesotans take awhile to warm up to you. You are young and in school you won't have problems meeting people, plus the Minnesotans are helpful and friendly. When I first moved to town I got a flat tire in -10 degree weather... I had two different cars stop to ask if they could help. That's what we call "Minnesota Nice". Just remember give Minnesotans some time (they are a little cautious of outsiders). I think Mpls sounds like a good fit and I wish you the best of luck!

[knke0402]

Being a St Cloud State University graduate, I can personally vouch for the city, neighborhoods, and the University. The school's College of Business, G.R Herberger College of Business is a great school. It is highly regarded as one of the best in the midwest, and is very affordable. The CEO of Wells Fargo went there before Carlson at the U of M. The Economics department is great, I was a Economics minor, and the staff is very active, personal, helpful and knowledgable.

The city isn't the best place in the world, but basically it is what you make it. The bar scene for college kids is fun, if you're into that. There are decent job opportunities available, but jobs in the retail sector are saturated by poorly paid college students. The city is vibrant with the Colleges(SCSU, and SCTC and nearby SJU and CSB, also Rasmussen) and the proximity to I-94 and Highway 10 provide easy access and transportation to the Twin Cities (1 hr) and to Brainerd Lakes (1 hr) and to Alexandria lakes (1 hr). The city itself is self sustaining, but also considered a suburb or a part of the Twin Cities metro area. The city has its own news paper, and radio stations, but has access to Twin CIites radio and Television.

The school is a good choice if you're looking for affordability, tight-knit collegues and friendships. The University doesnt have the best reputation, but with a new president, many great things are starting to take shape, with expansions, additions, construction and programs/events to build campus life and relationships. Partying has become tammed enough to be respectable, and nothing more crazy than any other JOE UNIVERSITY in the United States. I am proud of the school, but it isnt a places that should be expected to be wonderful. It is what it is. It is an affordable state college, but the education and experience is first class.

[knke0402]

The only downsides to St Cloud is the lacking of diversity and things to do, such as nightlife or special interest - like coffee shops, or cafes with performers, or arts.