safe neighborhood for young family near downtown?

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Golfgal, didn't you say that the only time you come into the city is to go to the bus station? When was the last time you walked around Whittier with your family? Have you spent any time there in recent years? As noted, it all depends on what kind of neighborhood they want, and how close they want to be to work. I know families with small children who live in Whittier, and I've spent a great deal of time there with my son. They also have a great elementary school. Whittier may well not be the right choice, but depending on their needs and interests it could also be a great option.

Oh please, I have been the MIA several times. I said I try NOT to go into Minneapolis-big difference. It is not what I would consider a nice area, period. It's congested, many areas are very run down, parking is a nightmare. It would be a huge shock to someone coming from a rural area. There are better choices elsewhere. Just because people live there, doesn't make it a safe, nice area.

[audadvnc]

Of course, if you lived in one of those places that people like GG prefer, you'd have to put up with neighbors like GG...

[Laggard]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Oh please, I have been the MIA several times. .

Again, visiting an area gives you no real idea what the area is really like.

[uptown_urbanist]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Oh please, I have been the MIA several times. I said I try NOT to go into Minneapolis-big difference. It is not what I would consider a nice area, period. It's congested, many areas are very run down, parking is a nightmare. It would be a huge shock to someone coming from a rural area. There are better choices elsewhere. Just because people live there, doesn't make it a safe, nice area.

Many people -- reasonable people, people who appreciate historic architecture and the vibrant, walkable neighborhood and easy access to amenities (and who have the money to pick and choose where they live) -- would strongly disagree with you. That's why I asked what kind of neighborhood the OP wants. I, for example, would be absolutely miserable living somewhere like Rosemount. Others, obviously, are very happy there. Since you're so familiar with the MIA, have you been there in recent years? Whittier has changed quite a bit in recent years. Since you know the area, do you know the apartment buildings I was referencing? VERY nice, very clean, definitely not run down. Obviously people who prefer not to live in cities would hate living in Whittier. We don't know whether or not the original poster enjoys cities or not.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

I think it's valuable for the OP to receive varying opinions of certain areas. It's just important to make sure to be aware that what you are posting is just your personal opinion and may not be what other people think and may not reflect their experiences. I think where people get into trouble is when they start posting strong uncompromising statements, such as an area is "NOT NICE", etc. It's not useful to anyone when you try to spin off subjective statements as objective data. I happen to agree with Uptown on the MIA area...and especially the homes lining the park on the north side of the building are very unique and historical building and being across the street from a great city park would be very nice. If the OP is looking to live very close to work and likes urban environments I think that area would be a superb choice.

[glemily]

Thanks for all the info. It is really hard to tell what someplace is like by the pictures.
I have never lived in a city, but am looking forward to the experience. I'm not exactly a country bumpkin either. =) I just want to make sure that we are in a safe neighborhood, with a nice feeling of community where my son and I could be outside safely. We have a dog, we like to be outside. Near a park or bike path would be great. I like interesting architecture, different people. We want some quality of life, a place we can feel comfortable and at home in without having to spend a lot of time and money commuting.

[Ben Around]

Seward, Prospect Park or Longfellow, you can't go wrong for family friendly, and all within easy distance of Phillips.

[glemily]

Thank you! The longfellow neighborhood is looking very promising and family friendly. I really appreciate all the help.

[uptown_urbanist]

Longfellow is very nice. It seems to be a very popular neighborhood for families these days, too, so you'll be in good company.

As an aside, also check out the ECFE (early childhood family education) program run through the school district; ECFE is very popular in Minnesota, and is a great way to meet other families with young children. They have classes and events at several different locations in the city (not sure the closest to Longfellow), with both daytime and evening options.

[JWVZ]

I second the Longfellow suggestion. I grew up in rural MN, and live in Longfellow with my husband and two very young children (toddler and newborn) and it's a wonderful place to live. I feel very safe, and the area has wonderful amenities and things to do (especially outdoors - lots of bike and walking paths, parks, etc).