Neighborhoods to avoid (Minneapolis, Cleveland: new home, live, dangerous)

[Drewcifer]

I think a large swath of St Paul west of downtown and south of I-94 fits your criteria.

I love living in Minneapolis as a single person but if I had a family I would probably want to move to St Paul, it is more of a rooted community.

[audadvnc]

Originally Posted by psychegirl

I haven't explored the Twin Cities much, but liked what I've seen of Grand Ave area.

The Macalester/Groveland area of St Paul is one of the nicest places in the metro area, and there are several apartment buildings along Grand Ave. I lived on Wheeler, near St. Clair, for years, and always liked the neighborhood.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

For neighborhoods in southwest Minneapolis (will leave the other neighborhood suggestions to the others) I'd move Kingfield up high on the list, then. It's fairly diverse, safe, good food options, seems to have a lot of kids, and has duplexes within your price range.

Kingfield

Other neighborhoods on the other side of 35W could be an even better bet. Maybe Longfellow or Seward or one of the neighborhoods along the river, or over by Lake Nokomis. Or near the 48th/Chicago commercial district. 48th and Chicago - SCABA - Home

What she said!

[shizzy]

I live in the Regina neighborhood and think its quite nice.

one bit of advice I can give is to actually see and if possible walk the neighborhood a couple of seperate times and days of the week. I did this before buying my house last October. I checked it out during a weekday morning, weekday evening, Saturday night and a Sunday morning. A place can seem great on a Wednesday morning, but during the weekend it may turn in to a warzone. Maybe drive a few blocks in each direction to see how close to possible bad areas you are. Drive down a few alleys and see how things are kept up. Within great areas there are bad spots. If I go three blocks west of my house it gets a tad sketchy If I continue west its great. North of my house by more than 5 blocks is a little shady. If one were to go east or south you are in a great neighborhood.

you could also contact a Real estate agent. They may not be able to help you directly, but they could steer you to a person who could help you find a suitable place to rent based on your needs.

[audadvnc]

North Mpls is a good place to avoid this afternoon, unless you bring a chainsaw, and want to help cut up downed trees.

{edit} I just heard on the news that they are asking citizens to stay away from downed trees and not try to help cut them up. The danger of having a 10 ton tree roll over you is too great.

[audadvnc]

Originally Posted by shizzy

one bit of advice I can give is to actually see and if possible walk the neighborhood a couple of seperate times and days of the week.

Exactly so. +1

Also note that the "one bad apple" paradigm makes or breaks a neighborhood. Last year's party house with drugs, guns and police presence may have church ladies living there this year. That's the case of the house next to mine.

[sparksals]

Originally Posted by psychegirl

I haven't explored the Twin Cities much, but liked what I've seen of Grand Ave area. My husband and I like older neighborhoods and houses. I want somewhere that is family friendly and it would be a plus if there was a lot to do close by. It would also be a plus if there were good restaurants and more local type places (rather than chains). I would like to be able to feel safe walking outside at night. It would also be nice to have parks near by, but I'm guessing that most places will have those within a close distance.
Does that help? I'm not really sure what else to say. Safety and family friendly are probably our top priorities.

The suburbs are filled mostly with chains. In fact, it is quite the quest to find non-chain style restaurants. Sure, they exist, but not in great numbers. So the suggestions for Kingsfield and chicago avenue area would probably be best.

Do you have a car?

[psychegirl]

We do have a car. We aren't looking to live in the 'burbs, but wouldn't rule it out either.

[west336]

Shot in Minneapolis alley, he cried for help | StarTribune.com

So although this neighborhood didn't pop up in this particular thread, it has been mentioned before. I still don't think it's THAT dangerous, but this isn't a good way to show it....

...stories like this always are hard to read!!!

[audadvnc]

But you better watch out for those gangs of urban street toughs!