Central Neighborhood in Powderhorn (Minneapolis, Corcoran: buying a house, buying, to live in)

[shud85]

This is probably one of the most helpful forums I have ever seen when it comes to buying a house. I have been looking for quite a while and it would've been helpful to discover this earlier.

Anyway, I've been looking at buying a house in Minneapolis for about six months. After looking in both Northeast and in South I think I may have found one. However, it is in the central neighborhood in Powderhorn: 36th and Clinton. When I viewed the house, the street looked relatively well kept, but I just don't know that area very well.

I am 26 and so is my girlfriend who lives with me. We both work night shifts and often don't get home until 2 or 3am. We currently live off 42nd and Nicollet in the Kingfield neigborhood and love it.

Any information regarding this location would be greatly appreciated!

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Maybe the immediate block you're looking at is well kept but how do you feel about the surrounding blocks, especially up and down 4th Ave from Lake to about 42nd? I'm not sure where you're coming from but that part of town is pretty dumpy in my opinion. If you think that area has potential more power to you I guess. Personally, that is one of the few parts of South Minneapolis where I wouldn't live...and this is coming from a South Minneapolis resident. I'd be curious to see what other people think of that area though.

[Mason3000]

Originally Posted by Slig

Maybe the immediate block you're looking at is well kept but how do you feel about the surrounding blocks, especially up and down 4th Ave from Lake to about 42nd? I'm not sure where you're coming from but that part of town is pretty dumpy in my opinion. If you think that area has potential more power to you I guess. Personally, that is one of the few parts of South Minneapolis where I wouldn't live...and this is coming from a South Minneapolis resident. I'd be curious to see what other people think of that area though.

If I was 26, with no kids, wasn't creeped out by 46th and Nicollett & the price was right I'd go for it. I think the area has potential in that the homes tend to be nice, older two story houses at a great value but that's because the area is a little rough around the edges. I also think it'll get better there as Powderhorn undergoes a revitalization, but the area is still home to street gangs & corner boys and there have been several drive by shootings in the past year. Last thought...the neighborhood would do well with a name change imo. Who wants to live in an area called "Central"? I'd call it "West Powderhorn" or something.

[audadvnc]

When we were home shopping in town, we made special trips to the blocks we were interested in at various times of the day and evening. As for the "immediate block/surrounding block" issue, it depends on how wild the surrounding blocks are. I've got a problem house about 3 blocks away, but the trouble stays over there, so it's not on my radar unless I hear obvious gunshots; then I call 911 and let the police take over.

You need to go over there (and talk to a couple neighbors if possible) to see if it'll a problem for you.

[nick is rulz]

Central is ok, but its more block to block than Powderhorn or Corcoran. Of course, housing gets more expensive the further to the east you head.

I have a friend who lives in Central and her area seems nice but its kind of patchy the next block over. I cant say I would actively seek out to live there compared to where I am, but if I found something decent I would.