Brooklyn Park or Bloomington (Minneapolis, St. Paul: apartments, rental, low crime)

[Man On the Move]

Could someone please share about these two areas: Brooklyn Park and Bloomington. How's the community, the school system. the local economy, business in the area, apartments (3 bedroom) and prices recreation, recreation and sports for children and any other information you may want to share. What's the crime rate in those areas too. Please feel free to recommend other communities too.

[GBCommenter]

I think for both cities it actually depends on where within those cities. Both have good and less good areas. That said, I would say Bloomington probably has a better reputation. Do note, there is often an unofficial distinction between "West Bloomington" and "East Bloomington". It's nothing you'll see on a map and it's up to interpretation where "east" and "west" divide. However, there does seem to be a bit more upscale surroundings the further west you go.

Given the influence of Mall of America, MSP Airport, and more large companies, Bloomington probably has a better local economy (though that is on a very "micro-economy" level). It definitely has more shopping...again, Mall of America - though also Southtown shopping center. You're also just a few minutes to Southdale shopping center from Bloomington.

I know Bloomington has a fairly decent amount of recreation in terms of parks and such. BP may also have some, but I know it's a fairly decent park system. I think there's a pretty developed sports in the schools system developed.

Crime is higher in "East" Bloomington than "West", likely due to more rental housing that is generally lower priced rental, not to mention the influence of all the shoppers. That said, I think it will be more quality-of-life crimes than violent crime. BP seems to be perceived as more crime, at least in some areas. That said, some of the perception of BP crime may be more perceived than actual. I'm sure you could look to each cities police pages or look to websites that report crime reports on cities.

While I've been generally more positive on Bloomington, there are two downsides: more expensive and potentially worse traffic. Especially in I-494 during rush hours it's not a fun drive. A 3BR apt is probably in the area of $1000-1200/month, depending on quality of apartment. House rental probably $1500-2K. BP would be probably a little less (though maybe not a lot).

For schools, I'm not an expert by any means being a single guy with no kids. However, Bloomington seems to have a better impression in my mind, and especially if you look to "West Bloomington

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

As for crime neither are "dangerous" per se, but Bloomington may see a homicide or two on average every other year, while Brooklyn Park tends to see 3-5 each year on average.....but for other crimes I'm not sure BP is worse actually, especially petty theft (malls are biggest magnets for that).

[golfgal]

Those cities are on opposite sides of the metro. Where will you be working? Brooklyn Park is probably the "worst" suburb in the metro area. It has the highest crime rate, or one of the highest. There have been a lot of issues in the schools, etc. Bloomington is the better of the two but there are far better options all over the metro than either of these two. Curious why you have narrowed your choices down to these two suburbs?

[1stpontiac]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Those cities are on opposite sides of the metro. Where will you be working? Brooklyn Park is probably the "worst" suburb in the metro area. It has the highest crime rate, or one of the highest. There have been a lot of issues in the schools, etc. Bloomington is the better of the two but there are far better options all over the metro than either of these two. Curious why you have narrowed your choices down to these two suburbs?

I think of Brooklyn Center as being worse than Brooklyn Park, but that's sort of splitting hairs. BP also has a bit of a divide between north/south. I think the crime issues are more down near Brooklyn Center, while the northern end has some pretty decent areas.

I had the same first thought as GG, though, that these are a long ways apart to be considering them both.

[Man On the Move]

Golfgal, I haven't narrowed my choices down to these places. I met some people who knew some people who lived in Bloomington. Golfgal, you maybe some else have some better ideas. I'm willing to pay about 1200.00 a month for a 3 bedroom apartment. I plan to visit the area in Feb of next year too. How's the job market for Executive Chefs amd I notice 3 positions on Career Builder last night. I'm really into food and I love upscale dinning.

[GBCommenter]

I don't know that BP is the "worst" neighborhood, or that you can paint the entire city as crime-ridden ghettos. As mentioned, there are areas of BP that are decent enough. That said, I personally wouldn't likely look to BP in general unless there was some compelling reason such as job or "perfect house".

I will agree the two cities are on opposite sides of the city, though either of those cities are roughly equidistant to downtown Minneapolis. I realize you don't know where you'll work though and obviously not all Executive Chef jobs are in downtown Minneapolis. I guess, if possible, I would try to find the job first and then find the housing. It may not make sense to look at BP or Bloomington if you have a position in downtown St. Paul or further east.

I will say, be more specific in what you're looking for in an ideal location, if there are other aspects. You will find on this forum people tend to be very loyal to their community and will tell you how perfect their location is. Also let us know if you are only looking in suburbs or would consider city proper.

[jillinmn]

I moved from Bloomington to Brooklyn Park 22 years ago. I suggest that Bloomington is the better place to live (although my little neighborhood by the river is fantastic). I, too, would recommend the West Bloomington area.

[plain and simple]

Regardless of how politically correct you try to put it, the general consensus of these areas is this:

Brooklyn Park: Lower income, higher crime suburb considered by many to be an extension of North Minneapolis (the Hood). A run-down, ghetto burb with medium to medium-high crime compared to the other burbs. Can find "reasonably price" housing due to these things. It's not an unlivable place, but it's usually not anyone's first choice.

Bloomington: Wealthier suburb but loaded with middle class couples so deep in debt that they order one meal and split it. Especially West Bloomington, also known as PWB -- Prestigious West Bloomington. Nicer area with low crime but overly expensive housing. I had a one-bedroom apartment there in the late 90's and paid $960/month. It was your average apartment, nothing fancy. However, it did have an indoor pool and sauna.

[xandrex]

Originally Posted by plain and simple

Regardless of how politically correct you try to put it, the general consensus of these areas is this:

Brooklyn Park: Lower income, higher crime suburb considered by many to be an extension of North Minneapolis (the Hood). A run-down, ghetto burb with medium to medium-high crime compared to the other burbs. Can find "reasonably price" housing due to these things. It's not an unlivable place, but it's usually not anyone's first choice.

Bloomington: Wealthier suburb but loaded with middle class couples so deep in debt that they order one meal and split it. Especially West Bloomington, also known as PWB -- Prestigious West Bloomington. Nicer area with low crime but overly expensive housing. I had a one-bedroom apartment there in the late 90's and paid $960/month. It was your average apartment, nothing fancy. However, it did have an indoor pool and sauna.

Err...I can't say I've ever thought when driving through Bloomington, "Gee, those people in that beautiful house...they clearly split a meal cause they have so much debt!"

I mean, really, is there any proof Bloomington has some overabundance of debt-ridden families as compared to other cities?

I'd also hardly call Brooklyn Park "medium-high crime", though compared to other suburbs it certainly ranks higher up.