Rents in Saint Paul MN? (Maplewood, Richfield: hardwood floors, apartments, rental)

[tommyp1]

The city data stats give the median rent of $750-$800. That seems a bit unrealistic. I never 'got-off' much on "wood-floors" or antique cabinetry etc. I grew up in Merriam Park (Cleveland & Laurel) and it's funny that neighborhood isn't mentioned on city-data (instead, they list Macalestar-Groveland). Anyway, I moved back to St Paul 5+ years ago but chose the WRONG area IMO: downtown (Sibley St). I left. Now I'd like to return but live on the #21 Selby-Lake line on Marshall ave. It's also a great cycling/walking area. I'm totally "green." It's an ideal location for getting anywhere in the Cities...but maybe the landlords KNOW that and thus the high rents? I'm trying to stay within $500-$600 and when I stayed dntn on Sibley it was at a "Fed tax-credit" (rent control) unit. I don't know if that exists in Merriam Park? Thanks for reading.

[tjasse]

Good luck. I just looked at 1BR apartment in Merriam Park and it was $1425. Median rent in the entire metro area is now over $1000. You could maybe find a studio in Little Canada or Payne Phalen for $600, but I doubt even that.

[uptown_urbanist]

On padmapper I see a $675 apartment at 2214 Marshall, and that looked like the absolute cheapest in the area. You may be able to find a roommate situation somewhere in or near Merriam Park (i.e. get a 2-BR for $1200 and you'd still be on budget).

[Radical_Car]

I got some friends in Maplewood who pay $630 for a 1 bedroom and some in champlin that pay around $650 for a 1 bedroom.

My sister and I are paying slightly over $900 for a huge 2 bedroom+ den in New Hope.

And I lived in a place in Richfield at the time in 2011 was $620 for a 1bedroom, not sure what it is now. But I always find the median rents exaggerated. But yet myself and majority of friends are in our 20s and working dead end retail jobs and live in just basic apartments without hardwood floors, french doors, antique cabinetry and stainless steel appliances.

[BillWallace]

I would use a tool like rentometer or padmapper to gauge the going rents for any address. They are going up at a pretty good clip in the past year (I own 11 rental properties).

[tommyp1]

Originally Posted by Radical_Car

I got some friends in Maplewood who pay $630 for a 1 bedroom and some in champlin that pay around $650 for a 1 bedroom.

My sister and I are paying slightly over $900 for a huge 2 bedroom+ den in New Hope.

And I lived in a place in Richfield at the time in 2011 was $620 for a 1bedroom, not sure what it is now. But I always find the median rents exaggerated. But yet myself and majority of friends are in our 20s and working dead end retail jobs and live in just basic apartments without hardwood floors, french doors, antique cabinetry and stainless steel appliances.

Thanks anyway. Your screen name models your reply. I'm a city boy all the way.

[tommyp1]

Originally Posted by BillWallace

I would use a tool like rentometer or padmapper to gauge the going rents for any address. They are going up at a pretty good clip in the past year (I own 11 rental properties).

Good reply. I just got on Craigslist and your suggestions are next. It's early. Just doing some research before Summer: the festival time in the TC AND Minnesota's 2nd only season: LOL.

[silverjet]

I live in Cathedral Hill by the 21 bus and the usual rent for a studio or 1 bedroom is anywhere from 750 - 900+ bucks. Craigslist is going to be your best bet for scooping any real deals. You can find cheaper for sure. Depends on if you're open to looking at other areas of St Paul also. I'm looking at this Padmapper site and see a fair number of places in the 600-700 range on Grand, Marshall, Cleveland Ave...even my area has some.

[tommyp1]

Originally Posted by silverjet

I live in Cathedral Hill by the 21 bus and the usual rent for a studio or 1 bedroom is anywhere from 750 - 900+ bucks. Craigslist is going to be your best bet for scooping any real deals. You can find cheaper for sure. Depends on if you're open to looking at other areas of St Paul also. I'm looking at this Padmapper site and see a fair number of places in the 600-700 range on Grand, Marshall, Cleveland Ave...even my area has some.

Thanks for your reply. I'm on Craigs, padmapper, and rentometer and yes you're right "cheaper" are available in those areas. What's amazing is the variance in rents eg. @ Cleveland & Laurel (next to St Thomas) the rent for a 1BR (700sq ft) is $840. Guess where the rental mgmt's office is?: East River Rd. They say they use a formula of sq ft to figure the rent but I believe it's the area that dominates (as well as the location of the rental office). It's early though. A move in May/June is my plan. Nostalgia and cycling is bringing me back (I think). I actually grew up on the above corner mentioned. I know "Cathedral Hill" well. I rented a few years ago at the "Plaza" apts (down from Garrison Keillors's Nina's coffee shop).

[uptown_urbanist]

I would say that location has more impact over rent than square footage. Number of bedrooms matter, of course, but a small 1-BR in a desirable location is going to cost a lot more than a huge 1-BR in a less desirable spot. Heck, even a 1-BR in a popular location could easily cost more than a 3-BR somewhere just two miles away. You definitely pay for location.