Suggest safe areas near U of M, Saint Paul (Columbia Heights: real estate, condos)

[justsomeusername]

Hi

I recently moved to Twin Cities. My wife is a PhD student and works in a lab on Saint Paul campus most of the time. I have a home office so we would prefer to live close to campus. I am planning to buy a house somewhere near Saint Paul campus so that the commute to lab would be easier. We plan to stay here for next 5 years or so. Since we are new to the Minnesota - Twin Cities, if someone can guide me a little bit about the areas around Saint Paul that we can consider, that will be really helpful. I am looking for min. 3Br 2Bath house or a townhome.

I was seriously considering a townhome in Ryland Homes in Columbia heights but my real estate agent suggested that the crime rate is high in that neighborhood. We had really liked the townhome and the price was great too. I have heard mixed reviews from others about the neighborhood so I am really confused whether to take his advice or ignore it and buy a house in Columbia Heights.

Please help me by commenting about columbia heights area or by suggesting safe neighborhoods within 10 to 15 miles of driving distance from Saint Paul campus.

I tried looking at the map and visiting a few websites but it doesn't really tell how safe the neighborhood is.

Thanks

[BillyB]

I was quite surprised when they built those condos in Columbia Heights, which has a reputation for problems.

The area around the Saint Paul campus is very desirable. Not much townhouse developments, but there is a nice stock of ~50 year old houses.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by justsomeusername

Hi

I recently moved to Twin Cities. My wife is a PhD student and works in a lab on Saint Paul campus most of the time. I have a home office so we would prefer to live close to campus. I am planning to buy a house somewhere near Saint Paul campus so that the commute to lab would be easier. We plan to stay here for next 5 years or so. Since we are new to the Minnesota - Twin Cities, if someone can guide me a little bit about the areas around Saint Paul that we can consider, that will be really helpful. I am looking for min. 3Br 2Bath house or a townhome.

I was seriously considering a townhome in Ryland Homes in Columbia heights but my real estate agent suggested that the crime rate is high in that neighborhood. We had really liked the townhome and the price was great too. I have heard mixed reviews from others about the neighborhood so I am really confused whether to take his advice or ignore it and buy a house in Columbia Heights.

Please help me by commenting about columbia heights area or by suggesting safe neighborhoods within 10 to 15 miles of driving distance from Saint Paul campus.

I tried looking at the map and visiting a few websites but it doesn't really tell how safe the neighborhood is.

Thanks

There are lots of new 2-3 bedroom townhomes being built just west of the University Ave./ Hwy 280 intersection. It would be a 5 minute drive/10 minute bus ride/15 minute bike ride from the St Paul Campus. A co-worker has lived there for over a year and she loves it.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I would suggest the Prospect Park area of Southeast Mpls.; it is right on University Avenue. The area has alot of professors and Univ. employees, is safe, quiet and has a nice stock of older houses that have been well-maintained. Falcon Heights (where the Saint Paul campus is actually located) also has alot of professors and has a great stock of mid-century ramblers.