RELOCATING TO: DAKOTA COUNTY (Disabilities & Foster Care to Adoption) (Minneapolis: apartments, renting)

[think.reciprocity]

This is specifically for anyone who may have knowledge of DIVERSITY/INCLUSIVENESS (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Disabilities, Housing Access - read on for more) within Dakota County - preferably the closer to Richfield/Minneapolis as possible.

I am looking to move sometime between June and October of this year.


Here are some details:

1. I intend to begin adoption of children aging out of foster care (14-21 yrs) and I want to live somewhere that will have the least barriers as possible for them - as I will primarily be focused on BIPOC & LGBTQ+ kids/young adults who already are facing a great deal.

2. I am very city, very East Coast type of personality - so having moved to Richfield 7 years ago felt like a HUGE stretch as it was. I have established myself here, I have created community. I need to be selective in what area to move within Dakota county to improve my likelihood of again creating community & fitting in without having to fundamentally change who I am. The only thing conservative about me is my fiscal attitude - and even then, I don't feel the need to force it upon anyone else. I am Secular Humanist / Atheist - which is only an issue in that it can be an issue for others.

3. I live in an area, now, that is very dense - so most everything I need is within a couple miles of where I live - as a person with multiple complex disabilities - leaving this is very concerning to me. So, trying to find something somewhat similar is a priority.

4. I am 55 years old and a very able very disabled person. I am active in my local and state communities in as many ways as my disabilities allow - so being near major roads, highways, thoroughfares is essential - with ability to connect to excellent internet connection (for the committees I sit on and such). I volunteer regularly.

5. I have a Housing Choice Voucher for people with disabilities (which is portable & therefore comes with me) - and that is my major concern for finding decent housing that I can live in long term - to either age in place or live there until or unless I marry and move elsewhere.

I am seeking a 2 bdrm unit - NOT in Senior Housing because of my adoption plans. I do not wish to live in housing that is only for housing that is subsidised because I want to bring my children up in an environment that offers them a diverse range of neighbours & therefore they get to observe people from all walks and economic backgrounds within their immediate home environment.

6. I have lived in this apt for 7 years and lived with my previous landlord for 15. I'm stable, quiet, and I pay my bills on time. I have phenomenal credit. I have no criminal background (though I do not judge those who do - this is a common question when renting). I am not ever late on my rent.

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I am moving only because I am unable to access my in home health services I desperately need whilst remaining in Hennepin County. Those whom I have in my life who I trust - all of them - have implored me to move out of this county so that I can begin to thrive again. (Which means this has been a long-standing issue that remains unresolved - and although the crisis regarding in home employees because of COVID has made this worse - it is NOT the reason for these issues. I would not even be considering moving from the last place my only child was alive unless I felt I had no other choice.)

Back story - my only child died in 2016 and though I managed my health quite well for a time, I am declining and I need this help that technically is available to me.

There are other counties - but Dakota county is the closest to where I am currently, a couple of my specialists have satellite offices in Dakota County cities, and I think that it would be the least disruptive move I could make. Additionally, of the counties that are near to the inner city - Dakota County is one that has a decent reputation in administering these services I need.

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MY QUESTIONS OF THOSE WHO MAY HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE (vs just throwing a rando opinion out there)

1. Is there a city you would recommend over others
or others you'd definitely say are NOT good options given what I have shared?
And, details as to why and what areas specifically because I know NOTHING about any of the areas of Dakota County.
For instance - Richfield & Bloomington are referred to as East & West of each city and one is DEFINITELY considered "better" by many, if not, most.

2. Are there Property Mgmt Companies you would suggest or Landlords you would recommend? All info you can provide would be appreciated.

3. Specific properties you know of or have seen that you might suggest? Name, info, why you'd recommend them, etc.

4. Although I do not use public transportation - thinking ahead to when I have adopted - knowing if these properties have access to public transportation would be helpful as well.

5. Do you have recommendations on places to go or things to do that will help me better acclimate once I do move? I am kind of presuming that I am limiting my search to Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Apple Valley - though, nothing is written in stone.

I just have no idea where to start AT ALL. Let's face it - Housing Assistance is not widely welcomed - nor those who have it. When I moved here, this was literally the ONLY place that would take me - so as a person with a major anxiety disorder - this is extra hard.

Thank you... Sam's mom

[Rhody2Mn]

First, you have my sympathies for the loss of your child. That leaves an everlasting pain that no parent should have to endure.

I can’t answer many of your specific questions in depth, but I live in Dakota County and think it is a great place to live. There are, however, few if any parts that will offer the “urban density” feel you’re seeking. That said, I’d recommend looking at Apple Valley near its “downtown” district (the area of County 42 and Cedar Ave) as there are multiple shops, restaurants, clinics, and other important places concentrated in that vicinity which are easy to access. There are also several new apartments off Galaxie Ave in the area that are worth checking out. As far as public transit, Cedar Avenue is served by the Red Line which will take you to Mall of America where you can transfer to other buses or the light rail. If you choose to drive, it’s only about 15-20 minutes to Richfield or Minneapolis during non-peak hours on Cedar Ave.

Apple Valley, Rosemount, and southern Eagan are also served by District 196 which is one of the best school districts in the state, so I’d suggest looking at these communities. I can’t speak specifically to the LGBTQ or BIPOC atmosphere but there may be support groups for such students as, although Dakota County is relatively homogenous, it has more diversity than it used to and in general people are quite friendly and welcoming so I don’t think you’ll have an issue becoming a part of and embracing the community.

There are new apartments in the Eagan area by Central Park that are relatively close to places you’ll need, so that might be worth looking into as well, but be aware that not all of Eagan is part of District 196 (and I don’t think the area to which I’m referring is). The advantage of that area is that it is also only about 15-20 minutes to get to Richfield or Minneapolis by car during non-peak hours as it is served by Interstate 494, 35E and Cedar Ave. Eagan also has stops on the Red Line.

I wish I could assist further but hopefully this will give you some ideas to consider as you begin your search. Best of luck to you!

[Camden Northsider]

Hi Think,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your child - and your unfortunate need to move. I debated whether or not to comment here as I know next to nothing about Dakota County-- however, am curious as to why you didn't include West St Paul on your list? I believe Burnsville and West St Paul would be the most racially diverse of Dakota County's cities (with Burnsville having a slight lead). I don't know much about West St Paul, but have heard it's a nice community, and would assume it has more density than the rest of Dakota County being so close to urban St Paul?? That said, I have always been pleasantly surprised by Burnsville on the handful of occassions I have needed to go there- much more diverse than I would have expected, and its downtown area struck me as being pretty vibrant and progressive for a south suburban city.

Wish I could be more helpful-- best of luck to you on this next chapter and move!

[Rhody2Mn]

Originally Posted by Camden Northsider

Hi Think,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your child - and your unfortunate need to move. I debated whether or not to comment here as I know next to nothing about Dakota County-- however, am curious as to why you didn't include West St Paul on your list? I believe Burnsville and West St Paul would be the most racially diverse of Dakota County's cities (with Burnsville having a slight lead). I don't know much about West St Paul, but have heard it's a nice community, and would assume it has more density than the rest of Dakota County being so close to urban St Paul?? That said, I have always been pleasantly surprised by Burnsville on the handful of occassions I have needed to go there- much more diverse than I would have expected, and its downtown area struck me as being pretty vibrant and progressive for a south suburban city.

Wish I could be more helpful-- best of luck to you on this next chapter and move!

Burnsville and West St Paul are more racially diverse than other Dakota County cities as you state, and Burnsville has some nice apartments around the “Heart of the City” (its own version of a downtown), but I hesitate to recommend it fully because the school system overall just isn’t on par with District 196.

Burnsville is served by both Interstates 35E and 35W, the latter of which can get you to Richfield or Minneapolis in about 25 minutes in non-peak hours. From a transit perspective the Orange Line connects Burnsville to downtown Minneapolis. It definitely has everything you’d need nearby from hospitals and clinics to shops and restaurants. Again my only concern would be the schools. I’d check further into them, because if they will work for you, Burnsville would be a good option to consider.