Recent College Grad Moving to Minn - Relocation Question (Minneapolis: apartments, foreclosed)

[queencity1]

My daughter is moving to Minn to begin her career - near Nicollette Mall. We are coming to the city soon for the first time to find an apartment. Have looked at tons of apartment rentals online, but we don't have a clue about a safe neighborhood for her to live. Train and bus transporation very important.
I'm looking for suggestions on safe neighborhoods - - - where would you want YOUR daughter to live?? Thanks.

[K-Luv]

I would feel comfortable with my (hypothetical) daughter living in most Minneapolis neighborhoods with the exception of Phillips, Powderhorn and the West Bank. Uptown (made up of the East Lowry Hill and Carag neighborhoods) would be a good place as it is generally a younger crowd and pretty safe. The Whittier and Lyndale neighborhoods are generally cool, but they both have their shady spots and even the shady spots are safe during the day. Bus lines onto Nicolett that run pretty frequently from all of these locations.

The North Loop has some really cool studios and the area is safe during the day, however it is probably a bit too shady at night for a single female. Some of the best apartments/studios that the city has to offer, though.

The area around Minnehaha and the MOA would maybe be more ideal and totally accessible to the Light Rail into down town.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

I would feel comfortable with my (hypothetical) daughter living in most Minneapolis neighborhoods with the exception of Phillips, Powderhorn and the West Bank. Uptown (made up of the East Lowry Hill and Carag neighborhoods) would be a good place as it is generally a younger crowd and pretty safe. The Whittier and Lyndale neighborhoods are generally cool, but they both have their shady spots and even the shady spots are safe during the day. Bus lines onto Nicolett that run pretty frequently from all of these locations.

The North Loop has some really cool studios and the area is safe during the day, however it is probably a bit too shady at night for a single female. Some of the best apartments/studios that the city has to offer, though.

The area around Minnehaha and the MOA would maybe be more ideal and totally accessible to the Light Rail into down town.

I wouldn't let my dog live in most of the apartments around the MOA--pretty seedy area actually.

What type of neighborhood does she want--urban, suburban, rural?

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by golfgal

I wouldn't let my dog live in most of the apartments around the MOA--pretty seedy area actually.

Oh, well it looks nice

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Access to transportation is ample anywhere in Minneapolis proper. As a response to K-Luv's comment, I've lived in Powderhorn with my wife since the end of April and we haven't had any problems with safety. The light rail is over here in Powderhorn/Longfellow/Nokomis on the southside which is really nice. She could hop on the train for her work commute and save alot of money on gas and parking. However, as a recent college grad your daughter will have more things to do in the uptown/chain of lakes part of south Minneapolis. That area is densely populated and arguably the most vibrant part of the city.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I wouldn't want my daughter to live in Powderhorn alone, esp. if she is not familiar with the city. Uptown will be a good, safe area with some of the best transportation in the city. Lots of apartment options. Loring Park is also a good area, less gentrified and close to downtown. Lots of old brownstones, but just a little bit more dangerous than Uptown. The area around Nicollet is a little sketchier than the area around Hennepin, so it is a little cheaper. Look across the river from downtown, very safe and all necessities are right there. Depending on her level of city smarts, there shouldn't be a problem anywhere.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by golfgal

I wouldn't let my dog live in most of the apartments around the MOA--pretty seedy area actually.

Depends on how far away. I live in a building at the corner of Old Shakpoee and Old Cedar for roughly 12 years (Cedar Cliff Village), and it was just fine (roughly a mile away from the MoA). Of course, it's been eight years since I last lived there, but they had a fairly strict renter interviewing policy before.

You're right, though, that some of the complexes right next to the MoA aren't the best. Some of them were pretty bad even before the MoA was built.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by Slig

As a response to K-Luv's comment, I've lived in Powderhorn with my wife since the end of April and we haven't had any problems with safety.

You've lived there since April of this year? Give it some time and you'll see
There are many good, decent people that in Powderhorn and there are safe and even desirable parts of the neighborhood; however, as a whole, I would not recommend the place to a newcomer who is not familiar with the city/area.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Really the only complaint I have so far since moving into Powderhorn a few months ago is the foreclosed properties. It's a shame seeing immaculate lawns with beautiful gardens right next to a lawn I could mistake for a South American jungle. However, this makes for excellent investment opportunities for prospective buyers. Come on somebody, buy one up and be my neighbor!

[Globe199]

Originally Posted by golfgal

I wouldn't let my dog live in most of the apartments around the MOA--pretty seedy area actually.

What type of neighborhood does she want--urban, suburban, rural?

Where specifically are you talking about? A friend of mine lived in an apt just off Old Shakopee Road, very close to the MOA. It was a totally nice place, underground heated garage, newer everything.