I know there is another Mineapolis or Spokane, but the info there is not what i need (Minneapolis: apartments, rent)

[Tracy_M_L]

Ok, so i am 19 year old liberal/democrat single female from Orange County CA and i am eagerly wanting a change of scenery and plan to move out within the next couple of months. I grew up here so i have nothing holding me back as to where i go all i need is a place for me, my dog and i plan to be getting another one, and i would like to eventually bring my horse over.

I plan on renting, for a while most likely an appartment. I know nothing about Minneapolis but i was told it might be what i want. I want the 4 seasons, scenery of mountains/rivers/lakes, cold weather plus loads of snow, affordable living for someone out on their own, someplace safe, not a hicktown, still a large enough city so i can find a job. Job wise i will have to find a job. Also still have a nightlife and outdoorsy area.

I would also like to know what kind of monthly income do you think a single person can live off of in Minneapolis.

Also could you tell me why or why not to chose Minneapolis over Spokane WA, and Denver CO

[Astron1000]

Originally Posted by Tracy_M_L

Ok, so i am 19 year old liberal/democrat single female...

That's enough right there to avoid Spokane.

Originally Posted by Tracy_M_L

...someplace safe, not a hicktown, still a large enough city so i can find a job.

More good reasons to avoid Spokane.

Originally Posted by Tracy_M_L

Also still have a nightlife...

Ditto.

Minneapolis/St.Paul is nearly 8 times larger than Spokane, and more than a million people larger than Denver. The Twin Cities also have vastly larger and more numerous corporations than either of the other two (for job-hunting purposes). However, that doesn't mean it will be a good fit for you. You should really make trips to all three to try and get a feel for the places, even though that might be too expensive for you. I've been to Spokane many times. It's OK but I could never live there. I happen to love Denver, and would consider moving there. But I would miss the cultural amenities of Minneapolis.

On the other hand, I don't know of any apartments in Minneapolis that allow horses...

Regarding income, it depends on what you want for a quality of life. A nice 1-bedroom apartment in a decent area might set you back anywhere from $800-$1200 a month, and if you want to spring for a superior place in a great neighborhood (such as "blue" apartments in Uptown) you'll be spending about $1400-$1700 per month for a 1-bedroom. You can save on that by getting an older "garden-level" apartment in a good neighborhood for maybe $600-$700, or going the studio apartment route, or even get by more cheaply by renting rooms in one of the many mansions in the cities. It's also pretty easy to find roommates.

The cost of car ownership here is similar to most other places in the US. There is no tax on clothing or groceries in Minnesota, so you save a bit there. So, basically, it entirely depends on what you want your quality of life to be.

[Aylalou]

Someone asked about these two cities last week. Do a search here, and you will find out more.

[SassyBelle]

Regarding a horse, there are stables here where you can pay to keep your horse. I don't know much about it other than I have had clients who used the services.

[knke0402]

I found the best bet in the Twin Cities is finding a random roomate, if youre comfortable. Many people bought up the townhome developments around the metro like crazy. We all know what im talking about-they are everywhere. People are starting to realize they cant afford them. So the rent out the rooms. Most of the time you can find a young professional who works full time adn is hardly ever around. Not bad for $600/month brand new Townhome in a nice area with brand new appliances and no maintenance.

[acrylic]

If you're looking for mountain scenery, you're out of luck in MN. Technically, there's only one mountain in MN, Eagle Mountain, which is way far away from Minneapolis. Pretty close to Canada actually. But if it's lakes you want, this is the right state. There's a ton of lakes here. Night and day difference when flying over a place with not much water (such as AZ), and landing in Minneapolis. It's very interesting. You'll get loads of cold and snow here. As far as affordability goes, if you're able to afford OC, you'll be able to afford Minneapolis, no doubt. =)

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by acrylic

If you're looking for mountain scenery, you're out of luck in MN. Technically, there's only one mountain in MN, Eagle Mountain, which is way far away from Minneapolis. Pretty close to Canada actually. But if it's lakes you want, this is the right state. There's a ton of lakes here. Night and day difference when flying over a place with not much water (such as AZ), and landing in Minneapolis. It's very interesting. You'll get loads of cold and snow here. As far as affordability goes, if you're able to afford OC, you'll be able to afford Minneapolis, no doubt. =)

Actually, Eagle Mtn is not the only one in the state, it's just the highest one. There are others in the same general vicinity, e.g., Oberg Mtn.

[Clifford63]

Originally Posted by Ben Around

Actually, Eagle Mtn is not the only one in the state, it's just the highest one. There are others in the same general vicinity, e.g., Oberg Mtn.

Eagle mountain is about 2800 ft above sea level. Somewhat of a loose use of the word mountian.

[acrylic]

I guess I just don't consider much of anything in MN a mountain. More like very tall hills. I remember thinking Spirit Mountain (ski hill) was an actual mountain, until I actually travelled and saw what a mountain actually was, haha.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by Clifford63

Eagle mountain is about 2800 ft above sea level. Somewhat of a loose use of the word mountian.

True!