If you aren't stupid, how safe is Minneapolis? (Bloomington, Eagan: extended stay, apartment)

[toml0035]

Originally Posted by JenLee

I stand by what I wrote before:


I notice your name or ID is "Tom" and I suspect you are male. A woman should never wait at a DARK bus stop alone at odd times; no matter what city she lives in. A woman is going to find trouble if she does.

Actually I am a woman and I have lived in Minneapolis my whole life and have never owned a car.

[The Icy River Vagabond]

Most are date rapes at UofM. Every college town has a high rape rate.

[Navelinski]

I think "safety" is a perception and cannot be trusted completely. The recent murders in Waseka come to mind. A quiet, small, rural location - and even that doesn't mean you are safe.

Checking the Dept of Correctons website for sex offender records would be wise, especially if you have children: http://www.corr.state.mn.us/search/default.htm

I also like to make a mental note of any graffiti in my area. That will give you at least some indication of the existance of gang rivalries. The boundary between gangs can be troublesome when "turf wars" break out.

I grew up in Chicago and I feel more safe in Minneapolis than in my old South Side neighborhood (Roseland), but that is merely my perception...

[nick is rulz]

graffiti does not equal tagging. a lot of people do little else but tag. It doesnt necessarily indicate the presence of gang activity.

[SueJ999]

Wow, this thread is pretty scary for a mom of a 23 yr old daughter who either takes the bus or bikes from MCTC (downtown) to a few blocks south of the Lynlake (Lyndale & Lake Street) area of town! She's pretty wise there--no trouble so far; but there was a shooting (random?) a block from her house just a couple weeks ago.

[nick is rulz]

I live off 32nd and Lyndale. Contrary to what anyone may say, its much safer than you may think it is. No issues to speak of here.

[SueJ999]

Nick,

You're very close to where my daughter is--within a few blocks! I feel it's a fairly safe neighborhood, except for the recent shooting on 31st & Pleasant and the registered sex offender who moved in about the same block. Of course, knowing he's there, they can avoid him, especially since the notification had his picture on it!

So I suppose in answer to the "if you aren't stupid, is Mpls safe" question, the answer is yes!

[nick is rulz]

Pleasant has always been a pretty rough block near Lake...seems like an inappropriate name for the street, really. Even the rough stuff tends to be amongst people who know each other though...never just random shooting.

Generally anything west of Lyndale is great...east of it is fine to about Harriett, but then it gets a little more shaky but even there its a matter of just minding your own business and living your life.

Im sure your daughter knows the routine and does just fine and will stay that way

[JenLee]

I'm a nurse, and have always worked the "off shifts" (evenings or nights). I have waited at well lit bus stops with other people before; but I refuse to wait at a dark bus stop by myself.

I've always trusted my gut about a given situation: if something doesn't feel right to me, I'll stay on the bus and go out of my way to another bus stop rather than put myself in harm's way.

I figure that if a woman uses common sense, trusts her instincts and doesn't take chances; she will probably be safe 98% of the time.

But I also remember "rescuing" a strange young woman late one night on my way home from work because the situation just looked bad: she stepped out in front of my car and flagged me down as 2 bigger men seemed to be trying to corner her in the bus stop. She'd been drinking; and I gave her a ride home and warned her to only wait at busier bus stops.

[pdx060]

I'm going to be relocating to Minneapolis for a flight attendant position and will be commuting back home to Portland on my days off. My husband won't be moving to Minneapolis until our house is sold and he gets the loose tied up at work. So for approx. 6 months I'm going to be on my own with no vehicle. Due to the nature of my job I traveling to work at all hours of the night. Any recommendations for a safe transportation system that operates 24 hrs. I was considering using cabs but my friends family friend was raped by her cab driver, so even though it probably still is the safest method I refuse to use it. Also whats a good area to find a studio for rent with easy access to the airport?