Central/Powderhorn neighborhood -- safety? (Minneapolis, Corcoran: rental, crime, house)

[JCav]

My daughter is graduating soon from a college just outside the Twin Cities area, and she and two roommates (1 male, 1 female) are looking to rent a house or duplex in Minneapolis. None of the three kids are from Minnesota (one from Colorado and two from Connecticut), but they have a little familiarity with the Cities from attending events during their 4 years in college (they're all music students).

They have found a possible rental in the Central neighborhood of the Powderhorn community, near Columbus and 32nd. I'm concerned about the safety of the neighborhood, especially for young women. I've looked at the police department's crime statistics maps, and this seems to be a pretty iffy area -- certainly not the worst part of town, but significantly more crime than areas a couple of miles further south, or west in Uptown.

I'd appreciate comments from anyone with experience of the area, and especially advice on other parts of town that would be more suitable but still relatively reasonably priced. Thanks in advance.

[west336]

Without opening a whole can of worms here (this is a sensitive subject to many), if it were MY DAUGHTER, I would absolutely not want her living in that neighborhood, but especially so considering they are unfamiliar with the city and may become easier targets. You are right, the area is iffy but there are definitely worse places, but there are also many better places and I think she can find something comparable in a better (and more fun) part of town.

However, I think you will find varying opinions about this, so wait to see more feedback before jumping to conclusions. Good luck!

[JCav]

Thanks, West. I will consider all the opinions I get. Certainly it is a sensitive subject.

Can you tell me some of the better (and more fun) parts of town that they might consider?

[west336]

By "more fun" I was referring to Uptown, as that's where I would go if I were a single student again. Also Northeast near the U of M sounds like a pretty decent area. There may also be neighborhoods that cater to music students and people of the arts....I want to say Whittier may be one....that she could look into to be closer to other people that share the same interests. Central just isn't any of these things in my opinion, especially near 32nd and Columbus.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

I live close to the Central neighborhood over in the Corcoran neighborhood (further east near the light rail). When I first moved into Minneapolis I moved to Uptown and that probably is a safer bet for younger people who aren't familiar with the area. Northeast and the Dinkytown area are also solid bets.

Central isn't unlivable but it is one of the more run-down neighborhoods in the city and historically there have been some crime issues there. I wouldn't write off all of South Minneapolis beings as I live there and absolutely love living there but yeah, the 3200 block of Columbus is definitely not one of the highlight intersections of the area. If they want to stay on the southside of the city I'd recommend they look on the other side of the freeway, south of there or east of there (in my neck of the woods).

[gearedtowardssalad]

I agree with Slig. Powderhorn is a really cool part of town, but has its shady pockets, and this happens to be one of them.

[uptown_urbanist]

I'd check out Whittier. It's cheaper than Uptown, a little more crime than Uptown (but still fairly safe overall), with lots of young people and things to do.

[JCav]

I "persuaded" my daughter and her friends (i.e., refused to co-sign the lease) to keep looking, and they have a lead now on a nice-looking place in King Field (Blaisdell and 40th). It looks much better, as far as I can see. Thanks to all for the input.

[west336]

It's really for her benefit, even if she doesn't see that yet. This area is definitely a step or two up from the other one -- in more ways than one!

[Cruz Azul Guy]

I'd give them a thumb's up for Blaisdell and 40th. I completely agree with west336 on this one. That location is a clear upgrade to 32nd and Columbus.