New To Twin Cities (Minneapolis, Bloomington: apartments, rentals, loft)

[eloso]

I recently landed a job in Bloomington on Bush Lake Road and am a 24 year old single guy moving to Minneapolis. I'm looking to rent a 1br apartment or loft for max 1,100 per month plus some utilities. I’ve thought about downtown since I would be close to things and lots of people around.

Any suggestions on areas to live would be greatly appreciated. I will have a car to commute to work. Would like a place near other young professionals, not stuck out in the suburbs with families.
Looking forward to meeting new people and enjoy MSP, seems like a beautiful city!

Thanks!

[eloso]

Also would like to be somewhere somewhat diverse. I am from Maine but speak Spanish and am now moving from Mexico where I have lived and worked the last year.

[uptown_urbanist]

Check out Whittier, around Nicollet ("Eat Street") - lots of people your age, lots to do, diverse. Great restaurants, too!

[Cruz Azul Guy]

There is a significant population of Hispanics in South Minneapolis, Richfield and Bloomington. I have Hispanic contacts and friends in all of those areas. Richfield and Bloomington are suburbs extending south of Minneapolis and although both offer areas that are more urban in nature than other nearby surrounding suburbs, they aren't as urban, diverse or as vibrant as Minneapolis is. I think you would be very happy in the midtown area of South Minneaoplis. It is located in the area surrounding E Lake St and Chicago Ave and is characterized by Hispanic businesses, the Global Market, condos, apartments, the Midtown Greenway bike/walking path. As mentioned, Whittier is another option to consider. Whittier defines urban living in the Twin Cities, it's dense, diverse and has nearly all the amenities you need within walking distance. Both Whittier and the Midtown area are in the Powderhorn community but are seperated by the freeway.

[uptown_urbanist]

I agree; Midtown area would also potentially be a good fit. I have friends in their late 20s and early 30s who have bought houses over there, as there are some good deals to be found. There are plenty of rentals, too, of course. Lake Street as a whole has really seen some exciting revitalization over the past decade or so.