Short-term / Long-term options in Twin Cities

[rzzz]

Downtown has a mix of new old older stuff.
It really depends on the particular street and building.
It's generally pretty safe. There were those flash mob things but that seems pretty random. Personally when I am there I worry more about getting hassled by some drunk Twins fans than I do flash mobs.

But yeah if there are deals there they are worth checking out. If you expand out of that immediate st. paul area there are loads of options.

[xandrex]

Originally Posted by darin3

I'm seeing TON of choices in/around downtown Minneapolis. Should I be looking there as well?

It really does depend on where near downtown you are looking. Some areas near downtown are a bit seedy or at least questionable. Other places are gorgeous. Where exactly are you seeing places that interest you?

You should be able to find something for $650, but that is more in the studio range than 1-bedroom. Most decent 1-bedroom places start in the low $700s and work their way up to $1200 or more. Of course, that higher end is mostly the new, super great stuff.

There should be at least a few sublets near the University area that are 1-bedrooms. I'm subletting something myself (or rather, completely took over someone's lease for the remaining 8 months) and there were certainly other options available. The University area has many quiet spots (mine included) that are close to downtown, and this is especially true in the summer when so many students leave.

[rzzz]

Oh I will say the main reason I don't like the downtown and near downtown areas of MPLS is because you still need a car to live most anywhere in the Twin Cities, and parking in those neighborhoods sucks. Especially on a budget. It might be cool if you had a place with a parking garage. But doubt that is gonna happen with a $650 budget.

[xandrex]

Originally Posted by rzzz

Oh I will say the main reason I don't like the downtown and near downtown areas of MPLS is because you still need a car to live most anywhere in the Twin Cities, and parking in those neighborhoods sucks. Especially on a budget. It might be cool if you had a place with a parking garage. But doubt that is gonna happen with a $650 budget.

I suppose this depends on how close to downtown he actually means. A place like Whittier, for instance, is pretty close to downtown, and while parking would be tight, it would be entirely possible to find a spot on the street. Loring Park would likely be the same. Now if you live in a condo somewhere in Downtown West, then yeah, you're definitely gonna have some parking problems (although I assume any place you would find would have an underground/garage spot, as street parking wouldn't work.

[darin3]

Thanks for all the input. Moving along in the process and it's looking like a reality. I really want the downtown vibe, being able to walk to bars, restaurants, grocery store, etc.

Looking at Loring Park, but the options are limited. Looks like Stevens Square is also pretty close to downtown and has similar "walk scores" to Loring Park.

Now, I've been told by some sources there in the Twin Cities that Loring Park is one of the more... well... gay-friendly? neighborhoods in Minneapolis. I most certainly don't have any issue with that, but I would of course rather my bars be of the "sports bar" or "regular joe bar" variety.

So, I guess my questions are... are there good/"normal" bars in Loring Park? Or are some downtown destinations close enough to walk to?

And... is Stevens Square a good, safe alternative?

Thanks for everything, folks. This is a fantastic board!

[ManBearPig1]

Downtown isn't that big here. All of downtown is within walking distance from Loring Park. Loring Park pretty solidly residential, so all the amenities you'll take advantage of, for the most part, are the general downtown amenities. There are plenty of "normal" bars etc.

Some people on here consider Stevens Square a little sketchy, but it's mostly fine if you're street smart about things. I think it's fine, but as a purely relativistic matter, I would rate it as a bit sketchier than Loring Park.