relocation help

[betani]

wow - rent is awesome! we'd need to pay at least $2000/month here for a crappy tiny 2 bedroom!

sounds great! i'll definitely check out those neighborhoods! thanks so much for the help!

[uptown_urbanist]

Since you're artists, here's a fact I just came across that you might enjoy: the Lyndale neighborhood of Minneapolis (one of the formal neighborhoods that overlaps with the informal Lyn-Lake neighborhood) supposedly has the highest numbers of artists in the country. Not sure how they calculate that -- maybe per capita based on census tract? -- but in any case, there are lots of artists. (there are also a lot of arts organizations in the immediate area) A fair number of kids, too, (more of a family artist vibe than the young hipster feel that you sometimes get in parts of nearby Whittier or the Wedge) and lots of community-sponsored events and activities for the kids (including community arts projects). And a nearby community garden, parks with playgrounds, an ice cream factory with cafe, and lots of other businesses/restaurants/shops (but still very residential in feel). Some blocks are nicer than others, but for the most part it's a pretty safe neighborhood. Rents will be a bit cheaper there than on the other side of Lyndale, too.

[betani]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Since you're artists, here's a fact I just came across that you might enjoy: the Lyndale neighborhood of Minneapolis (one of the formal neighborhoods that overlaps with the informal Lyn-Lake neighborhood) supposedly has the highest numbers of artists in the country. Not sure how they calculate that -- maybe per capita based on census tract? -- but in any case, there are lots of artists. (there are also a lot of arts organizations in the immediate area) A fair number of kids, too, (more of a family artist vibe than the young hipster feel that you sometimes get in parts of nearby Whittier or the Wedge) and lots of community-sponsored events and activities for the kids (including community arts projects). And a nearby community garden, parks with playgrounds, an ice cream factory with cafe, and lots of other businesses/restaurants/shops (but still very residential in feel). Some blocks are nicer than others, but for the most part it's a pretty safe neighborhood. Rents will be a bit cheaper there than on the other side of Lyndale, too.

that neighborhood sounds great! we'll definitely be looking into there.

[lalife]

Originally Posted by golfgal

I would say Edina around 50th and France will give you the best options for urban living and good schools along with an easy commute.

Yeah, those condos right on on the corner of 50th and France go for a paltry million $$$$$$$. Perhaps, you can check into those?

Seriously tho, there are MANY other areas of the Twin Cities that are nice and more affordable.

People who can afford to buy expensive art live around the 50th and France area, however it is by no means an area that artists live.

[Camden Northsider]

I agree that Uptown area (as mentioned by Uptown Urbanist) and/or Whittier sound like a good fit based on what you're looking for- good access to public transit, walkable, artsy, urban in feel. A lot of Uptown won't be as diverse as you're used to, but outside of a few exceptions, the more dense urbanized areas of Mpls tend not to be too diverse (but still fairly diverse for MN standards)- if looking for a more diverse/international feel with a lot of the same qualities, you could check out the areas around Nicollet's Eat Street (including Whittier), the Cedar Riverside/Seward area, and/or areas around Lake Street east of Lyndale. Northeast and some areas of North also have some artsy areas, but they are more residential in nature so may not be quite what you're looking for.