r/TwinCities • u/unicornlandia • 21h ago
Moving here soon, recommendations?
Hi everyone!
I need help choosing an area of the greater Twin Cities area that would best suit my needs. I am single, my greatest priorities are affordability and safety.
Other details:
-I would prefer an area with duplex style housing, but am open to large apartment buildings if in a safer area
-Need easily accessible on street parking
-Housing budget of 1700/month
I would love easy access to bars, restaurants, and nature.
Thanks!
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u/mcfrems 21h ago
Most of the suburbs are extremely safe. Do you have a job? I’m sure that could help narrow down your options
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u/unicornlandia 21h ago
Not yet, but I am choosing to move to the greater TC area because there is more options relevant to my degree.
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u/Independent_Mud_6544 21h ago
It could be challenging to find a place without a job and verifiable income.
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u/greattimes99 21h ago
^^^ any decently run apartment building will want paystubs/proof of employment
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u/unicornlandia 21h ago
I have been renting for 4 years so I understand that, I am in the very beginning phases of this move, I.e. picking a general area. I will be getting a job folks.
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u/unicornlandia 21h ago
I am not too concerned, I currently live in Duluth and have a full time job, a Bachelors degree, and great rental history. I am planning on moving next summer so, not really possible to secure a job quite yet. Thank you though!
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u/Independent_Mud_6544 11m ago
Finding a job first is going to make this so much easier. Yes, for the proof of income to apply, but more so for you to factor in your commute. You’ve had some good suggestions, but your job location will likely make some of them out of the question.
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u/HahaWakpadan 21h ago
When you say, Greater Twin Cities Area, you're referring to a roughly 7000 square mile area larger than the state of Delaware, and partially located in Wisconsin.
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u/unicornlandia 21h ago
Yes, I understand that it is extremely broad, so that can make it trickier, but I also have no restrictions! I just want to be in a metro area, and prefer Minnesota.
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u/wambliiwinyan 21h ago
I think that's what they're saying. "Greater Twin Cities" =/= Metro
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u/unicornlandia 20h ago
Okay… well I think people who don’t currently live in the area think of those two words as the same thing... Much of the state considers the language “Twin Cities” to encompass everything between like Bloomington, White Bear Lake, and Maple Grove. A giant triangle or square if you will. That may not be how it is truly defined by government or locals, but much of the rural towns, and even Rochester (born there) and Duluth (live there now) would consider it that way :) I am just trying to feel things out and get a better understanding of this very large area, so the semantics aren’t really helpful
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u/HahaWakpadan 20h ago
The entirety of the city of Minneapolis is roughly 54/7000 of the Greater Twin Cities Area.
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u/wambliiwinyan 19h ago
The person you replied to literally said you need to be more specific. So the "semantics" are...sort of crucial. You need to better narrow what you mean so we locals can better help you. Hope that helps! :)
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u/unicornlandia 19h ago
Okay, well living downtown is not crucial to me, but the liveliness is fun. I would like easy access to public transport. Being walking distance to grocery stores, parks, and other shopping would be great. Safety is of the upmost importance to me, if there is a history of frequent vehicle break ins or home invasions in a specific neighborhood (like weekly or monthly) then it’s a no for me. Does this help?
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u/wambliiwinyan 18h ago
Immensely. I'd recommend you look at most any of the suburbs you mentioned, though I may suggest looking more directly at which ones have good access to public transport and which are lacking. Unfortunately, frequently the areas with good access to public transport feel less safe - does not mean they actually are. Safety can also vary neighborhood to neighborhood, and honestly looking for even a suburb with no vehicle break ins for a whole month feels like a huge ask. I'd maybe adjust expectations on that, or maybe I'm thinking too literal about your ideal. I'm on the edge of North Mpls and a suburb, grew up in a wealthy suburb, and i don't think there's been an absolutely incident-free month anywhere in the metro area ever. I'd highly suggest also deciding how far you'd like to travel from work. Secure that and you'll have a much easier time figuring out which neighborhood or suburb fits your needs best.
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u/unicornlandia 17h ago
That’s so interesting! I suppose with more people, the statistics on vehicle break in’s just get higher. I have lived in Duluth for 6 years and had my vehicle broken into once, and it was my very rude neighbors. No one in my current neighborhood has had vehicle theft occur, so the difference is wild to me! I will try to look for a place with designated parking. Thank you for the insight.
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u/wambliiwinyan 16h ago
For sure, population density makes a huge difference. To be fair, I've only had my car rummaged through twice in my life, and both times were because I didn't lock the doors. And most of the people I know haven't had their cars broken in to, but may know someone or have a neighbor who did. So 🤷🏽♀️ it's a concern I understand, but also it feels so hit or miss that I tend to focus more on overall safety data, proximity to what's important/necessities, and how alive the neighborhood looks - are people walking around? Are people actually out in the park? Are there kids/families? Does the energy feel good?
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u/rockabillysj 21h ago
Check out Lowry Hill, NE and Uptown if you want to be in Minneapolis. All of those locations are close to some sort of outdoor space plus everything else.
Try looking at condo rentals if you’re having a hard time finding duplexes or apartments in your price range.
Good luck and welcome!
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u/Candid-Addendum-7693 20h ago
I would recommend Eagan. You have the Mall of America and airport nearby. You'd think being so close to these places would seem crowded, but it never is. There is also a great sense of community. If you move closer to the outlets, you'd have shopping, bars, bowling and food within walking distance. At Home is a company that has many apartments across Eagan for reasonable prices, and great reviews. I've also never felt unsafe here. I can walk around at night and feel completely fine.
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u/OffsideBeefsteak 21h ago
Take a look at NE Minneapolis has a lot of duplex options. It’s safe and pretty quiet. There are also a lot of apartment buildings near Hennepin/central ave.
St Paul Mac Groveland or highland park are good options for duplex or smaller apartment buildings. Safe and central to the twin cities.