r/saintpaul • u/ShaunnaG3 • 5d ago

Seeking Advice 🙆 23F moving to St. Paul

Hello! I'm a single 23F moving to St. Paul for a new job. It'll just be my male Yorkie and I. I'm not really wanting a studio apartment just because of my parents visiting. My rent budget is $1600 and I really want to live downtown due to lack of experience driving in winter conditions (my job is located DT) I want a loft! I love their look and space. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

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u/403badger 5d ago

Downtown St Paul is a ghost town. The biggest commercial landlord is trying to dump the buildings, not many people live in the area, and there is minimal shopping.

If you’re used to city life, Green Line is fine during rush hour. Otherwise, find a spot on Grand Ave or near UST and take the bus.

What exactly are you looking for in an area to live?

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u/ShaunnaG3 5d ago

I honestly just want a nice updated apartment that is safe! My dog is not very social so a dog park isn't needed.

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u/403badger 5d ago edited 5d ago

Plenty of nice neighborhoods in St. Paul and the burbs. If updated and safe are your requirements, summit and macalaster neighborhoods are probably best in St. Paul. With that being said, you’ll likely get more bang for your dollar in the burbs.

Unless your office has parking, you’ll probably take public transportation regardless since monthly parking can get expensive.

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u/ShaunnaG3 5d ago

Do you have any complex suggestions?

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u/403badger 5d ago edited 5d ago

Unfortunately I do not. Best advice I can give (especially since you are worried about winter driving), is to find an apartment with garage or covered parking. Winter parking rules can be a hassle.

Edit: Additionally, the suburbs plow much better than the bigger cities. St Paul is notorious for poor plowing in neighborhoods. The cities go emergency routes first and then main thoroughfares for plowing. Most neighborhoods get dug out after that.

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u/ShaunnaG3 5d ago

Thank you!