Are you preparing for yours? Minneapolis apartment looking and ready to embark on the adventure of finding your dream apartment in the busy city? With its thriving art scene, vibrant neighborhoods and thriving job market, it’s no wonder the ‘City of Lakes’ has won so many hearts. But navigating the rental landscape can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the area.
That’s why we’ve put together these 10 essential tips to help you achieve your dreams lives in Minneapolis a reality. From creating a budget to exploring different neighborhoods, these tips will walk you through the process and help you find your perfect one Minneapolis apartment in no time.
1. Create a budget
As a starting point, you must find out what you can afford. The 30% rule states that you should spend no more than 30% of your pre-tax income on housing, which includes not only rent but also parking, furniture, moving expenses, etc. Other factors to consider when looking for an apartment in Minneapolis are whether utilities are included in your rent and whether you have to pay special fees or prepayments when signing a lease.
2. Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves
When shopping for an apartment in Minneapolis, it’s important to make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves so you can find the perfect apartment. Minneapolis is known for its extreme weather conditions, so prioritize amenities like air conditioning, on-site parking, and laundry facilities to make your daily life more comfortable.
Additionally, many Minneapolis apartments have an outdoor space that’s great for enjoying the city’s beautiful parks and lakes during the summer months. If you’re a pet owner, be sure to look for apartments with pet-friendly policies, as many buildings around the city have strict pet restrictions. Finally, if you like working out, you should look for apartments with a fitness center or pool to stay active and healthy.
3. Find the neighborhood that suits you
Do some research and choose one that suits your lifestyle. Minneapolis has a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities.
- If you like shopping and eating out, Nicollet is a perfect fit. You can browse bookstores and co-ops with local vendors, and never get bored in the dense, eclectic array of restaurants on Eat Street.
- If you’re looking for a trendier scene, check this one out North loop. This neighborhood offers modern industrial architecture, nationally recognized restaurants serving locally inspired cuisine, microbreweries and independent cafes galore, as well as historic Hewing, recently named one of the best by National Geographic Most instagrammable hotels in the US.
- If you are looking for a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, Loring Park is the right place for you. This area is home to a beautiful park, top-notch museums and a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. From its annual festivals to its historic architecture, Loring Park has something for everyone. Plus, proximity to downtown Minneapolis and easy access to public transportation make it an ideal location for both work and play.
4. Consider your commute
Traffic in Minneapolis can be heavy, so it’s important to find a location that allows for easy commuting to work or school, as well as access to necessities like groceries, the gym, etc. Fortunately, many neighborhoods are walkable And accessible by public transport. If you need to drive out of town on a regular basis, choose an area close to one of the many freeways that lead into town.
5. Do online detective work
When looking for an apartment in Minneapolis, it’s a good idea to read reviews from current and previous renters to get an idea of what it’s like to live in the building or neighborhood. Watch out for recurring complaints about unresponsive management, pest problems, broken appliances, poor building maintenance, etc. With Minneapolis’ varying weather patterns, it’s also worth paying attention to comments about building heating and cooling systems.
6. Visit the apartment personally if possible
During your Minneapolis apartment hunt, it’s a good idea to visit the units in person whenever possible. A personal tour allows you to see the hallways, front entrances, ceilings, etc. that you may not see online. If an in-person tour isn’t possible, ask for a video tour of the unit, public, and shared spaces.
7. Make a list of questions
Think about what you want from your living experience and what problems might arise. Some questions you might want to ask:
- How does management deal with noise complaints, safety concerns, tenant-to-tenant issues, etc.?
- Who do I contact if I have a maintenance issue?
- What are the policies for using common areas such as pool, fitness center, outdoor deck, party room, etc.?
- Does the apartment coordinate building events?
8. Take a walk around the neighborhood
There are many different neighborhoods in Minneapolis, so you’ll want to make sure the neighborhood you choose feels like a place you could see yourself living in. It’s not a bad idea to take a walk around the neighborhood during the day And at night. During the day you can watch the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, explore nearby parks and recreation areas, and visit local amenities like shops and restaurants. At night you can assess the noise level, the lighting in the area and the general feeling of security.
9. Read the rental agreement carefully
Make sure you understand all of your terms and conditions agreementincluding the rental amount, security deposit, and any fees for pets, parking, HOA, late rent, etc.
You should also consider how long you intend to stay in the apartment and make sure this aligns with the lease term. Some landlords allow flexible rental periodsespecially after you’ve been there for a year, while others require a one-year commitment every time you renew your lease.
10. Consider using a rental agency or home finder
These professionals can help you find offers that match your criteria and guide you through the application process. You’ll also be familiar with different areas of the city and be able to answer questions about safety, neighborhood feelings, and more. websites like redfin And Rent.com also provide detailed lists of available apartments with photos, prices and other important information.
Find the perfect fit
Check these boxes and your Minneapolis apartment search should be a breeze, and you can be sure to find an apartment you will want to call home for years to come.
Learn more about Minneapolis:
Fun things to do in Minneapolis: 14 must-do activities for new residents
10 Reasons You Should Move to Minneapolis (And Why You’ll Love It)
Must-read tips for getting through a Minneapolis winter as a local
