[Clutz]

Hey all,
I'm (very probably) moving to Minneapolis, MN in August 2008 for a postdoctoral position at the University of Minnesota. I know it's early, but we're trying to figure out approximately what our budget is going to be when we move there in order to do some moving planning (moving from Canada to the US as a Canadian citizen is a big pain in the butt- getting my fiance a green card is probably going to be extremely difficult). That said, I was hoping perhaps some Minneapolites might be able to help me figure out approximately how much rent is going to be for a two bedroom apartment in the 55108 zip code, ideally within walking distance of the University of Minnesota, or within a single bus ride. We have a cat and a dog (I imagine this will drive rent up about $50 / month).

Thanks,
Brad

 

[nickknutson]

It all depends on what ammenities you want in your apartment. You may want to check out www.rent.net That's where I usually start to look when I'm apt shopping.
Last thing, all rent is negotiable...for example, they may say they have a "pet rent", but let's just say I've never paid it with having two cats.

I've never paid full price for an apt.

 

[Clutz]

Hmm. I would've never thought to try and negotiate rent. I always figure that the price is the price.

guess I've been getting ripped off for years!

Rent.net is pretty good, except that when I tell it I want to be near 55108 (the University), it's bringing me locations that are almost 20 miles away in some cases, which is far from close- but I guess close is always relative. Thanks for the input though!

 

[Elec]

Check out www.apartmentratings.net

I used this site to find my current place, it's not bad and has "reviews" from people living or who have lived in the apartments. You've gotta watch out a little for shill reviews from management or reviews like "I hate this place do not live here", but if you read carefully it can be useful.