I may be moving to Minneapolis within the next year due to a job transfer. What are some nice neighborhoods near downtown that I can buy a house for $175-$200k?. I'd want to be able to walk to shops and restaurants, and be near public transit. Good schools are not an issue; no kids.
Thanks.

I've been to Minneapolis in late July/beginning of August, and know it can be kind of steamy, but a lot of the time there is something of a breeze. Seems June would be a nice month. Sky really blue, lost of big, billowy clouds. Think they invented clouds there. If you like to walk, go to the area along the Mississippi where they have a walking trail. You can see the only waterfall along the Mississippi, it's a nice walk. I think it's called the Old Mile or something like that. Travel bochures talk about it. The area is old. Many, many lakes, it's great to go around them, too.

I would also recommend a trip to Duluth. It is on the Western point of Lake Superior and is like a mini- San Francisco.

For the author who was looking for housing the price range specified will not do it. Try St. Paul or suburbs unless you are willing to endure ? neighborhoods/housing.

Duluth, Minnesota a mini-San Francisco? Ouch!!
That's like saying Paris, Texas is a little like Paris, France.
While Lake Superior and the coastline north of Duluth is striking amnd beautiful, Duluth is a rather sad sack place IMHO.

I would rec. a downtown Minneapolis hotel if possible. We stayed at the Hyatt and it was very convienent. The Hilton is nice also. If not, try St. Paul. A third choice would be Eagan which is a nice suburb and close, 3 miles...to the mall of America and also the Minnesota Zoo (large and nice). Try Hilton Garden-Eagan or Holiday Inn Express Eagan. A trip to Stillwater MN is about 45 minutes and is fun if you like antiques/arcitecture and walking. Try Brits pub in Downtown Minneapolis, a pretty neat place. Lake Calhoun is fantastic for walking. I agree with the other earlier posters that a day trip North of the Twin Cities (10,000 lakes +) would be worth the drive. Brainerd is touristy/expensive but nice and Duluth is cool literally and figuratively with great restaurants and scenery. I'm not sure of the exact page but try exploreminnesota.com for more info on travel to the state. I just moved back here and have seen more in my 18 mo. 2nd stint that when I lived here full time.

Duluth has come a long, long way since 15-20 years ago. It is a fun place to visit and has a beautiful lakefront and lakewalk now. Also has motels and restaurants on the water and you can tour the museum at the ship canal and bridge and also tour a Ore Boat "The Irvin". We used to visit there and not see lots of tourists but things have changed and it is very busy all spring, summer and fall now. It is also gorgeous all the way up the North Shore to Canada. We enjoy stopping at Split Rock Lighthouse which has been restored and is open to the public and also enjoy lots of other things along the way. We especially enjoy Grand Marais. It is a very pretty town on a natural harbor and only about 40 miles from the Canadian Border. It's about 100 miles from Duluth. All in all a pretty trip.

Good point about Duluth not being like San Fran. Although it shares the "harbor town built on a hill" atmosphere, Duluth doesn't have nearly the crime, indigence, or frightening personalities of San Fran. Poor comparison.

I would be very remiss if I didn't bring up the top notch St Paul, Ordway Theatre, The Guthrie, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. We have the Swedish Inst, and the museum at the Univ of Mn.
Mpls has a symphony orchestra and it's own Opera company, that performs at Orchestra Hall. We have performances of major entertainers at the Target Center and the Orpheum.
St. Paul has the Science Museum and is near the Minnesota Zoo. St. Paul's skyline is one of the prettiest you will see.
You will find the Arts thriving in our lovely state.
Welcome to Minnesota!

Pick up a copy of the Minneapolis Star/Tribune or the St. Paul Pioneer Press prior to visit to get the scoop on events. (library or net) Try the Guthrie for plays it is a great setting. If you like older rock/blues/jazz/country acts check to see who is appearing at the local casino's it is priced right and may be aggreable to you.. Buddy Guy for the Blues, Waylon, Willie or Loretta for Country or many various 60-80 rock acts.
There are cool river boat or train excursions along the Mississippi which include dinner for an evening excursion. I would also concur with earlier posts about making a trip North of the Twin Cities to enjoy "outstate" Minnesota in the North Shore area which begins in Duluth. It can be so different and so fun and only a quick drive away. Oh, don't forget Twins games if you can stand indoor baseball, St. Paul Saints games for traditionalists or fishing in any of the Twin Cities or State's lakes!

Dee: You said you are bringing your daughter. I don't know how old she is, but if appropriate you might want to check out performances at The Children's Theater. They do world class productions of children's classics. I think they are doing Pippi Longstockings this summer - maybe starting in April. The Science Museum is another great choice as is the St. Paul Children's Museum if age appropriate for your daughter.

And as pretty as Duluth is, I'd skip it for your first trip. Too much to do in the Cities.

I agree with Bill I.

Currently I90-94 by the Dells is down to one lane each way due to bridge repair work. By the end of June it should all be back open and will be less congested.

Have fun!

Thanks, TC. Your ideas are right along the lines of what I'm planning to check out. My daughter is 8, and we'd love to see some museums, plays, etc, along with the lake area activities.

I discovered this site for anyone else that is considering a trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul:

http://www.metrocouncil.org/transit/tourlink.htm

A lot of really good links with info to on the city area activites (St. Paul and Minneapolis).

I wish I could see Duluth. There have been so many great suggestions, but unfortunately we only have 4 days and are sticking to the twin cities. I tend to get lost in my own back yard(!) so we will be relying on public transportion. It appears that the public transit system is pretty convenient from the airport/Mall of America to St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions!