Living Close to the University
Living close to campus offers many financial and lifestyle advantages. You can save money and avoid the frustration associated with a long commute while having the benefits of being located in the heart of the Twin Cities. With a wealth of parks, lakes, and cultural opportunities, Minneapolis and St. Paul provide the rich diversity of a metropolitan area and the small-town feel of local communities and neighborhoods.
Rental and Temporary Housing
Rental Experts
Qualified rental experts are available to help prospective renters find what they need. Specialists are also available to link area newcomers to particular communities and diversity resources. Contact RAP to obtain information on the University's contract vendors.
Note: University departments or colleges may fund this service as part of their recruitment costs; new hires should discuss this option with their hiring department or area.
Rental Tips
- Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Twin Cities area will cost about $775 per month.
- Landlords require a 60-day notice. For example, faculty and staff needing a rental unit in September should begin their searches around July 1.
The Relocation Assistance Program maintains a list of temporary properties that are available for short- or long-term rental. Many of the properties are homes of faculty members who are away on fixed-term assignments (e.g., on sabbatical from September through June).
The Office of Housing and Residential Life also has an off-campus housing search.
University-Owned Rental Housing: Pillsbury Court
Pillsbury Court is reserved for full-time faculty and staff and is the only non-student, University-owned rental housing available. It is located within walking distance of the Minneapolis campus. The complex consists of 48 two-bedroom townhouses, and faculty and staff members may rent for up to two years. New faculty members should apply early as there may be a waiting list. Pets are not allowed. Visit the Office of Housing and Residential Life Web site for Pillsbury Court details and an online application.
Purchasing a Home
The local housing market tends to be relatively stable, with homes appreciating at varying rates. Check with your department for realtor recommendations. If your department is unable to make a referral or if you need lender advice, contact RAP. The University does not offer any type of mortgage assistance.
University Grove
New faculty and staff may be interested in purchasing a home in the University Grove, an architecturally unique neighborhood across from the St. Paul Campus. The 103 University Grove homes are located on land owned by the University of Minnesota.
Commuting to Work in the Metro Area
These are approximate distances and average commuting times, based on rush hour traffic, from some of surrounding areas to the University of Minnesota-East Bank campus, Minneapolis.
Hennepin County
Northern tier
- Brooklyn Park – 10 miles, 20-30 minutes
- Champlin – 20 miles, 35-45 minutes
- Fridley – 14 miles, 30 minutes
- Maple Grove – 20 miles, 50-75 minutes
- Plymouth – 20 miles, 60-75 minutes
- Ramsey/Anoka – 25 miles, 45-60 minutes
Western tier
- Medicine Lake – 15 miles, 45-60 minutes
- Minnetonka – 22 miles, 50-60 minutes
- St. Louis Park – 8 miles, 30-40 minutes
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Southern tier
- Bloomington – 12 miles, 25-35 minutes
- Burnsville – 18 miles, 35-45 minutes
- Chanhassen – 22 miles, 45-60 minutes
- Richfield – 9 miles, 20 minutes
- Savage – 20 miles, 40-50 minutes
- South Minneapolis – 4 miles, 15 minutes
- West Bloomington/Eden Prairie – 14 miles, 35-35 minutes
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Ramsey County
Northern and central tier
- Arden Hills – 9 miles, 20-35 minutes
- Blaine – 27 miles, 40-50 minutes
- Mahtomedi – 25 miles, 40-45 minutes
- White Bear Lake – 20 miles, 40 minutes
- St. Paul (near State Capitol building) – 9 miles, 20 minutes
- Shoreview – 11 miles, 30-40 minutes
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Southern tier
- Inver Grove Heights - 18 miles, 40 minutes
- Mendota Heights – 10 miles, 20-30 minutes
- South St. Paul – 14 miles, 30 minutes
Eastern tier
- Falcon Heights – 7 miles, 15 minutes
- North St. Paul – 15 miles, 30 minutes
- Oakdale – 15 miles, 30 minutes
- Roseville – 7 miles, 15 minutes
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Surrounding Areas
North
- Forest Lake – 29 miles, 40-50 minutes
- Osseo – 19 miles, 35-45 minutes
South
- Apple Valley – 22 miles, 45 minutes
- Farmington – 31 miles, 60-75 minutes
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East
- Lake Elmo – 21 miles, 35-45 minutes
- Stillwater – 25 miles, 45 minutes
- Woodbury – 18 miles, 35-45 minutes
West
- Prior Lake – 27 miles, 60-75 minutes
- Excelsior – 23 miles, 60-75 minutes
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Additional Resources
Rental & Home Search
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Twin Cities Community Information
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Cost of Living
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