2211 Colfax

Pros:location! Such great access to so many things, including direct access to several freeways, the lakes, bars, Kowalski's, Sebastian Joe's, and even downtown.
Safe. Anywhere can feel dangerous if you aren't smart about how you live. I've never felt unsafe here and for the heart of Minneapolis, that's a big deal.
Quiet. I have had a few issues with a couple of neighbors within the building who didn't seem to understand noise level, but I informed the building caretaker who said she would... address it with management. It did continue a couple of times after that, in which case I left a note (yes, a note) on the neighbor's door. He's been quiet ever since. It's also a pretty quiet neighborhood in general, for the most part. Very residential.
Off street parking included. In the winter, this is a Godsend.
Staff. My experience applying / moving in left me wondering if I made the wrong choice, but since then, no issues. Very friendly. The caretaker of my building seems to want to make it a community feel in some ways.
Neighbors. Everyone kind of keeps to themselves, but I've talked to a few cool people and realized some of my neighbors are friends of friends! Small world.
Rent. I mean, you do get what you pay for. I'd say I pay in the middle of what I could be paying. Plus parking is included - HUGE.

Cons:
Dated: There have been some changes made since I moved in that have helped -- new carpet in the hallways, new front door (glass now to see who's on the other side; before it was a wooden door, so you never knew what you were walking into - NOT safe. Glad for the change). My unit needs some upgrades -- new carpeting, especially. It's got stains / spots from previous tenants; there are areas where the carpet is worn away and nails are protruding (which I, and guests, have stepped on). Overall, it could just stand some modernization.
Laundry. Recently updated. Before there were 4 very rickety washers and dryers that, since I moved in, never all worked at the same time. They FINALLY upgraded. It's quite a bit more expensive, in laundry speak, but they are updated.
Overall, I actually have liked living here. It's clean, good location, etc. It's not the Taj Mahal and it's not a van down by the river. It's decent and in the big picture, the pros have begun to outweigh the cons. Read More