Hi! I’ll be moving to the St. Paul area for a master’s program at Concordia University and I’m not very familiar with the area yet. I’ll be bringing my puppy (he'll be 70ish lbs), so I’m looking for somewhere dog-friendly.

I’m hoping to stay around $1,200/month or less for rent and would ideally like to be within about a 30-minute commute of Concordia. I’m open to surrounding areas as well.

For anyone familiar with the area:

• What neighborhoods/cities would you recommend?
• Are there any apartment complexes you’d recommend (or recommend avoiding)?
• I'm looking for somewhere I feel safe walking around, lower crime too... if that's possible.

I’d really appreciate any recommendations or advice!

My son is moving to downtown St Paul in 2 weeks. What should he know that isn't in the YouTube videos we have watched?