Mark Dougherty spent years dwelling in a condominium he purchased from his mom in suburban Lilydale, Minn., exterior the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He appreciated the place and was pleased with his renovation efforts, however as he entered retirement he determined he needed a cheaper dwelling in a extra energetic neighborhood.
“I must shake up my life,” mentioned Mr. Dougherty, 66, who spent a assorted profession in radio journalism, dwelling reworking and retail. He had lived for a few years in and across the Twin Cities and their suburbs, however was particularly drawn to Minneapolis, the place he felt energized by the distinctive neighborhoods and vibrant homosexual tradition.
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His dwelling search performed out in matches and begins over a number of years, but it surely ramped up final winter, after his retirement grew to become official. With a finances of as much as about $180,000, Mr. Dougherty hoped to discover a comparatively small condominium that was in respectable form, however he was prepared to rework and customise it. A two-bedroom condo was preferable, though he was open to a one-bedroom, and he hoped for a spot that had parking and a balcony.
“At this level in his life, he needed to have the ability to be engaged together with his surrounding neighborhood,” mentioned Scott Belcher, an actual property agent with Re/Max Outcomes. “He wasn’t particularly seeking to retire right into a quiet neighborhood, however extra of an space that might be energetic.”
Collectively, they toured Twin Cities houses that had been in bustling areas with espresso outlets and eating places. Among the many choices:
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