Starting a New Chapter in the Twin Cities for Less Than $180,000

Mark Dougherty spent years dwelling in a condominium he purchased from his mom in suburban Lilydale, Minn., outdoors the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He preferred the place and was pleased with his renovation efforts, however as he entered retirement he determined he needed a inexpensive house in a extra lively neighborhood.

“I have to shake up my life,” stated Mr. Dougherty, 66, who spent a different profession in radio journalism, house transforming 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.

[Did you recently buy a home? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]

His house search performed out in matches and begins over a couple of years, nevertheless it ramped up final winter, after his retirement grew to become official. With a funds of as much as about $180,000, Mr. Dougherty hoped to discover a comparatively small apartment that was in respectable form, however he was prepared to rework and customise it. A two-bedroom residence 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,” stated Scott Belcher, an actual property agent with Re/Max Outcomes. “He wasn’t particularly trying 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 retailers and eating places. Among the many choices:

Discover out what occurred subsequent by answering these two questions: