Hey Los Anchorage,
I live in South Minneapolis and really like it. THe houses in my area are getting ridiculously expensive (I live on the creek and bought over adecade ago) but there are a lot of houses here that are comparable to the nice suggestions given above. I like my location because of the variety of routes I can choose to take from downtown. There are one way bike lanes (North on Park and South on Portland). Very convenient and safe. You do have to be watchful going through Lake and Chicago area (Phelps neighborhood) but it is getting better/safer. All of us need to be careful no matter where we go on bikes anyway. I take this to work. then, after work I can choose to go the same route back (shortest) or go long for a work out on safe dedicated and paved bike paths around the lakes to the West or the West River Parkway to the East. The Minnehaha Creek is a part of the chain that links the two for a great "Grand Round" for the weekends. The lakes and the river routes are gorgeous and change with the seasons. In the winter, the dedicated paths are shared with walkers (The Park Board only plows one route so pedestrians and bikers share in the winter) The bus system is available for any breakdowns and the buses all have bike racks. Other parts of town (I like Nordeast too) but the bike commuter routes aren't as nice yet for a downtown job. Good luck and welcome back to Minnesota!