Relocating to a new city is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. You’ve accepted the job, the moving truck is booked, but your permanent lease doesn’t start for weeks — or maybe you haven’t even chosen a neighborhood yet. That in-between stretch is exactly where a furnished, month-to-month studio earns its keep. At Oaklands on 9th, in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, you can land softly: unpack once, sleep in a real bed, cook your own dinner, and take your time getting to know the city before you commit to a long-term address.
Why a furnished studio beats a hotel — or an empty apartment
When you’re moving to Minneapolis, you have three rough options for those first few weeks: a hotel, a quick lease on an unfurnished apartment, or a furnished extended stay. A hotel is fine for a few nights, but the nightly cost adds up fast and you’re eating out every meal. An unfurnished apartment means a year-long commitment, a furniture-buying spree, and utility setup before you even know whether you like the neighborhood.
A furnished studio splits the difference. Oaklands on 9th rents by the night, the week, or the month with no contract, so you can stay as long as you need and leave when your permanent place is ready. Each studio is fully furnished with a full kitchen, and WiFi, heat, all utilities, and free laundry are included — one simple rate, nothing to set up, nothing to cancel later.
Getting your bearings: skyway, light rail, and walkable streets
One of the best things about starting downtown is that you can learn the city on foot before you ever need a car. Oaklands sits at 215 South 9th Street, steps from the Minneapolis Skyway — the largest continuous enclosed skyway system in the world, with roughly nine and a half miles of climate-controlled walkways linking offices, restaurants, shops, and gyms across more than 80 downtown blocks. In a Minnesota January, that matters.
When you do venture farther, Metro Transit’s METRO light rail runs right through downtown: the Blue Line heads to the airport and Mall of America, and the Green Line connects to the University of Minnesota and St. Paul. It’s an easy, low-stress way to explore while you decide where you want to live. Meet Minneapolis keeps a helpful neighborhood guide if you’re weighing the North Loop, Northeast, or the lakes.
Everything’s already handled, so you can focus on the move
Relocating is a long to-do list, and a furnished studio quietly crosses off a dozen items. There’s no mattress to buy, no internet appointment to schedule, no deposit on utilities. Some units are pet friendly, so the dog or cat can make the trip with you. And because Oaklands offers three tiers — Good, Better, and Best — you can match your space and budget to how long you’ll be staying.
It’s also a practical base if your move is work-related. The building is walkable to the skyway-connected office towers and to Target on Nicollet Mall for groceries and essentials, and it’s close to Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC) and the University of Minnesota Medical Center — handy if you’re a traveling clinician or starting a downtown job. If you’d rather not drive at all, our guide to getting around downtown without a car covers the details.
A soft landing — and a little fun while you settle in
Moving is hard work, so leave a little room to enjoy your new city. Take a spin on Minneapolis Trolley Tours to get the lay of the land and a few stories you won’t find on a map. When friends or family come to help you move in, put them up the romantic way at 300 Clifton, the owner’s historic bed & breakfast in nearby Loring Park, or plan a fun night out at the speakeasy-style Pillsbury Club. Little by little, the unfamiliar starts to feel like home.
Ready when you are
Make your move to Minneapolis the easy way. Book a furnished studio at Oaklands on 9th and stay a night, a week, or a month while you settle in — no lease required. Reserve online at secure.webrez.com or call us at (612) 314-5124, and we’ll help you land softly.