Deb

For on the balcony you could try junipers, or pines or even a little japanese maple. For the winter you would have to pull them back against the apartment wall where they would be a bit more protected from winds and such. I did lose a pine last winter and the climate in Vancouver BC Canada is a bit nicer in winter than where you are I think. If I were you, I would get a little inexpensive plant to start with and then for the first winter, fill a flower pot that is larger than your bonsai, with sawdust and sink the bonsai pot into that to insulate a bit.

If bonsai is going to be your "thing", then this first year (or two or three or....) is all about learning, so don't feel bad if you lose a plant or two. You will have many more years to test and learn and even the experts lose a plant every now and again.

Inside bonsai could be ficus, chinese elm, schleffera. Mind you, you have to make sure they get lots of light and apartments can be very warm and dry in winter so you would need to try pebble trays underneath them. I personally have been very successful with Chinese Elm and I am bringing along some of those miniature roses you can buy everywhere and I am going to try a little cascade with one of them. So good luck and have fun.