Searching for your next home in Minneapolis, but not sure which neighborhood is calling your name? From the go-go-go nature of North Loop and Downtown West to the tranquility of Summit Hill and Tangletown, Minneapolis touts 83 unique residential neighborhoods for every lifestyle, age group, and family size.
North Loop
Image courtesy of St. Paul Magazine
Blending the old with the new, the North Loop is where historic warehouses–transformed into trendy lofts–stand side by side with modern high-rise condos. Also known as the Warehouse District, the diverse architectural landscape is situated amongst a multitude of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, making the neighborhood a food lover’s paradise. From Maison Margaux and The Basement Bar to FRGMNT Coffee and more, you’ll never run out of local spots to try.
Even sports fans will enjoy the North Loop, with Target Field standing as a landmark of this Minneapolis neighborhood. This bustling area is also ideal for young professionals who crave the energy of city living.
- Type of residents in the neighborhood:
- Young professionals
- Single people
- Couples without children
- Pros:
- Most walkable neighborhood in Minneapolis with a walk score of 84 In the heart of the city
- Cons:
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Gets busy at nighttime
Linden Hills
Image courtesy of Homes.com
Leaving the North Loop’s bustling streets behind, it’s time to step into the enchanting neighborhood of Linden Hills. Nestled in south Minneapolis, real estate options range from historic single-family homes to modern condominiums. Plus, Linden Hills is renowned for its wide array of schools, including Lake Harriet Elementary School.
- Location: South of Bde Maka Ska, West of Lake Harriet
- Average rent price: $2,745
- Average home sale price: $1,220,000
- Type of residents in the neighborhood:
- Liberal-minded people
- Families and professionals
- Average age: mid-thirties
- Pros:
- Suburban ambiance
- Walkable
- Idyllic for families and pets
- Good area to invest in
- Close-knit neighborhood community
- Cons:
- Lack of diversity
- High tax rates
Loring Park
Image courtesy of Tripadvisor
Venturing away from picturesque Linden Hills, you’ll encounter the culturally rich serenity of Loring Park. With major cultural institutions like the Walker Art Center and the Minnesota Orchestra Hall, there’s plenty of charm to go around. Housing options are aplenty as well, with historic homes on tree-lined streets and modern condos with stunning skyline views.
- Type of people in the neighborhood:
- Retired homeowners
- Young professionals
- Pros:
- A+ nightlife according to Niche.com
- Renter-friendly with 78% of people renting their homes
- Cons:
- Not as diverse as other Minneapolis neighborhoods
Fulton
Image courtesy of Homes.com
Now, let’s explore the Fulton neighborhood of Minneapolis. This family-friendly environment is a peaceful retreat for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown living.
Fulton offers the best of both worlds – a quiet and suburban lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of the city. Housing options in Fulton range from single-family homes of various architectural styles to modern new-builds.
- Amenities in the neighborhood:
- Lake Harriet and Minnehaha Creek
- Type of people in the neighborhood:
- Liberal-leaning people
- Individuals in their late thirties
- Pros:
- Dense suburban area
- Close to downtown
- Ideal location with 49% less crime than national averages
- Cons:
- High traffic congestion
Downtown West
Image courtesy of Expedia
Leaving behind Fulton’s suburban charm, we proceed to Downtown West. This urban neighborhood offers diverse real estate options, for those future Fulton residents looking to sign a new lease and those residents planning on buying their next home.
The neighborhood’s central proximity to the city’s business district and numerous nearby entertainment venues — including the Lumber Exchange to the LOFT at Skyway Theatre — make it a popular choice among young professionals. You’ll have easy access to nearly everything you need, which is why Downtown West is an exciting and lively neighborhood to move to.
- Location: Southwest of Mississippi River, Southeast of North Loop
- Average rent price: $1,665
- Average home sale price: $239,000
- Type of people in the neighborhood:
- Working professionals
- More liberals than conservatives
- Pros:
- Abundant job opportunities
- Low cost of living
- Cons:
- High traffic congestion
- Higher crime rate than other areas in Minneapolis
Summit Hill
Image courtesy of Summit Hill Association
Moving on from Downtown West’s urban vibes, we venture into the prestigious Summit Hill. Known for its historic and well-kept mansions, you’ll also find European-style bakeries, luxury boutiques, and upscale restaurants, including Wuollet Bakery, Enchanté and Garçon, and Cafe Latte.
If you have children, you’ll be pleased to hear that Summit Hill public schools are ranked some of the best in Minnesota, according to Niche.com. These high rankings reflect the community’s commitment to high education standards and student success.
- Location: Northwest of Mississippi River
- Average rent price: $1,544
- Average home sale price: $550,000
- Type of people in the neighborhood:
- People between the ages of 25 and 34
- Healthcare professionals
- People in the manufacturing industry
- Transportation personnel
- Pros:
- Excellent for walking and running thanks to well-kept sidewalks
- Plenty of sight-seeing opportunities like Grand Mansions
- Plentiful parking options
- Cons:
- Harder to buy property due to low inventory of housing options
- Higher poverty levels
Downtown St. Paul
Image courtesy of Visit St. Paul
Departing from Summit Hill’s prestigious ambiance, we enter the lively and walkable neighborhood of Downtown St. Paul. Ideal for people with pets thanks to its pedestrian-friendly layout, this neighborhood is where you’ll find a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
With housing options ranging from large apartments to renovated lofts, there are also many things to do. It’s the place to be for events like the Minnesota State Fair, attractions like the Science Museum of Minnesota, and restaurants like the Citizen St. Paul.
- Type of people in the neighborhood:
- 67.3% white, 31.2% POC, 8.9% Black residents
- Median age of 38
- Pros:
- Affordable cost of city living
- Vast array of job opportunities
- Rich in culture
- Cons:
- Not many new-build housing options
- Traffic congestion all day long
Whittier
Image courtesy of Homes.com
Leaving behind Downtown St. Paul’s historical impact, we journey into the diverse and artistic neighborhood of Whittier. This is a neighborhood where the past and the present coexist harmoniously, creating a vibrant community with an A in diversity according to Niche.com.
The real estate market in Whittier is thriving as well, and paired with the neighborhood’s significant cultural attractions — as the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) — this neighborhood is a fascinating place to live for college students and professionals alike.
- Type of people in the neighborhood:
- Slightly more men than women
- An average age of 31 years old
- More renters than buyers (77% of people rent their home)
- Pros:
- One of the most walkable areas
- Diverse and welcoming community
- More diverse than other neighborhoods in Minneapolis
- Cons:
- Not as safe as other options
Elliot Park
Image courtesy of Minneapolis Urban Homes
Leaving the artsy scene of the Whittier area, we arrive at the centrally-located Elliot Park. This neighborhood offers a blend of historic architecture, green spaces, and a diverse community.
Whether you’re looking for historic homes or modern condos, Elliot Park has it all, including schools like DeLaSalle High School, parks such as Franklin Steele Park, and top-notch medical facilities, namely Hennepin Healthcare. With all these amenities and more at your disposal, Elliot Park has everything you need from the comfort of your neighborhood.
- Location: Southeast of North Loop, South of Mississippi River
- Average rent price: $1,578
- Average home sale price: $475,000
- Type of people in the neighborhood:
- Working professionals
- Population leans younger
- Pros:
- Walkable and pet-friendly
- Diverse culinary options
- Cons:
- Higher crime rate than other neighborhoods
- Not as safe at night
Tangletown
Image courtesy of Homes.com
Departing from Elliot Park’s central location, it’s time to explore the picturesque neighborhood of Tangletown, which offers a unique and charming environment. The community’s strong emphasis on education is reflected in its excellent school ratings, making it a great place for families seeking a strong educational foundation for their children.
- Location: East of Lake Harriet, West of Lake Nokomis
- Average rent price: $1,219
- Average home sale price: $485,000
- Type of people in the neighborhood:
- More men than women
- Median age of 37.6 years old
- Pros:
- Above-average schools
- Easy to get around thanks to the Minneapolis Skyway System
- Local amenities galore
- Cons:
- High cost of living
In Summary
Because Minnesota is a buzzing metropolitan area, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves transitioning from a full-sized home to a smaller-scale apartment. After all, what better way is there to take advantage of the city’s amenities?
If you happen to be downsizing, you might have less space in your new house or apartment for all your belongings. If that’s the case (but you don’t want to sell any items or give anything away), rent a storage unit in the city.
But where can you find storage units that are worth renting? Self storage marketplaces like Neighbor are the answer. As a peer-to-peer storage provider, Neighbor offers safe, local, and budget-friendly storage units in all 50 states. That way, you’re sure to find the right one when and where you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Neighborhood Has the Best Nightlife in Minneapolis?
The Downtown West neighborhood of Minneapolis has the best nightlife in the city.
Where Is the Best Place to Live In Minneapolis?
The best place to live in Minneapolis depends on your preferences. For instance, if you’re a working professional who likes to unwind in a neighborhood known for peace and quiet, then Fulton might be up your alley. On the other hand, if you like the hustle and bustle of big city amenities, then North Loop and Downtown West are worth considering.
What Is a Good Salary in Minneapolis?
According to PayScale, the cost of living in Minneapolis is 1% lower than the national average. Therefore, a salary in the mid to high five-figure range is a good salary in Minneapolis.
How Safe Is It to Walk in Downtown Minneapolis?
According to Neighborhood Scout, Minneapolis is below-average safety ratings compared to other U.S. neighborhoods. While this rate is high, it’s to be expected of large cities, particularly the bustling downtown area. Even so, walking around Downtown Minneapolis is relatively safe, especially if you’re not strolling through the neighborhood alone. However, even if you’re on a solo walk, you can find comfort in the street lights, sidewalks, shops in business, and the police presence.
