Here Are The 12 Best Places To Live In Minneapolis And Why
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Meg Archer
Author
You’d be hard-pressed to come up with a place in Minneapolis that is anything less than lovely, but a few neighborhoods stand out when it comes to livability and quality of lifestyle. Each district offers something unique and the charming character of the sub-communities in this city weave together our wonderful city. Whether you are looking to move, or just want to see some of the awesome neighborhoods around the city, check out these 12 fantastic places to live in Minneapolis.
Loring Park is right in the middle of the downtown action. Whether you're looking for easy access to stunning museums like the Walker Arts Center or wish to be surrounded by beautiful architectural wonders like the Basilica of St. Mary or St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Loring Park has a little something for everyone.
Despite the endless list of things to do in the area, the median rent for this neighborhood is 11% lower than the Minneapolis average and 9% lower than the national average.
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Lynnhurst tops the lists of livability scales; it has a low crime rate, a stable housing market, and a very high per capita income. Minnehaha Creek runs right through the neighborhood, and the community sits right on the southern edge of Lake Harriet. You will find tons of unique shops and restaurants and plenty to do...but it does come at a price. The cost of living in Lynnhurst significantly higher than elsewhere in Minneapolis, but if you can afford it, this is an excellent place to end up, especially if you have a family. The community is highly educated; about 80% of Lynnhurst residents hold a bachelor's degree and Lynnhurst students score 24% higher than the national average on tests.
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Uptown isn't for everyone - this stylish neighborhood is a central destination for those seeking an upbeat nightlife, festivals, cultural events, and proximity to great dining and shopping locations - but it has a lot to offer if you are looking for a place to live, work, and play. Despite all the buzz, it's still holds an air of sophistication when compared to other notably active social areas like the Warehouse District, and you will find surprisingly mellow neighborhood streets when you head away from the commercial areas.
Also, Uptown earned its recognition on a national scale thanks to the late musician Prince. It just doesn't get cooler than that.
The North Loop, also know as the Warehouse District, is the center of social activity in the city. The neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and gentrification has led a large influx into the area, especially for young people who work downtown. The cost of living is slightly higher than the Minneapolis average, but the neighborhood has a lot of offer in terms of amenities. Aside from the hot restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops, North Loop is also close to beautiful walking and biking paths, parks, as well as Target Field. Go Twins!
Whittier is one upbeat community! This neighborhood is known for its cultural diversity and its reflected in the eclectic shops and restaurants in the area - particularly on Nicollet Avenue, which is known as "Eat Street." Activities abound in Whittier, which is home to the famous Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Minnesota College of Art and Design, and the residents form a colorful, rich community only minutes from downtown. The cost of living is right on par with the city average and median rent is actually lower than other areas of Minneapolis.
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Northeast Minneapolis is a pretty cool place to be. This neighborhood has three main sections: a residential area filled with love Victorian-era homes, a cool local shopping center known as The Quarry, and Hillside Cemetery, which dominates the eastern side of the community. The neighborhood's namesake park is filled with fields of greenspace and houses a waterpark and putting course. Median rent in Northeast Park is slightly lower than the Minneapolis average and high-performing education programs (students perform 24% than the national average) round out this area as a desirable stop to call home.
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Bryn Mawr is pretty darn cool. It's within the larger Calhoun-Isles community and is literally surrounded by parks; Bassett Creek to the north, Theodore Wirth Park to the northwest, Cedar Lake Park to the south, and Bryn Mawr Meadows to the east. While the cost of living in Bryn Mawr is slightly higher than Minneapolis average, the crime rate is 22% lower than the national average and it is among the top 20% of safest cities in Minnesota. Bot per capita income and median household income in Bryn Mawr are significantly higher than the national average and, coupled with a low unemployment rate, this neighborhood is a popular choice for young families.
Lowry Hill is a lovely little area in the Calhoun-Isles community filled with many 1900s-era Victorian homes that have remained largely unchanged for over a century. The old-school style and low crime rate attracts a community of highly educated residents who enjoy a colorful community nestled between the Uptown and Downtown areas of Minneapolis.
Both East and West Calhoun offer beautiful neighborhoods with low crime rates and a stable housing market and, due to their location along the lovely Lake Calhoun provide tons of activities to enjoy. The unemployment rate in the Calhoun communities is almost 40% lower than the national average and residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, which bumps the cost of living above the Minneapolis average... but the lovely view is worth it.
Linden Hills is another great lakeside spot, bordered by both Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. This neighborhood has one of the highest livability scores in the state, and the cost of living reflects its desirability, but if you are looking for a home along a charming tree-lined street in a community surrounded by parks and full of activities... the price tag is worth it.
This southwest neighborhood is nestled between Linden Hills and Lynnhurst and is full of lovely homes, unique places to eat and shop, and tons of community activities. Fulton's proximity to Lake Harriet and Pershing Park open up plenty of opportunities for outdoor events. Some of Minneapolis' top-performing schools are located in Fulton, which is reflected in both student performance scores and the overall education level - 78% of Fulton residents hold a bachelor's degree. The short commute into downtown Minneapolis and access to public transportation makes Fulton a desirable place for people who love the city... but still want that small neighborhood feel.
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Hop across the river and check out Highland Park! This southwestern St. Paul community offers some impressive statistics when it comes to livability. Highland is considered safer than 97% of cities in Minnesota, has an unemployment rate 18% lower than the national average, and with a median rent of only $693, a happy and healthy life won't break the bank. Highland is known for having some of the most excellent events in the twin cities - like the annual three-day Highland Fest in July - and this lively community offers fun boutiques, creative restaurants, and endless places to explore!
No matter where you look, there’s a wonderful little spot to call home in Minneapolis. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, close-knit communities, outdoor activities, or neighborhood comfort, this eclectic city has something for everyone!
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