What are the Best Areas to Live in Minneapolis?

Trying to decide where to live in Minneapolis? It’s a big city and there are many great neighborhoods with different vibes, housing prices, and amenities. To help make your decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best areas in Minneapolis based on considerations like commute times, the number and variety of local stores and restaurants, average income level, and other factors.

Uptown

Uptown is easily one of the most vibrant and desirable neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Trendy restaurants, lively taverns, boutiques, and entertainment venues line the main drag of Hennepin Avenue and surrounding streets. The neighborhood offers plenty of parks for outdoor recreation and socializing, along with charming residential streets.

Uptown is well-connected with multiple bus lines, as well as light rail transportation to local attractions like U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field. Bus and taxi services make this neighborhood the perfect place for commuters. Plus, Uptown lies near many parks, trails, lakes, and creeks, making it great for active outdoorsy types. Besides the pros, one con for living in Uptown is that it can be quite noisy because of all the nightlife attractions.

Calhoun-Isles

Calhoun-Isles is another popular neighborhood in Minneapolis, located between Uptown and downtown. This multi-cultural community encompasses three major lakes: Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Lake Calhoun—making it popular with outdoorsy types from all over. Plus, Calhoun-Isles has some of the city’s best restaurants and shopping centers, such as the West End Shopping Centre and Uptown Shopping Mall.

Calhoun-Isles is also a great place to live if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Minneapolis. But if you do need to get downtown quickly, there are plenty of bus lines to take you there with minimal transfer time. Plus, this neighborhood is also well-connected by railroad lines and even bike paths that take you through some of the area’s most beautiful parks and lakes.

Minneapolis Northeast

If you’re looking for a quiet residential area but you don’t want to sacrifice convenience or proximity to downtown Minneapolis, then Minneapolis Northeast could be a great option for you. This charming neighborhood offers plenty of parkland, diverse schools, local stores, and diverse restaurants for a pleasant living experience.

For commuters looking for an easy way to get downtown Minneapolis quickly, a number of bus lines serve this area from 6am until midnight. If you prefer biking or walking, then there’s also plenty to love about Minneapolis Northeast—especially when it comes to exploring all the local parks within walking distance.

Southwest Minneapolis

Southwest Minneapolis is a great area for families that seek an intimate community feel but still crave access to downtown amenities. This city within a city is home to Lake Harriet, one of the region’s most beloved bodies of water that’s just a few blocks away from the heart of downtown Minneapolis. You can enjoy lakefront trails, or participate in one of the area’s many popular festivals such as the Linden Hills Festival or Kingfield Days Festival. There’s also plenty of shopping opportunities nearby with outlets like The Galleria Mall and Midtown Global Market located on Hennepin Avenue—so you don’t have to worry about ever being bored in this neighborhood.

When it comes to transportation options, Southwest Minneapolis is also conveniently located near several major highways that lead directly downtown. Plus, there are C Line express buses that allow easy access to attractions like the Science Museum of Minnesota or Target Field stadium.

St. Anthony West

If you’re looking for a small town feel in a big city atmosphere then St. Anthony West may be the perfect place for you to call home. This Wisconsin community is located east of downtown Minneapolis and is known for its sense of community spirit, friendly neighbors, and strong businesses. Plus, compared to many other neighborhoods in Minneapolis, St. Anthony West offers some of the most desirable housing prices in the city.

Transportation options include several bus lines that can take you downtown in less than fifteen minutes, plus there’s a considerable amount of parking available if you use your own vehicle. This small town feel doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice big attractions though—St. Anthony West also has plenty of popular local parks and even blooming gardens that can keep you busy throughout the year.

Different neighborhoods in Minneapolis have something for almost everyone—from those who want easy access to downtown businesses and attractions to those who prefer a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere. When choosing a new home in Minneapolis either pick one based on what best suits your needs alone or use some combination of all these neighborhoods listed above that best combines all your wants in an area.

Overall, Minneapolis as a whole has something for everyone so take your time researching each region with our guide and choose the area that best complements your lifestyle! For more information on what Minneapolis has to offer please visit MinneapolisNeighborhoods.com.