Whether you want to live in a waterfront condo or are looking for more of a small-town vibe by a lake, we’ve got the best Minneapolis ‘hood for you.
Armatage
Nestled in the southwest corner of the city, this predominantly residential ‘hood is super convenient, with easy access to Downtown Minneapolis, the airport, the lakes, and the Mall of America! Local shops, restaurants and coffee spots like Cuppa Java dot Penn Avenue, while Armatage Park boasts beautiful, mature shade trees to lounge under.
Downtown West
If you picture yourself staying amongst skyscrapers overlooking the Mississippi, Downtown West is for you. Fortune 500 office buildings are packed with suited professionals, but the area also offers plenty of places to eat, shop, and be entertained. Nicollet Avenue's Eat Street will satiate your Southeast Asian cravings. Dine at fancy steakhouses and New American eateries, and enjoy some live music at one of the many bars. Shop for bling and new threads at Nicollet Mall, which is less of a mall and more of a 12-block portion of Nicollet Avenue running through Downtown. An elevated enclosed skyway connects hotels, shops, and restaurants—keeping pedestrians out of the cold.
Downtown West is also the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Orchestra Hall is home to the Minnesota Orchestra, while Target Center hosts concerts and sporting events. Speaking of which, the Timberwolves, Vikings, and Twins all play Downtown, causing terrible traffic. This area is also home to Minneapolis’ beautiful, grand, City Hall, the Minneapolis Central Library, and the statue of Mary Tyler Moore throwing her hat into the sky while turning the world on with her smile. Nicollet Avenue’s light rail station and several bus routes provide easy access to attractions like the Walker Art Center, one of the "big five" modern art museums in the country and its neighbor, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to Claes Oldenburg's locally iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Nearby Loring Park serves as a green oasis, with jogging trails and a tennis court. Of course, you’re going to pay a pretty penny for properties in the area—not just for the convenient location— but because they are newer and sleeker than what the rest of the city has to offer.
East Phillips
This community allows you to be close to Downtown while saving some dough. East Phillips is a great place to live and work. Many businesses reside on Hiawatha Ave., which offers easy access to Downtown.
A 5.5-mile long rail-trail called the Midtown Greenway offers walking and biking paths. A mix of old and young renters and homeowners reside in small family houses, rowhouses, and historic apartment buildings.
Linden Hills
Located between Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun, this popular southwest Minneapolis neighborhood is a “small town in the city.” Linden Hills boasts great schools, friendly folks, and beautiful views, plus the benefits of eclectic, urban living, like awesome restaurants and locally-owned stores. Line up for brunch at the New American bistro, Tilia, or skip the wait and head next door to The Harriet Brasserie.
The area lakes provide a beautiful backdrop for biking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding when the weather allows. Catch a concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in the summer. With all of the natural beauty and urban amenities, the area is pretty expensive and parking can be difficult.
Lynnhurst
Historic homes dot this southwest Minneapolis neighborhood’s tree-lined streets. Located along the southeastern shore of Lake Harriet, Lynnhurst offers the best of both worlds: nature and city living. The area offers easy access to coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores, and Minnehaha Creek boasts a variety of recreational opportunities.
North Loop
Young professionals reside in condos, upscale lofts, and townhomes along the riverfront in this trendy, up-and-coming, active community. Nestled between Downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River, the North Loop sits just northwest of the central business district. The former industrial area is close to everything from coffee shops to nightlife. Its historic Warehouse District was once the epicenter of the Minneapolis art scene. Now its more of a foodie mecca, with spots like The Bachelor Farmer which has hosted President Obama.
Seward
With a surprisingly low crime rate for its proximity to Downtown, Seward is one of the only neighborhoods in the city that doesn’t require a car. Shops, restaurants, and even the University of Minnesota are all within walking or biking distance. East River Road boasts riverside walking and biking trails. Running alongside the ‘hood, the light rail provides easy access to all corners of the Minneapolis metropolitan area. From industrial spaces to historic houses, with recent builds in between, property here can be high, but that’s because you’re so close to the river.
Tangletown
Formerly known as Fuller, this southwest community was established in the 19th century as a rustic getaway for well-to-do types. Unlike its name, beautiful houses and tall oak trees remain. The new name reflects its roads—winding over hills and around Minnehaha Creek—which set this neighborhood apart from the rest of the city’s alphanumeric grid. Shops are clustered around Diamond Lake Road just over the Tangletown Bridge. Perched on top of one of the highest points in south Minneapolis, Washburn Park Water Tower is worth a gander.
