Areas and suburbs in Minneapolis

The best places to live in Minneapolis

Minneapolis neighbourhoods run the gamut from industrial lofts in converted warehouses to lakeside family enclaves with tree-lined streets. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise a five-minute walk to work, top-rated schools, or simply getting more space for your money.

The urban areas pack apartments and houses fairly close together, but the trade-off means easier access to Minneapolis’s excellent public transport network and short commutes to the central business districts. The outer suburbs typically offer better value and more space for gardens, although your daily commute into the city centre will stretch longer.

Below is an overview of some popular neighbourhoods throughout Minneapolis.

Young and trendy areas in Minneapolis

North Loop

Young professionals flock to the North Loop, Minneapolis’s most sought-after neighbourhood for career-focused residents. This former Warehouse District showcases converted industrial lofts, sleek high-rises, and contemporary condos that capture the perfect urban aesthetic.

Living here, you’ll find yourself steps away from Target Field, home to the Minnesota Twins and the Mississippi Riverfront walking trails. The area is abuzz with craft breweries, innovative restaurants, and art galleries. Property prices reflect the neighbourhood’s popularity, but the walkability score and 10-minute commutes to downtown business districts justify the investment for those who want an exciting urban lifestyle and can afford it.

Downtown West

Downtown West puts you in the thick of Minneapolis’s business district, where glass towers house law firms, banks, and corporate headquarters. High-rise living here means floor-to-ceiling windows, concierge services, and rent that’ll make your eyes water.

You can walk to work in a suit without breaking a sweat, then grab after-work drinks at rooftop bars with skyline views. The enclosed skyway system becomes your best friend during brutal Minnesota winters – you can travel 80 city blocks without stepping outside. Weekend evenings bring expense account crowds to steakhouses and cocktail lounges. It’s polished, convenient, and decidedly corporate.

Northeast

Artists, young families, and creative professionals have discovered Northeast Minneapolis as their perfect middle ground. New galleries and trendy restaurants have moved into this historic neighbourhood without erasing its authentic character.

Northeast’s tree-lined streets feature historic homes, converted artist lofts, and new residential developments. The dining scene ranges from authentic dive bars to award-winning craft breweries, all within cycling distance of the University of Minnesota. Property values here are reasonable compared to North Loop, making it attractive for first-time buyers.

University

The University neighbourhood pulses with student energy, especially around Dinkytown, where pizza joints stay open until 2am and dive bars host trivia nights. You’ll either love the constant buzz of 50,000 students or find it exhausting – there’s no middle ground.

Housing ranges from shared apartments to modern condos. You’ll have access to numerous parks, recreational facilities, and cultural events that extend beyond typical college offerings. Recent graduates often choose to stay here, connected to the academic atmosphere, whilst transitioning into professional careers.

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Budget-friendly areas in Minneapolis

Powderhorn

Powderhorn attracts young professionals who want character without breaking the bank. The neighbourhood’s Victorian houses and Craftsman bungalows cost roughly half what you’d pay in Linden Hills, although you’ll trade manicured lawns for a grittier, more authentic Minneapolis experience.

The area centres around Powderhorn Park, where summer brings outdoor concerts and the city’s best farmers market. The neighbourhood sits close to Eat Street (Nicollet Avenue), Minneapolis’s famous international dining corridor with authentic Somali, Mexican, and Vietnamese restaurants. The arts scene is thriving – murals cover building walls, and local galleries showcase emerging talent. Light rail connects you downtown in 20 minutes.

Seward

The Seward neighbourhood attracts professionals who want urban living without the premium price tag. You can rent a decent one-bedroom apartment or buy a modest Victorian-era home for significantly less than in trendier areas.

The neighbourhood has embraced its reputation as Minneapolis’s sustainability hub. Co-op grocery shops, community gardens, and the Midtown Greenway bike corridor define daily life here. The Blue Line light rail gets you Downtown in 15 minutes, making it popular with environmentally minded commuters who’ve ditched their cars.

Family life in Minneapolis

Linden Hills

Linden Hills offers the pinnacle of family life in Minneapolis, and it’s consistently rated one of the city’s premier neighbourhoods for raising children. Positioned between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska (formerly named Calhoun Isles), this area feels like a small town whilst keeping you relatively close to downtown amenities.

The neighbourhood benefits from good local schools, whilst tree-lined streets invite family walks and cycling adventures. You’ll have access to numerous parks, playgrounds, and the historic Como-Harriet Streetcar Line. Housing ranges from charming period homes to contemporary family residences.

Bde Maka Ska (Calhoun Isles)

The Bde Maka Ska area is Minneapolis’s most affluent family-friendly option, built around stunning lakes that provide year-round recreational opportunities. This neighbourhood offers exceptional outdoor activities that keep active families engaged throughout the year.

Housing spans from grand Tudor-style homes to luxury penthouses, and property prices are among the city’s highest. The area has top-rated schools and strong community bonds. The neighbourhood’s residential streets are peaceful and child-friendly, and nearby Uptown provides convenient upscale shopping and dining. Lake access offers sailing, ice skating, and walking trails within minutes of your doorstep.

Fulton

Fulton feels like you’ve stumbled into a 1950s suburb, complete with wide streets, mature oak trees, and houses with actual front porches. It’s where Minneapolis families go when they want space but refuse to move to the suburbs.

The neighbourhood’s claim to fame is having some of the city’s largest lots – your children can actually play in the back garden without kicking a ball into the neighbour’s kitchen window. Fulton Elementary consistently ranks among the city’s top schools. You’ll find yourself 15 minutes from Downtown but a world away from urban chaos. The trade-off is that there’s limited nightlife and a serious shortage of trendy coffee shops.

Shopping And Entertainment in Minneapolis
Schools in Minneapolis