Twin Cities Neighborhoods Guide

A glance at some of our Twin Cities neighborhoods will help you find one to fit your style. The metro area is bursting with great schools, community festivals, arts, shopping, and plenty of parks and lakes to spend your sunny afternoons. So consider this your welcome to the neighborhood—31 neighborhoods, to be exact.

APPLE VALLEY

Successful Schools and a Beloved Zoo

Commute: 27 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 26 minutes to downtown St. Paul 

IN A NUTSHELL: Ranked the 17th best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine in 2013, Apple Valley shines in outdoor recreation and strong schools.

Housing stock: About 80 percent of Apple Valley’s 50,309 residents are homeowners. Though most houses were built about 30 years ago, new construction is still popping up. Median home price: $311,000.

Schools to note: Apple Valley High School has a strong STEM focus, rich arts program, and dozens of sports teams. At nearby Eastview High School, which is ranked eighth in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report, 62 percent of students take Advanced Placement (AP) classes. district196.org

Outdoor adventure: Perfect for even the youngest of the family, Kelley Park has a summer splash pad, playground, and picnic areas set among manicured grass and trees. Families can also enjoy the city’s Aquatic Center in the warm summer months, which includes water slides, a lazy river, and swimming area.

Locals love: The Minnesota Zoo is home to about 5,300 animals, and hosts summer concerts, including Mary Chapin Carpenter and Pat Benatar this year. mnzoo.org

ARDEN HILLS

Lake Living in the City

Commute: 16 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 12 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Located about 8 miles outside Minneapolis and St. Paul, Arden Hills was once a popular vacation destination because of Lake Josephine and Lake Johanna. Summer cabins were eventually converted to year-round homes, surrounded by trails and parks. The short commute is a draw for those who work downtown but seek the reprieve of suburban life. 

Housing stock: Most Arden Hills residents own homes, and 25 percent of households have children. Median home price: $300,000.

Schools to note: Irondale High School students have the option to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree from Anoka-Ramsey Community College (anokaramsey.edu) through Irondale’s Early College program, helping it come in at number nine in U.S. News & World Report’s top Minnesota high schools. Nearby Mounds View High School has a 98 percent graduation rate, and is ranked sixth in Minnesota. moundsviewschools.org

Outdoor adventure: In addition to its twin lakes, Arden Hills has 14 parks. Special areas designed for soccer, softball, hockey, skating, baseball, and tennis make sure everyone has a chance to get outside and play. cityofardenhills.org

Locals love: Great for a sunny weekend of swimming, playing, boating, or dock fishing, Tony Schmidt Regional Park is a hub of activity. There’s even a pavilion, ideal for gatherings and cookouts. 

BLOOMINGTON

Sprawling Suburb with Park Appeal

Commute: 14 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 22 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: The most populous suburb in the Twin Cities with 87,000 residents, Bloomington spans 38 square miles and encompasses a diverse natural and commercial landscape, from MSP International Airport and Mall of America to the northeast, the Minnesota River to the south, and Hyland Park to the west. 

Housing stock: Residential areas include upper-tier households built in the 2000s in the western Bush Lake area and post war ramblers in the central to eastern portions. Median home price: $258,000.

Schools to note: Jefferson High School ranks 23rd in the state in U.S. News & World Report, and the district offers a respected gifted and talented program in its elementary and middle schools (bloomington.k12.mn.us). Higher education institutions include Normandale Community College (normandale.edu), Rasmussen College (rasmussen.edu), and Northwestern Health Sciences University (nwhealth.edu), one of the largest natural healthcare research institutions in the United States.

Outdoor adventure: With more than 1,000 square feet of parkland per capita, Bloomington is one of the Twin Cities’ greenest suburbs. It offers miles of secluded wilderness, from Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve to Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, off-road hiking and biking trails, and a popular family-friendly downhill ski area. 

Locals love: For families, the award-winning playground within Hyland Lake Park Reserve is a hidden gem. Nicknamed Chutes and Ladders by locals, it’s a colorful labyrinth of platforms, climbers, and slides. Its wooded setting features a lake, paddleboat rentals, secluded picnic areas, and hiking. threeriversparks.org

EAGAN

Outdoor Recreation with Working-Professional Amenities

Commute: 25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 19 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Eagan has been listed as one of Money Magazine’s top 20 places to live in the United States five times—and for good reason. Though it started as an onion-farming town, it has grown into a professional community with campuses for Thomson Reuters and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. 

Housing stock: Most residents are homeowners, but there are options to buy and rent at nearly any price point. The majority of homes were built less than 30 years ago, since Eagan’s population boomed around the 1990s. Median home price: $330,000

Schools to note: Eagan High School ranks 10th in the state by U.S. News & World Report, and has received two Blue Ribbon School of Excellence awards. district196.org

Outdoor adventures: Eagan’s grassy hills, wetlands, lakes, and ponds make a perfect backdrop for outdoor recreation. Hiking and biking abound in Lebanon Hills Regional Park’s 2,000 acres.

EDEN PRAIRIE

Mother Nature Meets Sweet Shopping

Commute: 24 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 34 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Eden Prairie’s 1,000 acres of parkland, 120-plus miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, and 1.1 million square feet of shopping space at Eden Prairie Center draw both nature and retail enthusiasts. The 63,187-resident city is consistently among Money Magazine’s best places to live, and was ranked second in the nation in 2016.

Housing stock: There are options to own at nearly every price point, from luxury properties dotting the city’s golf courses to affordable starter homes. Many homes are from the city’s 1960s and 1970s population boom, but new construction also abounds. Median home price: $415,000.

Schools to note: Sixteen AP courses and 120 sports and activities landed Eden Prairie High School among the top 25 schools in Minnesota in 2017, according to U.S. News & World Report. (edenpr.org/ephs)

Outdoor adventures: Eden Prairie has 37 parks and 15 conservation areas. The 5.5-mile LRT regional trail runs diagonally through the city along an abandoned railroad bed and is a popular hiking and biking spot. Round Lake Park’s free swimming beach and splash pad are a summer oasis for families with kids. Residents can also take in views of the cosmos through one of Minnesota’s biggest telescopes during nocturnal viewing sessions at Staring Lake Observatory.

Locals love: In 2016, Minneapolis-based bakery and café Rustica opened a second location in the 140-year-old Smith Douglas More House on Eden Prairie Road. The home’s original rooms afford intimate alcoves to sip and savor.

EDINA

First-Ring Suburb with Smart Schools and Shops

Commute: 15 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 25 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Upscale boutiques, endless dining options, prime residential living, and top-rated schools are just a few of this sought-after suburb’s many attributes. Its 16 square miles hold three golf courses, two country clubs, a vibrant art center, historic shopping mall, super aquatic park, and much more.

Housing stock: You’ll find a variety of starter homes, townhomes, and condos, along with a range of sprawling estates, both historic and new construction. Median home price: $556,000.

Schools to note: Ranked fourth by U.S. News & World Report, Edina High School offers AP courses and is renowned for its athletics, with 162 state championships under its belt. Normandale Elementary French Immersion School (K-5) is one of only a few public French immersion schools in the state. edinaschools.org

Outdoor adventure: Dozens of parks dot the community and include everything from expansive sports facilities at Braemar, nature trails at Bredesen, the picturesque community spaces at Centennial Lakes, and an indoor playground oasis at Edinborough. Minnehaha Creek snakes through backyards in some parts of Edina, offering unexpected wilderness retreats.

Locals love: From America’s first indoor shopping mall, Southdale, to the chic shops of Galleria and the quaint storefronts of 50th & France, the range of shopping and dining options in Edina is dizzying. With every imaginable amenity, residents barely have to leave. exploreedina.com

HOPKINS

Small-Town Charm with Big-City Culture

Commute: 18 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 28 minutes to downtown St. Paul 

IN A NUTSHELL: Hopkins is chock-full of historic charm, with a modern penchant for Harleys, foodies, and cyclists. Nearly every amenity is within walking distance. Along Main Street there are more than a dozen restaurants and bars, a brewery, two ice cream shops, a movie theater (with $3 admission), a performing arts center, a gas station, multiple salons, and a collection of antique and retail shops. The majority of residents are younger couples and families. The most prevalent age group is 25-34.

Housing stock: A mix of 1900-era homes and newer construction dot the city’s established, tree-lined streets. In the past several years, a bevy of new apartments has also sprung up along both sides of Main Street, with even more rising in anticipation of the METRO Green Line’s 2019 arrival in Hopkins. Median home price: $274,000.

Schools to note: Hopkins High School was Minnesota’s first National School of Excellence, and now about half of students take AP courses. Two award-winning public language immersion programs—ISLA (Spanish) and XinXing Academy (Chinese)—are big draws for young families. hopkinsschools.org

Outdoor adventures: The Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail cuts right through the city, offering biking excursions into Minneapolis or to Lake Minnetonka’s patio restaurants. Maetzold Field hosts youth baseball, softball, and soccer teams galore and is a popular green space for residents. Among the city’s 15 parks, Shady Oak Beach’s sand volleyball court, beach, playground, and concession stand are a favorite summertime haunt. 

Locals love: The raspberry fields may be gone, but Hopkins continues to celebrate its heritage during the Hopkins Raspberry Festival. This annual July festival schedules more than 30 family-friendly events, including its arts and crafts fair, Golden Raspberry hunt, fireworks, and signature Grande Day Parade. raspberrycapital.com

LAKEVILLE

Local Businesses on the Lakes

Commute: 35 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 33 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Lakeville’s close-knit neighborhoods, extensive park system, and strong support of small businesses—combined with close proximity to larger corporations—give a small-town feel with big-city amenities. 

Housing stock: Most homes were built in the 1990s and early 2000s, but new construction is still popping up. More than 83 percent of residents own their own homes. Median home price: $362,000.

Schools to note: Lakeville North High School ranks 12th in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report, Lakeville North has a 65 percent Advanced Placement participation rate, plus dozens of sports teams, clubs and fine arts options. The youth get a good start, too, with a pick of eight elementary schools, including Lake Marion Elementary School. Lake Marion’s mission is to provide a caring and safe community for students, which for them includes Before and After School Enrichment Programs and a cornucopia of youth sports teams. isd194.org 

Outdoor adventures: Lakeville has dozens of parks and more than 100 miles of pedestrian and bike trails, making it a great town for outdoor enthusiasts. Antlers Park offers a swimming beach, playground and picnic shelters. The woodsy 18-hole Kenwood Trail Disc Golf Course is a favorite spot. Or hike through the 340-acre Ritter Farm Park during Ritter Farm Park After Dark, featuring a campfire, s’mores, and a hike led by Lakeville Environmental Resources staff members.

Locals love: Lakeville’s annual summer festival, Pan-O-Prog, has been a metro favorite for more than 50 years. People visit from across the metro for the carnival, fireworks, parade, and competitive medallion hunt.

MAHTOMEDI

Historic, Small-Town Feel 

Commute: 32 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 19 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: This small (only five square miles) suburb is situated on the east shore of White Bear Lake and has about 8,000 residents. Citizens take pride in its small-town feel and lakeside location, as well as the stellar school system and growing small business community. 

Housing stock: About 80 percent of homes are family owned, but there is also a healthy renters’ market. There is a mix of homes constructed in the 1980s as well as newer, luxury options. Median home price: $297,000. 

Schools to note: Mahtomedi High School (mahtomedi.k12.mn.us) ranks third in U.S. News & World Report’s list of best schools in Minnesota. For a private school start, St. Jude of the Lakes Catholic School (stjudeofthelakeschool.org) is an International Baccalaureate World School with a student to teacher ratio of 10:1.

Outdoor adventures: Mahtomedi has more than six parks to enjoy, and that doesn’t include the green space and beaches its access to White Bear Lake gives. The city also boasts the walking- and biking-friendly Streetcar Trail.

Locals love: Coffee Cottage is a locally owned coffee shop and roasting house focusing on the art and craft of coffee.

MAPLE GROVE

Where Sustainability and Shopping Coalesce 

Commute: 22 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 26 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Listed as the eighth largest city in Minnesota, Maple Grove is a destination for shopping and dining with plenty of options stretching throughout The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. The city has also taken significant steps to improve energy efficiency and sustainability through wind energy, solar panels, and a robust recycling program. 

Housing stock: Most of the 67,118 residents own homes, and 37 percent of households include children. Neighborhoods are scattered throughout the city, and most are multi-level homes that are about 28 years old. Median home price: $327,000.

Schools to note: Set in a semi-rural environment, Maple Grove Senior High ranks 27th in Minnesota in U.S. News & World Report. It has a 97 percent graduation rate and offers AP course work and exams, with 77 percent of AP test takers passing their exams. district279.org

Outdoor adventure: There are 39 parks in Maple Grove, including Central Park—an award-winning park with a playground, splash pad, gardens, labyrinth, sport courts, and concessions. With the city’s proximity to parks and its walkable shopping center, residents are always out and about.

Locals love: Celebrate the city at Maple Grove Days, July 12-16, 2017. Each day has a lineup including live music, fireworks, a volleyball tournament, parade, car show, and more. mgco.org

MINNETONKA

Upscale Lake Living

Commute: 21 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 30 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: With Lake Minnetonka on its western edge and lakes and wetlands accounting for more than 20 percent of its land area, a lake living vibe extends throughout this large western suburb, which also contains 50 parks and miles of trails for hiking and biking.

Housing stock: Of the more than 22,000 households in the city, nearly 75 percent are owner-occupied. Median home price: $385,000.

Schools to note: Minnetonka High School ranks seventh in the state by U.S. News & World Report. Voters passed a $5 million annual referendum for classroom technology. minnetonka.k12.mn.us

Outdoor adventures: With 125 miles of shoreline, dozens of bays, and several boat-up restaurants, Lake Minnetonka is a year-round fishing hotspot and a summertime playground for water sports enthusiasts. Dog owners love to walk the 155 acres of Purgatory Park, which offers stunning wetland and prairie views. 

Locals love: The Charles H. Burwell House was built on Minnehaha Creek in 1883 and hosts community events and tours throughout the summer. Minnetonka Center for the Arts offers a year-round lineup of exhibits, classes, camps, and shows. Don’t miss a trip to Ridgedale, which recently added more stores and restaurants to its already robust array of shops. 

ORONO

Lake Views and Great Schools

Commute: 29 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 37 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Of the 24 square miles that make up the city of Orono, one-third are covered in lakes perfect to enjoy in all seasons. With 7,898 people, Orono is the perfect balance of a restful home and a fun day outdoors.

Housing stock: Orono has high-quality neighborhoods graced with lakefront views and good community. Median home price: $750,000.

Schools to note: Orono High School ranks second in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report this year, coming off last year’s fourth-place ranking. With AP and honors courses and more than 85 percent of its students participating in at least one extracurricular activity, the school works to give its students a well-rounded education. orono.k12.mn.us

Outdoor adventure: Besides its six beaches and 15-plus natural areas and parks, the city is also home to the nine-hole Orono Public Golf Course, the state’s first course to have grass greens. 

Locals love: While Saga Hill Nature Area’s 28 woodland acres is largely undeveloped except for a few trails criss-crossing its terrain, plans to improve its pathways and to add picnic tables, benches, and a footbridge are underway. ci.orono.mn.us

ROSEVILLE

Thriving Suburban Oasis 

Commute: 15 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 9 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Roseville is home to two large shopping hubs, Rosedale Center and HarMar Mall. With the variety of residential areas among so much commercial real estate, Roseville has some of the lowest property taxes in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. 

Housing stock: Most homes and buildings were built after 1940. So, if you’re looking for a large rambler, or a walkout on a small urban lake, look no further. Median home price: $233,000.

Schools to note: Roseville is divided between two school districts—Mounds View, whose high school is ranked sixth in U.S. New & World Report (moundsviewschools.org), and Roseville Area High School, which offers AP courses and has a 91 percent graduation rate (isd623.org).

Outdoor adventure: Thirty parks span 632 acres and 67 miles of trails. The Harriet Alexander Nature Center includes 52 acres of marsh, prairie, and forest. Bordering St. Paul, Roseville is near the beloved Como Park Conservatory & Zoo. 

Locals love: The Guidant John Rose MN OVAL is 110,000 square feet of outdoor refrigerated ice in the winter (including a 400-meter speed skating track). In warm weather, it’s a wicked skateboard park. cityofroseville.com

WHITE BEAR LAKE

Small Town, Big Lake

Commute: 28 minutes to downtown Minneapolis, 17 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Roughly 20 minutes from downtown, this 25,000-resident suburb has small town charm but big time history. The town draws visitors not only for its famous lake and quaint downtown, but also for the numerous parks and summer festivals.

Housing stock: About 27 percent of residents rent, but most own older single-family homes. Median home price: $232,000.

Schools to note: Split into two separate campuses, north and south, White Bear Lake Area High School (whitebear.k12.mn.us) serves students from 10 different cities. AP, College in Schools, and Project Lead The Way courses are offered so students can receive early college credit. The area is also home to Century College (century.edu), one of the largest community colleges in the state.

Outdoor adventures: White Bear Lake has 24 parks and an abundance of bike trails for residents to enjoy. Memorial Beach and Matoska Park are only two of a multitude of beaches along the mighty lake’s shore. 

Locals love: Tally’s Dockside & C.G. Hooks BBQ is a hit for its mouth-watering barbecue, lakeside views, and live music. Marketfest is a favorite summer festival happening every Thursday from June 15 to July 27.

WOODBURY

A Flourishing Suburb from Farm to City

Commute: 28 minutes to downtown Minneapolis,15 minutes to downtown St. Paul

IN A NUTSHELL: Woodbury was a community focused on farming and education, namely through its one-room schoolhouse. But by the 1960s, the proximity of Woodbury to the Twin Cities prompted a shift to support more residents seeking homes and needing commercial areas. Now almost 70,000 people live in this affluent suburb, peppered with upscale and modern homes as well as top-notch schools. 

Housing stock: From 1990 to 2010, Woodbury tripled its size, with 67,696 residents calling it home. Along with the population boom there was a housing boom, and homes in this area don’t need a lot of work since most are about 22 years old. Median home price: $400,000.

Schools to note: Math and Science Academy earned the top high school in Minnesota award by this year’s U.S. News and World Report. This tuition-free public school is open to any student in Minnesota. It ranks highly for its high test scores, college readiness, and AP exam performance (mnmsa.org). High school options are not limited in this school district, though; both Woodbury High School and East Ridge High School (sowashco.org) are within U.S. News & World Report’s top 20. 

Outdoor adventure: Woodbury is the ninth largest city in Minnesota, and its vast space is also home to 51 parks giving residents plenty of space to walk, run, bike, and play. The HealthEast Sports Center offers a free splash pad for kids and includes water conservation strategies. Residents also enjoy 2 miles of trails through the Tamarack Nature Preserve. 

Locals love: The city didn’t forget about four-legged friends. Andy’s Bark Park is named after the city’s first Police Department K9 officer, and is now a respected off-leash park for dogs. woodburymn.gov

MINNEAPOLIS

Navigating the neighborhoods WEST of the Mississippi. 

Bryn Mawr Minutes from downtown, yet quaint and relaxed with plentiful parks, lakes, and trails, Bryn Mawr bills itself as a neighborhood within a park. Surrounded by Theodore Wirth and Bassett Creek to the north, Bryn Mawr Meadows to the east, and Cedar Lake Park to the south, it features reasonably priced Victorians, Colonials, bungalows, and ramblers, and a small-town feel. Median home price: $362,000.

Linden Hills Developed in the 1880s, this southwest Minneapolis neighborhood is in high demand among families, and its home prices reflect that. Sandwiched between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, the area features large bungalows and Tudor-style homes, including multimillion dollar mansions along Lake Harriet Parkway. Its quaint downtown is home to excellent restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Median home price: $463,000.

Lynnhurst Nestled between Lake Harriet and 54th Street, with Minnehaha Creek bisecting it, is this sought-after neighborhood with pockets of great retail and restaurants. You’ll find small, storybook homes built before 1940, as well as larger, architect-designed dwellings.Median home price: $574,000.

King Field East of Lake Harriet and south of Uptown, King Field’s leafy streets are lined with homes built before 1920. With its many shops and restaurants, and the bustling Martin Luther King Park, this vibrant community provides all the conveniences of city life (it’s right off Interstate 35W!), and the walkability to boot. Median home price: $301,000.

Nokomis Quaint retail pockets, great restaurants, walkability, and proximity to Lake Nokomis and bike paths make neighborhoods like Shenandoah Terrace, Field, Page, Hale, and Ericsson more popular than ever. Median home price: $270,000.

Longfellow Along the shores of the Mississippi River, this southeast community offers beautiful scenery, miles of walking and biking paths, and light-rail transit. It includes the popular neighborhoods of Hiawatha (home to Minnehaha Park), Seward, with its late 19th century homes, and Longfellow, featuring 1920s Craftsman homes to multimillion dollar properties on the river. Median home price: $229,000.

Downtown Beyond a business mecca, the city’s core is home to a mix of neighborhoods. Find nature in the city at Loring Park and the newly re-opened Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, shop the North Loop’s booming indie retail scene, survey the scene that put Minneapolis on the map in the Mill District, or be among the new East Town neighborhood’s first residents. Median home price: $231,000.

ST. PAUL

Navigating the neighborhoods EAST of the Mississippi. 

Highland Park This southwest St. Paul neighborhood along the Mississippi River has it all: homes with character and well-tended yards, a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants, low crime, strong schools, a central location, and impressive amounts of easy to access nature. A proposed mix of housing, parks, and businesses on the riverfront Ford Plant site may spark future growth in the area. Median home price: $420,000.

Como Park Leave it to a free zoo and acres of green space to woo families. Where else can you go skiing on a cold winter morning, stroll in a hothouse among tropical orchids in the afternoon, and then see a monkey? Como life also includes the lovely Como Lake (with pedal boat rentals), a municipal golf course, an aquatic center, and the Minnesota State Fair. Housing is an eclectic mix, from Victorians to pre-war to modern condos. Median home price: $235,000.

Mac-Groveland Coffee shops, cozy homes, and tree-lined streets make Mac-Groveland a favorite. Its character is reflected in the diverse mix of single-family homes, apartments, and commercial nodes, and its three universities (Macalester, St. Thomas, and St. Kate’s) keep it vibrant. Median homeprice: $340,000. 

Cathedral Hill One of St. Paul’s largest historically protected neighborhood, Cathedral Hill transports you back to the days when gangsters roamed, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald partied hard. But the real magic lives in the quiet pocket parks, subterranean shops, and hidden, twinkle-lit patios. In addition to the majestic Victorian mansions, a wide variety of condos and spacious, multi-levels are available. Median home price: $268,000.

St. Anthony Park People love the central location of this historic hamlet nestled between Highway 280 and the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. Multiple bakeries, a library, hair salon, bookstore, and bank are all within walking distance, giving it a small-town vibe that’s oh so quaint. Median home price: $299,000.

West 7th In 2013, a $120 million renovation transformed an 1855 brick brewery into the live-work rentals known as the Schmidt Artist Lofts. These resident-artists have since transformed the historically working-class neighborhood by nabbing affordable fixer-uppers and patronizing the increasingly eclectic mix of businesses along the corridor. Home prices will likely continue to rise. Median home price: $190,000.

Merriam Park While the 19th-century homes give a stately feel, independent businesses along Marshall Avenue such as Izzy’s Ice Cream, Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, and Rising Sun Martial Arts Supply betray the community’s quirkiness. Median home price: $322,000.

Lowertown From grungy artist outpost to hipster capital, Lowertown changed again when the Saints’ stadium opened. Now sidewalks and restaurants fill until there’s no place to park. Which makes it a coup that the Green Line terminates right here. Median home price: $270,000.

Dayton’s Bluff A delightful historic district next to downtown St. Paul, Dayton’s Bluff has three large parks: Indian Mounds (with ancient burial mounds and caves), Swede Hollow, and Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary—all of which are connected by the Bruce Vento Regional Trail. Plus, there’s a cool café culture. Homes range from large Victorians to small worker cottages. Median home price: $152,000.