Thinking about moving to Minneapolis? The larger half of the Twin Cities is a perfect place for families to live because of its excellent school system, affordable housing, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Check out these five best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for families!
| Neighborhood | Diamond Lake | Fulton | Kenny | Linden Hills | Minnehaha |
| Median Home Price | $400,000 | $572,450 | $470,000 | $735,500 | $330,000 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,228 | $1,345 | $1,262 | $1,860 | $979 |
| Median Household Income | $115,990 | $149,992 | $135,804 | $132,381 | $77,566 |
| Home Appreciation Rate | 11% | 17% | 0% | 16% | 15% |
| High School Graduation Rate | 97% | 99% | 98% | 97% | 92% |
Diamond Lake
If you’re looking for a quiet area to raise your family, check out Diamond Lake, one of the best neighborhoods to live in Minneapolis! You can find public and private schools like Hale Elementary School, Our Lady of Peace Catholic School, and Windom Community School amidst Diamond Lake real estate options including cottages, ranches, and Tudor Revival homes. This mostly residential neighborhood is home to the active Hale Page Diamond Lake Community Association, which provides residents with events like Picnic in the Park, the Neighborhood Garage Sale, and Frost Fest. And with access to green space and waterfront recreation at some of the best parks in Minneapolis—like Diamond Lake Park, Solomon Park, and Lake Nokomis—residents of Diamond Lake are always able to find something to do!
Things to Do in Diamond Lake
Take the little ones to run around at Todd Park, which is also perfect for picnics on the grass, playing pick-up games of baseball, and more fun things to do with family in Minneapolis. Spend an afternoon duking it out on the outdoor pickleball court or go ice skating during the colder months at Pearl Park. Cast a fishing line off the pier, get a book from the Little Free Library, or plan a day-long bike ride with the family at Lake Nokomis Park. Find Russian artifacts, exhibits, and language classes when you visit The Museum of Russian Art. Start your morning with one of the best breakfasts in Minneapolis at Guavas Cuban Cafe, serving options like Steak & Eggs, Miami Breakfast, and Veggie Hash. Order the Wise Burger, Kimchi Grilled Cheese, or Kale Salad at Wise Acre Eatery. Dig into authentic Italian favorites like the Pizza New Haven, Garlic Chicken Alfredo, or Baked Rigatoni at Fat Lorenzo’s. Indulge in the spicy Dragon’s Drool Wings, PB & J Wings, or the famous Juicy Lucy Burger at 5-8 Club.
Fulton
Located in South Minneapolis, the Fulton neighborhood is known for its distinct Colonial, Tudor, and Craftsman home styles and its close proximity to Lake Harriet Southeast Beach. The small-town atmosphere of this Minneapolis neighborhood is supported by family-friendly community events like ice cream socials and the fall festival. To help residents feel even more connected to their community, the Fulton Neighborhood Association also hosts frequent committee meetings in addition to neighborhood activities and events. On top of that, families are drawn to the area by top-rated schools in Fulton, including options like Southwest Montessori School and Lake Harriet Community School.
Things to Do in Fulton
Practice your tennis swing, play on the soccer field, or take a family walk at Pershing Field Park. Catch fish like largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch at the pier located along Lake Harriet. Find Minneapolis shopping and eclectic restaurants—as well as fun events during the holiday season—at the 50th & France urban shopping district. Go antiquing across two levels of treasure at Hunt & Gather to find vintage goods. Treat yourself to Oysters, Cheese Curds, and the Elote Burger at Dexter’s. Pop in for delicious Italian food in Minneapolis like Penne Rosmarino, Fettuccine Alla Bolognese, or Spaghetti Carbonara at Broders’ Pasta Bar. Chow down on Walleye Tacos, Grilled Salmon, or a Steak Sandwich at Coalition Restaurant. Or sample wine like Zardetto NV Prosecco or Coeur de Terre Pinot Gris paired with the Salmon Fillet at Bojae’s Wine Bar & Bistro for date night.
Kenny
Kenny’s proximity to Lake Harriet and Grass Lake, along with lush Kenny Park, makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for families to live. This scenic area offers picturesque views with housing options ranging from spacious ranches to charming Tudor-style homes. Families in Kenny can send their children to quality schools within the neighborhood like Kenny Elementary School and Anthony Middle School. And residents of all ages enjoy attending community events from the Kenny Neighborhood Association throughout the year, like New Neighbor Gatherings or the Ice Cream Social & Green Fair.
Things to Do in Kenny
Lay a blanket down for a picnic or play on the basketball courts and softball fields of Madison Park. Take your kids to the playground, compete in a game of doubles on the tennis court, or practice on the soccer field at Kenny Park. Take in public art, join a book club, or let the little ones attend Family Storytime at the Washburn Library. Shop for fresh plants to spruce up your home, classic home decor, or gifts for your family at Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden Center. Head out for breakfast in Minneapolis to try dishes like a Breakfast Burrito, 2 Eggs Any Style, and Butter Croissant at Book Club Restaurant. Grab Italian dishes like Crispy Calamari, Spaghetti Alla Vodka, or Fettuccine Alfredo at Prima. Enjoy Minneapolis seafood favorites like Walleye, Fried Fish Tacos, or Halibut at Mac’s Fish, Chips, & Strips. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with handmade Butter Cookies, a Raspberry Lemon Danish, or Vanilla Chocolate Creme Brulee at Patrick’s Bakery & Cafe.
Linden Hills
Known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis, Linden Hills offers families a suburban feel with a rich history—which can be found at spots like the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line. This area is one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for young families, filled with fun activities like the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival or summer concerts and movies at Lake Harriet Bandshell Park. Families looking for year-round outdoor activities in Minneapolis can find even more things to do at the beaches, waterfront parks, and cycling trails at the lakes bordering Linden Hills.
Things to Do in Linden Hills
Take in the scenic views of the Downtown Minneapolis skyline or go kayaking around the lake at Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach. Stop by to see art displays, let the kids flip through novels, and sign up for crafting classes at the Linden Hills Library. Find books for all levels of young readers, attend weekly story times, and enroll your kids in a book club at Wild Rumpus. Admire a collection of historic streetcars—and even ride in one along a lakeside route—at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. Begin your morning with a Dulce de Leche Latte, Chocolate Croissant, or Turkish Bagel at Cafe Ceres. Order a Hill Burger, Duck Taco, or Arugula Salad for brunch at The Harriet Brasserie. Dine on a Dixie BBQ Bowl, Signature Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich, or Southern Sampler at Old Southern BBQ. Treat yourself to delicious ice cream flavors like Nicollet Avenue Pothole, Raspberry Chocolate Chip, or Salty Caramel from Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Shop.
Minnehaha
Searching for an affordable Minneapolis neighborhood ideal for families? Consider living in Minnehaha! This family-friendly neighborhood is nestled between lakes and rivers, as well as Downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. A great home base for commuters, those living in Minnehaha are within walking distance of the METRO Blue Line and have easy access to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Residents are drawn here for the historical homes dating back to the 1930s, as well as the easy access to spots like Lake Nokomis. But families in particular like the proximity Minnehaha has to quality Minneapolis schools like Keewaydin Elementary School and Hennepin Elementary School.
Things to Do in Minnehaha
Keep a lookout for rare species while bird-watching, spotting wildlife, or taking in the tranquil sounds of nature at Longfellow Gardens. Hike to see the stunning views of the majestic 53-foot tall Minnehaha Falls, and play some disc golf or volleyball in the park while you’re there! Visit the Minnehaha Depot, a seasonal attraction, to learn more about the history of Minneapolis and understand the role of the railroad in the growth of Minnesota. Take the little ones to the Winter Story Stroll, get homework help, and join the chess club at the Nokomis Library. Start your morning with Huevos Rancheros, Turtle French Toast, or a Cajun Hash Skillet for brunch at The Tipsy Steer Hiawatha. Fill up on Minneapolis Mexican food like the Carne Asada Mi Pueblo, Shrimp Fajita, or Fish Taco at Dominguez Family Restaurant. Indulge in the Fusion Nachos, Carnitas Tacos, and Chipotle Pasta from Fusion Pancake House & Bistro. Or end your night with a game of bowling while sipping on a West Bank Pale Ale, Parkway Java Porter, or a Super Strike Light Lager at Town Hall Lanes.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes, Redfin, and RentCafe
