Moving to St. Paul with your family? The capital of Minnesota offers safe neighborhoods and plenty of things to do year-round, making it a great place to settle down and raise a family. Whether you want tree-lined streets, great schools, or access to parks, here are the five best neighborhoods in St. Paul for families!
| Neighborhood | Battle Creek | Como Park | Hamline Midway | Highland Park | Macalester Groveland |
| Median Home Price | $194,967 | $236,000 | $216,409 | $328,006 | $391,207 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,084 | $1,263 | $924 | $1,203 | $1,085 |
| Median Household Income | $57,623 | $92,584 | $64,935 | $87,724 | $94,793 |
| Safer than % of St. Paul | 65% | 82% | 59% | 88% | 94% |
| High School Graduation Rate | 82% | 96% | 90% | 95% | 98% |
Battle Creek
One of the top neighborhoods in St. Paul for families, Battle Creek is a quiet, affordable area with great parks, community programs, and family-friendly events. This St. Paul neighborhood features a mix of ranch-style and split-level homes on tree-lined streets, with easy access to the Battle Creek Regional Park system—perfect for families who love the outdoors. Commuters appreciate the neighborhood’s proximity to Blues Highway and I-94, as well as plenty of Metro Transit bus stops and the Metro Gold Line. The nearby St. Paul Downtown Airport also makes travel convenient for professionals who frequently fly for business. Kids can attend nearby schools like Battle Creek Elementary and Battle Creek Middle School, and the whole family can enjoy annual neighborhood events like the Go Spring! trail run, helping make this one of the best neighborhoods to raise kids in St. Paul.
Things to Do in Battle Creek
Let your pups splash in the pond, roam freely off-leash, and relax in the shade while you enjoy the fresh air at Battle Creek Dog Park. Sign up for volunteer opportunities, youth sports, and mentoring programs throughout the year at the Battle Creek Recreation Center—or take advantage of the bocce ball courts, skating rink, and a popular sledding hill for wintertime family fun. Reserve a lane and try for a strike, or join one of the fall or winter league teams at Sun Ray Lanes. Check out books, access a free seven-day Minnesota State Parks pass, or bring your teens for game nights and hangouts at the Sun Ray Saint Paul Public Library. Fill your belly with Quesabirria Tacos con Consome, Shrimp Fajitas, or Flautas at Los Ocampo Restaurant & Bar. Order a Five Meat Calzone, The Grand Founder Hoagie, or a Chicken Florentine Pizza at Davanni’s Pizza & Hot Hoagies. Dig into Chicken Subgum Chow Mein, Pork Fried Rice, or Pineapple Chicken at Mei Mei’s Restaurant for delicious Chinese food in St. Paul. Or cool off with a Blueberry Lemonade, Mangonada, or Strawberry Esquimo at MJ Delights.
Como Park
When looking for safe, affordable St. Paul neighborhoods for your family, Como Park should definitely be on your list. Families love the area for its safe streets and stunning homes, which include historic Craftsman bungalows, American Foursquares, and charming two-story houses. The neighborhood is centered around Como Regional Park, a 450-acre public space where families can take a dip, go fishing, or enjoy picnics by Como Lake. Events like Music Under Glass and the annual ComoFest summer celebration bring neighbors together, making Como Park one of the most beloved neighborhoods in St. Paul for families. On top of all that, you can make sure your kids get a good education at schools like Chelsea Heights Elementary and Como Park Senior High.
Things to Do in Como Park
Book a tee time at Como Park Golf Course or sign your kids up for golf lessons through the Youth on Course program—which also includes tournament opportunities and a subscription to Minnesota Golfer Magazine. Ride Cafejian’s Carousel, explore the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden, and visit animal habitats like Gorilla Forest and Wolf Woods at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Head to Marydale Park and get your kicks at the Sepak Takraw courts, walk on the park trails, or go fishing at Loeb Lake. Get a fitness membership, skate on the hockey rink, or tap into your artistic side in the Craft Room at the North Dale Recreation Center. Feast on dishes like Ater Kik, Bozena Shiro, and Derek Tibs at Bole Ethiopian Cuisine. Chow down on Firecracker Fried Chicken Salad, The Big Pig, or Turkey Pot Pie at Gabe’s Bar & Kitchen. Try the Parmesan Turkey Bacon Melt, Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich, or Sweet Thai Chili Burger at Half Time Rec. Or cool off in the warmer months with ice cream flavors such as Maplenut, Black Cherry, and Cotton Candy at Conny’s Creamy Cone, typically open March through October.
Hamline-Midway
Located near the city’s western border, Hamline-Midway is one of the best neighborhoods in St. Paul for families who want city convenience with a close-knit, small-town feel. Residents can choose from a range of cozy bungalows, American Foursquares, and classic two-story houses at affordable prices. This St. Paul neighborhood’s creative, community-driven spirit attracts both families and young professionals, hosting events like neighborhood clean-up days and taking part in the city-wide St. Paul Art Crawl—a chance to explore local galleries, studios, and interactive exhibits. And with access to quality schools like Hamline Elementary and the nearby Hamline University campus, parents can feel confident about their children’s education.
Things to Do in Hamline-Midway
Catch plays and musicals, improv shows, film screenings, or the short play series Running Errands every other month at The Hive Collaborative. Go for a peaceful stroll and see over 60 types of trees in St. Paul’s mini arboretum at Horton Park. Sign up for aerial sling, silks, or lyra classes, or attend the Guardian & Kiddo Sling Workshop for a bonding experience with your little one at Fly Freak Studio. See intricate Lego displays, historic train models, and the World Famous O-Scale Exhibit at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum. Savor the rich flavors in Tteokbokki, Bulgogi, and the Seafood Pancake at Sole Cafe Korean Restaurant. Find classic Vietnamese dishes like Pho Dac Biet, Chicken Chow Mein Stir Fry, and Banh Uot at Hoa Bien Restaurant. Devour Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles, Braised Beef Ribs Noodle Soup, or a Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl at Master Noodle. Or pair your tacos with a Self Sabotage, Local 755, or Stacksman on Taco Tuesday at BlackStack Brewing.
Highland Park
If you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood in St. Paul that offers plenty of green space and outdoor recreation, consider Highland Park! This scenic area next to the Mississippi River bluffs is highly walkable, with nearly seven miles of paved trails along the riverfront. You can also get to know your neighbors and teach your kids about plant life at the HGRO Community Garden. Potential homeowners in Highland Park can choose from a mix of classic bungalows, Cape Cod cottages, and updated ranch-style homes, many with large yards. Plus, you can have peace of mind sending your kids to well-regarded schools like Horace Mann School, EXPO Elementary, and Highland Park Senior High School—helping solidify Highland Park as an excellent choice for families looking to settle down in St. Paul.
Things to Do in Highland Park
Practice on the putting greens or play 18 holes at the beautiful Highland National Golf Course. Pack a picnic lunch and hike or bike along Hidden Falls Creek to reach the waterfall at Hidden Falls Regional Park. Enroll your kids in classes or summer camps at Circus Juventas, a youth circus arts school that also hosts performances throughout the year. Get relief from the summer heat with water aerobics, swimming lessons, the splash pad, or the two-story high water slide at the Highland Aquatic Center. Start your morning with a White Lightning, DeNiro, or Matcha Latte at Quixotic Coffee. Satisfy your appetite with Two Eggs with Veggie Hash, Everything Omelet, Banana Nut Pancakes, or Cinnamon French Toast at Highland Cafe & Bakery. Bite into the Carbone’s Special, Mediterranean, or The Lafay pizza at Carbones Pizza. Or chow down on a Spider Roll, Lobster Tango Roll, or Spicy Maki Combo at Sakana Sushi & Asian Bistro.
Macalester-Groveland
Macalester-Groveland, often called Mac-Groveland by locals, is one of St. Paul’s best areas to settle down if you’re seeking a laid-back St. Paul neighborhood. Families are drawn to its mix of Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Tudor-style homes, along with its walkable streets and historical charm. Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, Mac-Groveland offers residents relaxing weekend strolls along scenic river trails. The neighborhood is also home to Groveland Park Elementary and is close to Macalester College and the University of St. Thomas, providing easy access to high-quality education. Plus, you’ll be able to take part in fun, family-friendly neighborhood events like Mac-Grove Fest and Frost Fest!
Things to Do in Macalester-Groveland
Buy used books of various genres—including Celtic mythology, Medieval literature, and British folklore—at Against the Current. Check out youth or adult sports, play pickleball, or bring your little ones to enjoy tumbling mats, scooters, and more during Tot Time at the Groveland Recreation Center. Go for a relaxing bike ride, jog, or walk on the Ayd Mill Road Trail. Sign your kids up for Weebop Music or Spanish Class, or let them attend Summer Camp at Rebe’s Play Cafe. Fuel your morning with a Breakfast Quesadilla or Eggs & Smoked Salmon paired with a Masala Chai Latte at French Meadow Bakery & Café. Choose between Vietnamese Curry Chicken, Chow Mein, Shrimp & Pork Banana Flower Salad, or Grilled Pork Banh Mi at eM Que Viet. Sample daily and seasonal menu items ranging from Southern Street Sandwiches to fresh bread and sweets at the local craft cafe, due focacceria. Or get the Plums Spaghetti, Chicken Pesto Penne, or Walleye Fillet Sandwich at Plums Neighborhood Grill & Bar.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
