Moving to St. Paul for your career? The City of Neighborhoods is made up of 17 unique districts that offer a great mix of urban living and natural space. Whether you want to explore gorgeous regional parks, dine at great restaurants, or experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, here are the five best St. Paul neighborhoods for singles and young professionals!
| Neighborhood | Hamline-Midway | Highland Park | Macalester-Groveland | St. Anthony Park | West-Seventh |
| Safer than % of City | 59% | 88% | 94% | 71% | 35% |
| Median Home Price | $216,409 | $328,006 | $391,207 | $272,812 | $219,377 |
| Median Rent Price | $924 | $1,203 | $1,085 | $948 | $1,197 |
| Median Household Income | $64,935 | $87,724 | $94,793 | $65,109 | $72,001 |
| Median Age | 32.3 | 40.3 | 38.4 | 32.2 | 39.9 |
Hamline-Midway
One of the best places to live in St. Paul is Hamline-Midway, the midpoint between the Twin Cities. With Hamline University at the neighborhood’s center, Hamline-Midway is a hub for college students, as well as young professionals commuting into Minneapolis for jobs. This Twin City neighborhood is also home to The Great Minnesota Get-Together at the annual Minnesota State Fair, the second-largest state fair in the country. St. Paul singles and young professionals also gravitate toward Hamline-Midway because of affordable Colonial, American Foursquare, Victorian, and Tudor-style homes and modern apartments lining its streets—alongside plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and parks within walking distance.
Things to Do in Hamline-Midway
Kick off your day with 19,000 other fans at a Minnesota United FC (MLS) home game at Allianz Field. Beat the high score on a vintage pinball machine, play classic arcade games, or putt with friends at the iconic and locally-beloved Can Can Wonderland. Explore St. Paul’s nightlife at former ’40s supper club-turned-grunge-stage with live music at The Turf Club. Pair a Cafe Mocha or Chai Tea Latte with a Breakfast Sandwich at Ginkgo Coffeehouse. Expand your taste buds with traditional Somali dishes like Goat Meat Waslad, Tilapia Fish and Rice, and Chicken Suqaar at Hodma Restaurant. Try out Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine like the Gyro Salad, the Kofte Sandwich, or the Beef Kebab at Black Sea Restaurant. Or satisfy your cravings with Korean food in St. Paul like Wonton Soup, Hae Mul Jeon Gol, or Yook Hwae at second-generation family restaurant, Mirror of Korea.
Highland Park
Looking for a safe and affordable St. Paul neighborhood with plenty of things to do? Bordered by the Mississippi River on its southern side, Highland Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in St. Paul, known for its budget-friendly housing options and urban, yet woodsy, vibe. With plenty of outdoor activities like boating, fishing, biking, or hiking the many trails of the Crosby Farm Regional Park, this is easily one of the best neighborhoods in St. Paul, MN for active singles and young professionals. Residents will find a mix of Contemporary homes and apartments alongside Bungalow, Ranch, Victorian, Colonial, and Tudor-style homes built in the ‘20s and ‘30s. Plus, this St. Paul neighborhood is just a ten-minute drive from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport!
Things to Do in Highland Park
Catch the sunrise during your hike, have a BBQ with friends and family, or go boating along the Mississippi River at Hidden Falls Regional Park. Play 18 holes and spot the Snoopy-shaped bunker or join the women’s club session at Highland National Golf Course. Watch seasonal performances, celebrate the annual World Circus Day, or attend Professional Program classes at Circus Juventas. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of soldiers on a guided tour, learn about Raymond Plank’s contributions to World War II at the Plank Museum & Visitor Center, or explore the trails at Historic Fort Snelling. Pick from kosher classics and baked goods like Cecil’s Heavenly Hash, the Attazoy Sandwich, and Latkes at Cecil’s Deli. Try dishes like Beef Awaze Tibs, Doro Wot, or Quanta Firfir at Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant, Sports Bar & Lounge. Or snag a pair of bowling shoes and score a strike while waiting for award-winning burgers like the Juicy Nookie Burger, The Spanish Fly, or the Casburger at The Nook—one of the best restaurants in St. Paul.
Macalester-Groveland
Macalester-Groveland has a dense suburban vibe, with restaurants, shops, coffee houses, and outdoor spaces situated throughout the St. Paul neighborhood. Additionally, Mac-Groveland has affordable monthly rent costs, designated bike lanes, and quick commutes, making it not only one of the best neighborhoods in St. Paul for families, but for young professionals as well! With Macalaster College and the University of St. Thomas located within it, Macalester-Groveland is perfect for young professionals who are continuing their studies. Those looking for community can regularly enjoy seasonal activities like Mac-Grove Fest and Frost Fest, hosted by the community council.
Things to Do in Macalester-Groveland
Bike to take in a beautiful view of the waterfall at Shadow Falls Park. Shop for unique accessories, jewelry, clothes, and vintage houseware at Encore Boutique. Browse the shelves, find your new favorite book, and meet fellow readers at Against the Current, a charming used bookstore in St. Paul. Tour and learn about the history of the 1912 Tudor mansion that served 11 governors, or enjoy a scenic stroll of the grounds at the Minnesota Governor’s Residence. Enjoy fresh bread and sandwiches like the Smoked Turkey focaccia, The Duet sandwich, or sweet treats like Tiramisu at due focacceria. Sample loose-leaf tea drinks like Hojicha, White Lavender, or Grapefruit Oolong at Sencha Tea Bar. Indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine in St. Paul with dishes like Lamb Shish Curry, Taouk Kebab, or the Falafel Burger with Avocado at Shish, owned by Olympic boxer Leo Judeh. Or dig into Southern European dishes like Bacalao, Radiatore, or Grilled Piri Piri Chicken with a dinner reservation at Estelle.
St. Anthony Park
St. Anthony Park is another fantastic St. Paul neighborhood for young professionals, featuring a wide selection of housing types like Craftsman, Tudor, Federal, Colonial, or Victorian-style houses for sale or rent. Home to the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus and the Creative Enterprise Zone, this neighborhood is popular among young professionals working in academia, the creative industry, or who are entrepreneurs. When it comes to entertainment, Como Avenue provides plenty of great options for shopping, dining, and other fun things to do in St. Paul. And with St. Paul’s light rail system and METRO’s green line running through the neighborhood, you can get anywhere in no time.
Things to Do in St. Anthony Park
Start your weekend with tennis, basketball, or winter ice skating at Langford Park. Learn more about the cosmos and Minnesota’s natural history over at nearby UMN Bell Museum. Read by the large, arched windows or check out the latest book titles from the Lucky Day Collection at the historic Saint Anthony Park Library. Bring home a plant, purchase a used book, and enjoy good food and music at the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival. Try the signature Quiche or Jumbo Breakfast Burrito with a steaming cup of Cafe Au Lait, Pulla Latte, or Cafe Miel at Finnish Bistro Coffee & Cafe, one of the best cafes in St. Paul. Order a House Smoked Trout sandwich or Cowboy Grilled Cheese with a weekly rotating pastry at Colossal Cafe. Meet friends for a pint of Guinness, glass of whiskey, or craft brew while listening to live Irish music at The Dubliner Pub. Or sample tap beers like the Belgian Pale Ale, Depth Charge Juicy IPA, or Last Fathom Lager at Lake Monster Brewing.
West-Seventh
The oldest settlement in St. Paul, West-Seventh has now transformed into an up-and-coming haven for artists and foodies. Restaurants, dive bars, cafes, antique shops, and galleries are all within walking distance of the neighborhood. Residents can easily recognize the landmark Schmidt Brewery in the heart of West-Seventh, its striking Gothic towers now Schmidt’s Artist Lofts—affordable living spaces with artist amenities like a dance studio, pottery studio, and more! Apart from modern apartments, homes in Foursquare, Bungalow, Craftsman, and Victorian styles line the residential streets.
Take in a view of the Mississippi River at Upper Landing Park. Check out the famous pipe organ while exploring the grounds of the James J. Hill house. Catch an exhilarating game of ice hockey featuring the Minnesota Wild (NHL) at Grand Casino Arena. Visit exhibits like Collectors’ Corner, view showings at the Omnitheater, or learn more about diversity and inclusion within the sciences at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Walk up to the window and order rotating breads like the Biker’s Choice or Seeds the Day, or enjoy a Chocolate Croissant and other pastries at Brake Bread. Try dishes like Reuben Egg Rolls, the Lobster Roll, or Chicken Pot Pie at Bennett’s Chop and Railhouse. Chow down on comfort dishes like Chicken Pho Soup, Pad Thai, or Sweet Sour Fish at Phi Chay Thai Cuisine. Or play trivia or board games while enjoying on-tap beers like the Hopcromancer, Ominous, or Pilsano at Bad Weather Brewery.
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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
