Considering living in Minneapolis? The larger half of the Twin Cities is one of the best big cities in the U.S. to live in, thanks to its thriving job market, budget-friendly housing, and fun things to do. Here are five affordable, safe neighborhoods in Minneapolis to check out!
| Bryn Mawr | Hale | Linden Hills | Lowry Hill | Whittier | |
| Median Home Price | $344,740 | $362,600 | $475,450 | $392,075 | $265,111 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,579 | $1,204 | $1,213 | $1,532 | $992 |
| Safer than % of the City | 64% | 92% | 98% | 79% | 26% |
| Perfect For | Singles, young professionals, families, retirees | Families, retirees | Singles, young professionals, families, retirees | Students, singles, young professionals, families | Students, singles, young professionals, families |
Bryn Mawr
Situated just west of Downtown Minneapolis, Bryn Mawr is a quiet, peaceful neighborhood that still provides quick access to the amenities in the city center—all while boasting diverse housing styles including Tudors, Colonials, and Victorians along charming tree-lined streets. As one of the safest areas in Minneapolis, Bryn Mawr offers a small-town feel, with an active neighborhood association that maintains more than a dozen community gardens and plans community events like the Anwatin Craft Fair and the Bryn Mawr Festival of Garage Sales. This area is also perfect for those who love the outdoors, as it’s surrounded by over 600 acres of trails, lakes, and parks. Not to mention, with great schools like Bryn Mawr Elementary School and Anwatin Middle School in the area, Bryn Mawr is an excellent place to build a family!
Things to Do in Bryn Mawr
Admire over 600 species of plants, go bird-watching, or take advantage of family programs like Garden Storytime at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary. Play a game of softball, enjoy a picnic, or cool off in the wading pool at Bryn Mawr Meadows Park. Canoe under Brownie Lake Bridge, or wander along scenic trails with views of the water at Brownie Lake Park. Venture out on the boardwalk to take in the lush scenery of the Quaking Bog. Catch up with friends in the morning over a Blended Iced Chai, Cold Press, or a Breakfast Sandwich while sitting outside at Cuppa Java. Pick up some of the best pizza in Minneapolis—like the Meatasaurus Pizza—or have a Greek Salad or Dougwich for lunch at Bryn Mawr Pizza & Deli. Order Ecuadorian and Latin-inspired cuisine like the Pear Salad, Roasted Corn Pizza, or the Bryn Mawr Burger at La Mesa. Or sip local, rotating beers like the Collaboration Pils, Berliner Weisse, Season Of The Wit, and more at Utepils Brewing.
Hale
If you’re looking for a great place to retire or raise kids in the Twin Cities, give Hale a look! One of the safest Minneapolis neighborhoods, Hale offers families quick access to excellent Minneapolis schools like Our Lady of Peace Catholic School and Hale Elementary School—one of the best elementary schools in Minnesota! Residents also have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors in Hale, as the neighborhood is highly bikeable, surrounded by green space, and home to great outdoor recreation spots like the Bloomington Ave & 50th Tennis Courts. As far as housing goes, Hale offers homes dating back to the 1920s, ranging in style from quaint cottages and Tudor Revivals to Craftsman-style houses—all within close proximity to downtown. And with the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport just under 15 minutes way, Hale is a perfect choice for frequent travelers!
Things to Do in Hale
Spend an afternoon kayaking, playing pickleball, or getting some sun on the beach at Lake Nokomis Park. Book a tee time to go golfing in Minneapolis, refine your putt on the Practice Green, or join a league at Hiawatha Golf Club. Stock up on locally-grown fruits and vegetables, unique arts and crafts, or fresh flowers at Nokomis Farmers Market. Take a short drive just outside the neighborhood to find a 53-foot-tall waterfall, a disc golf course, beautiful gardens, and more at Minnehaha Regional Park. Fill up with hearty breakfast favorites like the Mexican Omelet, Pumpkin Buckwheat Waffle, or Eggs Benedict at Hot Plate. Snag a seat on the patio to enjoy a Buddha Bowl, Teriyaki Salmon Bowl, or a Roasted Turkey Sandwich at Heather’s. Savor authentic Chinese dishes like Chicken Fried Rice, Egg Foo Young, or Beef Lo Mein at Huie’s Chow Mein. Or try classic Cuban fare like the Vaca Frita, Pan Con Chicken, or Ropa Vieja Rice Bowl at Guava’s Cuban Cafe.
Linden Hills
Searching for one of the best places to live in Minneapolis? Check out Linden Hills! While it’s known for being one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for families, Linden Hills is a great area for people of all ages thanks to its availability of green space, low crime rates, small-town vibe, and variety of shopping and dining options. Its eclectic housing ranges from bungalows and Tudors to modern new construction homes, all nestled in between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska—offering residents plenty of opportunities to spend time on the water! If you’d prefer to stay dry, you can also take advantage of abundant green spaces—like William Berry Park, which is home to an archery range, or Beard’s Plaisance, where you can play tennis, spend time at the playground, and more!
Things to Do in Linden Hills
Take the kids to the playground, get creative in the craft room, or play a pick-up game of basketball at Linden Hills Recreation Center. Learn more about science and technology while exploring exhibits like Electricity Party, Frankenstein’s Laboratory, or Deep Roots: Plants As Medicine at The Bakken Museum. Enjoy live music and eats from local vendors while picking up fresh fruits and vegetables at the Linden Hills Farmers Market, open May through October. Check out some books, sign your kiddos up for Storytime events, or join a book club at Linden Hills Library. Make a reservation for dinner to savor classy Argentinian dishes like Seared Scallops, Potato Gnocchi, and Alaskan Halibut at Martina. Celebrate happy hour in Minneapolis with a Fish Taco, House Nachos, and a Lawnmower Beer at Tilia. Go out for date night and order the Castelvetrano Olive Tapenade, White Garganelli, or Parmesan Polenta at Tosca—one of the best Linden Hills restaurants for Italian bites. Or catch up with friends over rotating beers like Rick’s First Day, Spaghetti & Blankets, and more at the dog-friendly Wooden Ship Brewing Company.
Lowry Hill
Located just west of downtown and bordering the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Lowry Hill offers residents both tranquility and proximity to amenities—including green space, restaurants, schools like Dunwoody College of Technology, and more. This safe and affordable Minneapolis neighborhood is known for its traditional Queen Anne and Colonial Revival architecture, attracting young professionals and families who appreciate the area’s unique blend of history and culture. Lowry Hill is also one of the best places to live in Minneapolis for those seeking a tight-knit community feel, as residents come together for ice cream socials, neighborhood walks, and other regular events hosted by the Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association. Plus, the area offers a little something for everyone—from the variety of lighted sports fields at Parade Park to the many art galleries and other cultural hot spots and events to explore!
Things to Do in Lowry Hill
Enjoy year-round access to rinks for recreational skating and hockey at Parade Ice Garden. Get in some fresh air and catch sight of iconic sculptures like Spoonbridge and Cherry, Okciyapi, and more at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Venture through one-of-a-kind art exhibits like This Must Be the Place, or play mini golf while taking in rooftop views of Downtown Minneapolis at the Walker Art Center. Enjoy the sounds of the water, admire flowers in the spring and summer, or take in the colorful fall foliage at Thomas Lowry Park. Go out for brunch in Minneapolis over the weekend to order the French Toast Chicken Stack, Killer Banana Waffle, or Farmers Breakfast at The Lowry. Looking for Lowry Hill restaurants with Mediterranean bites? Try the Baba Ganoush or Turkish Manti with a Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookie for dessert at Cardamom. Catch comedy shows in Minneapolis while sipping on-tap beers like the AntiSocial Apple Cider, Cake Beer, or Big Spoon Seltzer at Sisyphus Brewing. Or cool down with a scoop of Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Nicollet Avenue Pothole, or Salty Caramel ice cream from Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Cafe.
Whittier
With housing options ranging from charming Victorians to modern apartments, the Whittier neighborhood in Minneapolis is a great place for people of all ages to consider planting roots. I-35W borders the neighborhood, offering residents quick commutes to Downtown Minneapolis for jobs and easy access to other major Minneapolis attractions. However, Whittier itself has more of a cozy neighborhood feel, with a tight-knit community that’s brought together through events like the Twin Cities Really Really Free Market neighborhood swap. This area is also home to Eat Street Crossing, a bustling stretch of Nicollet Avenue packed with diverse restaurants and cafes that reflect the area’s rich cultural diversity. And with amenities like the Minneapolis College of Art & Design and coworking spaces like The Coven, Whittier is an attractive Minneapolis neighborhood for young professionals, students, and creatives alike!
Things to Do in Whittier
Learn about the history of Minneapolis through rotating exhibits like Circle of Water: Puppetry As An Agent of Change, Curio Cabinet, and more at the Hennepin History Museum. Take in views of the Downtown Minneapolis skyline while relaxing on a secluded bench at Washburn Fair Oaks Park. See rotating exhibits like the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, or attend events like Art & Wine After Dark at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Have a picnic with your family, teach your kids how to play basketball, or play a pick-up game of softball with friends at Whittier Park. Enjoy a morning pick-me-up with a Miel, Latte, or Iced Chai from The Boiler Room. Chow down Mediterranean favorites like the Veggie Samosa, Chicken Kofta Kabob, and Falafel Sandwich at Marhaba Grill. Order traditional Vietnamese dishes like Thit Nguoi, Pho Tai, and To Hoanh Thanh Noodle Soup at Quang Restaurant. Or sample Mexican food in Minneapolis like Fried Avocados, a Lago Shrimp Salad, and Chicken Tinga at Lago Tacos.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
