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, affordable housing, and fun things to do. If you’re thinking about moving to Minneapolis, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods to consider!
Cooper
Photo via @studiohahn
- Home Price: $218,700 median purchase price; $952 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Minneapolis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located along the Mississippi River, Cooper offers a quiet residential community just 15 minutes outside of Central Minneapolis. With modest single-family homes, outdoor recreation spots like Longfellow Park and Brackett Field Park, and good schools like Minnehaha Academy and Hiawatha Community School nearby, this neighborhood is popular for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Things to Do in Cooper
Order a taco salad or veggie burger from the lunch menu at the Hi-Lo Diner. Stop into Merlins Rest Pub for a whiskey tasting every first Thursday from October through June. Grab your morning cup of coffee at neighborhood favorite Dogwood Coffee Bar. Pick up a chocolate croissant or a blueberry scone from Turtle Bread. Shop local at the Forage Modern Workshop, where you can find stationary, trendy furniture, and other home goods. Enjoy some family fun at Brackett Recreation Center, which has an outdoor skate park and sports facility center. Or go walking or biking along the trails at Longfellow Beach.
Hale
Photo via @imbreannarose
- Home Price: $297,425 median purchase price; $530 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of Minneapolis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
If you’re looking for a great place to retire or raise kids in the Twin Cities, give Hale a look! This safe, family-friendly neighborhood in Southwest Minneapolis is within 20 minutes of the city center and offers housing options from cute cottages to Craftsman-style houses. In addition, families will appreciate being close to excellent schools like Hale Elementary School and Our Lady of Peace School.
Things to Do in Hale
Spend an afternoon at Lake Nokomis Park going kayaking or getting some sun on the beach. Stop by Nokomis Farmers Market to stock up on locally-grown vegetables, fruit, produce, or fresh flowers. Head over to Minnehaha Regional Park, where you’ll find a 53-foot-tall waterfall. Fill up with some hearty breakfast favorites like a Philly Omelet, Fried English Muffin, or Eggs Benedict at Hot Plate. Order an Egg Salad Sandwich or a Basil Pesto Grilled Cheese for lunch at Heather’s. Enjoy the hospitality and Italian eats like Lamb Bocconcini, Ricotta Cavatelli, or Panzanella Trout at ie – Italian Eatery. Or hit up happy hour at Town Hall Tap, where you can sip on craft brews like the Hope and King Scotch Ale or the West Bank Pale Ale.
Linden Hills
Photo via @lindenhillslove
- Home Price: $401,727 median purchase price; $946 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 99% of Minneapolis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Searching for one of the best places to live in Minneapolis? Check out Linden Hills! This area frequently tops local best neighborhoods lists, thanks to its availability of green space, low crime rates, small-town vibe, variety of shopping and dining options, and eclectic housing offerings. And with access to both Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska, residents have plenty of places where they can spend time outdoors!
Things to Do in Linden Hills
Take the kids to the playground or play a pick-up game of basketball at Linden Hills Recreation Center. Learn more about science and technology while exploring exhibits like Frankenstein’s Laboratory at The Bakken Museum. Find fresh vegetables and fruit from local farmers at Linden Hills Farmers Market. Catch free concerts and movies during the summer Music & Movies in the Park series at Lake Harriet. Check out some books or sign kids up for story time events at Linden Hills Library. Get your breakfast food fix with a Veggie Benny, French Toast, or Huevos Zumbrosos from Zumbro Cafe. Or make a reservation for dinner at Martina, where you can order dishes like Seared Scallops and Grilled Salmon.
St. Anthony West
Photo via @northeastminneapolis
- Home Price: $249,100 median purchase price; $1,039 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Minneapolis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
Tucked along the river in Northeast Minneapolis, St. Anthony West is a top destination for college students and young professionals who want affordable housing, tons of green space, and close proximity to Central Minneapolis, Dinkytown, and the University of Minnesota. Residents also love this neighborhood for its wide range of community events, dining and nightlife options, and local shops.
Things to Do in St. Anthony West
Make a trip to the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market to find fresh food from local vendors in May through October. Take your dog for a walk or play some tennis at Saint Anthony Park. Go biking along the riverfront trails at Boom Island Park. Head over to Elsie’s for bowling fun and happy hour specials. Check out local boutique I Like You for Minnesota-themed gifts, jewelry, home goods, and more. Get tickets to see classic plays or Broadway musicals at Ritz Theater. Pop into 1029 Bar, where you can order a Bloody Mary and catch everything from football to baseball on the big screen. Order wood-fired pizzas like the Hawaiian or the Nordeast at Element Wood Fire Pizza. Or try brunch favorites like Chicken N’ Waffles and Biscuits & Gravy at The Stray Dog.
Waite Park
Photo via @elijohnsonrealestate
- Home Price: $188,400 median purchase price; $378 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Minneapolis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Want to buy a home in Minneapolis? One of the best neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers and home resale value is Waite Park! Popular among young professionals and families in the Twin Cities, this Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood is known for its removed feel. And though it’s a bit quieter and more residential, Waite Park still has plenty of things to do nearby to keep residents entertained!
Things to Do in Waite Park
Spend time in the gym, utilize the community kitchen, or play some baseball at Waite Park Recreation Center. Book a tee time or hit the driving range at Columbia Golf Club. See classic movies and cult favorites at the historic Heights Theater. Pop down into the Audubon neighborhood from June through September to visit the Audubon Farmers Market. Order the Quiche or Florentine Omelet for breakfast at local cafe Hazel’s Northeast. Expand your palate with Ecuadorian dishes like Chupe de Pescado or Churrasco at Chimborazo. Or hang out at local dive The Unofficial, where you can order appetizers like mozzarella sticks to go along with a beer from the rotating tap list.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
