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. From exploring gorgeous regional parks, dining at great restaurants, and experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife, here are the five best neighborhoods in St. Paul for singles and young professionals!
Hamline-Midway
Photo via @c.c_realestate
- Home Price: $170,669 median purchase price; $894 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of St. Paul neighborhoods
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 small plates of Baked Caramel French Toast, Spinach Artichoke Puffs, or Caprese Poppers at Gingko Coffeehouse. Expand your taste buds with traditional Somali dishes like Goat Meat Waslad, Tilapia Fish, and Rice at Hodma Restaurant. Try out Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine like the Doner Salad, the Kofte Sandwich, or the Traditional Tavuk Iskender Kebab at Black Sea Restaurant. Or satisfy your tastebuds with Korean dishes like Mirror of Korea Jeong Shik Special, Hae Mul Jeon Gol, or Hong Uh Hwae at second-generation family restaurant, Mirror of Korea.
Highland Park
Photo via @andersonrealtymn
- Home Price: $288,227 median purchase price; $791 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of St. Paul neighborhoods
Bordered by the Mississippi River on its southern side, Highland Park is known for its 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 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.
Things to Do in Highland Park
Catch the sunrise during your hike or join the summer Fitness in The Parks exercise program 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 like Solstice, 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 Egg Firfir with Meat at Ras Ethiopian Restaurant, 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.
Macalester-Groveland
Photo via @headwaters_painting_llc
- Home Price: $312,147 median purchase price; $657 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of St. Paul neighborhoods
Macalester-Groveland has a dense suburban vibe, with restaurants, shops, coffee houses, and outdoor spaces situated throughout the St. Paul neighborhood. Additionally, the neighborhood has affordable monthly rent costs, designated bike lanes, and quick commutes, making it one of the best neighborhoods in St. Paul for young professionals! 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. Pick up classic board games like Calico, Catan, or Oak from Red 6 Games. 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 Pu-erh or 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 Zanahorias Alindas, Casarecce, or Piri Piri Chicken with a dinner reservation at Estelle.
St. Anthony Park
Photo via @rabenson76
- Home Price: $272,812 median purchase price; $948 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of St. Paul neighborhoods
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 and dining. 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 Grilled Portabella Mushroom sandwich with a weekly rotating pastry at Colossal Cafe. Dine at a casual Mediterranean restaurant and choose from dishes like Curry Falafel, Beet Falafel, or Beef & Lamb Kofta at Foxy Falafel. Or tap beers like the Oatmeal Smoked Porter, Blackberry Sour, or Last Fathom at Lake Monster Brewing.
West-Seventh
Photo via @oursaintpaulhome
- Home Price: $181,867 median purchase price; $961 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of St. Paul neighborhoods
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 Artist Lofts— affordable living spaces with artist amenities like a dance studio, pottery studio, and more! Apart from modern apartments, homes featuring Foursquare, Bungalow, Craftsman, and Victorian styles line the residential streets.
Things to Do in West-Seventh
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 Xcel Energy Center. Visit exhibits like Cardboard City, view showings at the Omnitheater, or learn more about diversity and inclusion within the sciences at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Explore dishes like The Big Stink grilled cheese sandwich from O’Cheeze or a Homestyle popcorn from Poppin Craft Popcorn at the Keg and Case Market. 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 Khao Man Gai, Hor Moke, or Khao Soy at Pi Chay Thai Cuisine. Or play trivia or board games while enjoying on-tap beers like the Hopcromancer, Coffee Infused Ominous, or Pilsano at Bad Weather Brewery.
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