Thinking about moving to St. Paul? Minnesota’s capital city is one of the best places to live, thanks to its affordable housing options, historic areas, green space, and more. If you’re thinking of settling down in the Twin Cities metro, consider one of these safe and affordable neighborhoods in St. Paul!
Como
Photo via @korbyhometeam
- Home Price: $216,191 median purchase price; $405 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of St. Paul neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
The Como neighborhood in St. Paul is great for those who want to pair their love of the outdoors with big city living! Not only will you have access to Como Lake and Como Regional Park, but you’ll also be close to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, which holds various events throughout the year like St. Paul Summer Beer Fest and Twin Cities Book Festival. Como has tons of charming housing options from affordable bungalows to renovated duplexes, and there are many great schools in the area, including Twin Cities German Immersion School (where they only speak German in grades K-8) and Como Park Senior High School.
Things to Do in Como
See the propagation garden, native plants, and hiking trails at the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom. Spend the day at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory seeing animals like Arctic Foxes and Gorillas and touring the Lily Pond. Book a tee time, join a golf league, or hang out in the clubhouse at Como Park Golf Course. Stop for lunch at Eggroll Queen Music Cafe and try Cheesy Chicken Egg Rolls and a Honey Beef Rice Bowl. Eat some freshly fried fish like Halibut or Walleye with an order of Poutine at Mac’s Fish, Chips, Strips. Take in views of the lake while enjoying the Caribbean Cuban, Birria Crunchy Tacos, and Cheese Curds at Dock & Paddle. Head to Conny’s Creamy Cone, where you can get ice cream treats like an Amaretto Flavored Cone or a German Chocolate Flurry.
Greater East Side
Photo via @aultlynn
- Home Price: $130,448 median purchase price; $838 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of St. Paul neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Greater East Side is a large St. Paul neighborhood where you’ll find friendly neighbors, tons of diversity, and a close-knit community, making it great for all kinds of households. One of the best things about this area is its amazing affordability for residents who want to find their dream two-story bungalow or Mid-Century Modern home! Greater East Side also has several neighborhood parks and green spaces, including the nearby Phalen Regional Park. Plus, with top-rated schools like Achieve Language Academy and Harding Senior High School, this St. Paul neighborhood is ideal for both families and educators!
Things to Do in Greater East Side
Walk along the trails, play a game of catch, or enjoy a picnic at Prosperity Heights Park. Visit Beaver Lake and test your fishing skills or spend some time at the playground. Have a movie night at The Plaza Theater, a locally owned spot where movies are always $3. Snack on a variety of Guatemalan baked goods like Mini Conchas and Chocoflan at El Quetzal. Get a taste of Chicago from Pappy’s Chicago Style Eatery, and try a Chicago Dog or Mafia Steak Sandwich. Eat Mexican favorites like a Quesadilla De Camarón, Carne Asada Plato, or a Walking Taco Cone from El Pollo Felix. Cheer on your favorite sports team while munching on Pepperoni Cheese Bread or the Aussie Burger at The Cherry Pit Bar.
Highland Park
Photo via @fultonrealty
- Home Price: $288,227 median purchase price; $791 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of St. Paul neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Check out Highland Park, one of St. Paul’s safest neighborhoods! This historic part of town sits right on the Mississippi River, providing residents with stunning scenic views and plenty of outdoor recreation. Plus, you can find affordable apartments, charming cottages, and classic Tudor-style homes in this neighborhood. Highland Park is also home to Saint Catherine University, a top-rated women’s college in the Midwest, making this neighborhood a good spot if you want to live close to school. Not only that, but if you’re a frequent traveler, Highland Park is just ten minutes away from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport!
Things to Do in Highland Park
Go hiking, biking, or horseback riding through 30 miles of river trails at Hidden Falls Regional Park. Spend a warm summer day at Highland Park Aquatic Center, where you can swim in the lap pool or climb the aquatic rock climbing wall. Take a tour of Historic Fort Snelling and learn about 10,000 years of history on the Mississippi River. Wake up in the morning with a DeNiro Cold Brew, Cortado, or Matcha Latte from Quixotic Coffee. Chow down on a famous Corned Beef Sandwich from Cecil’s Deli, or take freshly sliced deli meat home with you from the in-house butcher’s shop. Get a poke and milk tea combo like the Dragon Bowl and Mango Milk Tea from Poke House & Tea Bar. Try fun burger creations at The Nook like the Pepperjack Hannahan Burger with a side of Flaming Hot Cheese Curds. Or make reservations for a four-course dinner and wine pairing from Joan’s in the Park.
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
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Macalester-Groveland, commonly called Mac-Groveland, is a neighborhood in St. Paul that has a college town feel, thanks to the large student population from Macalester College and nearby University of St. Thomas. The Mac-Groveland area also offers a variety of homes from contemporary apartments to classic Tudors and provides great walkability so that residents can easily visit coffee shops, locally-owned stores, and cozy eateries. In addition, the Macalester-Groveland Community Council hosts many seasonal events, so if you’re hoping to meet your neighbors, you’ll want to check out these get-togethers!
Things to Do in Macalester-Groveland
Play hockey and racquetball, or enroll the kids in an educational program at Edgcumbe Recreation Center. Take dance lessons at Cinema Ballroom and learn the basics of ballroom dancing. Enjoy movie night at the historic Grandview Theatre. Head to Regina’s Candies and shop Homemade Brittles, chocolates, and other sugary confections. Get your morning started with an Iced Espresso or Chai Latte from Roots Roasting. Fill up on a bowl of Rare Beef Meatball Pho or a Mock Duck Hot Pot from IndoChin Vietnamese Restaurant. Make dinner reservations at Estelle, and enjoy Arancini, Piri Piri Chicken, and Lemon Honey Cake. Sip on craft brews during happy hour like a Summit Oatmeal Stout or Freehouse No. 2 IPA from Groveland Tap.
Saint Anthony Park
Photo via @katieruthreed
- Home Price: $272,812 median purchase price; $948 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of St. Paul neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
Nestled right between the Twin Cities is the urban neighborhood of Saint Anthony Park. This spot is a favorite among students and young professionals, thanks to its proximity to University of Minnesota and the Creative Enterprise Zone, which brings artsy attractions, new breweries, and fun events to the neighborhood. Housing in Saint Anthony Park ranges from historical Victorian homes to modern condos and apartments, so you can easily find a budget-friendly rental or house to buy. Plus, residents who are commuting have quick access to I-95 and are only about ten minutes away from both downtown areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul!
Things to Do in Saint Anthony Park
Play basketball, futsal, tennis, and other sports at South Saint Anthony Park. Attend Sippin’ Saturdays at The Little Wine Shoppe to sample a variety of wines. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the driving range at Les Bolstad Golf Course. Shop for old and new vinyl records at Agharta Records. Get brunch from Colossal Cafe, where you can get the Scandinavian Frittata, Korean Beef Breakfast Burrito, or a Stack of Apple Walnut & Brie Flappers. Eat some Mediterranean-inspired dishes like Flash-Fried Eggplant, Pork Gyro Pita, or Chicken Souvlaki Plate from The Naughty Greek. Enjoy a classic Italian meal at Caffe Biaggio and order the Italian Sausage & Peppers, Lobster Ravioli, or Chicken Limone. Relax with some craft beer like Golden Greek Golden Ale or Good Good Hazy Oat IPA from Dual Citizen Brewing Company.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
