Minneapolis is often regarded as one of the best cities to live in and for good reason. It is strategically located, it has a thriving arts and culture scene, and it offers a high quality life. One of the Twin Cities also offers exceptional healthcare and top-rated school districts.
The city is home to a variety of unique neighborhoods, from eclectic, art-driven districts to quiet, family-oriented communities. Regardless of the neighborhood you choose, you’ll discover that each one is excellent to live, work, and play in.
Table of Contents
Here are six of the best Minneapolis neighborhoods that should be on your radar.
- East Isles: Discover historic charm
- North Loop: Live in the Warehouse District
- Northeast: Immerse yourself in arts and culture
- Linden Hills: Retreat to an urban oasis
- Loring Park: Explore a vibrant older neighborhood
- Lowry Hill: Move to the city’s most affluent neighborhood
- EAST ISLES • HISTORIC CHARM
Historic, upscale, and charming, East Isles is an urban neighborhood in the Calhoun Isles community. East Isles has 3,563 residents and is popular among families, young professionals, and retirees. The neighborhood gets its name from its location on the eastern edge of Lake of the Isles.
East Isles also ranks high among the most walkable neighborhoods in The Twin Cities. Out of all the neighborhoods in Minneapolis, East Isles placed eighth as per Walk Score. Many of the best shops, restaurants, and amenities in the neighborhood are easily accessible on foot or on bike.
East Isles’ housing stock is a mix of historic mansions, modern condos, and multi-family properties. Most of the single-family residences in the East Isles were constructed in the early 1900s. These stunning homes feature modern interior spaces and well-thought-out renovations while still retaining its historic charm. The East Isles condos and multi-family properties for sale are the perfect combination of character, convenience, and amenities.
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Attractions and amenities
- Lake of the Isles Park
Lake of the Isles is part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a series of five large lakes that are linked together. Covering more than 200 acres, Lake of the Isles Park is home to walking and biking trails, hockey and ice skating rinks, soccer fields, and fishing piers. Visitors can also rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
- East Isles Farmers Market
From June to September, the East Isles Farmers Market is the go-to place for local, sustainable, and organic products. Shoppers can find a wide variety of items here, from fresh produce to handmade artisan soap. The main attraction of the East Isles Farmers Market is their Pickle Booth. Inspired by the Cottage Food Law, the East Isles Pickle Booth encourages visitors to share their baked, pickled, or canned creations.
- Joanne R. Levin Park
A hidden gem in the East Isles, Levin Park is a neighborhood space loved by locals and their families. The park’s most unique feature is its custom playground that doubles as an art installation. One portion of the playground is made up of large, whimsical curves, allowing kids to climb, crawl, and engage in creative play. Dogs are also welcome at Levin Park.
- Purcell-Cutts House
Built in 1913, the Purcell-Cutts House is a prime example of Prairie-style architecture. The home was designed by architects William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie and purchased by Anson and Edna Cutts in 1919. The architectural landmark, which is now owned by The Minneapolis Institute of Art, combines modern, decorative, and nature-based elements.
Located in downtown Minneapolis, North Loop is a trendy urban district and a fast-growing neighborhood in the Twin Cities. The walkable neighborhood now has around 7,000 residents made up mostly of young professionals and families. Since North Loop was once an industrial area – home to a variety of warehouses, wholesalers, and manufacturing businesses – it is also referred to as “The Warehouse District.”
Many of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars in Minneapolis are found in the North Loop. The neighborhood’s culinary scene is wide ranging, offering everything from classic Italian fare to fresh seafood dinners.
North Loop real estate consists of converted warehouse spaces, historic buildings, and upscale condos. True to its nickname, these real estate properties exude a modern and industrial vibe because many of them were built in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
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Attractions and amenities
- Target Field
Home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field opened in 2010 and can seat around 40,000 people. In this ballpark, fans are treated to 360-degree views of the baseball field and the Minneapolis skyline. Target Field is considered as one of the best Major League Baseball stadiums.
- The Fillmore Minneapolis
For live music, concerts, and other entertainment events, there’s no better place to be than at The Fillmore Minneapolis. The venue, which was named after San Francisco’s historic music building, covers 36,000 square feet and has a seating capacity of 1,850.
- Minneapolis Farmers Market
Known as the largest farmer-managed market in Minnesota, the Minneapolis Farmers Market offers the largest assortment of locally grown fruits and vegetables. The first Minneapolis Farmers Market dates all the way back to 1876 as a way to introduce farmers and gardeners to the local community. Today, this popular outdoor market has over 100 vendors selling a diverse selection of products.
With its eclectic atmosphere and thriving arts and culture scene, Northeast is one of the most popular Minneapolis neighborhoods to live in. Art galleries, coffee shops, craft breweries, and iconic dive bars continue to breathe new life into this historical industrial area. When you live in Northeast, you don’t need a car to enjoy what the neighborhood has to offer. Many of the establishments in Northeast are accessible by foot.
The real estate properties in Northeast are a mix of new developments and older single-family homes. The properties in the heart of the neighborhood, especially in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, include studio apartments, industrial lofts, and penthouses with views of the Minneapolis skyline. Northeast single-family homes are typically located in quiet, residential blocks, with easy access to parks, restaurants, and shopping malls.
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Attractions and amenities
- Northeast Minneapolis Arts District
The Northeast Minneapolis Arts District is a creative and cultural hub filled with incredible restaurants, art galleries, and craft breweries. More than 400 artists call the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District home.
- Art-A-Whirl
Held every weekend of May, Art-A-Whirl is a highly-anticipated event in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. In this open studio tour, more than 60 galleries, studios, and stores open their doors to the public free of charge. Attendees can join art demonstrations, participate in workshops, and explore interesting installations.
- Boom Island Park
Situated along the east side of the Mississippi River, Boom Island Park is a favorite outdoor spot among locals and tourists. Aside from the playgrounds, picnic areas, and boat docks, it also has several biking and walking trails with scenic views of downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River. A miniature lighthouse, which is a well-known landmark of Boom Island Park, is found at the north side.
Home to around 7,000 people, Linden Hills is a sought-after neighborhood in Southwest Minneapolis. Linden Hills is best for families and those seeking an urban lifestyle without the noise. The neighborhood is nestled in between two lakes: Lake Harriet and Lake Bde Maka Ska.
Linden Hills offers an amazing culinary experience with its traditional, wood-fired pizzas, Argentinian-style grilled meats, authentic Thai dishes, and Southern comfort food. Whether you’re looking for an upscale fine dining experience or a budget-friendly meal, Linden Hills undoubtedly has the best food in town.
Due to its prime location and exceptional features, real estate values in Linden Hills tend to be higher than most neighborhoods in the Twin Cities. Bungalows, Tudor-style homes, lakefront estates are the common types of properties here. Buyers will also find a selection of condos and townhomes in the heart of Linden Hills.
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Attractions and amenities
- Lake Harriet Park
When it comes to outdoor recreation in Lake Harriet Park, locals and tourists are spoilt for choice. Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and picnicking are just some of the many activities you can do here. Since Lake Harriet is part of Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes, bikers can explore the bike paths leading to other lakes. In the summer, Lake Harriet Park hosts concerts, movie nights, and other fun events at their bandshell.
- Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival
There’s no better way to celebrate the winter season than at the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival. This one-day celebration over frozen Lake Harriet features kites of every shape, size, and color.
- Minnesota Streetcar Museum
Before buses, subways, and light rail transits, streetcars were the main mode of transportation in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Streetcar Museum has two fully-restored streetcars: one in Linden Hills and the other in Excelsior city. The Como-Harriet Streetcar, which is the one in Linden Hills, will bring passengers on a scenic adventure along the Chain of Lakes.
Loring Park may be one of the oldest neighborhoods in Minneapolis but it continues to radiate a vibrant and charming atmosphere. Living here means having access to plenty of green spaces, the best biking paths, and excellent schools, shops, cafes, and other establishments. Loring Park is a coveted neighborhood because of its proximity to Central Minneapolis and to major roads like Interstate 94, Lyndale Avenue, and Hawthorne Avenue. Many young professionals and retirees call Loring Park home.
Apartments, condos, and multi-family properties make up Loring Park’s housing stock. Typically located in high-rise buildings, these properties are just steps away from parks, shopping malls, and the downtown area. Common features for a Loring Park property for sale include high ceilings, updated bathrooms, and custom cabinets.
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Attractions and amenities
- Loring Park
The neighborhood’s namesake park is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. Sprawled across 33 acres, Loring Park has a variety of amenities like basketball courts, tennis courts, fishing piers, and picnic areas, to name a few. The park also has its own community garden and dog playground.
- Twin Cities Pride
One of the most popular events in Minneapolis is Twin Cities Pride, an annual event that celebrates the greater LGBTQ community. Throughout the three-day celebration, attendees can explore the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-owned stalls, enjoy the beer garden, and sample the different food offerings. Twin Cities Pride also has a parade and a fun run event.
Located in the Calhoun-Isles community, Lowry Hill is regarded as Minneapolis’ most affluent neighborhood. Lowry Hill was one of the first neighborhoods that was established in Minneapolis and it became the residence of the city’s well-known milling and lumber families. The neighborhood was named after one of its developers, Thomas Lowry, who was also among its first few residents.
Lowry Hill real estate consists of single-family homes, many of which were built before the 1900s. These Victorian-style residences have preserved the original craftsmanship and historic architectural details while modernizing its systems. High-rise condominiums, two-story townhomes, and boutique multi-family residences are available as well.
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Attractions and amenities
- Walker Art Center
A cultural landmark in the Twin Cities, the Walker Art Center is known for its contemporary art collections. Founded in 1879, the museum houses paintings, photographs, and sculptures within 11 galleries devoted to contemporary and modern art. The Walker Art Center also has film screenings, a performing arts program, and other cultural programs and events.
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Located close to the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden has 40 works of art created by local and international artists. Visitors of all ages enjoy the walking paths, the beautiful landscaping, and of course, the incredible sculpture. Spoonbridge and Cherry is the garden’s most famous sculpture. This iconic art piece features a large cherry on top of a large spoon, placed over a small pond.
- Thomas Lowry Park
Also named after Thomas Lowry, this neighborhood park is a great spot for enjoying the outdoors. The main feature of Thomas Lowry Park is its Seven Pools Fountain. This man-made water area is made up of seven connected basins and bordered by brick walkways. The park also has paved trails where visitors can stroll under the shade of the trees.
EXPLORE MINNEAPOLIS REAL ESTATE WITH SCOTT HAUBRICH
Ready to make Minneapolis your next home? Let Realtor Scott Haubrich help you navigate the Minneapolis real estate market. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Scott offers his extensive market knowledge, local expertise, and tried-and-tested negotiation skills.
Learn more about the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis with Scott Haubrich and the BuyRentSell.com, LLC team. Call 612.298.5400, email, or contact us here today!