Moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota?
The City of Lakes offers a mix of vibrant urban hubs, historic enclaves, and laid-back residential pockets—each with its own lifestyle, price tag, and pace.
Why it matters: Picking the right neighborhood influences your day-to-day vibe, commute, school options, and long-term value in this culturally rich and livable Midwest metro.
What’s ahead: A quick-hit guide to the 10 best neighborhoods in Minneapolis, according to Niche.com, based on livability, housing, safety, and community character.
1. King Field
Tree-lined, walkable, full of charm. King Field shines with character homes and a tight-knit South Minneapolis community.
Population: 7,947 | Median Home Value: $391K | School Rating: B
Housing: Classic early-1900s homes, duplexes, and charming bungalows
Safety: Relatively safe, active neighborhood watch programs
Education: Solid Minneapolis Public Schools, access to magnet and charter options
Perks: Bike lanes, Kingsfield Farmers Market, and proximity to Lake Harriet
Vibe: Artsy, welcoming, and community-driven — perfect for creatives and young families.
Why it’s #1: King Field offers urban charm, food culture, and strong community ties without the downtown bustle.
2. Downtown West
Skyscrapers, nightlife, and nonstop pulse. Downtown West is Minneapolis' energetic core for work, play, and high-rise living.
Population: 8,439 | Median Home Value: $338K | School Rating: C+
Housing: Condos, luxury apartments, and converted warehouse lofts
Safety: Busier with higher foot traffic — safety varies by block and time of day
Education: Limited K–12 options in the core, but close to top-rated charter schools
Perks: Skyway System, Target Center, light rail access, theaters, and rooftop bars
Vibe: Fast-paced, urban, and ever-evolving — ideal for professionals and night owls
The appeal: Downtown West is Minneapolis’ energetic core — live, work, and play all in one vertical neighborhood.
3. Lynnhurst
Peaceful, scenic, family-ready. Lynnhurst is a leafy Southwest Minneapolis gem loved for its parks and quiet charm.
Population: 6,562 | Median Home Value: $706K | School Rating: B+
Housing: Stately Tudors, Craftsman homes, and beautifully maintained yards
Safety: Very safe with low crime, strong neighborhood pride
Education: Highly rated public schools
Perks: Near Lake Harriet, Minnehaha Creek, and charming cafés and shops
Vibe: Upscale, quiet, and family-centric — suburban tranquility within city limits
Why it works: Lynnhurst combines natural beauty and great schools with timeless Minneapolis charm.
4. Cooper
Riverside, quiet, close-knit. Cooper is a hidden residential gem with a strong sense of community along the Mississippi.
Population: 3,596 | Median Home Value: $366K | School Rating: B-
Housing: Mix of early 20th-century homes, modest renovations
Safety: Generally calm, low to moderate crime levels
Education: Proximity to top-rated charter schools, good public schools
Perks: Riverside trails, Mississippi Gorge Park, and laid-back local cafés
Vibe: Green, serene, and ideal for nature-loving homeowners
Why it’s great: Cooper offers affordable homes with riverfront access and a strong community feel.
5. Downtown East
Modern living, historic roots, game-day energy. Downtown East blends the Mill District’s charm with stadium-side excitement and urban growth.
Population: 4,198 | Median Home Value: $537K | School Rating: C+
Housing: Sleek condos, historic lofts, and luxury rentals
Safety: Urban core vibe — safe in most areas
Education: Not a residential education hub, access to metro-wide options
Perks: Guthrie Theater, Stone Arch Bridge, riverfront trails, and lively events
Vibe: Energetic, historic, and high-rise focused — for professionals and empty nesters
The takeaway: Downtown East is a bold mix of modern skyline and riverfront heritage — with culture and U.S. Bank Stadium lights steps away.
6. South Uptown
Lakes, eats, and city beats. South Uptown blends urban energy with green space and a vibrant social scene.
Population: 6,339 | Median Home Value: $387K | School Rating: B
Housing: Classic Minneapolis houses, updated duplexes, and mid-rise apartments
Safety: Generally safe, nightlife brings occasional noise and traffic
Education: Steady public school performance and charter options nearby
Perks: Walkable to Bde Maka Ska Park, restaurants, and bars on Hennepin
Vibe: Young, social, and walkable — a hit with young professionals
The draw: South Uptown delivers that balance of city energy and lakeside leisure.
7. Northrop
Quiet, connected, community-strong. Northrop is a South Minneapolis haven with tree-lined streets and family-friendly vibes.
Population: 4,613 | Median Home Value: $399K | School Rating: B
Housing: Affordable single-family homes with historic character and modern updates
Safety: Low crime and a highly residential, peaceful environment
Education: Solid public schools, close to University of Minnesota
Perks: Access to Minnehaha Creek, trails, and quick drives to Lake Nokomis Park
Vibe: Calm, steady, and family-first
Why it’s popular: Northrop’s affordability and small-town feel make it a solid pick for homeowners wanting city access sans the hustle.
8. North Loop
Trendy, industrial, always buzzing. North Loop turns historic warehouses into lofts, breweries, and style-forward living.
Population: 7,633 | Median Home Value: $497K | School Rating: C+
Housing: Industrial-chic lofts, upscale condos, and luxury rentals
Safety: Popular and active, with minor crime common to downtown-adjacent zones
Education: Centrally located for citywide access
Perks: Top-tier dining, Target Field, art galleries, and riverfront paths
Vibe: Hip, urban, and bustling — made for creatives, professionals, and foodies
Why it stands out: North Loop mixes history, style, and energy — a magnet for Minneapolis’ trendsetters.
9. Kenny
Tidy, tranquil, family-first. Kenny offers peaceful Southwest Minneapolis living with great schools and neighborly charm.
Population: 3,785 | Median Home Value: $446K | School Rating: B
Housing: Mid-century ranches and updated family homes on quiet blocks
Safety: Very safe with strong community involvement
Education: Well-rated elementary schools and engaged parents
Perks: Near Grass Lake and Kenny Park, with local shops and cafés nearby
Vibe: Comfortable, consistent, and low drama — ideal for families and retirees
Why it’s a fit: Kenny offers suburban peace with city proximity — a reliable choice for long-term living.
10. Lowry Hill
Elegant, historic, art-filled. Lowry Hill blends stunning architecture with rich culture in one of Minneapolis’ premier neighborhoods.
Population: 4,142 | Median Home Value: $552K | School Rating: B-
Housing: Grand Victorians, brownstones, and century-old mansions
Safety: Relatively safe, though downtown proximity brings occasional urban issues
Education: Solid public schools and close to several private options
Perks: Walker Art Center, Loring Park, and access to Uptown and Downtown
Vibe: Artistic, refined, and walkable — with deep roots and architectural charm
What makes it shine: Lowry Hill blends Minneapolis history and culture with a refined residential feel.
The Bottom Line
Minneapolis offers a little something for everyone — from lakeside serenity and family-friendly streets to buzzing downtown living and historic charm.
Home values vary widely — affordable city condos to upscale single-family homes.
School quality is solid in many neighborhoods, especially in the southwest.
Walkability, parks, and bike access are standout features nearly citywide.
Other Resources:
Moving To Minneapolis? Our Relocation Guide Will Help
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Minnesota
Your Guide to Closing Costs in Minnesota in 2021
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.