Bisected by the Mississippi River, Minneapolis means “Water City,” and is known for its parks and lakes, local watering holes, and great food scene. If you’re still on the fence about moving here, read our moving guide to Minneapolis to help make your decision an easy one. Will you make a home in a high-rise suite overlooking the nightclub scene downtown, or settle into a spacious house nestled in a more relaxed neighborhood out by the lakes? We’ll help you figure it out.
Uptown
South of downtown Minneapolis (somewhat confusingly) is Uptown, the area surrounding Hennepin Ave and Lake Street–a popular and energetic street that serves as the city’s mid-line. Here, you’ll find an amalgam of global cuisine, local shops, and a poppin’ nightlife, all backed by nature. Part of the Chain of Lakes, a huge reason to move to Minneapolis, the nearby Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun to locals) is the largest lake in the city. Popular for many outdoor activities, the lake is surrounded by parkland and circled by biking and walking trails to enjoy when the weather allows.
Uptown is near all the action, so there’s always something to attract the 20-somethings. The neighborhood’s blocks are bustling with buzzy bistros and gastropubs, rooftop patios, and some of the Twin Cities’ most popular watering holes (including Cowboy Slim’s, Libertine, and The Pourhouse Uptown). The old-school Uptown Theatre shows indie films and has a bar.
Northeast Minneapolis Arts District
The artsier part of Minneapolis’ Riverfront District, Northeast is quickly becoming the new Uptown. Known for art galleries and studios, the sprawling up-and-coming area is chock full of craft breweries, artisanal food shops, fancy bars and dive bars, and eateries—not to mention the Historic Grain Belt Brewery (which has been around since 1890!). On the river, Boom Island Park offers skyline views of downtown, hiking and biking paths, and a footbridge to Nicollet Island. The Arts District is also home to Art-A-Whirl, the largest open studio tour in the country, held annually on the third weekend of May.
Linden Hills
In the Southwest community of Minneapolis, this “small town in the city” sports friendly folks and beautiful views. Linden Hills is nestled between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska which provides a nice backdrop for biking or jogging. You can swim or rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at South Beach. Catch a summertime concert at The Lake Harriet Bandshell.
The neighborhood is a center of eclectic, urban living thanks to its awesome restaurants and locally-owned stores. Grab some breakfast at The Zumbro, try some Thai at Naviya, stand in line for a bite at Tilia, or skip the line and go to The Harriet Brasserie next door. With all this to offer, this ‘hood is pretty popular, which means housing can be pricey, and parking can be difficult at times.
Prospect Park
Let Prospect Park be one of your prospects when considering a move to the Twin Cities. Located just east of Dinkytown, along I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s known for its “Witch’s Hat” water tower on Tower Hill in the heart of the ‘hood, which is also the highest point in Minneapolis. Although the area is not as trendy as say, Uptown or the North Loop; grad students, retirees, and young families call Prospect Park Home.
This is the perfect place for professionals seeking a little peace and quiet on the hills next to the University of Minnesota. The new light rail line on University Avenue makes public transportation a breeze. Gophers fans will appreciate this unique neighborhood’s proximity to TCF Bank Stadium, while beer enthusiasts can walk the hilly, winding, residential roads to Surly Brewing, a 50,000 square foot brewery with indoor seating and a massive outdoor patio.
Whittier
Foodies flock to Whittier for its plethora of diverse ethnic restaurants. There’s even a part of Nicollet Avenue, known as “Eat Street”, which is dotted with international restaurants, coffee shops, and Asian markets. The Blackforest Inn has been open for the better part of a century, thanks to its sausages, schnitzels, and beer garden. Eat Street Social is perhaps the trendiest neighborhood hotspot for a cocktail. Whittier is also home to artsy folks who don’t live in North Loop or Northeast, as it is home to the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), the city’s art keystone for over a century.
North Loop
Looking for a trendy, up-and-coming, active community? Look no further than the North Loop. Once relegated to the bargain basement of real estate, North Loop is experiencing a come up with a great mix of historic buildings and new builds. Young, hip professionals rent upscale lofts, condos, and townhomes along the riverfront (for a price). The often called “Warehouse District” is a foodie mecca—President Obama lunched at The Bachelor Farmer, a must-visit restaurant which also invests in the neighborhood through community events. North Loop is also a transit hub; close to everything from coffee shops to nightlife.
Armatage
Armatage is primarily a residential neighborhood in the southwest corner of the city. Downtown, the airport, the lakes, and the Mall of America are all a short drive away from this leafy neighborhood. Or, browse the unique offerings from local shops on Penn Avenue then take up a spot under one of the beautiful, mature shade trees in Armatage Park.
East Phillips
Looking to save money while being close to Downtown? East Phillips is for you! This community offers easy access to downtown via Hiawatha Ave. where many businesses are located. With a healthy mix of commercial and residential spots, East Phillips is a great place to live and work. The Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile long former railroad corridor, offers paths for walking and biking. The population of old and young renters and owners is as diverse as the properties—historic apartment buildings and row houses stand out among small family houses.
Downtown West
Things’ll be great when you’re Downtown (West, that is). If you envision living amongst suited professionals walking between the many office buildings and dining spots to their Fortune 500 jobs, move to Downtown West. The place is packed with upscale bars, music venues (like the historic First Avenue, made famous by Prince) and late-night hangouts, and nearby Loring Park offers a green escape from the city, complete with jogging trails and a tennis court. Sporting events can cause extra traffic, as the Timberwolves, Vikings, and Twins all play Downtown. Properties in the area are newer and sleeker than the rest of the city and, of course, more expensive. But you know what they say–location, location, location!
Vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, friendly people, and 22 natural lakes make this Twin City a wonderful place to move. Now you’ll just have to check out all the apartments for rent on Zumper and decide which neighborhood to call your own.
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