Bisected by the Mississippi River, Minneapolis means “Water City” and is known for its ample supply of lakes and parks. Will you make a home in a high-rise suite overlooking the nightclub scene downtown or enjoy more of a small-town vibe out by the lakes? Before you set out and move to Minneapolis, let us help you review some of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis as you decide where your new hood will be.

1. Linden Hills

Best neighborhood for urban living

Linden Hills is best for families who want easy access to big city life but also the opportunity to enjoy a quiet retreat with ample outdoor accessibility. Linden Hills is nestled between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet in southwest Minneapolis. This “small town in the city” has great schools, friendly folks, and beautiful outdoor views. The lakes provide a nice backdrop for biking or jogging (when it’s warm enough). You can also swim or rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at South Beach. On rainy days, you can take the kids to the Minnesota Children’s Museum or The Works Museum.

The Lake Harriet Bandshell is the perfect place to catch a summer concert or take advantage of movie nights. The neighborhood is also a center of eclectic, urban living with awesome restaurants and locally owned stores. Grab some breakfast at Zumbro Cafe, well-known for its high-quality, fresh ingredients used in each dish. Or try some Thai at Naviya’s Thai Brasserie, with patio dining available during the summer. Tilia is also one of the most-awarded restaurants in Linden Hills, making it a must-visit spot.

Shopping in Linden Hills is exceptional, with endless small bookstores you can get lost in and fun, quirky clothing to check out. The Metro E Line will soon expand into Linden Hills, making it even more convenient to get around the city. With all this to offer, this neighborhood is pretty popular, meaning housing can be fairly expensive, and parking can sometimes be difficult.

2. Kenny

Best neighborhood for families

Kenny is one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for families who want to be close to shopping, entertainment, and culture. This mostly residential neighborhood prides itself on its multi-generational population, good school ratings, and active neighborhood association. Known as “the hidden city” of Kenny, Grass Lake is a 27-acre wetland situated on the southern end of the neighborhood. Kenny Park often hosts live, family-friendly events and summer movie nights.

Residents enjoy having everything they need within walking distance, from a park and recreation center to schools, stores, and restaurants. The Minneapolis Institute of Art and Mall of America are both within the Kenny neighborhood. Kenny is also home to Patrick’s Bakery & Cafe, an upscale gourmet bakery worth checking out, and El Jefe Cocina & Bar, an ideal date night spot. Downtown is a quick bus trip away, and there’s easy access to major highways.

3. Tangletown

Best neighborhood for a rustic lifestyle

Tangletown is best for retirees and families who want to feel like they’re living in a different country. Another southwest community of Minneapolis is the neighborhood formerly known as Fuller. Its present name, Tangletown, reflects the neighborhood’s tangled topography — its winding streets set it apart from the rest of the city’s alphanumeric grid. This area was established in the 19th century as a rustic getaway for well-to-do types in the hills around the creek.

Beautiful houses from that era still remain. Cross the Tangletown Bridge over Minnehaha Creek for more commercial architecture clustered around Diamond Lake Road. The highest point in the neighborhood is marked by the Washburn Park Water Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. While public transportation in Tangletown is limited, there are a lot of bike paths winding through the neighborhood along Minnehaha Creek.

The creek is also a popular fishing spot with newsworthy sturgeon catches. Tangletown residents also have easy access to art and culture within the city at the Rosalux Gallery. Grab a bite to eat at the Italian restaurant Prima, or try Fresh Wok if you prefer Chinese food. Downtown Minneapolis is also just a 10-minute drive from Tangletown, perfect for a night out.

4. Lynnhurst

Best neighborhood for outdoor enthusiasts

Lynnhurst is best for nature enthusiasts, though it still offers its residents the best of city living. Its location on the southeast side of Lake Harriet makes for a natural setting, and Minnehaha Creek running through the neighborhood offers a variety of recreational opportunities on and around the creek. Lynnhurst Park, with its baseball fields, basketball courts, and bike paths, is perfect for families. The wading pool is also great for cooling off on a hot summer afternoon.

Historical homes dot the tree-lined streets of Lynnhurst, as well as an array of unique, independent businesses like coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores. Cafe Ceres is right on the neighborhood line and serves a great cup of coffee. The Book Club Restaurant is one of the area’s top attractions. It serves fresh meals and delicious cocktails in a cozy dining room.

5. North Loop

Best neighborhood for foodies

Looking for a trendy, up-and-coming, active community? Look no further than the North Loop. North Loop is ideal for residents who prefer to be in the middle of the action. Once relegated to the bargain basement of the real estate, North Loop is experiencing a come up with a great mix of historic and brand-new buildings. Young, hip professionals rent upscale lofts, condos, and townhomes along the riverfront (for a price). Many of these rentals are refurbished, giving them a rustic, desirable appeal.

The often called “Warehouse District” is a foodie mecca — President Obama lunched at The Bachelor Farmer (although it has since been sold). Don’t worry though, North Loop still has its fair share of famous restaurants and bars. Spoon and Stable is located in what used to be a horse stable and today serves an award-winning menu by an acclaimed chef. If you’re looking for the best coffee in North Loop, you’ll definitely want to check out FRGMNT Coffee or Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea.

Even though North Loop is right in the middle of the city, you still have ample opportunities for outdoor entertainment. The North Loop Playground is perfect for families with young children, and First Bridge Park is an excellent choice for walking and running. Target Field and the Minneapolis Farmers Market are also in North Loop, providing you with endless entertainment. The area is also a transit hub, close to everything from coffee shops to nightlife.

6. Armatage

Best neighborhood for young families

Yet another southwestern neighborhood, Armatage is best suited for young families because of its proximity to day care centers and children’s activities. Armatage is predominantly residential and super family-friendly, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for those looking to expand their families.

Browse the unique offerings from local shops on Penn Avenue, gather with locals and visitors alike at Pizzeria Lola, or take up a spot under one of the beautiful, mature shade trees in Armatage Park. Young children especially enjoy the Washburn Tot Lot. You don’t have to travel to Downtown Minneapolis to enjoy delicious cuisine with a lot of great dining options right in Armatage. The Red Wagon Pizza Company and Colita are both great choices for family dinners.

7. Seward

Best neighborhood for walkability

You may love Seward if you’re looking for a place to call home where a car isn’t a requirement. Unlike most places in the Twin Cities, being car-free is being carefree in Seward. It’s easy to bike or walk to shops, restaurants, and even the University of Minnesota. This means you’ll find a lot of college students living in Seward.

West River Parkway offers walking/biking trails and parks along the river. The light rail runs alongside the neighborhood, making it easy to get to any corner of the Minneapolis Metropolitan Area. There’s a mix of industrial spaces, historic houses, and more recent builds. Of course, properties are more expensive closer to the river, but you get what you pay for. Bonus: The area has a surprisingly low crime rate for how close it is to downtown.

This neighborhood also has its fair share of entertainment and dining, including Birchwood Cafe, a vegetarian lunch spot, and Cafe Racer Kitchen, a small spot that focuses on exceptional dishes and even better service. Craft and hobby enthusiasts are sure to love Twin Cities Maker, a community center for artists and makers. Seward is also home to Memory Lanes, a bowling alley with an on-site volleyball court.

8. East Phillips

Best neighborhood for arts and culture

If you’re looking for affordable living while still being close to Downtown Minneapolis, East Phillips is for you. This community offers easy access to downtown via Hiawatha Avenue, where many businesses are located. With a healthy mix of the commercial and the residential, 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 area is also home to numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Greenway Glow Arts Festival.

The population of old and young renters and owners is as diverse as the properties — small family houses can be found dotted amongst historic apartment buildings and row houses. Also, you don’t always have to go downtown to enjoy the area. East Phillips is home to the American Swedish Institute, a public museum that also hosts art classes. Shopping in East Phillips is also abundant with the Midtown Global Market and the Midtown Farmers Market. You will find affordable fresh fruits, vegetables, and beautiful locally sourced flowers and plants there.

Because East Phillips is close to downtown, public transportation is easy. There are multiple bus routes that can take you downtown for shopping, dining, work, or entertainment.

9. Downtown West

Best neighborhood for professionals

Downtown West may be for you if you’re career-focused. Things’ll be great when you’re Downtown (West, that is). If your picture of Minneapolis living is amongst suited professionals walking between the many office buildings and dining spots to their Fortune 500 jobs, move to Downtown West. 

City Hall and the Minneapolis Central Library are right by the river, and the Minneapolis Convention Center sits along I-94. The Nicollet Mall has many family-friendly shops and restaurants, while the rest of Downtown West is full of upscale bars and late-night hangouts for the grown-ups. The Butcher’s Tale and Manny’s Steakhouse are both delicious, sophisticated spots worth checking out, mainly for their tasty after-work drinks and space for client meetings. Nearby, Loring Park offers a green escape from the city, with jogging trails and a tennis court. 

Sporting events can cause extra traffic, as the Timberwolves, Vikings, and Twins all play downtown. But, this also puts you close to the state’s best sports. Living downtown, you also don’t have to worry about traffic with the ease of public transportation available. 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. Hopefully, our breakdown of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis helped you decide where to look for your next apartment before you call Minneapolis your new home. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find the right neighborhood for you here.

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