The larger half of the famed Twin Cities, Minneapolis boasts neighborhoods that are home to great professional sports franchises, a delicious culinary scene, amazing art community and fun parks and trails that you can explore year-round.
Taking a bite out of a Jucy Lucy at Matt’s or a selfie with the Mary Tyler Moore statue on Nicollet Avenue are fun things to do for tourists, but to get to know Minneapolis neighborhoods, you need to explore a little more.
The most popular Minneapolis neighborhoods
Whether you’re brave like Bud Grant and wear a short-sleeve shirt in sub-zero temperatures or prefer warmer weather and hiking boots to explore the city’s trails, this city has a neighborhood that’s perfect for you.
So explore some of the city’s best areas, and then take our Minneapolis neighborhood quiz to decide which place you should call home.
Uptown
Made famous by Prince’s song, Uptown offers a special vibe for residents. With an active nightlife, clubs, bars and theaters, such as the famous Uptown Theatre, as well as amazing restaurants — World Street Kitchen’s menu features the delectable entrees found on its wildly popular food truck — and great shopping, Uptown is a perfect spot for young professionals and students.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy taking advantage of Lake Bde Maka Ska Park and its trails.
A one-bedroom apartment in Uptown averages about $1,829 a month.
Dinkytown
It may have a tiny name, but Dinkytown explodes with things to do. With the University of Minnesota at the edge of Dinkytown, weekends are often taken over by maroon and gold-clad fans heading to campus for sports.
Arts, culture and great restaurants are also just a few steps away. For instance, you can see impressive art at the Frederick R. Wiseman Art Museum, as well as public art on the U of M campus. Al’s Breakfast offers a big meal in a tiny building. Open for breakfast and lunch, Al’s is popular with residents and University of Minnesota students.
North Loop
As a “hipster” neighborhood, North Loop has grown from a warehouse district to a vibrant art and entertainment area. This area features some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and shopping. The neighborhood is also home to the city’s professional baseball and basketball teams.
As a result, young professionals and couples seeking a thriving area are flocking to the North Loop.
You can rent a one-bedroom apartment here for about $1,812 a month on average.
Lynnhurst
Centrally located, Lynnhurst offers a family-friendly neighborhood known for its access to public parks and nature trails. Minnehaha Creek Park is home to canoeing, hiking and picnicking. The Lynnhurst Recreation Center offers youth activities, sports leagues and an ice skating rink. Family-themed restaurants highlight the area, including Lake Harriet Pizza, the perfect choice for takeout pizza, and Colita, where you must sample the lamb barbacoa tacos.
Linden Hills
Linden Hills offers a mix of history and nature, with museums, such as the Minnesota Streetcar Museum and Bakken Museum and Bde Maka Ska, the largest lake in Minneapolis and home to three miles of trails and lots of water activities. Popular with families and couples, you’ll find excellent eateries, such as Martina and Old Southern BBQ.
Enjoy a one-bedroom apartment in Linden Hills for about $995 a month on average.
Loring Park
With major celebrations, including the Gay Pride Festival and the Loring Park Art Fair, Loring Park is an outstanding neighborhood for socially-conscious people. Home to the country’s first basilica, Basilica of St. Mary, its Beaux-Arts architecture is impressive. With an outstanding collection and a fabulous sculpture garden, the Walker Art Center adds art and culture to Loring Park. Restaurants, such as Lotus Restaurant, offering Vietnamese cuisine, adds to the international flavor of the neighborhood.
The average one-bedroom apartment in Loring Park is about $1,360 a month.
Downtown East
Hugging the Mississippi River, the Downtown East neighborhood features an array of attractions. With the Mill City Museum and Stone Arch Bridge as anchors, locals also enjoy concerts at the Guthrie Theater. A Minnesota Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium is a major social event. Popular with young professionals, Downtown East is home to Day Block Brewing Company, the perfect spot to grab a drink and bite to eat.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park is a mixture of residents, from empty nesters to young professionals and even students. The community’s story dates back to the mid-1870s when a wealthy real estate entrepreneur developed the area. Today, a large section of the neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Situated between St. Paul and the Mississippi River, Prospect Park encompasses a section of the University of Minnesota, which offers scenic walks and public art displays around campus. Home to the highest natural spot in Minneapolis, Tower Hill Park is known for its Witch’s Hat Tower (the top resembles a witch’s hat).
Rent a one-bedroom apartment in Prospect Park for an average of $1,733 a month.
Find the best Minneapolis neighborhood for you
Unsure about which of the Minneapolis neighborhoods is perfect for you? Check out our quiz and we’ll find the perfect area for you.
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