Minnesotans love the great outdoors, summer and winter. Minneapolis is no different, with bike trails, lakes and parks that can be enjoyed year-round. But what are the most walkable neighborhoods in Minneapolis? After all, walking to do errands and meet friends is one of the best (and easiest) ways to get under-the-radar exercise. Using Walk Score, we put together a list of Minneapolis’s most walkable ‘hoods and asked our Redfin real estate agents for the inside scoop on each one.
1. Lyn-Lake – Walk Score 94
A business district anchored by Lyndale Avenue and Lake Street, Lyn-Lake is centrally located for those interested in its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops and bars; it’s also very near other Minneapolis neighborhoods in the top 10, including Lowry Hill East and Uptown.
It’s also bike-friendly with a Bike Score of 96. “Residents have access to the Midtown Greenway, a fantastic walking and biking trail, that can quickly take you to the lakes and the Midtown Market,” said Redfin real estate agent James Garry.
Your future home is just a tap away
Explore homes with the Redfin app anytime, anywhere.
2. Downtown West – Walk Score 92
Your future home is just a tap away
One of the primary beneficiaries of Minneapolis’s downtown renaissance, this is what most Minneapolitans think of when they think of downtown. Lucky residents can often walk to work, when they’re not busy enjoying the parks along the Mississippi River, or using the skyways to keep out of the cold.
That said, it’s not for everyone; as befitting the density of a center of commerce, you’ll need to live in a condo to live there. “Options range from a $2.999M 2-bedroom penthouse, all the way down to a more typical 2-bed, 2-bath condo for a little over $200k,” said Redfin real estate agent James Garry.
3. Lowry Hill East – Walk Score 92
Served by several grocery stores, including the iconic Wedge Co-op, within blocks of the Lake of the Isles, and bordered by the commercial hub of Hennepin Avenue South, Lowry Hill East is a mix of single family homes and small condo buildings.
The result is a residential feel. “What draws people to Lowry Hill East is the duality: you can live on a quiet, tree-lined street, yet be steps away from some of the city’s restaurants and nightlife,” said Redfin real estate agent Chris Prescott.
4. Uptown – Walk Score 91
Subject to a condo-building boom over the past decade, there’s no longer any doubt that Uptown is one of the hippest places in the Twin Cities. With the Uptown Theater, Calhoun Square and Chino Latino all right there, the neighborhood shines for those who love nightlight.
However, it also doesn’t skimp on the practicalities with two groceries, Cub Foods and Lunds, one on either end of the neighborhood. And it’s right by Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun, as well as the Midtown Greenway . “Uptown also offers great outdoors opportunities,” said Redfin real estate agent James Garry.
5. Loring Park – Walk Score 89
Radiating from the eponymous Loring Park, this neighborhood is home to the Minneapolis Community & Technical College and the Minneapolis Convention Center, making it a hub of activity. Adjacent to the Walker Art Center on the west, and downtown on the east, residents don’t lack things to do – and many can walk to work.
“Homebuyers looking in the neighborhood will find mostly condos and townhomes,” said Redfin real estate agent James Garry, “while renters will find mostly high-rise opportunities.”
6. Nicollet Island – East Bank – Walk Score 88
For those who love being along the river, this is the perfect neighborhood. If you’re fortunate enough to live on the island itself, you’ll find an oasis of calm in an oft-overlooked piece of land. On the east bank, there’s the beautiful St. Anthony Main, which includes a strolling promenade, restaurants and a movie theater. And in either place, you’ll only be a hop, skip and a jump away from the happening scene along 1st Avenue NE and Hennepin. Surdyck’s, anyone?
7. Stevens Square – Walk Score 88
Directly south of I-94, Stevens Square is a walkable neighborhood between walkable neighborhoods. With lots of early 20th century buildings, renters and buyers alike will find august, well-crafted residences, in a neighborhood that boasts more than its fair share of restaurants, groceries and hardware stores.
8. Whittier – Walk Score 88
Home of the famous “Eat Street” on Nicollet Avenue, residents of Whittier never lack restaurant options. Nor are they lacking in culture, with the world-class (and always free) Minneapolis Institute of the Arts anchoring the neighborhood.
“For homebuyers, there are deals to be had in Whittier,” said Redfin real estate agent James Garry. “Prices are a touch lower than some surrounding neighborhoods, but you still have great amenities and proximity to downtown.”
9. East Isles – Walk Score 87
Directly on Lake of the Isles, this neighborhood is known for its stately mansions. Almost exclusively composed of single family homes, it abuts busier Uptown and Lowry Hill East.
“Home prices might seem high, but the value is there,” said Redfin real estate agent Chris Prescott. “You have the lake almost in your front yard, yet you’re near everything that’s happening along Hennepin Avenue. There’s also a skating rink on Lake of the Isles in the winter, a plus for people of all ages and, of course, hockey enthusiasts.”
10. North Loop – Walk Score 85
Residents are within blocks of Target Field and Target Center, making this neighborhood a sports lover’s paradise. “The North Loop has really taken off,” said Redfin agent James Garry, “Buyers will find lots of loft conversions, as well as a few townhomes right on the river. It’s also well-located for samplers of the Twin Cities’ high-end restaurant scene, so it’s a foodie’s delight.”
Wondering how your neighborhood stacks up? Click here for a full ranking of Minneapolis’s neighborhoods, or enter your address to get the Walk Score for your home.
United States
Canada