Best Neighborhoods in Minneapolis for Families

Thinking about moving to Minneapolis? The larger half of the Twin Cities is a perfect place for families to live because of its excellent school system, affordable housing, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Check out these five best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for families!

Diamond Lake
Fulton
Kenny
Linden Hills
Minnehaha

Diamond Lake

Photo via @reidellesteyassociates

Home Price: $219,433 median purchase price; $650 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Minneapolis neighborhoods

If you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood to raise your family in Minneapolis, consider living in Diamond Lake! You can find public and private schools like Hale Elementary School, Our Lady of Peace Catholic School, and Windom Community School interspersed with cottages and Tudor-Revival homes. And while Diamond Lake is only about a 15-minute drive from Downtown Minneapolis, the mostly residential neighborhood is home to the active Hale Page Diamond Lake Community Association, which provides residents with events like Picnic in the Park and Frost Fest. And with access to green space and waterfront recreation at major parks like Diamond Lake Park, Solomon Park, and Lake Nokomis, residents of Diamond Lake are always able to find something to do!

Things to Do in Diamond Lake

Take the little ones to run around at Todd Park, which is also perfect for picnics and playing pick-up games of baseball. Spend an afternoon at Pearl Park, where you can take the kids ice skating during the colder months. Cast a line at Lake Nokomis Park or plan a day-long bike ride with the family. Visit The Museum of Russian Art to find Russian artifacts, exhibits, and language classes. Start off your morning at Guavas Cuban Cafe and order Steak & Eggs, a Miami Breakfast, or Veggie Hash. Dig into Italian favorites like a Pizza New Haven, Garlic Chicken Alfredo, or Baked Rigatoni at Fat Lorenzo’s. Lunch on the Highland Beef Burger, Kimchi Grilled Cheese, or Beet Salad at Wise Acre Eatery. Or step up your sauce game and try the spicy Dragon’s Drool wings or see how an order of 12 PB & J wings compares to the classic sandwich at 5-8 Club.

Fulton

Photo via @elijohnsonrealestate

Home Price: $419,217 median purchase price; $1,203 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Minneapolis neighborhoods

Located in South Minneapolis, the Fulton neighborhood is known for its distinct Colonial, Tudor, and Craftsman home styles and its close proximity to Lake Harriet Southeast Beach. The small-town atmosphere of this neighborhood is supported by community family-friendly events, like ice cream socials or the fall festival. And, to help residents feel even more connected to their community, Fulton hosts frequent committee meetings in addition to neighborhood activities and events. This is something that draws families here, as well as top-rated schools in Fulton, including options like Southwest Montessori School and Lake Harriet Community School.

Things to Do in Fulton

Practice your tennis swing or take a family walk at Pershing Field Park. Catch fish like largemouth bass at Pier 2, which is located along Lake Harriet. Find a variety of clothing shops, eclectic restaurants, and fun events during the holiday season at the 50th and France urban shopping district. Go antiquing at Hunt & Gather to find vintage goods. Pick up fresh produce, bread, and pastries at the Fulton Farmers Market. Pop into Broders’ Pasta Bar for Italian cuisine like Penne Rosmarino, Fettuccine Bolognese, or Spaghetti Carbonara. Chow down on Walleye Tacos, Salmon, or a Steak Sandwich at Coalition Restaurant. Or sample wine like La Contesse Prosecco or Villa San Martino Pinot Grigio at Bojae’s Wine Bar & Bistro.

Kenny

Photo via @mattengengroup

Home Price: $260,925 median purchase price; $520 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Minneapolis neighborhoods

Kenny‘s proximity to Lake Harriet and Grass Lake, along with lush Kenny Park, makes it a great place for families in Minneapolis! This scenic neighborhood offers more picturesque views with housing options ranging from spacious ranches to charming Tudor-style homes. Families in Kenny can send their children to quality schools within the neighborhood like Kenny Elementary School and Anthony Middle School. This family-friendly Minneapolis neighborhood also offers residents community events to attend throughout the year, like the Kenny Summer Festival or New Neighbor Dinner.

Things to Do in Kenny

Play basketball or baseball on the courts and fields of Madison Park. Marvel at nature while biking around Grass Lake Park. Take in public art or let the little ones attend Family Storytime at the Washburn Library. Shop for plants, home decor, or gifts at Bachman’s. Pick up crafty items like custom T-shirt blankets at Me-Me’s Things. Grab Italian dishes like Squash & Pumpkin Ravioli, Spaghetti Alla Vodka, or Fettuccine Alfredo at Prima. Enjoy seafood favorites like Walleye, Fried Fish Tacos, or Halibut at Mac’s Fish, Chips, & Strips. Or satisfy your sweet tooth at Patrick’s Bakery & Cafe with a Craisin’ Oatmeal Mini Cookie and wash it down with Hot Chocolate.

Linden Hills

Photo via @vazharwood

Home Price: $401,727 median purchase price; $946 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 98% of Minneapolis neighborhoods

Known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis, Linden Hills offers families a suburban feel with a rich history—which can be found at spots like the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line! This Minneapolis neighborhood is filled with fun activities for families like the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival or summer concerts and movies at Lake Harriet Bandshell Park. Families looking for year-round outdoor recreation can find even more things to do at the beaches, waterfront parks, and cycling trails at the lakes bordering Linden Hills.

Things to Do in Linden Hills

Take in the scenic views of the Downtown Minneapolis skyline or go kayaking around the lake at Thomas Beach. Stop by the Linden Hills Library to see art displays or let the kids flip through novels. Visit Wild Rumpus to find books of all levels for young readers. Admire a collection of historic streetcars—and even ride in one along a lakeside route—at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. Sign the little ones up for a technology camp or LEGO Robotics session at The Bakken Museum. Begin your morning with a Dulce de Leche Latte, Chocolate Croissant, or Turkish Scone at Cafe Ceres. Order a Hill Burger, Duck Taco, or Norwegian Salmon for lunch at The Harriet Brasserie. Grab a seat at Old Southern BBQ and dine on a Dixie Bowl, Signature Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich, or Southern Sampler. Treat yourself to delicious ice cream flavors like Nicollet Avenue Pothole, Raspberry Chocolate Chip, or Vegan Strawberry from Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Shop. Or finish the day with crafted drinks like a Plum Sour, Pilsner, or Kolsch at Wooden Ship Brewing Company.

Minnehaha

Photo via @twincitiesrob

Home Price: $185,160 median purchase price; $1,169 median monthly rent
Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of Minneapolis neighborhoods

Searching for an affordable Minneapolis neighborhood ideal for families? Consider living in Minnehaha! This family-friendly neighborhood in Minneapolis is nestled between lakes and rivers, as well as Downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. A great home base for commuters, Minnehaha is within walking distance to the METRO Blue Line and offers easy access to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Residents are drawn here for the historical homes dating back to the 1930s, which also offer people scenic views overlooking Lake Nokomis. But families in particular like the proximity Minnehaha has to quality schools like Keewaydin Elementary School and Hennepin Elementary School.

Things to Do in Minnehaha

Keep a look out for rare species while bird-watching, spotting wildlife, or taking in the tranquil sounds of nature at Longfellow Gardens. Hike to see the stunning views of the majestic 53-feet tall Minnehaha Falls. Learn more about the history of Minneapolis by heading to the John H. Stevens House Museum. Visit the Minnehaha Depot to understand the role of the railroad in the growth of Minnesota. Take the little ones to the Winter Story Stroll at the Nokomis Library. Start off your morning with brunch at The Tipsy Steer Hiawatha, where you can try Huevos Rancheros, Lemon Ricotta French Toast, or a Cajun Hash Skillet. Fill up on Mexican cuisine like Carne Asada Mi Pueblo, Shrimp Fajitas, or Fish Tacos at Dominguez Restaurant. Or end your night with a game of bowling while sipping on a West Bank Pale Ale or a Super Strike Light Lager at Town Hall Lanes.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

Downtown Minneapolis skyline during twilight hours with tall buildings and a beautiful bridge over a river.