Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is deciding where in that new city to put down roots. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options—neighborhood safety, quality of schools, house styles, convenience of the location—it all can be quite overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve researched the best up and coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis for you, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our Minneapolis City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Minneapolis’s most popular neighborhoods.

This list and our “Best Neighborhoods for Families in Minneapolis,” “Best Suburbs of Minneapolis,” and “Best Neighborhoods in Minneapolis” lists are more in-depth neighborhood guides meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent. (And by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—movers in Oklahoma and beyond.)

Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Minneapolis Bellhop Blog

A Little About Minneapolis

Minneapolis’ metro area offers great schools, community events, arts, and shopping. And with incredible parks and lakes, Minneapolis is one of the best cities for outdoor lovers in the country. It was only a matter of time before we delved into the busy streets and searched for the best hubs and hoods.

The city has 31 neighborhoods, grouped into five main areas: West Broadway, Downtown, Northeast, South, West Bank, and Cedar-Riverside. Minneapolis has one of the best-educated populations in the country and is home to plenty of public and private schools. 

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It’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, boasts awesome nightlife attractions, and is quickly blooming into a craft beer city. 

So, whether you’re looking to buy your first fixer-upper, a brand-new home, or something in between, we’ve found the hottest spots in the city. Look below for our list of 5 up and coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

Loring Park

This neighborhood combines suburban perks with close proximity to downtown. It’s been drawing more attention lately because, while prices are rising in many neighborhoods in and surrounding Minneapolis’ downtown, Loring Park is still quite affordable. The area is filling up with singles and young professionals as well as some young families who enjoy their short commutes, safe and walkable streets, and neighborhood green spaces, making it first on our guide to up and coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

What’s Happening in Loring Park

Loring Park and its surroundings offer exciting places to eat, drink, shop, and explore. Check out the Walker Art Center and peruse the displays of contemporary art. Next door, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden hosts the Rock the Garden summer festival and other frequent live music events.

The area is also ripe with unique and locally-owned shops and restaurants. Check out the Che Bella boutique or the Cherry Cycles bike shop. Grab dinner at The Butcher & Boar, and sample the brews at Sisyphus or Lakes & Legends Brewing Company. 

This neighborhood’s namesake park features a scenic pond encircled with running trails and athletic courts. And it’s become a central gathering place for community events like the Twin Cities Pride Parade and Holidazzle.

Schools in Loring Park

Schools in this area include Loring Nicollet School and City of Lakes Waldorf School, among others.

Homes in Loring Park

Housing is still very affordable in many corners of Loring Park. Expect to find spacious apartments, condos, and townhomes that fit the budget. 

Uptown

Next on our guide to up and coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis is Uptown. Uptown sits adjacent to downtown, which offers residents a great commute into the city as well as plenty of nightlife options. The neighborhood is packed with stores and shops as well as some of Minneapolis’ best outdoor recreation opportunities. Many young professionals and young families have settled into the charming homes in this neighborhood. And community events unique to the area draw people from throughout the city.

What’s Happening in Uptown

One of Uptown’s biggest events is its renowned Art Fair, and there are many more options for entertainment and activities in this beautiful green corner of the city. Home to great eateries like Libertine and The Lowry, as well as some of the Twin Cities’ most popular bars, Uptown is not only a great place to live but also a very popular place to visit.

The outdoorsy types flock to this neighborhood. The two lakes—Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska—press against the border of Uptown and the area offers tons of walking, jogging, and biking paths as well as water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Uptown is one of the most walkable areas in the city, so locals easily run their errands on foot or pop over to Chino Latino for a drink with friends 

Schools in Uptown

Schools in the area include Lyndale Community School, Wellstone International High School, and City of Lakes Waldorf School among others.

Homes in Uptown

Uptown housing ranges from newly developed high-rises to old-fashioned four-plexes. Residents find everything from affordable apartments and condos to lakeside mansions and estates. 

Midtown Phillips

Midtown Phillips is one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for young singles looking to find affordable living, great location, and a diverse community. Many twenty-somethings make Midtown Philips their home and find it easy to transition into home-ownership since the area is very affordable, making it a spot to definitely consider on our guide to up and coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

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What’s Happening in Midtown Phillips

Midtown Phillips has become a foodie destination throughout the city because of its Global Market. This market is filled with hopping new restaurants including The Rabbit Hole and El Burrito Mercado—two must-stops for hungry visitors.

Schools in Midtown Phillips

Schools in the area include Andersen Community and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, among others.

Homes in Midtown Phillips

There are plenty of apartments and some single-family houses. The lovely homes in Midtown Phillips generally range in price-point between $220K and $300K.

North Loop

Even in a very bike-friendly city, North Loop stands out as a cyclists’ haven. North Loop is one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis and it’s packed with singles and young professionals who enjoy its vibrant nightlife, great shopping, and thriving local economy.. 

Since the area has transformed from a warehouse district to a cultural hub, North Loop has a lot of startup businesses and many locals have found work in their own neighborhood. Plus, commuting to downtown Minneapolis is quick and easy, so many of the downtown’s professionals settle here as well.

Because North Loop is packed with entertainment and housing options, it’s transformed into a walkable compact section of the city. The neighborhood is also home to some of the trendiest venues in the city. So music lovers visit often and snag homes in this neighborhood when they get the chance, making it a perfect spot for artists on our guide to up and coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

What’s Happening in North Loop

The Stone Arch Bridge is one of the best spots to explore via bike, or you can ride over to catch a baseball game at Target Field. This neighborhood’s signature style is old-warehouse. Its once-vacant buildings have been transformed into industrial-chic bars, clubs, shops, art galleries, restaurants, and apartments. 

North Loop sits just west of downtown and walking between work, home, and a brewery is a breeze. Check out The Bachelor Farmer for some exceptional local grub and top the night off at Fulton Brewing’s taproom and try their super popular Lonely Blond Ale.

Schools in North Loop

Schools in the area include North Community High School and DeLaSalle High School, among others.

Homes in North Loop

Housing in North Loop includes historic lofts, new construction, and waterfront townhomes. Many of their gorgeous modern interiors often show off walls of windows, exposed brick, and open layouts.

Downtown East

Downtown East has experienced a metamorphosis. This area was once a forgotten corner of Minneapolis, but now it’s one of the hottest spots in the city. Throughout its regeneration, new residential and commercial buildings as well as the U.S. Bank Stadium, which hosted the Superbowl in 2018, have sprouted out of Downtown East’s once-depleted soil.

What’s Happening in Downtown East

Downtown East is rich in culture and history and is home to the MacPhail Center for Music, Guthrie Theater, and Mills City Museum. There are new restaurants, new shops, and outdoor recreation activities along the Mississippi River waterfront. Access to the light rail is a breeze, and downtown East Commons offers a green oasis in the midst of city life. 

Minneapolis locals claim this neighborhood as one of the most appealing and livable central city areas in the country. Its extensive system of walkways and waterfront trails, its blend of historic and new urban construction, and its cultural activities, community events, and restaurants have made this once sleepy neighborhood bright-eyed and enchanting.

Schools in Downtown East

Schools in the area include Hubert H. Humphrey School and DeLaSalle High School, among others.

Homes in Downtown East

Downtown East’s real estate is dominated by industrial apartments and condos. There’s a wide range of options—from $250K for a historic warehouse loft to $3-million for one with expansive floor plans, soaring ceilings, and private rooftop decks.

Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Minneapolis Bellhop Blog

There you have it: 5 up-and-coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis!

We hope this guide to the best up and coming neighborhoods in Minneapolis was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Minneapolis, and we would love to help.

Harrison Stevens