If you’ve always wanted to live in a historic neighborhood, then Minneapolis is the perfect city for you. With plenty of different historic areas to choose from, Minneapolis residents can enjoy carefully preserved architecture while still benefiting from easy access to city amenities, like parks, lakes, museums, and restaurants. If you’re having trouble finding the right home in the neighborhood you desire, hiring an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with the market will help the process go smoothly. Here are a few of the best historic neighborhoods in Minneapolis:
- North Loop
- Loring Park
- Lynnhurst
- Nicollet Island
- Kenwood
- Linden Hills
Buying a Historic Home
Historic homes are unique and appeal to a lot of buyers thanks to their charm and features. But, buying a historic home may not be for everyone. They often require renovation projects if they haven’t been updated already, something not every home buyer is excited to do. However, being able to personalize your home to exactly the standards you’d like is a fun and rewarding process. Plus, some historic homes have already been updated, so you won’t have to do any work. Make sure you consider your budget and the potential projects that your historic house will entail.
Historic Neighborhoods in Minneapolis
It’s no surprise that Minneapolis has an abundance of historic neighborhoods. You’ll have to narrow down your home search based on your personal preferences, because while the neighborhoods are all historical, they have different feels and amenities to consider. Think about if you’d like an area that’s easily walkable to stores and restaurants, or if you don’t mind getting in your car to do the shopping. You will also have to weigh the pros and cons of being in a condo or a house. Neighborhoods like the North Loop offer great industrial lofts, while other districts have beautiful, stand-alone houses. Consider what kind of maintenance you’re willing to do and what style of home best suits your needs. Here is a handful of our favorite historic neighborhoods in Minneapolis to choose from:
North Loop
North Loop is the perfect Minneapolis historic neighborhood if you love to be right in the heart of the city, without the need for a car. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars nearby to enjoy, plus easy access to parks along the Mississippi River. North Loop is often referred to as the Warehouse District because it was filled with warehouses years ago that have since been transformed into housing, boutiques, popular restaurants, trendy bars for cocktails, and galleries. Thanks to its location adjacent to downtown, it’s an excellent spot for professionals, with great access to bike paths and public transportation. There is a mix of residential buildings, historic lofts, and upscale townhomes to choose from in this historic neighborhood.
Loring Park
Another great neighborhood if you like to be in the middle of the action is Loring Park. Located within this neighborhood is the Harmon Place Historic District, which has several historic homes and mansions built in the late 1800s. If you’re looking for a condo or an apartment, then maybe one of the 1920s brownstones is more your speed. Whatever kind of historic home you desire, Loring Park is a great place to look. Like the North Loop, this is another neighborhood that’s very walkable to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It’s minutes away from the Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden, plus it’s close to downtown and Uptown.
Lynnhurst
Lynnhurst is another lovely historic neighborhood in Minneapolis. It is well-suited for those who want to buy and maintain a historic home. Building began in this neighborhood in 1893 and is now home to beautiful older homes, local shops and restaurants, and lovely parks. One of the reasons Lynnhurst is so popular, besides its gorgeous homes, is its location along the southeastern shore of Lake Harriet. Lynnhurst residents also enjoy close access to Minnehaha Creek and all the trails surrounding the creek and the lake.
Nicollet Island
If you’ve never visited Nicollet Island before, we highly recommend a visit. The island is so charming you’ll feel like you’ve transported back in time. Home to Nicollet Island Inn and Nicollet Island Park, with its amphitheater and pavilion, this island gives off major small-town vibes. All but two houses on Nicollet Island were built in the mid-to-late 19th century, and it’s a treasure trove of well-kept Victorian homes. You aren’t far from anything when you live on Nicollet Island, either, because it’s just minutes from downtown, the North Loop, and the bustling area of Saint Anthony Main. If you’d like Mississippi River views in a tranquil setting, then Nicollet Island is the perfect historic neighborhood to settle down in.
Kenwood
Kenwood is a well-established historic neighborhood in Minneapolis located in the greater area of Calhoun Isles, meaning easy access to the lakes. It is full of beautifully restored Mediterraneans, Colonials, Victorians, and Tudor-style homes. You can expect to find luxury and renovated homes from the pre-1940s, so it’s definitely historic. Kenwood is a great neighborhood to consider if you’re looking for a house to love and take care of for many years to come.
Linden Hills
Located nearby Kenwood, Linden Hills is a great historic neighborhood in Minneapolis wedged between Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. It’s an excellent place for families looking for a safe area with a warm and welcoming community. There are a lot of great gems to be found in terms of historic houses in Linden Hills. You will be amazed by the variety of architecture in these old homes and will be able to pick out something that truly suits your style.
Settling Down in Historic Minneapolis
Once you’ve decided you’d like to settle down in a historic Minneapolis neighborhood, the fun begins. Choosing which district will best suit your needs and lifestyle is just the start. With so many great options to choose from, enlisting the help of a real estate agent is a smart way to ensure you’ll get exactly what you want. These historic neighborhoods have excellent restaurants, local breweries, shops, and outdoor spaces that you will be able to enjoy year-round once you settle down in your new place.
