10 Best Neighborhoods in Minneapolis: Average Rent, Crime Rate & More!

Did you know Minneapolis isn’t just one of the Top 20 Most Livable Cities in the U.S. for 2025, it also features the nation’s most connected urban park system, with over 180 parks and 102 miles of trails weaving through the city? Pair that with a thriving arts scene, an ever-growing craft brewery culture, and four distinct seasons, and it’s no wonder more people are falling in love with Minneapolis. If you’re considering a move or just curious about where locals love to live, here’s your insider’s guide to the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for 2025. You might just find your next favorite spot.

Top 10 Best Neighbourhoods In Minneapolis

Let’s take a look at some of the nice neighborhoods in Minneapolis:

1. Cedar-Riverside

Average Rent: USD 1,449/month
Crime Rate: 10.77/1,000 residents
Best Known For: Known as "Little Mogadishu," this neighborhood is famous for its thriving East African dining scene with spots like Safari Restaurant and Trio Plant-Based. It’s home to the Riverside Plaza towers, an iconic Brutalist landmark seen in multiple films. The area also hosts Cedar Cultural Center, a top indie music venue for global artists.

With a rich blend of cultures, including a Somali-American culture, the neighborhood has an affordable housing market, ample options for student housing in Cedar-Riverside, and a clearly defined urban core. Cedar-Riverside includes entertainment hubs, such as Cedar-Riverside Plaza, Riverside Park, and Akers Memorial Park. 

2. Downtown West

Average Rent: USD 1,647/month
Crime Rate: 69.28/1,000 residents
Best Known For: The heart of Minneapolis’s skyscraper district, it’s known for rooftop bars like Union and Brit’s Pub with lawn bowling and skyline views. Also, a hotspot for professionals, with Nicollet Mall’s open-air shopping and dining corridor drawing crowds year-round.

It's perfect for those who want to live in the city center with everything just a stone's throw away—work, dining, entertainment, student housing in Downtown West, and more. The Minneapolis real estate market here is a mix of sleek modern condos and charming historic buildings, offering a range of options for those who want to be in the middle of it all.

3. East Harriet

Average Rent: USD 1,840/month
Crime Rate: 34.69/1,000 residents
Best Known For: A serene, lakeside neighborhood bordering Lake Harriet, known for summer concerts at the historic Lake Harriet Bandshell. It’s a favorite for locals seeking historic early 20th-century Craftsman and Tudor homes on quiet, tree-lined streets. Plus, it's within walking distance of Lyndale Park Rose Garden, one of the oldest public rose gardens in the U.S. Close to Uptown Minneapolis, residents enjoy easy access to dining and shopping. Whether you're exploring nice neighborhoods in Minneapolis or looking for student housing in East Harriet, this neighborhood offers the perfect balance of tranquility, nature, and community, making it an ideal spot in the Minneapolis real estate market.

4. Elliot Park

Average Rent: USD 1,200/month
Crime Rate: 78.29/1,000 residents
Best Known For: One of Minneapolis’s oldest neighborhoods, famous for historic brick apartment buildings and St. Olaf Catholic Church, a 19th-century Gothic Revival landmark. It’s a favorite for young professionals thanks to trendy cafés like FRGMNT Coffee and its proximity to U.S. Bank Stadium.

Elliot Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis, offering a dynamic mix of urban living and community charm. It’s home to landmarks like U.S. Bank Stadium, The Commons Park, and the Elliot Park Recreation Center, and its growing appeal has made student housing in Elliot Park an increasingly popular option.

5. Lowry Hill

Average Rent: USD 1,750/month
Crime Rate: 6.877/1,000 residents
Best Known For: An upscale, historic neighborhood known for mansions along Mount Curve Avenue and proximity to the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. It’s beloved for quiet, curving streets with views of Loring Park and its proximity to Eat Street’s international dining scene.

Tucked next to the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Lowry Hill is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for those who love a mix of culture, history, and quiet charm. It’s filled with grand, early 20th-century homes, tree-lined streets, and cozy coffee spots like Urban Bean Coffee, Dunn Brothers Coffee, and Cardamom. The Minneapolis MN housing market here leans upscale, with home prices averaging USD 700,000 and above. Its prime location near Downtown and Uptown makes it one of the nice neighborhoods in Minneapolis. 

6. Hiawatha

Average Rent: USD 1,650/month
Crime Rate: 4.867/1,000 residents
Best Known For: A laid-back, family-friendly neighborhood known for its easy access to Minnehaha Regional Park and the famous Minnehaha Falls, one of the most photographed spots in Minneapolis. It’s popular for bike commuters thanks to the Hiawatha LRT Trail and the Blue Line light rail station connecting directly to downtown and MSP Airport. Local gems like Sea Salt Eatery make it a summer hotspot.

Hiawatha is one of the best suburb of Minneapolis, blending peaceful living with urban perks. It’s home to gems like Minnehaha Regional Park, Minnehaha Falls, and the popular Sea Salt Eatery. The Minneapolis real estate market here offers charming apartments, dorms, and even student housing in Hiawatha, ideal for students and young professionals. With lush green spaces, local breweries like Venn Brewing, and bike trails, Hiawatha earns its spot among the cool neighborhoods Minneapolis has to offer and is a standout in the Minneapolis MN housing market.

7. Kingfield

Average Rent: USD 1,162/month
Crime Rate: 41.21/1,000 residents
Best Known For: A buzzing, food-lover’s neighborhood packed with acclaimed local eateries like Revival (famous for its fried chicken) and The Lowbrow. Known for its weekly Kingfield Farmers Market, a local favorite running from May to October with live music and small-batch vendors. 

Kingfield is one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis, known for its tight-knit, welcoming vibe and walkable streets filled with character homes. It’s also minutes from Lake Harriet and Uptown. In the Minneapolis housing market, Kingfield stands out for classic Craftsman and bungalow-style homes, typically priced between USD 350K–USD 600K — a sweet spot for first-time buyers and families craving charm with city convenience.

8. Powderhorn Park

Average Rent: USD 1,099/month
Crime Rate: 78.72/1,000 residents
Best Known For: Centered around the scenic Powderhorn Lake and Park, this neighborhood is famous for hosting the city’s beloved MayDay Parade and Powderhorn Art Fair. It’s a hub for local artists, community gardens, and indie coffee shops like Five Watt Coffee. Known for its proximity to Midtown Global Market’s international food stalls.

Famous for its 66-acre park, scenic pond, and events like the MayDay Parade and Powderhorn Art Fair, this is one of the cool neighborhoods in Minneapolis that’s rich in green space and even student housing in Powderhorn Park. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis MN for creatives and young families. Affordable homes (usually USD 250K–USD 450K) and proximity to spots like Matt’s Bar — home of the original Jucy Lucy — make it a real gem in the MPLS real estate market.

9. Stevens Square

Average Rent: USD 704/month
Crime Rate: 6,952/100,000 residents
Best Known For: The city’s most densely populated neighborhood, its home to the charming Stevens Square Park, a hub for summer movie nights and pop-up markets. Also loved for its affordable artist lofts and quick access to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, just a few blocks away.

Stevens Square is one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for those who love vintage charm and city life on a budget. Famous for its 1920s brick buildings and the Stevens Square Historic District, this area offers some of the most affordable rents near downtown, making it especially popular for student housing in Stevens Square. Its central location and walkable streets keep it a favorite in the Minneapolis MN housing market.

10. Ventura Village 

Average Rent: USD 1,200/month
Crime Rate: 8,909/100,000 residents
Best Known For: A culturally rich, community-driven neighborhood known for Franklin Avenue’s diverse dining scene, including favorites like Maria’s Café for legendary Cuban-style breakfasts. It’s home to Peavey Park, a lively green space for basketball tournaments and music events. 

The neighborhood boasts a diverse community, with significant Sub-Saharan African and Mexican populations. The central location and accessibility make it a notable area in the Minneapolis real estate market, appealing to those seeking a dynamic and culturally rich environment in the Minneapolis MN housing market.

Safe Student Housing in Minneapolis

Home to vibrant neighborhoods, top universities, and a buzzing student culture, Minneapolis is an ideal city to live and learn. As you prepare for your academic journey, finding the right off-campus housing is key to making the most of your college experience. If you are searching for your ideal off-campus student housing in Minneapolis, amber is here to make the process simple, stress-free, and tailored just for you. From modern high-rises to cozy apartments, student housing booked with amber comes with essentials like furnished rooms, study lounges, Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and more. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of Dinkytown or the charm of Seven Corners, Minneapolis offers a variety of student-friendly areas. Here are some options you can explore: 

1. Grandmarc Seven Corners, Minneapolis
2. Identity Dinkytown, Minneapolis
‍3. University Commons Minneapolis, Minneapolis
‍4. Yugo Minneapolis Sydney Hall, Minneapolis
‍5. Yugo Minneapolis 412 Lofts, Minneapolis