Highland Park vs. Mac-Groveland vs. Edina vs. Linden Hills (moving, information)

[Libby01]

How refreshing to actually have a thread with useful information on St Paul or Minneapolis without the false statements and snarky comments! (regular readers will understand why) I'm so glad that the people who actually live in these neighborhoods finally feel free to speak up.

If you are working in Lilydale, I would definitely rule out Edina or Linden Hills. Those are great areas- but just no need to travel so far to good neighborhoods, walkability and schools. Highland Park and Mac-Groveland would be great places to look. Your budget may take you a bit further in Mac-Groveland. I'm in Highland and absolutely love the convenience, the proximity to everything, the schools, the neighborhoods and access to River/trails/parks. But I am surprised at some of the high housing prices. Just walking today and looked at a brochure of a house just down the street and it was quite a bit higher priced than I expected (almost double what I expected!). Perhaps they won't actually receive that for the house, but prices here have steadily increased in the 7 years that we've been here and houses don't stay on the market long-- all good signs of a stable, desirable neighborhood.
As far as schools, Horace Mann is excellent- but I wouldn't discount Highland Elementary. They have a fantastic math program, which will put your child way ahead in math (if that is something that interests you). Groveland Elementary is a good option, as is Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet school (must test to get in). Lots of good options- as well as many different catholic school options (Nativity, Holy Spirit, Highland) and Nova Classical Academy (which is a charter school). There isn't just one option here, which is a great thing! Good luck to you.

[aus1ander]

Originally Posted by Libby01

But I am surprised at some of the high housing prices. Just walking today and looked at a brochure of a house just down the street and it was quite a bit higher priced than I expected (almost double what I expected!). Perhaps they won't actually receive that for the house, but prices here have steadily increased in the 7 years that we've been here and houses don't stay on the market long-- all good signs of a stable, desirable neighborhood.

I do think some of the prices of the current inventory in our area are bordering on ridiculous. This probably explains why there is so much inventory and so few homes under contract. I predict quite a few price reductions on some of these homes...

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Me, too. And I say that as someone who lists Linden Hills as one of my favorite Twin Cities neighborhoods! I think you can find something with a similar vibe and strengths in St. Paul and eliminate the long commute.

That said, when looking at family-friendly St. Paul neighborhoods I'd also throw St. Anthony Park into the mix.

I had a chance to experience Linden Hills neighborhood for the 1st time this weekend and I LOVED the vibe! It would be a wonderful place to live.

[ocsid]

We lived in Mac-Groveland for three years. It's seriously an awesome neighborhood. One of my favorites in the Twin Cities. Unless you live on one of the main corridors where there will be a lot of traffic (which is a big reason we moved - we were on Hamline), you really can't go wrong.

The only thing negative I will say about St. Paul, is their snow removal is the WORST. It's like driving on bobsled tracks in the winter. Simply horrible.

[StPaulGal]

I live in Mac-Groveland and I love it! But I can't speak comparatively because I was lucky enough to discover this neighborhood when I first moved to the area 4-ish years ago.

My absolute favorite thing about this neighborhood is just how centrally located it is. I can be in either downtown in 15 minutes or less. It is also under 15 minutes' drive to the airport, but it is not in the flight path so there is no airplane noise. I can walk south to the Highland Village area or north to Grand Avenue or a few blocks east to the river. There is good highway access without being so near as to have undesirable side effects.

It is a very personal thing, but I also adore the style of the neighborhood. The housing stock from the nineteen-teens through the thirties appeals to me so much more than the more recent styles. I will freely admit it is a stereotype--and probably an unfair one at that--but I seem to get better very well with the sorts of people who choose to live in old houses. Maybe it has something to do with our mutual fondness for the quirks and scuffs that give such places character.

[aus1ander]

Originally Posted by StPaulGal

It is a very personal thing, but I also adore the style of the neighborhood. The housing stock from the nineteen-teens through the thirties appeals to me so much more than the more recent styles. I will freely admit it is a stereotype--and probably an unfair one at that--but I seem to get better very well with the sorts of people who choose to live in old houses. Maybe it has something to do with our mutual fondness for the quirks and scuffs that give such places character.

I don't think its unfair nor do I think its just the old houses that draw people to these areas in St. Paul. These neighborhoods just tend to have more neighborly and friendly people who care about their homes and care about each other. In all the areas I've lived prior, none of the neighbors even talked to each other. In the summer, I see my neighbors everyday and know whats going on in their and their childrens lives. Its a nice social aspect to living a dense urban area where the lot sizes are going to be small and there will be less privacy.

I second the opinion that we wouldn't move anywhere else unless our jobs forced us to. We love our neighborhood, our street, and our house. IMO, you can't beat the location in the TC.

[Yosh01]

I grew up in a small rural southern Minnesota town, but for most of my adult life, I've lived in the Mac-Groveland and Crocus Hill areas of St. Paul. I've discovered that these neighborhoods are the closest thing I can find to the small community I grew up in. I've known my neighbors for decades. I run into them at the hardware store. Everywhere I go I see people I know and I feel at home.

So many people in the suburbs and family members who still live in a small town don't understand this. To them, the city is what they see on the evening news where crime and congestion are emphasized to raise viewership. The reality of these neighborhoods at least is just the opposite.

[Isaysos]

I would say it is true. I live near this area and have friends that live there with kids. Can’t go wrong with this part of St. Paul. Even expand to look at Highland Park. Very nice and close to city and natural amenities.

[wamer27]

Mendota Heights is another area to look if you want a nice suburb near by. One of my clients moved from Summit Hill area of St Paul to Mendota Heights and now has a stream in their backyard which flows over a hidden gotta trespass to get to waterfall within their neighborhood.

[CARas2020]

Thank you all for the useful information.