Minneapolis vs Saint Paul Archives - Living in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hey there, welcome back to my neighborhood exploration series! Today, we’re diving into a vibrant neighborhood in Minneapolis: Fulton. Nestled in the southwest part of the city, Fulton is an eclectic mix of urban convenience and historic home charm. Let me show you why this area is an absolute gem.

Click to see a video tour of the area!

Picture this: tree-lined streets, cozy sidewalks, and a thriving community vibe. Fulton boasts a prime location, bordered by 47th and 54th streets to the north and south, France Ave to the west, and Penn Ave to the east.

Easy Commutes!

And let’s talk about accessibility. Need to zip downtown? A mere 10-15 minute journey. Airport dash? You’re just around 20 minutes away from Terminal 1.

Where is Fulton?

Fulton is on the SW side of Minneapolis – you can see the airport on the south east corner of the city boundary.

Prime location for pretty views and enjoying one of the best things about Minneapolis – all of the greenspace! + shopping, restaurants etc that are easy to get to on foot, bike, car or public transit.

The one negative… PLANES

Sure, there’s the occasional flight path over Lake Harriet…

😉

Trust me, the community here has adapted like pros, and it doesn’t dent the allure of this neighborhood one bit. But what makes this neighborhood truly special isn’t just its boundaries; it’s what’s within them.

Amenities

From Red Cow and Broders Pasta Bar to the charming antique shops and coffee spots at Xerxes Ave and 50th, Fulton is a hub for foodies and explorers alike. You’ll find yourself surrounded by all the amenities city dwellers crave, without sacrificing that cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Fulton is on the Minneapolis side of the 50th and France shopping and dining area. This is a sweet little hub that is perfect for hitting local shops, cozy restaurants or taking advantage of the newly renovated Edina Theater.

Now, let’s talk about the crown jewel of Fulton—Lake Harriet. This picturesque spot isn’t just a lake; it’s a community hub. Whether you’re riding the Grand Rounds 51-mile bike and walking path, attending festivals year-round, or enjoying lakeside dining at Bread and Pickle, there’s something magical about this place that draws people in.

But wait, there’s more! Beyond Lake Harriet, Fulton offers easy access to Minnehaha Creek and its scenic trails. Imagine biking or walking along a gurgling creek (or I’ll often see kids floating down the creek on inner tubes in summer!), it’s a lush greenspace connecting to Minnehaha Falls and West River Road, bordering the mighty Mississippi. As you make your way along this trail, you can feast on some eye candy of beautiful and gracious old homes lining the parkway.

Homes

Now, let’s talk homes. Fulton has a diverse range, from historic early 1900s residences to modern constructions. Whether you prefer a cozy vintage abode or a newly-built dream home, there’s something here for everyone. Prices vary, ranging from $475,000 to $1.4 million, reflecting the neighborhood’s diversity. If any were to come on the market by the lake you’d be paying over $2M. Fair warning.

Brain food

For bookworms, rejoice! Independent bookstores like Comma Books and the whimsical Wild Rumpus children’s store await nearby in the Linden Hills neighborhood. Plus, a stunning branch of the Hennepin County Library is just a stone’s throw away.

Schools

And for families, Fulton’s got you covered. Children will attend Lake Harriet Lower School, Anthony Middle and Southwest High School or a magnet school of their choice. educational options are plentiful.

Pershing Park is located within Fulton and with its sports fields, playgrounds, and wading pool—it’s a kid’s paradise!

So, whether you’re captivated by the serene beauty of Lake Harriet, the bustling local scene, or the fantastic housing options, Fulton offers an inviting blend of city living and community warmth.

Minneapolis established in 1867 and St. Paul established a bit earlier in 1854, often referred to as the Twin Cities, share many similarities but also have distinct differences that might sway someone’s preference for living in one city over the other. The downtowns are only 7 miles apart but there are a lot of differences between the two cities and I think a lot of it comes down to “vibe”. Like, maybe “chill” vs “not chill”.

Differences Between Minneapolis and St. Paul (Saint Paul was formerly known as PIGS EYE! Good decision to change that name!):

Cityscape and Vibe: Minneapolis tends to have a more modern and cosmopolitan feel with a vibrant downtown area, skyscrapers, and a bustling arts and nightlife scene. St. Paul, as the state capital, has a more historic charm with beautiful architecture, cozy neighborhoods, and a quieter atmosphere.
Cultural Offerings: Minneapolis is known for its thriving arts scene, hosting major theaters, galleries, and music venues like the Guthrie Theater and First Avenue. St. Paul, on the other hand, embraces its history and heritage with iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Minnesota History Center.
Dining and Cuisine: Both cities offer diverse culinary experiences, but Minneapolis is often recognized for its trendy restaurants, food trucks, and fusion cuisine, catering to a more adventurous palate. St. Paul leans towards classic diners, family-owned eateries, and establishments that celebrate traditional comfort foods.
Outdoor Recreation: Minneapolis is renowned for its chain of lakes, extensive parks, and bike-friendly trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like jogging, biking, and water sports. St. Paul boasts a scenic riverfront and more spacious parks, offering a quieter and more serene outdoor experience.
Community and Lifestyle: Minneapolis is known for its diverse and cosmopolitan population, attracting people from various backgrounds and fostering a bustling city life. St. Paul, with its strong sense of community and neighborhood pride, tends to offer a cozier and more tight-knit atmosphere.
Festivals: Saint Paul: Winter Carnival, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Irish Fair, Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Hmong New Year Minneapolis: Twin Cities Pride, Loppet Ski Festival, Aquatennial, Basilica Block Party, U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
LAKES: Saint Paul – 7 measly lakes. Minneapolis: coming in at 13 glorious and large lakes, earning one of it’s nicknames “The City of Lakes”.
Population: St. Paul = 303,176 and Minneapolis = 425,096.
Fortune 500 HQs: St. Paul has 4 and Minneapolis is the big poppa coming in at 6. The state of Minnesota is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies.
Breweries: People like their beer in St. Paul – they have 17 breweries, but Minneapolis likes it more apparently, there are 32 breweries in Minneapolis. Try them all! But not on the same day.
Colleges: The twin Cities is FULL of well-educated smarties, but more of them are larnin’ over in STP – there are 9 colleges located in the city limits of St. Paul while there are “only” 7 colleges in Minneapolis. Although, again, Minneapolis is home to the big dog, er, GOPHER, in the form of the University of Minnesota. The colleges on the St. Paul side of the river tend to be smaller, private colleges like St. Thomas, McCalester College and St. Catherines.

Some other differences of note:

Housing Affordability and Age of Homes: St. Paul tends to have slightly more affordable housing compared to Minneapolis, with home prices typically being lower. Additionally, homes in St. Paul often lean towards older and more historic structures, offering a different architectural feel compared to the relatively newer housing options in Minneapolis
Infrastructure and Winter Accessibility: Both cities boast skyway systems in their downtown areas, allowing residents and visitors to navigate the urban core without stepping outside, especially during harsh winter months. This feature provides convenience and shelter from extreme weather conditions, a significant advantage for those living and working in the downtown areas. The light rail does travel down University Avenue between both cities.
Winter Maintenance: While the skyway system helps in navigating the winter, one common complaint (from ME) about St. Paul, is its snow plowing efforts. Prepare for some bumpy driving. Some residents have experienced “challenges” with the city’s snow removal services, resulting in difficulties commuting or driving during heavy snowfalls compared to Minneapolis, which might prioritize snow clearance more efficiently. But after living in Chicago for a long time where they take snow removal VERY seriously, I’m not giving either city a gold star.

Choosing Between Minneapolis and St. Paul with Additional Insights:

Choose Minneapolis If: You prefer a vibrant urban lifestyle with a bustling arts scene, trendy dining options, and a more modern cityscape. Minneapolis might be the ideal choice for those seeking a diverse, fast-paced city life with plenty of entertainment options and a youthful vibe.
Choose St. Paul If: You appreciate historic charm, a quieter pace of life, and a stronger sense of community. St. Paul might appeal to those who enjoy a more intimate city feel, where neighborhoods are tight-knit, cultural heritage is cherished, and a slower-paced lifestyle is embraced.
Consider St. Paul If: You’re looking for more affordable housing options with a touch of historical charm. St. Paul might appeal to those who prefer older homes and a more budget-friendly housing market. The skyway system can also be a significant advantage during cold winters if you work or spend considerable time downtown.
Consider Minneapolis If: You’re interested in newer housing options and a more efficient approach to winter snow removal. Minneapolis may be a better fit for individuals seeking a more modern living environment and possibly smoother winter travel experiences.
Winter Considerations: It’s important to note that while both cities offer skyway systems for winter convenience, St. Paul’s potential challenges with snow removal could impact commuting and daily activities during harsh winter conditions.

Ultimately, the choice between Minneapolis and St. Paul often comes down to personal preferences in terms of lifestyle, community, entertainment, and the overall atmosphere one seeks in a city to call home. Both cities offer unique experiences and opportunities, making the Twin Cities region a dynamic and diverse place to live.

Tag: Minneapolis vs Saint Paul

The Fulton Neighborhood in Minneapolis – LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!