Hugging the western banks of the Mississippi River, the city of Brooklyn Park attracts residents with its suburban feel and access to nearby urban amenities. Like much of Minnesota, Brooklyn Park was initially occupied by the Dakota people until the early 19th century, when the government acquired the land through the Missouri Territory treaty agreement. Established as the Brooklyn Township in 1852, the city earned its name from early settlers, a tribute to their former home in Brooklyn, Michigan. With rich soil primed for agriculture and an increase in sawmill production, farming and lumber became Brooklyn Park’s primary industries. The area was specifically well known for its potato harvest, which is still celebrated annually at the city's Tater Daze event. Today, Brooklyn Park is home to major employers like Target and its Northern Campus, which contributes around 4,000 jobs to the area. Local attractions, like the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, for its scenic riverfront views draw visitors from across the country, while events like the annual Tater Daze Parade and Community Gathering contribute to the city’s broader sense of community. With a robust housing stock and an 11-mile commute into Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park offers a lifestyle in the northern Twin City suburbs.
The Mississippi runs along the northern and eastern edges of Brooklyn Park.
The Historic Eidem Farm is a great place to learn about the beginnings of Brooklyn Park.
Brooklyn Park's City Hall is located near Central Park.
Many Brooklyn Park residents head to work at the Target Northern Corporate Campus.
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Two-story traditionals and multi-family condos
The real estate market in Brooklyn Park is attractive in part for its lower price points With a median sales price of $350,000, homes here cost around $100,000 less than the average property in the Minneapolis metro area. For example, prices in Brooklyn Park can range from as low as $50,000 for a one-bedroom condo unit to upwards of $1 million for a five-bedroom Traditional with views of the Mississippi River. Most of the housing stock here consists of single-family homes and the occasional condo unit. According to Steven Schrunk, local Realtor and owner of Kelly’s Diamond Realty, there have been recent pushes for more condo and apartment units in the community. “They’re looking strategically at how to develop the last big chunk of land in the northwest corridor of Brooklyn Park. And they’re planning to develop more multifamily and single-family homes,” says Schrunk. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they surpass Bloomington because there’s more land left here.” The city’s subdivisions see slight variation in housing styles and street layouts, with most homes sitting close together on quarter-acre lots, with most houses built between 1970 and the early 2000s.
An aerial view of Brooklyn Park looking east.
There are numerous condo housing options in Brooklyn Park.
Large traditional homes along the Mississippi are the most sought after in Brooklyn Park.
Brooklyn Park has many established homes sitting close together.
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City-owned greenery and views of the Mississippi River
The city is home to 60 public parks and over 2,000 acres of recreational spaces, with a wide range of facilities. “The park system has many unique features and 98% of residents have a park within a half mile of their home,” says Tullberg. “Typically, cities with this population don’t have such an extensive list of amenities in their park system.” Brooklyn Park experiences warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Minnesota receives an average of 110 snow days per year and winter activities are common from late November to early March. Dog owners can take their four-legged friends to one of the city’s two off-leash dog parks, while gardeners can exercise their green thumbs by renting plot space at one of the city’s three community gardens. Central Park is within walking distance of many homes and is popular spot for sports, since it has designated areas for softball, football, tennis, disc golf and ice hockey.
The are numerous community gardens throughout Brooklyn Park.
Kids enjoying some basketball at Palmer Lake Park.
Brookdale Park has a dog park.
Brooklyn Park residents head to Central Park for the disc golf course.
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The annual Tater Daze Parade and Community Gathering
In June, residents can attend the annual Tater Daze Parade and Community Gathering. An annual Brooklyn Park tradition, the festivity commemorates the city's potato growing heritage. The parade begins around 11:00 a.m. with performances from the local school marching bands and activities include live music, food trucks, a marketplace of vendors and a "Spud Run." “Brooklyn Park celebrates its heritage here,” says Brad Tullberg, director of recreation & parks for the City of Brooklyn Park. “There are numerous programs celebrating the history of farming and immigration here [like the Tater Daze event] and multiple exhibits at the Historic Eidem Farm site.”
Local grocers and the Brooklyn Park Farmers Market
Most residents shop along Bottineau or Brooklyn Boulevard on the city’s west side. Groceries and everyday essentials are available at a mix of neighborhood markets, local boutiques and big-box retailers located throughout the area. For fresh produce, locals can attend the Brooklyn Park Farmers Market on Wednesdays from July through October, held inthe parking lot of North Hennepin Community College. For a meal out, options range from fast-food chains to local restuarants featuring everything from soul food and Cajun eats to pub fare and authentic Italian cuisine.
Brooklyn Park residents can shop Cub Foods for all their grocery needs.
Dragon Star Supermarket is a popular grocery option near Broadway and Bottineau in Brooklyn.
MT Noodles is Brooklyn Parks go to for authentic Vietnamese Cuisine.
Wagner's Drive-In is a Brooklyn Park burger spot off Bottineau Blvd.
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Education in Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park families are zoned for three school districts: Osseo Public Schools, Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools and Robbinsdale Area Public Schools. Most students attend Osseo Public Schools, which earns a B-plus rating from the review site Niche. The district has 17 elementary schools, four middle schools and four high schools. Middle and high school aged students can also choose to enroll in one of the district's six career and technical education programs, which includes topics ranging from family and consumer sciences to information technology.
Daily commutes and upcoming transit projects
U.S. Interstate 94 runs along the city's southern border, connecting residents to neighboring areas and downtown Minneapolis. Public rides are provided by the Metro Transit bus system, with several stops along Zane Avenue, totaling an hour of transit time into Minneapolis. When traveling farther outside the city, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is 25 miles south. For healthcare, the Hennepin County Medical Center is available along Zane Avenue or the Maple Grove Hospital is nine miles west.
While the Metro rail does not yet reach Brooklyn Park, projects like the Metro Blue Line Extension plan are currently underway with the goal of bringing the light rail system to several of Minneapolis’s northwest suburbs. The project will include five stations in Brooklyn Park alone and will contribute to shorter commute times and easier access to the area’s employers, schools and entertainment offerings. Other upcoming projects include remodeling the Community Activity Center, which will include adding two multi-court gym areas and constructing a 55-plus senior center.
Crime
On average, Brooklyn Park experiences lower crime rates than Minneapolis. In 2023, the Brooklyn Park Police Department reported 147 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Comparatively, the Minneapolis Police Department reported 182 incidents per 100,000 people during 2023.
Over 20 years of residential real estate experience. I specialize in relocation to and from the Twin Cities working with companies such as General Mills, University of Minnesota Physicians, Cargill, and more. I pride myself on my responsiveness, market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and my ability to provide for a smooth transaction for all my buyers and sellers.
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