Golden Valley is a charming city next to Minneapolis
Golden Valley is a small city that offers a slower pace of life than Minneapolis. Highway access attracts commuters who want a community with a rich parks system and a sense of community, which is only strengthened by events like the weekly farmers market. There are plenty of local restaurants in Golden Valley, but you are also no more than 30 minutes from the hundreds of options in the Twin Cities.
Variety of homes and townhouses available at different price points
Many homes were built in the mid-to-late 1900s, including split-level and ranch-style homes. There’s also plenty of New Traditional and contemporary houses, which tend to be on larger lots than the older properties. The median single-family price is in the low $500,000s, with smaller homes starting around the mid-$200,000s and larger ones selling around $1.8 million. “A nice house that’s priced well is going to fly off the market in most places in Golden Valley,” says longtime resident and Realtor Gary Metchnek with Edina Realty. “And these aren’t cookie-cutter homes; in a sought-after neighborhood like Tyrol, it’s known for midcentury moderns and some super funky contemporary stuff.” There are also some townhouses and condos available, which typically range from the low $100,000s to the low $400,000s.
Students can attend Hopkins or Robbinsdale public schools
Most of Golden Valley falls within the Hopkins Public School District. At Hopkins High School, students can enroll in career and technical education courses to gain hands-on experience in fields such as healthcare and marketing. Both the district and the high school earn an A-minus from Niche. Some homes are zoned for the B-minus-rated Robbinsdale Area School District. Private education options include Breck School, which earns an A-plus and offers prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Highways, buses and bike trails lead to the Twin Cities
Golden Valley is less than 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis and 20 miles from Saint Paul. “It’s so close to the action, but then it’s a sleepy little city where nothing goes on – in a good way,” Metchnek says. Several major roadways go through the city, including Highway 100 and Interstate 394. The commute to downtown Minneapolis takes about 25 minutes during rush hour, while the drive to Downtown Saint Paul can take half an hour. Public transportation is also available, with Metro Transit buses stopping at the Louisiana Transit Center. Biking is common for shorter trips because of the region's extensive trail system.
City parks and Theodore Wirth Regional Park offer outdoor fun
With over 1,000 acres of parkland and nearly 50 miles of trails, Golden Valley offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. At Schaper Park, kids can run around the all-inclusive playground and attempt the fitness challenge course. You can reach the 9-mile-long Luce Line Regional Trail from the park. The nearby Theodore Wirth Regional Park spans over 740 acres and has plenty of amenities, including:
- Over 5 miles of multiuse trails
- A public, 18-hole disc golf course
- Beaches and boat ramps along the shores of Wirth Lake
- Family-friendly programs at JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden
- Scenic walking paths at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
There is also a public golf course at Wirth Park, which is one of the many places golfers play. The private Club at Golden Valley has an 18-hole course and an indoor golf simulator where members can practice their swing.
Locals look forward to the weekly farmers market
Golden Valley hosts several events throughout the year, but one of the most notable is Market in the Valley. Every Sunday from June through October, you can find dozens of booths underneath the city’s water tower, selling anything from fresh fruit to handmade jewelry. In between exploring the vendors, you can enjoy live music or join one of the free yoga classes. Other events include the Golden Valley Festival, a community celebration held every fall, and the annual fundraiser, Run the Valley, a 5K and 10K race that runs through the city.
Dining options range from small cafes to century-old pubs
Part of Golden Valley’s small-town charm comes from the many local restaurants in the city, including cozy breakfast spots and longstanding pubs. Options include:
- Good Day Cafe, a diner that’s known for its pancakes
- Triple D Espresso, a cafe with an extensive pastry menu
- Nong’s Thai Cuisine, which serves curries and other traditional Thai dishes
- Doolittles Woodfire Grill, which specializes in rotisserie cooking
- Schuller’s Tavern, a Golden Valley staple that opened in 1926
Residents do most of their shopping at Spring Gate Shopping Center, which has a Walgreens and Lunds & Byerlys. Local businesses like Down in the Valley, a record store, can be found at the Golden Valley Shopping Center.
Photography Contributed By
David Alexander