Downtown West is the heart of downtown Minneapolis, home to the historic mill that birthed household names like General Mills and Pillsbury and now housing the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies like Target. Its origin and current iteration are based in business – "It's all condos down there, and the vast majority are rental properties," says local Realtor Michael Kootsikas. "People who live downtown usually work down there and want easy access to work." Though he admits the neighboring community of North Loop has become a more popular spot for nightlife, Downtown West's established entertainment scene breathes life into a neighborhood that's otherwise struggled to sell real estate in recent years. "Prices are still down from about four years ago – after George Floyd and COVID and all that," Kootsikas says. "A lot of its real estate is driven by the entertainment base – the nightlife and events going on."
Skyline Aerial of the neighborhood.
The Tower Condominiums are a pair of buildings with excellent amenities.
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Shopping and dining along Nicollet Mall
Nicollet Mall is Downtown West's primary shopping and dining district, anchored by an upscale urban Target and an eclectic collection of local restaurants. Resident favorites include The Local, an Irish pub with live music, and The News Room, an upscale restaurant donned in news-themed décor. In recent years, the neighboring North Loop district has become increasingly popular for its restaurants and nightlife. "North Loop has sort of exploded," Kootsikas says. "That's where you'll see a lot of activity and people." Between Target, Lunds & Byerlys and Whole Foods, Downtown West residents can get all their errands done within the neighborhood, and on Saturdays throughout the year, they can swing by the Mill City Farmers Market for local produce.
Manny's signage on the corner of S 5th street.
Downtown West residents utilize scooters to conveniently get around town.
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Year-round walkability with the Minneapolis Skyway System
The Minneapolis Skyway System makes Downtown West highly walkable, even in Minneapolis' cold winters. It's the world's longest continuous system of second-level indoor bridges, spanning over 10 miles and connecting about 80 city blocks. Biking is another popular way of getting around, and the city has bike shares and rentable scooters downtown. Buses and Minneapolis' Blue Line and Green Line light rails also run through the neighborhood. Hennepin County Medical Center is less than a mile away, and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is nine miles away.
Skyway View with an overhead bridge to walk to different buildings.
The Light Rail Line runs through Downtown West
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A historic riverside mill and urban park with food trucks
Located along the Mississippi River, Mill Ruins Park preserves Minneapolis' history by protecting the ruins of the historic mill that drove the city's development. This mill is the birthplace of household names like General Mills and Pillsbury, but today, it's simply a scenic spot along the water for residents to enjoy. Biking and running paths cut through the park, and there's plenty of signage for those interested in learning the site's history. A few blocks off the river, an urban park called The Commons has a daily lineup of food trucks, making it a popular spot for downtown workers to grab lunch. Pop-up events like yoga classes, concerts and movie screenings are common here.
Mill Ruins Park has many features to capture the attention of visitors.
The food trucks at The Commons are a popular lunch destination.
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Endless entertainment in Downtown West
"Downtown West is really active," Kootsikas says. With multiple professional sports teams, a lively music scene and a historic theater district, entertainment options are nearly boundless in Downtown West. The Minnesota Vikings score touchdowns at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Twins hit home runs at Target Field, and the Timberwolves sink free throws at Target Center. All of these large-capacity venues host big-name musicians for concerts throughout the year. Live music enthusiasts have everything they need within reach: the historic Minnesota Orchestra, the equally food- and music-driven Dakota Jazz Club, and First Avenue, a music venue made famous by Prince's 1984 movie "Purple Rain" now known by locals for its all-star wall of fame painted on the building's exterior. Minneapolis' thriving theater scene includes historic venues like the Orpheum Theatre and State Theatre, which welcome Broadway acts throughout the year.
Theater marquee to watch all the newest and latest movies.
First Ave Stars mural painting in black and white.
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A recovering real estate market
Residential real estate in Downtown West is exclusively condos, and listings range from $60,000 studios to multimillion-dollar penthouses with panoramic views. "There are some really expensive condos right on the Mississippi River with views," Kootsikas says. Generally, though, most listings have one or two bedrooms and cost less than $250,000. Downtown West's condo market has softened since COVID and is still recovering. "It's not as desirable as it used to be, and a lot of buildings are nowhere near capacity. Home values aren't where they were because they aren't as in demand." Though home values in general in Minneapolis have steadily increased in recent years, Downtown West has seen a slight decline. The market is showing signs of change, though: in the past 12 months, as of May 2024, the average sales price in Downtown West has gone up 26% from the 12 months prior.
The Carlyle Condos is an iconic building in Downtown West.
Downtown offers many different housing options like condos.
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Learning in Minneapolis Public Schools
Students in Downtown West attend Webster Elementary, Northeast Middle and Edison High School, or they can apply to attend one of several magnet high schools. FAIR School for Arts, a magnet high school in the neighborhood, offers art programs in theatre, music, dance, media arts and visual arts. All of these schools received C-plus ratings on Niche.
The main entrance to Webster Elementary School in the Minneapolis School District.
FAIR School Building entrance.
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Crime warning for potential residents
Downtown West scores a 9/10 (compared to the national average of 4/10) on the CAP Index, a scale used to calculate crime risk. For larceny and motor vehicle theft, the neighborhood scores a 10/10.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Beautiful 2 bedroom + den loft unit available in the Carlyle, a downtown Minneapolis premier residence! This unit has an open floor plan, a nook for kitchen dining, an office or in-unit den. This well cared for unit is in pristine condition with 2 full baths, a chef's kitchen with floor to ceiling cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Soaring 12 foot ceilings make this spacious unit seem even
Experience vibrant downtown living with shopping, dining, miles of trails, and the Mississippi River just steps from your door! Enjoy dynamic city views from this updated unit featuring freshly painted cabinets, new flooring, solid surface countertops, newer appliances. A spacious walk-in closet adds to the appeal. This pet-friendly building is packed with amenities: outdoor pool with grills and
Professionally remodeled in 2023, Centre Village 1 bedroom. Every inch of this unit has been meticulously updated. New Knockdown ceilings, quartz countertops, cabinets, (soft close doors and drawers), flooring, walls, tile wall fireplace and mantle, doors, closet shelving, tile shower, vanity, plumbing, fixtures, stainless steel appliance package, disposal, and electrical upgrades. Centre Village
Live downtown in this expansive, boutique loft-style condo featuring a spacious layout and luxurious touches throughout. Six Quebec 403 features a gourmet kitchen, a spa-like primary bathroom with a rain shower & soaking tub, a theater room / second bedroom with an integrated sound system. Perfect for the urban executive, pied-a-terre owner, or investor seeking upscale downtown living. Surrounded
Now Offering 1 month Free! 18th floor, skyway-connected, condo with great finishes now available at Centre Village! The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and breakfast bar. You’ll love the custom built-in closet organizers, large windows and large main space. Centre Village puts you within walking distance of the best of downtown and provides 15th floor community
1 BR unit with great view and direct skyway access now available with most utilities included! Centre Village features 24 hour front desk/security staff, skyway access in the building, two separate rooftop patios, outdoor pool, indoor jacuzzi, fitness center, community room, conference center, & club room. Center Village is located between US Bank Stadium and the Downtown West business area. The
Now open and accepting applications. Groove Lofts at Northstar Center is where historic renovation meets modern luxury. Nestled in downtown Minneapolis, Groove Lofts offers a culturally rich living experience that seamlessly blends retro charm with contemporary elegance. Step into a world where timeless design meets urban sophistication. Our meticulously crafted studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
10,282
Median Age
39
Population Density
24 ppl/acre
Population under 18
10.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$75,824
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,806
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.8%
College Graduates
64%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
9°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
60''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
85/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
96/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
86/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
