North Saint Paul offers small-town charm with parks, trails and lakes
North Saint Paul is a city of around 12,000 residents that sits northeast of Saint Paul. It may be small, but it features 14 parks, several lakes and multi-use trails, making it well-suited for people who like to spend time outdoors. Its historic downtown district on 7th Avenue features a mix of boutique shops and local eateries amid old brick storefronts, along with a growing number of apartment complexes. “North Saint Paul is great because it’s very close to the cities, but it’s a little town with everything that comes along with. It’s got a post office, a library and some cozy little restaurants and coffee shops,” says Realtor Artemisa Boston of Exp Realty, who has worked in real estate in the area for more than 20 years.
Community parks and trails connect nature lovers to the city
Outdoor recreation is plentiful in North Saint Paul, with more than a dozen community parks and the 18-mile Gateway State Trail winding through the city. Casey Lake Park offers 33 acres of open space with trails, playgrounds, ballfields, a fishing pier and an ice hockey rink. Silver Lake Park is a regional destination with a swimming beach, picnic shelters, a boat launch and volleyball courts. Avid golfers can tee up at Goodrich Golf Course, a challenging, 18-hole course that’s open to the public. For a quieter adventure, North Saint Paul Urban Ecology Center and Southwood Nature Preserve offer forest and wetland trails through restored habitats.
North Saint Paul has a suburban feel and a neighborly vibe
North Saint Paul has a mix of housing options, more than half of which are single-family homes, although apartments and multi-family buildings are becoming more common. Tree-lined streets showcase a variety of early and mid-20th century architecture, including many brick cottages, ranch styles, Traditional homes and bungalows. Wide streets, front porches and landscaped lawns give the area a neighborly, small-town feel. “It’s very suburban compared to St. Paul. It’s a lot more like living in Maplewood. But there’s also a lot of greenery,” Boston says. The downtown district offers newer apartments and condo complexes. Single family home prices range from around $250,000 to $550,000. Condos offer a more affordable option, listing for between $170,000 and $250,000.
Neumann’s Bar and other local spots add to small-town charm
North Saint Paul offers a mix of shopping and dining amid historic brick storefronts, mostly centered around 7th Avenue. Local boutiques and vintage shops are complemented by cozy cafes and casual eateries like Mac’s Diner and Roddy’s Bar & Grill. Neumann’s Bar is an historic watering hole that holds the distinction of being Minnesota’s oldest operating bar, built in 1887. International cuisine is also common, including Chinese fare at Shangri-La III to Ethiopian cuisine at Blue Nile. These elements, as well as the walkable setting, add to North Saint Paul’s small-town atmosphere. North Saint Paul also has a Target, with a Target Grocery inside, and a Home Depot for everyday goods.
High schoolers can join clubs, sports or career programs
Students attend schools in the North Saint Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District, which earns a B rating from Niche. Students can start at Richardson Elementary School, which has a C rating, before moving on to C-plus-rated John Glenn Middle School and B-rated North Senior High School. The high school has a wide range of extracurricular activities, including 40 clubs and 34 athletic teams. There are also options for career and technical education, including classes to prepare students for manufacturing jobs, carpentry and postal service careers.
Easy access to Saint Paul, Minneapolis and major highways
North Saint Paul sits right off State Route 36, a local commuter corridor, while the Twin Cities Beltway is just a few miles away. Residents are about 10 miles from Saint Paul and 15 miles from Downtown Minneapolis. The city is served by Metro Transit for public transportation, with several local bus routes. St. John’s Hospital is about 4 miles away, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is about 18 miles away, or about 25 minutes by vehicle.
